Abbey of Kells (also known as Abbey O'Kells) was a shortstop for the Detroit Tigers from 1905 to 1911. Born in Kells, Ireland, in 1885, his family migrated to the Boston when he was 16. Already a standout rugby player in his native Ireland, he quickly took up the sport of baseball and became a skilled fielder, although a mediocre batter. He earned his unusual name after dropping his even more unusual native Irish last name, Boomslagger, after being taunted at his American school.

Abbey of Kells was a minor star in his day, notable only for a few accomplishments of probably more interest to baseball buffs than onyone else. First of all, he holds the record for most times hit by pitches (4) in a single game, which he earned in August 17, 1907 in a game against the Boston Red Sox. He also holds the record for hitting into the most double plays (5) in a single game, which he did on June 4th in a game against the New York Yankees. Finally, although Detroit won the American League pennant in 1907, 1908 and 1909, Kells did not play in any of these World Series games due to an inflamed knee that flared up near the end of each of those three seasons; this was the injury that forced him to retire halfway through the 1911 season.

After retiring from baseball, Kells had a successful career as an antique dealer specializing in rare books and illustrated manuscripts. Kells was married 5 times and had 17 children. He died in New York in 1984 at the age of 99, just days after the Detroit Tigers won the World Series.