“Sam started playing baseball at the age of 13 with the Northumberland Giants (sponsored by Bill Gustis). He was coached in high school by the late Daniel V. Connor.  They won the regionals in 1953. During his senior year in 1954, the Brooklyn Giants scouted the baseball team and selected Sam Keeve, catcher, to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers’ minor league for their farm club. View stats on the 1954 team He went to Florida on March 3, 1954, for the try outs. He stayed for 17 days. While there he met Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella. Sam’s designated place at the table for meals was between these two famous ball players. The minor league had games every day.  Each day they hit the field at 9:00 a.m.; took a break for lunch; and went back on the field until 4:00 p.m. They participated in exhibition games against the Washington Senators along with Don Newcombe and Karl Spooner. At the beginning of the try outs, there were 5 catchers. Sam was the only one remaining at the end of the try outs.  The other 4 White catchers went home.”

Samuel Davenport Keeve Born: March 8, 1936