Major League Baseball Player. Before he became a professional, he was already a top flight baseball player and local star for several years with the Lansingburg, New York Unions, who were also called the Haymakers. The Haymakers, who were organized in 1866, played many famous matches with other nationally known teams like the Mutuals of New York, who they went 6-0 against the Athletics of Philadelphia, the Nationals of Washington, the Atlantics of Brooklyn, and the Cincinnati Red Stockings. Because of his team's record against other top-ranked teams, the Haymakers were asked to join the newly formed National Association, the first professional baseball league, in 1871. King patrolled the outfield and became a fan favorite due to his clutch hitting, accurate arm and overall good cheer and demeanor. In 1872 he played left field while his brother Marshall 'Mart' King played center. Never a speedy player, he nonetheless was considered to be very sure-handed and rated one of the top fielders, even though he played, as was the custom of the day, without a glove. Over the course of his brief career, he accrued a lifetime average of .353, collected 18 doubles, 6 triples, and 96 hits in 272 at bats. He retired from baseball when Troy folded after the 1872 season. He died from heart disease in 1895.
Major League Baseball Player. Before he became a professional, he was already a top flight baseball player and local star for several years with the Lansingburg, New York Unions, who were also called the Haymakers. The Haymakers, who were organized in 1866, played many famous matches with other nationally known teams like the Mutuals of New York, who they went 6-0 against the Athletics of Philadelphia, the Nationals of Washington, the Atlantics of Brooklyn, and the Cincinnati Red Stockings. Because of his team's record against other top-ranked teams, the Haymakers were asked to join the newly formed National Association, the first professional baseball league, in 1871. King patrolled the outfield and became a fan favorite due to his clutch hitting, accurate arm and overall good cheer and demeanor. In 1872 he played left field while his brother Marshall 'Mart' King played center. Never a speedy player, he nonetheless was considered to be very sure-handed and rated one of the top fielders, even though he played, as was the custom of the day, without a glove. Over the course of his brief career, he accrued a lifetime average of .353, collected 18 doubles, 6 triples, and 96 hits in 272 at bats. He retired from baseball when Troy folded after the 1872 season. He died from heart disease in 1895.
Bio by: Frank Russo
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