Career

Phelps was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1857, and moved to Louisville, Kentucky at a young age. He became club president in 1885, serving until 1887. In 1890, Phelps became president of the Association, and would again serve as president near the end of the 1891 season.

He would later serve an attorney for the National League.

He died in Louisville in 1901, and is buried near former Colonel Pete Browning in Cave Hill Cemetery.