James B. Donnelly (July 19, 1865 – March 5, 1915) was an American professional baseball player whose career spanned from 1884 to 1900.

In 1896, he raised his batting average to .328 and was the starting third baseman for the 1896 Baltimore Orioles team than won the National League pennant with a 90–39 record.

In mid June 1885, the Western League disbanded, and a mad rush developed to sign the players on the Indianapolis roster, a line-up that included Sam Thompson, Deacon McGuire, Sam Crane, Chub Collins, Mox McQuery, Gene Moriarty, and Dan Casey.

He ranked among the leading National League third basemen that year with 73 errors (1st), 153 putouts (2nd), 13 double plays turned (3rd), and a 3.52 range factor (3rd).

During the 1887 season, he ranked among the leading National League third basemen with 63 errors (2nd), 21 double plays turned (2nd), a 3.57 range factor (4th), and 136 putouts (5th).

[1] In 1889, Donnelly appeared in only four games for the Nationals and spent most of the season with the newly formed Detroit Wolverines of the International Association.

He joined an Orioles team that was managed by Ned Hanlon, featured Hughie Jennings and Willie Keeler, and won the National League pennant with a 90–39 record.

[6] In May 1896, The Sporting Life wrote that "[a] prettier or a headier fielder than Jim Donnelly it would be difficult to find", but found it to be a pity that he was not more capable with the bat.

[1] In November 1896, the Orioles traded Donnelly with Steve Brodie to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Elmer Horton, Tom O'Brien, Jake Stenzel and Harry Truby.

[1] In November 1897, the Giants traded Donnelly and Ducky Holmes with $3,500 to the St. Louis Browns for Mike Grady and Fred Hartman.

[4] At the time of the 1900 United States census, Donnelly was living with his mother, Sarah, and sister, Minnie, in New Haven, Connecticut.