David Jones

David E. Jones

• Debut May 17, 1882
• Final Game July 1, 1882
• Born April 5, 1861 in Utica, NY USA
• Died May 1, 1937 in Utica, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

David Jones was a catcher for four games for the Baltimore Orioles of the American Association in 1882. However, he was lost to history for over a century as his record was improperly attributed to Bill Jones, who played briefly for the Philadelphia Keystones of the Union Association in 1884.

SABR researchers managed to untangle the two players thanks to a tip from David's grandson, who claimed that his grandfather had played for Baltimore in 1882, even if he did not have solid proof. That was eventually found thanks to an article in the Utica Daily Press that mentioned that David Jones of Ilion, NY was headed to Baltimore, MD to catch for the Orioles. His obituary in a different Utica newspaper mentions that he was a ballplayer.

Further Reading

• "David Jones", in Bil Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, July/August 2017, p. 2.