Harry Ely

Isaac Harry Ely

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown

• Debut September 24, 1892
• Final Game September 24, 1892
• Born August 13, 1868 in Reading, PA USA
• Died May 10, 1925 in Reading, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Almost nothing is known for sure about the player listed as Harry Ely in the Baseball Encyclopedia. He did pitch one game for the Baltimore Orioles in 1892 and gave up 9 runs, 14 hits and 7 walks, while hitting two batters and throwing 4 wild pitches. This pitcher had the last name of Ely and came from the Pennsylvania State League, according to the report in the Baltimore Sun. Among the possible persons who could have pitched that game are: Harry Cannon, better known as Harry Ely, from Camden, NJ; Isaac H. Ely, from Reading, PA; his brother David Ely; or a John Ely who also played in that league. Given the number of possibilities, no vital statistics were attached to the name.

In 2014, SABR researchers were able to piece together his story. There was a player named Ely in the Pennsylvania League in 1892, a pitcher/outfielder who was first with Allentown and then with Reading. He was suspended by Allentown for drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and would have been available to play in the majors in September since the Reading team folded at the end of July. They eliminated John Ely, as he was only 16 or 17 at the time and had not yet begun his professional career; there was also no evidence that Harry Cannon ever played under a pseudonym. David Ely never played baseball either, whereas Isaac Harry Ely, also from Reading, was the right age and is listed in his obituary as a former ballplayer, making it almost certain he was the man.

Further Reading

• "Ely's Not Coming", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, January/February 2010, p. 4.
• "Harry Ely", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, May/June 2014, p. 10.