Cricketer and wicketkeeper-batsman
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Keith Piper's life.
Keith was born
· Leicester, England, United Kingdom
Skill Development
Keith John Piper was born on 18 December 1969 in Leicester, where he first showed the promise that would lead him to the professional game. He refined his skills at Haringey Cricket College, a vital institution for the development of Black cricketers in the United Kingdom. This period was essential in building the technical foundation that would later define his career in the county circuit.
Skill Development
Keith John Piper was born on 18 December 1969 in Leicester, where he first showed the promise that would lead him to the professional game. He refined his skills at Haringey Cricket College, a vital institution for the development of Black cricketers in the United Kingdom. This period was essential in building the technical foundation that would later define his career in the county circuit.
Professional Debut
Piper made his first-class debut for Warwickshire in 1989, beginning a sixteen-year association with the club. He quickly established himself as a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, becoming a fixture in the first team during a period of significant transition. His arrival marked the start of a journey that would see him play 200 first-class matches for the Bears.
Professional Debut
Piper made his first-class debut for Warwickshire in 1989, beginning a sixteen-year association with the club. He quickly established himself as a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, becoming a fixture in the first team during a period of significant transition. His arrival marked the start of a journey that would see him play 200 first-class matches for the Bears.
Championship Win
During the 1994 season, Piper played a central role in Warwickshire's historic treble-winning campaign. He achieved his highest first-class score of 116 not out while sharing a massive 322-run partnership with Brian Lara. Behind the stumps, he set a county record with seven catches in an innings against Essex, contributing to a total of 66 dismissals that year.
Championship Win
During the 1994 season, Piper played a central role in Warwickshire's historic treble-winning campaign. He achieved his highest first-class score of 116 not out while sharing a massive 322-run partnership with Brian Lara. Behind the stumps, he set a county record with seven catches in an innings against Essex, contributing to a total of 66 dismissals that year.
Retirement and Coaching
After retiring from professional play in 2005, Piper remained at Edgbaston to serve as the club's Second XI coach. He held this position until the end of the 2008 season, helping to mentor the next generation of Warwickshire talent. He later brought his expertise to the coaching staff at Leicestershire between 2015 and 2016.
Retirement and Coaching
After retiring from professional play in 2005, Piper remained at Edgbaston to serve as the club's Second XI coach. He held this position until the end of the 2008 season, helping to mentor the next generation of Warwickshire talent. He later brought his expertise to the coaching staff at Leicestershire between 2015 and 2016.
Award
In 2020, the Warwickshire supporters officially recognized his impact by voting him the club's Greatest Ever Bears Wicketkeeper. This honor reflected his career total of 504 first-class catches and 36 stumpings, as well as his 251 catches in List A cricket. The award cemented his legacy as a technical master and a beloved figure within the Edgbaston community.
Award
In 2020, the Warwickshire supporters officially recognized his impact by voting him the club's Greatest Ever Bears Wicketkeeper. This honor reflected his career total of 504 first-class catches and 36 stumpings, as well as his 251 catches in List A cricket. The award cemented his legacy as a technical master and a beloved figure within the Edgbaston community.
Keith Piper passed away
Remembering those we recently lost
