Tim Keefe

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Tim Keefe
Tim Keefe
Pitcher
Born: January 1, 1857
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Died: April 23, 1933 (aged 76)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 6, 1880
for the Troy Trojans
Final game
August 15, 1893
for the Philadelphia Phillies
Career statistics
Pitching Record     342-225
Earned run average     2.62
Strikeouts     2562
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Member of the National
Baseball Hall of Fame
Elected     1964
Election Method     Veteran's Committee

Timothy John "Tim" Keefe (b. January 1, 1857, Cambridge, Massachusetts - d. April 23, 1933, Cambridge, Massachusetts) was a 19th century Major League Baseball pitcher noted for his longevity and record-setting strikeout totals.

Keefe entered the major leagues in 1880 with the Troy Trojans. He immediately established himself as a talented pitcher, posting an astounding 0.86 ERA in 105 innings pitched, a record that still stands to this day. Keefe rose to stardom in 1883 with the New York Metropolitans when he had one of the most dominating seasons in baseball's early history. He went 41-27 over 619 innings pitched with a 2.41 ERA and 361 strikeouts. In 1885 Keefe moved to the New York Giants, with whom he had arguably his greatest season in 1888, when he led the league with a 35-12 record, 1.74 ERA and 335 strikeouts (see triple crown).

Keefe moved to the Philadelphia Phillies mid-season 1891 and retired after the 1893 season. He retired with 342 wins (8th overall), a 2.62 ERA, and 2562 strikeouts. His 2562 strikeouts were a major league record at the time of his retirement. He was also the first pitcher to achieve three 300-plus strikeout seasons. Interestingly, he still holds the record for having a win in the most ballparks, 47. Current hurler Randy Johnson has a chance at reaching that record from where he now stands at 41.

Keefe was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964, and was elected by the veterans committee.

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Preceded by
Tommy Bond
Charley Radbourn
Dan Casey
National League ERA Champion
1880
1885
1888
Succeeded by
Stump Wiedman
Henry Boyle
John Clarkson
Preceded by
Charlie Radbourn
National League Pitching Triple Crown
1888
Succeeded by
John Clarkson
Preceded by
John Clarkson
National League Strikeout Champion
1888
Succeeded by
John Clarkson
Preceded by
John Clarkson
National League Wins Champion
1888
Succeeded by
John Clarkson