• Card series: Beginnings: 1880's
• City: Boston
• Team: Beaneaters
• League: National League

William Jefferson Sowders (1864-1951) pitched for the Boston Beaneaters in 1888 and ’89, moved that year to the Pittsburgh Alleghenys and left MLB after the 1890 season. He compiled a 29-30 record, striking out 205 with a 3.34 ERA. Nicknamed “Little Bill,” this 6’ right-hander was a head taller than most of his peers. Bill was the middle of three Sowders brothers to play in the major leagues. Elder brother Len pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in ’86 and John played for the Hoosiers, the KC Cowboys and Ward’s Wonders of Brooklyn over three seasons.

• Played two minor league seasons (’87 & 91) in the Northwestern League for St. Paul and Joliet of the Illinois-Iowa League