Ed Conley

Edward J. Conley

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Height 5' 8", Weight 142 lb.
• School College of the Holy Cross
• Debut July 19, 1884
• Final Game October 9, 1884
• Born July 10, 1864 in Sandwich, MA USA
• Died October 16, 1894 in Cumberland, RI USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"...the only newbie to show much promise..." - the Baseball Rookies Encyclopedia, about new pitchers on the 1884 Grays

"Conley in his day was one of the greatest pitchers who ever curved a ball... He pitched many remarkable games while in this city (Bridgeport)... It was quite a common occurrence for Conley to strike out 12 and 15 men in a game. In watching the bases there were few men his equal..." - from Ed Conley's obituary in Sporting Life, November 3, 1894

Ed Conley pitched well in the majors, posting an ERA of 2.15 in eight games with the Providence Grays of the 1884 National League (although he gave up quite a few unearned runs). He started with four wins and then followed with four losses, which got him released.

Conley was an early player out of Holy Cross, where he attended at the same time as Jimmy Ryan and Tom Gunning. Born in Massachusetts, he later played minor league ball for teams based in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Conley's photo is featured in the book Baseball on Cape Cod, since he was born on the Cape. The book says he was "the first native-born Cape Codder to play locally before moving on to the major leagues". It was reported in 1887 that he would pitch for an independent team in Pawtucket.