Bill Sowders

William Jefferson Sowders (Little Bill)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 155 lb.

• Debut April 24, 1888
• Final Game June 19, 1890
• Born November 29, 1864 in Louisville, KY USA
• Died February 2, 1951 in Indianapolis, IN USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Little Bill" Sowders, who stood six feet tall, pitched three years in the National League.

He was born during the Civil War in Louisville, KY. He pitched in the Northwestern League before he came to the majors. Bill had an impressive rookie year in the majors in 1888, going 19-15 with an ERA of 2.07 which was fifth-best in the league.

He struggled in 1889-90 and his major league career ended. However, he continued pitching for years after that in the minors.

There were several other people named Sowders who played pro ball at the time: his brothers John Sowders and Len Sowders, and a minor leaguer named David Sowders who was presumably also a relative. Bill and David both played for Terra Haute in 1892. Bill and John played for Washington in 1896.

Notable Achievements

• NL Saves Leader (1889)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1888)
• 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1888)