Bunty Holmes

William T. Holmes

• Born c. 1863 in New York USA
• Died February 4, 1896 in Albany, NY USA

BR Register page (1888)
BR Register page (1890)

Biographical Information

Bunty Holmes was an Albany, NY native who first gained notice playing locally in 1882. After playing several years in the city, he played in Port Henry, NY in 1886 and 1887, returning to Albany in 1887 to play with the strong Ridgefield club, where he formed a battery with pitcher James Tobin. Both players remained with the Ridgefields through 1889, filling in for one game together with the Albany Governors of the International Association in 1888, and they both joined the Albany Senators in the New York State League in 1890. That season, Holmes was the only Albany player to remain with the club from its first game to its last, and played primarily as catcher and outfielder, though made appearances at every position other than pitcher.

In 1891 he worked as umpire in the Eastern League. His younger brother, James, also worked in Albany as an umpire. Holmes was well-liked in Albany and was working as an orderly at the state capitol prior to his death in 1896 after contracting pneumonia.