Katsy Keifer

Sherman Carl Keifer

• Bats Both, Throws Left

• Debut October 8, 1914
• Final Game October 8, 1914
• Born September 3, 1891 in California, PA USA
• Died February 9, 1927 in Outwood, KY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Katsy Keifer appeared in exactly one major league game, but it was a memorable appearance. On the last day of the 1914 Federal League season, 23-year-old Kiefer got the start for the first-place Indianapolis Hoosiers against the St. Louis Terriers. The Hoosiers were ahead of the Chicago Whales by one and a half games in the standings; a win by Chicago and a loss by Indianapolis would place the teams within one half game, and create a situation where there would need to be make-up games played to determine the Federal League's first pennant winner.

Chicago won their game handily 8-3 over Kansas City, but Kiefer came through with a complete game 4-2 victory to secure the pennant for the Hoosiers. He also went 1 for 3 at the plate, with an RBI. With this performance, Kiefer became the first and the only Federal League player to register a hit, an RBI or a win in his only major league game.

Interestingly, the October 8, 1914 game was not only Kiefer's lone ML appearance, it was also the last game the Hoosiers ever played. They would transfer to Newark for the 1915 season.

Keifer, who played ten seasons in the minors, had spent most of 1914 with Battle Creek, for whom he won 22 games.

Related Sites

• Katsy Keifer at the SABR Bio Project
• Find-A-Grave Memorial for Katsy Keifer