William Rumler

William George Rumler

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 190 lb.

• Debut May 4, 1914
• Final Game September 29, 1917
• Born March 27, 1891 in Milford, NE USA
• Died May 26, 1966 in Lincoln, NE USA

BR page

Biographical Information

William Rumler was born into a Mennonite community in Milford, NE.

In 1916, Rumler was one of the better hitters in the Southern Association. He had a .337 average. His batting feats got him another call up to the St. Louis Browns, where he was a part-time catcher.

In 1918, Rumler was drafted into the Army. He also broke his leg playing football while in the Army. In December of that year, he was discharged and returned to baseball. He joined the Salt Lake City Bees in the Pacific Coast League. The Browns wanted him back but they failed to reach an agreement with the Salt Lake team.

By 1920, Rumler was in deep trouble. He had been accused of throwing games, and taking money from gamblers. For his involvement, he was given a five-year suspension for his involvement in the Pacific Coast League betting scandal. Most of the other players involved in this scandal were given lifetime bans.

With no other choices, Rumler played in outlaw leagues over the next few years. In 1929, the thirty-nine-year-old returned to the PCL with Hollywood, where Salt Lake had moved. The next year, he had broken his leg again.

In 1932, Rumler became a manager in the class D Nebraska State League for the Lincoln Links. His managerial career was short. In a game on July 22 in McCook, Rumler had a fight with an umpire. The fight caused a riot and Rumler was fined and suspended. His baseball career had come to an end.

After World War II, Rumler became the Milford chief of police. He died in 1966.

Related Sites

• William Rumler at the SABR Bio Project
• Find-A-Grave Memorial for William Rumler