Ed Atkinson was a professional baseball player born in 1851, whose brief career spanned just two games in the 1873 season. Playing during the early years of organized baseball, Atkinson's time on the field was marked by the challenges of the nascent Major League environment. He made his debut on October 22, 1873, and appeared in one additional game the following day, but unfortunately, he did not register any hits, home runs, or runs batted in, finishing his career with a batting average of 0.0.
Despite his limited playing time, Atkinson's involvement in the sport came during an era that was foundational to the development of professional baseball. The early 1870s were characterized by significant changes, including the establishment of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, which was the first professional league. While Atkinson's statistical contributions were minimal, his participation reflects the early enthusiasm and burgeoning structure of baseball as it transitioned into a more organized and competitive sport.