Bill McGunnigle
William Henry McGunnigle
(Gunner)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 9", Weight 155 lb.
- Debut May 2, 1879
- Final Game August 17, 1882
- Born January 1, 1855 in Boston, MA USA
- Died March 9, 1899 in Brockton, MA USA
Biographical Information[edit]
Bill McGunnigle was an outfielder and pitcher for two years in the major leagues and then managed in the majors for five years. His 1889 Brooklyn Bridegrooms in the American Association and his 1890 Brooklyn Bridegrooms in the National League each won the pennant under his direction. He also played and managed for years in the minor leagues.
He had many nicknames, including "Gunner", "Billy", "Cap", and "Mack".
Born in Boston, MA, he grew up in Avon where he worked in shoe factories. He started playing baseball with the Howard Juniors from Brockton in the Massachusetts League. From 1875-77 he played each year in Falls River, playing most positions. Later, he played for Saginaw in 1883, pitching and playing right field, and serving as captain. In 1884 he played for Bay City and was a catcher for John Clarkson. he also umpired one game in the fledgling Union Association that year.
He was back in Brockton in 1885 and 1886, managing both years - in the latter year, the team was in the New England League. In 1887 he played and managed for the Lowell Browns. After his major league managing, he managed the 1891 Providence Clamdiggers, 1892 Brockton club and guided Lowell/Manchester/Boston in the 1893 New England League.
It is said that he was involved with polo in 1895 and 1895. In 1896 he managed the Louisville Colonels most of the season.
In 1897 he was hurt in an accident when the carriage he was riding in was hit by an electric street car. It became the subject of a lawsuit.
He died in 1899, of a long illness. He had been running a store in Brockton but close to the end was unable to continue the business. His obituary appeared in Sporting Life on March 18, 1899.
He wore side whiskers in the 1880s.
| Preceded by Charlie Byrne |
Brooklyn Bridegrooms Manager 1888-1890 |
Succeeded by John Ward |
| Preceded by Ned Hanlon |
Pittsburgh Pirates Manager 1891 |
Succeeded by Al Buckenberger |
Year-by-Year Managerial Record[edit]
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | Buffalo Bisons | National League | 4-8 | -- | Replaced by Sam Crane on May 25 |
| 1885 | Brockton | New England League? | Non-Signatory League | ||
| 1886 | Brockton | New England League | -- | replaced by Jim Cudworth | |
| 1887 | Lowell Browns | New England League | 71-33 | 1st | League Champs |
| 1888 | Brooklyn Bridegrooms | American Association | 88-52 | 2nd | |
| 1889 | Brooklyn Bridegrooms | American Association | 93-44 | 1st | League Champs |
| 1890 | Brooklyn Bridegrooms | National League | 86-43 | 1st | League Champs |
| 1891 | Providence Clamdiggers | Eastern Association | 29-54 | -- | Team disbanded August 13 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | National League | 24-33 | 8th | replaced Ned Hanlon (31-47) | |
| 1892 | Brockton | New England League | 46-45 | 4th | |
| 1893 | Lowell/Manchester/Boston Reds | New England League | -- | replaced by Thomas O'Brien | |
| 1896 | Louisville Colonels | National League | 36-76 | 12th | replaced John McCloskey (2-17) |
Further Reading[edit]
- Ronald G. Shafer: When the Dodgers Were Bridegrooms: Gunner McGunnigle and Brooklyn's Back-to-Back Pennants of 1889 and 1890, McFarland, Jefferson, NC, 2011.
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