Frederick William Gunkle (October 26, 1857 – December 21, 1936) was an American professional baseball player who played one game for the 1879 Cleveland Blues.

[1] In May 1879, Gunkle was able to convince the Cleveland Blues of the National League (NL), who were desperate for a catcher after several injuries, to have him play the position.

[1] A local newspaper wrote afterwards, "all that was necessary for a man to score a run was to get to first base somehow, passed balls would do the rest.

[1] He was hired as an umpire for the Northwestern League, although one newspaper wrote that he "can't tell a ball from a strike.

"[5] He was out of the position shortly afterwards, but signed a contract with the Stillwater, Minnesota, team as manager at the beginning of July.

He was appointed deputy marshal in the northern district of Iowa western division in 1891, and held that position through 1895.

He also served during this time as a member of the Master House Painters' and Decorators Association of Indiana advisory board.