[3] Beckendorf began his professional baseball career in 1903 with the Kingston Colonials of the Hudson River League.

[3] In early 1906, Beckendorf filed a claim with the National Board asking to be released from Kingston's reserve list.

In April 1906, the Board sustained Beckendorf's claim on both bases and struck his name from Kington's reserve list.

At the time, Detroit Free Press writer Joe S. Jackson wrote: "The dope on Beckendorf for last year's work would indicate that he is something of a horse.

"[11] The Sporting Life called Beckendorf one of "the highest-touted backstops who have broken into fast company in recent years.

His throwing is sensational, his demeanor behind the bat inspiring and his fleetness of foot considerable in a chap so stockily built.

At that time, it will be recalled, he had the build of a strong, sturdy youngster, the rolls of adipose tissue for which he has been of late noted having been added as the accompaniment of play in the big league.

[2] Although the Tigers won the American League pennant in 1909, there is no record of Beckendorf having appeared in the 1909 World Series.

[2] In November 1909, Beckendorf was among a group of players from the 1909 Tigers that toured Cuba and played 12 exhibition games against two integrated Cuban teams, Habana and Almendares.

Sporting Life noted that "Henry's hands were hardly equal to the punishment inflicted by Johnson's speed.

[16] In 55 major league games (53 as a catcher), Beckendorf compiled a .182 batting average with no home runs and 13 RBIs.

E. A. Batchelor of the Detroit Free Press wrote at the time that Beckendorf led everyone "in ginger," was a mimic of manager Hughie Jennings' voice, entertained all with his diving stunts in the pool, and was "the personification of pepper and hard work.