Writing in the 1938 Spalding Guide, John Foster said of him, "As a thrower to bases Ewing never had a superior, and there are not to exceed ten men who could come anywhere near being equal to him.

Playing until 1897 with the Giants, Cleveland Spiders and Cincinnati Reds, Ewing posted consistently superb offensive numbers.

Lingering resentment in the wake of the league's establishment and demise has been suspected as a reason for his limited play in 1891 and subsequent move to Cleveland following the 1892 season.

In the first elections to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ewing and Cap Anson led all 19th century players.

He was named one of the top five players from the 19th century in a 1999 poll by the Society for American Baseball Research.