Albert Wright Atkinson (March 9, 1861 – June 17, 1952) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played three seasons; one in the Union Association and parts of three seasons in the American Association.

He became the first player to desert his existing contract to jump over to the Union Association.

Atkinson was born in Clinton, Illinois,[1] and he began his Major League career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1884, pitching in 22 games, winning 11 and losing 11.

With that move, Al became the first player to desert his existing contract and join the Union Association.

[2] He played for two teams during his time in the Union Association, a league that folded following the season.