Bill "Wild Bill" Donovan, a right-handed pitcher, became a well-known figure in the early days of Major League Baseball. Born on October 13, 1876, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Donovan's career spanned over two decades, during which he played for several teams and later transitioned into a managerial role.

Donovan began his major league career with the Washington Senators in 1898. However, it was with the Brooklyn Superbas (later known as the Dodgers) that he started to gain recognition. His tenure with Brooklyn lasted from 1899 to 1902, during which he developed a reputation for his lively fastball and competitive spirit on the mound. His performance in the 1901 season was particularly noteworthy, as he achieved a 25-15 win-loss record, helping the Superbas to a second-place finish in the National League.

In 1903, Donovan joined the Detroit Tigers, where he spent the majority of his playing career. His time with the Tigers was marked by several standout seasons. In 1907, Donovan played a crucial role in leading the Tigers to the American League pennant, posting a 25-4 record with a 2.19 ERA. The Tigers would go on to win the pennant again in 1908 and 1909, with Donovan contributing significantly to their success. Despite their strong performances, the Tigers fell short in the World Series each year, facing defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs in 1907 and 1908, and the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1909.

Donovan's pitching prowess was complemented by his colorful personality, earning him the nickname "Wild Bill." His aggressive style and occasional wildness on the mound made him a fan favorite and a challenging opponent. Over his career, Donovan amassed a total of 185 wins against 139 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.69.

After his playing days with the Tigers ended in 1912, Donovan briefly played for the Providence Grays in the minor leagues before returning to the majors with the Buffalo Buffeds of the Federal League in 1914. His stint in the Federal League was short-lived, and he soon transitioned into a managerial role.

Donovan's managerial career began with the New York Yankees in 1915. Although his time with the Yankees was not marked by significant success, he laid the groundwork for future improvements. He managed the team until 1917, after which he returned to the minor leagues to manage the Jersey City Skeeters.

In 1921, Donovan took on the role of manager for the Philadelphia Phillies. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Phillies was cut short by tragedy. On December 9, 1923, Donovan was involved in a train accident in Forsyth, New York, which claimed his life at the age of 47.

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