DATE: 2-21-1951 ORIGINAL or REPRINT: Type 3 - Second or later-generation photo, printed from a duplicate negative or wire photo process, within about 2 years of when it was shot SUBJECT: Bill Klem APPROXIMATE SIZE: 5-1/2"x10" NUMBER OF PHOTOS: 1 COMMENTS / CONDITION: This is one of a large accumulation of vintage sports photographs, slides and negatives that we will be listing over the coming months. Wear on these, if any, is mostly confined to minor corner and edge wear, but see scans for further details including condition. We do not deal in stock images or modern reprints, and all scans shown are of the actual vintage photograph, slide or negative being sold. If you have any questions about a particular piece, please ask before the auction ends. BIO: William Joseph Klem was born in 1874 in Rochester, NY and died in 1951 in Miami, FL. Born on Washington's Birthday in 1876 in Rochester, New York, William J. Klimm became one of the greatest umpires to ever take the field. The son of Dutch immigrants, he followed his uncle's footsteps and changed his name to Klem and went on to fame on the diamond in a profession that was hardly respectable when he entered it. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1953, Klem is credited with bringing dignity and respect to umpiring during a career that spanned 37 years. Many histories say Klem was so good at calling balls and strikes that he was plate umpire for the first 16 years of his career. This is not true. Throughout his career, Klem took his regular turn on the bases, when he was with a partner. The major leagues did not hire enough umpires to guarantee two man crews until the 1911 season. During those first six years, Klem worked his share of solo games and would also work the plate when paired with a rookie umpire early in the season until the beginner gained experience. Anyone who umpires baseball at any level owes a debt to Bill Klem for his work in making umpiring an honorable profession. SKU: XP11783
Item: XP11783
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