A right-handed batter and thrower, Ganzel appeared in 786 major league games, 579 as a catcher, 120 as an infielder and 100 as an outfielder. He compiled a .259 batting average with 774 hits and 412 RBIs. His total of 229 career errors as catcher is the 30th highest in major league history, and his total of 180 passed balls ranks 53rd.\n', '

Ganzel was born in Waterford, Wisconsin, in 1862. His parents, Charles Ganzel, Sr. (1837–1916) and Elizabeth (Lassman) Ganzel (1840–1911), moved the family to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1887. Ganzel reportedly played several years of independent baseball in the Midwest before his major league career began in 1884.\n', '

Ganzel began the 1884 season playing for the St. Paul Apostles in the Northwestern League. He appeared in 57 games for the Apostles, 41 as a catcher, and compiled a .189 batting average in 212 at bats.\n', '

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