TurkeyMike, a renowned yet controversial major league baseball player, was known for his distinctive strut and played on seventeen teams throughout his 12-year career, primarily in the National League, from 1899 to 1914. During his peak years, 1905-1906, he was the star outfielder for the champion New York Giants, earning him the revered title of "the baseball idol of Manhattan." Donlin attempted to capitalize on his athletic fame by transitioning to the Broadway stage, where he met and married vaudeville star Mabel Hite.
Together, they co-starred in a baseball-themed play, "Stealing Home," which enjoyed a successful three-year run on Broadway. However, Donlin's dedication to the stage ultimately hindered his baseball career, potentially derailing what could have been a Hall of Fame career. When Hite succumbed to cancer in 1912, Donlin returned to the diamond, but his age and frequent absences to pursue stage success ultimately brought an end to his baseball career.
Following Hite's passing, Donlin relocated to Hollywood, where his close friend John Barrymore assisted him in finding work. Despite his efforts, Donlin failed to achieve stardom on the silver screen, appearing in at least 53 films, mostly in minor roles or as an extra.
