Tom Kinslow

Thomas F. Kinslow

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 160 lb.

• Debut June 4, 1886
• Final Game September 3, 1898
• Born January 12, 1866 in Washington, DC USA
• Died February 22, 1901 in Washington, DC USA

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Biographical Information

"Connie Mack . . . was well aware of Tom's ability as a worker of the batsman. He declared that there were few better men than the convivial lad from Washington. Kinslow, however, thought more of a good time than to play ball." - from Sporting Life of March 2, 1901, after Tom Kinslow's death

Catcher Tom Kinslow played ten seasons in the major leagues. Although mostly a below-average hitter, he had one notable season in 1892 when he hit .305 with 11 triples in 66 games for the Brooklyn Grooms. Even so, he appeared at catcher in slightly fewer games than the team regular, Con Daily, who hit .234. He also umpired a couple of National League games that season.

Most of Kinslow's games were with Brooklyn in the Players League and in the National League from 1890 to 1894.

Sporting Life of December 5, 1896 had the following things to say: "Tom Kinslow was adept in the keep-a-batter-guessing style of catching, and the Pittsburg management put up with a great many of Tommy's faults before they cast him adrift. It was indeed unfortunate that Kinslow was so indifferent and convivial in his nature."

During his career, Sporting Life at various times said that Kinslow was in the oyster business, had a restaurant and ran a bar. In the winter of 1898-1899 he was working out daily at the Lenox Athletic Club in New York City.

He died in 1901. Sporting Life on September 15, 1900 carried a notice that Kinslow "is reported to be dying".