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Willie Keeler, Betz Studio Cabinet Photo, c. 1898

Cabinet photo of Willie Keeler by the Betz Studio of Baltimore who also produced a 1894 composite portrait cabinet card of the entire Baltimore Orioles team. We know this is a Betz image because another exact copy of this cabinet photo exists with a fully intact dark green bezzled mount that has the Betz Studio in Baltimore blind stamp at the bottom. Keeler was in his prime with the Orioles during their championship run in the 1890s. Note the similarities of this photo with the 1899 Sporting News M101-1 supplement of Keeler, in particular focus on the dimple in the upper side of the cap and the wrinkles under his left arm, the photos were likely taken during the same sitting. Based on the uniform, and the fact the image was taken in Baltimore, the most likely year is 1898 with the Orioles. 19th Century cabinet photos of HOF players are exceedingly rare.

Willie Keeler Cabinet Photo, c. 1898
PhotographerBetz StudioYearc. 1898Item Size4 x 5.5 imageItem TypeVintage gelatin silver mounted printItem StatusDeaccessionedShare