About Rudy Kemmler
Lived 1860 – 1909 (aged 48–49). Rudy Kemmler was an American baseball player.
Rudolph Kemmler, born Rudolph Kemler, (January 1860 – June 20, 1909) was an American Major League Baseball catcher for all or part of eight seasons. He played for seven different teams in the National League and American Association between and .
Kemmler was a poor hitter but a good defensive catcher. In the days before catchers had protection against pitched balls, he was quite durable. He spent most of his career as a reserve player.
In 1883, Kemmler set a still-standing MLB record of most passed balls allowed in a season, with 114. Kemmler caught two no-hitters in 1884 for Columbus Buckeye pitchers Ed Morris and Frank Mountain.
Kemmler died in his hometown of Chicago, and is interred at Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois.
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Important facts
People in Rudy Kemmler's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Rudy Kemmler?
Major League Baseball player
When was Rudy Kemmler born?
Rudy Kemmler was born in 1860 in Chicago.
When did Rudy Kemmler die?
Rudy Kemmler died on 20 June 1909 in Chicago.
What was Rudy Kemmler's occupation?
Rudy Kemmler was a baseball player.
What nationality was Rudy Kemmler?
Rudy Kemmler was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Rudy Kemmler. https://biography.guide/rudy-kemmler/
MLA: "Rudy Kemmler." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/rudy-kemmler/.
Chicago: "Rudy Kemmler." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/rudy-kemmler/.
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