Rudy Kemmler

Who was Rudy Kemmler?

Rudolph Kemmler, born Rudolph Kemler, 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 1879 and 1889.

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.

Kemmler died in his hometown of Chicago, and is interred at Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois.