Originally a catcher, Daly reached the majors with the Philadelphia Keystones of the Union Association in 1884, playing in two games (which for many years were erroneously attributed to Con Daily). After two years with the Chicago White Stockings, he played for the Washington Nationals in 1889 and hit .300. Daly stayed in the National League, signing with Brooklyn. Versatile he was used at other positions. Finally in the mid 1890s he found his new home at second base. This somewhat reflecting the career path of Craig Biggio. His final year as with the Reds in 1903. In 1,058 games he batted a respectable .278. After his playing days were over he continued in the game, working as a scout, minor league manager and coach. He died in Brooklyn in 1938 at the age of 37. Statistically he compares to Frank Fennelly, Sam Wise and Duke Farrell.
Tom Daly told the following story about his early experience in Milwaukee. His nickname in the baseball profession is Tido, and the Milwaukee players knew it. About the third or fourth game Daly played the Brewers were one run behind, and he went to bat in the ninth with men on second and third. “Now, Tido, soak it!” shouted the players, and the crowd, who were mostly German, took up the yell. “Now, Fido! Now, Fido! Sog id oud!” they yelled, and Daly “soaked” it for a single, winning the game. He was known as Fido thereafter.
