[1] Donahue made his Major League debut with the New York Metropolitans of the American Association in 1886, splitting time between the outfield and catcher, where he platooned with Charlie Reipschlager.

[1] With Kansas City in 1888, he had his most playing time, as he was considered the starting catcher.

[1] That season, he was also used as a substitute umpire on two occasions, but for the game on July 14, it became dubiously notable.

[4] In 1889, he returned to platooning, as the Cowboys promoted Charlie Hoover to starter.

[1] After leaving baseball, Donahue returned to his hometown of Lockport, and it was there that he died at the age of 73 with his valet CJ Winkler at his side.