Career
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 caught two no-hitters in 1884 for Columbus Buckeye pitchers Editor Morris and Frank Mountain. Kemmler died in his hometown of Chicago, and is interred at Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois.