death

On January 1, 1923, 19th century star Wee Willie Keeler dies at the age of 50. The five-foot, four-and-a-half-inch Keeler batted .341 over a 19-year career, placing him in the top 10 on the all-time batting list. The former Baltimore Orioles’ star will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1939.

On December 25, 1989, former New York Yankees and Oakland A’s manager Billy Martin dies in a car accident at the age of 51. Martin, a five-time Yankee manager under owner George Steinbrenner, was rumored to be a candidate to replace current Yankee skipper Lou Piniella. During a 16-year career, Martin forged a record of 1253-1013, led his teams to five divisional titles, and guided the Yankees to the 1977 World Championship.