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Kelly, King

Michael Joseph Kelly
Born: December 31, 1857, Troy, New York
Died: November 8, 1894, Boston, Massachusetts
Bats: 
Right
Throws: 
Right
Played For: 
Cincinnati Reds (1878-1879), Chicago White Stockings (1880-1886), Boston Beaneaters (1887-1889, 1891-1892), Boston Reds (1890-1891), Cincinnati Kelly's Killers (1891), New York Giants (1893)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee: 1945
Biography: 

Not only was Mike King Kelly one of the premier players of his day, he was also one of the most flamboyant. His daring baserunning prompted fans to coin the battle cry "Slide, Kelly, Slide," and the catcher-outfielder sparked the Chicago Nationals to five pennants. Manager Cap Anson credited Kelly with originating the hit-and-run play. After capturing the batting crown in 1886, the colorful Kelly was sold to the Boston Beaneaters for a then-record $10,000.

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Did You Know: 
that Mike King Kelly was the author of the first baseball autobiography, Play Ball: Stories of the Ball Field, published in 1888?
His strongest advantage was that he was always ready. He could take advantage of a misplay which others wouldn't see until afterward.
Fred Pfeffer