Baseball players are posing for a photograph, five men standing, five men sitting on chairs, and two are sitting on the floor.
Team photograph of the 1888 Kansas City Cowboys

The Kansas City Cowboys were a professional baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri that played in the American Association for two seasons from 1888 to 1889.[1] The franchise initially used Association Park as their home field in 1888, then moved to Exposition Park for the 1889 season.[2][3]

The team began the 1888 season with part-time outfielder Dave Rowe as their player-manager. He was released from the team after beginning the season with a win–loss record of 14–36 though 50 games.[4] He was replaced with second baseman Sam Barkley, who did not improve the team's play, winning 22 of the next 58 games.[4] He was replaced with non-playing manager Bill Watkins, who finished the season.[4] Although the Cowboys completed their initial season in last place out of the league's eight teams, there were notable player achievements; on June 6, Henry Porter threw a no-hitter, and on June 13, Barkley hit for the cycle.[4][5][6]

The franchise's only future Hall of Fame player, "Slidin' Billy" Hamilton, began his career as a part-time outfielder in 1888, and was their starting right fielder in 1889.[7][8] He is the franchise's all-time leader in runs scored, bases on balls, and stolen bases.[9] With Watkins as the team's manager in 1889, the team improved their win–loss record to 55–82, with two ties, finishing seventh among the league's eight teams.[10][11] On November 15, 1889, the Cowboys submitted their resignation from the AA and joined the Western Association as the Kansas City Blues for the 1890 season.[12]

Players

A baseball player is shown sitting, facing slightly right of the camera.
Sam Barkley was their starting second baseman and in 1888, he managed 58 games.
A baseball player is standing, holding a baseball bat.
Jim Burns played center field in 1889, and he led the team with five home runs.
A baseball player is standing in his uniform, with his arm extended in the act of throwing a baseball.
Pitcher Jim Conway won 19 games in 1889.
A baseball player is standing, holding a baseball bat.
Billy Hamilton was the only player for the Cowboys to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
A baseball player is standing in his uniform, with his arm clasped behind his back.
Herman Long played shortstop in 1889 and scored 137 runs.
A baseball player is standing in his uniform, holding a baseball.
As a starting pitcher in 1889, Parke Swartzel completed 45 of his 47 games started.
Key to symbols in player table
§
 Player was a player-manager
†
 Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Players who have played for the Kansas City Cowboys, primary position played, and season(s) played for franchise
Player Position(s) Season(s) Notes Ref
Myron Allen Left fielder 1888 Allen played in 37 games for the Cowboys in his final major league season, including two as a starting pitcher. [13]
Billy Alvord Third baseman 1889 Alvord played in 50 games for the Cowboys mostly as a third baseman, however he did play 16 games at two other infield positions. [14]
Sam Barkley§ Second baseman 1888–1889 Barkley led the 1888 team with four home runs, however he finished behind Jim Burns for the franchise lead. He hit for the cycle on June 18, 1888, and was the team's player-manager for a period of 58 games following the release of Dave Rowe. [6][15]
John Bates Pitcher 1889 His career consisted of a single game, a complete game loss on August 25, 1889. He was released from the team at the game's conclusion. [16]
Charlie Bell Pitcher / Left fielder 1889He played in the last two regular season games for the Cowboys, a complete game win on October 13, and in the outfield on October 14. [17][18]
Red Bittmann Second baseman 1889 Bittmann played in the final four games of the Cowboys' 1889 season, his only season at the major league level. [18][19]
Jack Brennan Catcher 1888 For the 1888 season, Brennan was the back-up catcher, and had a .169 batting average in 34 games played. [4][20]
Fatty Briody Catcher 1888 Briody played 13 games at catcher in 1888, the eighth and final season of his career. [21]
Jim Burns Center fielder 1888–1889 Burns played just 13 games for the 1888 team, but became the team's starting center fielder in 1889. He had a .304 batting average in 134 games played. His five home runs in 1889 led the team, and is good for the franchise lead. He is also the franchise all-time leader in hits and runs batted in. [4][22]
Monk Cline Outfielder 1888 Cline had a .235 batting average in 70 games during his lone season with the Cowboys. [23]
Jim Conway Pitcher 1889 Conway's 19 wins in 1889, along with Parke Swartzel, led the team, as well as sharing the franchise all-time lead in pitching victories. [24]
Law Daniels Outfielder / Catcher 1888 Sold to Cowboys by the Baltimore Orioles before the 1888 season, he had a .206 batting average in 61 games. It was his last season with a major league team. [25]
Jumbo Davis Third baseman 1888–1889 Sold to Cowboys by the Baltimore Orioles before the 1888 season, he was the team's third baseman for both seasons until being released from the team in August 1889. [26]
Jim Donahue Catcher 1888–1889 Donahue was the team's starting catcher in 1888, then split time at the position with Charlie Hoover in 1889. When not playing catcher, he spent time in the outfield. [27]
Henry Easterday Shortstop 1888 Sold to Cowboys by the Louisville Colonels before the 1888 season, he became the team's starting shortstop, and led the league in fielding percentage at his position. [4][28]
Red Ehret Outfielder / Pitcher 1888 During his first season at the major league level, Ehret pitched in seven games, and played an additional 10 in the outfield. [29]
Bill Fagan Pitcher 1888 Fagan pitched in 17 games for the Cowboys, had a 5–11 win–loss record and a 5.69 earned run average. It was his last season at the major league level. [30]
Ed Glenn Left fielder 1888 He played in three games, and did not collect a hit in eight at bats. [31]
Joe Gunson Catcher 1889 He played as a reserve catcher for the 1889 team, behind Jim Donahue and Charlie Hoover. [32]
Frank Hafner Pitcher 1888 His career consisted of two complete game losses in May 1888. [33]
Billy Hamilton† Right fielder 1888–1889 Hamilton joined the team mid-season in 1888, and appeared in 35 games, and had a .264 batting average. As their starting right fielder in 1889, he led the league with 111 stolen bases. He is the only Cowboys player to be enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame. [34]
Frank Hankinson Infielder 1888 In the final season of his 10-year career, he played in 37 games, and had a .174 batting average. [35]
Frank Hoffman Pitcher 1888 His career consisted of 12 games, all complete games, with a 3–9 win–loss record. [36]
Charlie Hoover Catcher 1888–1889 He played in three games during the 1888 season, however he appeared in 71 the following season when he split time as the team's starting catcher with Jim Donahue. [8][37]
Charley Jones Left fielder 1888 In the final season of his 12-year career, he played in six games, and had a .160 batting average. [38]
John Kirby Pitcher 1888 His career consisted of five games, all complete games, with a 1–4 win–loss record. [39]
Steve Ladew Left fielder 1889 His major league career consisted of two games. [40]
Herman Long Shortstop 1889 Long began his 16-season career with the 1889 Cowboys as their starting shortstop. He had a .275 batting average that season with 137 runs scored in 136 games. [41]
Jim Manning Left fielder / Second baseman 1889 Manning appeared in 132 games during his final season at the major league level, and had a .206 batting average. [42]
Mike Mattimore Left fielder 1889 The Cowboys signed Mattimore after he was released by the Philadelphia Athletics. After 19 games played, and a .160 batting average, the Cowboys released him as well. [43]
John McCarty Pitcher / Outfielder 1889 In his lone season at the major league level, he had an 8–6 win–loss record and 3.91 earned run average. [44]
Chippy McGarr Utility player 1889 After 25 games played, he was sold to the St. Joseph team of the Western League. [45]
Jim McTamany Outfielder 1888 Normally a center fielder during his major league career, he split time in 1888 between center and right field. In 130 games played, he had a .246 batting average, and he was sold to the Columbus Solons following the season. [46]
Frank Pears Pitcher 1889 He pitched in three games, and lost both games he started. [47]
Bill Phillips First baseman 1888 In the last season of his ten-season career, Phillips had a .236 batting average in 129 games played, and led all AA first basemen in putouts. [48]
John Pickett Utility player 1889 He had a .224 batting average in 53 games played for the Cowboys. [49]
Henry Porter Pitcher 1888–1889 Porter led the franchise in many major pitching categories including games pitched, innings pitched, complete games, and shutouts. He threw the only no-hitter for the franchise on June 6, 1888. [50]
Charlie Reynolds Catcher 1889 He played in one game before being sold to the Brooklyn Bridegrooms in May. [51]
Dave Rowe§ Center fielder 1888 In the final season of his seven-year major league career, Rowe was the team's player-manager for the first 50 games of the season, and had a .172 batting average in 32 games played. [4][52]
John Sowders Pitcher 1889 In 25 games pitched, Sowders had a 6–16 win–loss record, and a 4.82 earned run average. [53]
Dan Stearns First baseman 1889 Stearns had career high totals in several different batting statistical categories. He played in a total of 139 games, and led the league among first basemen with 135 games at the position. [54]
Tom Sullivan Pitcher 1888–1889 Sullivan pitched a full season in 1888, winning eight games in 25 games pitched. However, after 10 games, and two victories in 1889, he was released. [55]
Parke Swartzel Pitcher 1889 In his lone season at the major league level, he started 47 games, finished one, and completed 45. His 19 wins led the team, as well as sharing the franchise all-time lead in pitching victories with Jim Conway. [56]
Steve Toole Pitcher 1888 Toole had a 5–6 win–loss record in 12 games pitched, along with a 6.68 earned run average. [57]

References

  1. ↑ "Kansas City Cowboys (1888–1889)". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Association Park in Kansas City, MO". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Exposition Park in Kansas City, MO". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "The 1888 Kansas City Cowboys". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  5. ↑ "No Hitters Chronologically". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  6. 1 2 "Cycles Chronologically". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  7. ↑ "The 1888 Kansas City Cowboys Regular Season Roster". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  8. 1 2 "The 1889 Kansas City Cowboys Regular Season Roster". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Kansas City Cowboys Career Leaders". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Bill Watkins". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  11. ↑ "The 1889 Kansas City Cowboys". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  12. ↑ "Only Five Clubs Left" (PDF). The New York Times. November 16, 1889. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Myron Allen". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  14. ↑ "Billy Alvord". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  15. ↑ "Sam Barkley". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  16. ↑ "John Bates". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  17. ↑ "Charlie Bell". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  18. 1 2 "The 1889 Kansas City Cowboys Regular Season Game Log". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  19. ↑ "Red Bittmann". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  20. ↑ "Jack Brennan". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  21. ↑ "Fatty Briody". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  22. ↑ "Jim Burns". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  23. ↑ "Monk Cline". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  24. ↑ "Jim Conway". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Law Daniels". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  26. ↑ "Jumbo Davis". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  27. ↑ "Jim Donahue". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  28. ↑ "Henry Easterday". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  29. ↑ "Red Ehret". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  30. ↑ "Bill Fagan". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  31. ↑ "Ed Glenn". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  32. ↑ "Joe Gunson". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  33. ↑ "Frank Hafner". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  34. ↑ "Billy Hamilton". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  35. ↑ "Frank Hankinson". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  36. ↑ "Frank Hoffman". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  37. ↑ "Charlie Hoover". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  38. ↑ "Charley Jones". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  39. ↑ "John Kirby". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  40. ↑ "Steve Ladew". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  41. ↑ "Herman Long". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  42. ↑ "Jim Manning". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  43. ↑ "Mike Mattimore". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  44. ↑ "John McCarty". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  45. ↑ "Chippy McGarr". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  46. ↑ "Jim McTamany". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  47. ↑ "Frank Pears". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  48. ↑ "Bill Phillips". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  49. ↑ "John Pickett". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  50. ↑ "Henry Porter". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  51. ↑ "Charlie Reynolds". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  52. ↑ "Dave Rowe". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  53. ↑ "John Sowders". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  54. ↑ "Dan Stearns". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  55. ↑ "Tom Sullivan". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  56. ↑ "Parke Swartzel". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  57. ↑ "Steve Toole". retrosheet.org. Retrosheet, Inc. Retrieved July 20, 2010.

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