He played for St. Louis from 1900–1903, sharing the league lead in stolen bases (45) in his first season, also managing the team in his last three seasons with them.
Player/Manager
Leading the Cardinals to a surprising 76-64 record in 1901, hopes were high for the next year as Donovan won high marks for “treating his players honestly and fairly.” Then, all of the team’s best players – except Donovan – jumped to the new American League, signing with the cross-town Browns. Gutted by the defections, the Cardinals fell apart. In 1903, the team finished 43-94, 46 ½ games out of first place; and Donovan was jettisoned by the front office. Since he was pulling down an $8,800 salary that made him the game’s highest-paid player, the bosses found it an easy decision to make.
Managerial Numbers w/Cardinals
Games Managed- 421
Games Won- 175
Games Lost- 236
Winning %- .426
Years Managed 1901-1903