Kenworthy was born to Ohio farmers and attended Muskingum College, where he received a teaching degree. He played minor league baseball as a pitcher and utility infielder from 1907 to 1911. After a short stint with the Washington Senators in the 1912 season, Kenworthy spent the 1913 season in the Pacific Coast League. In January 1914, Kenworthy signed a three-year contract with the Federal League's Kansas City Packers, which saw become the team's starting second baseman and the leading hitter. His 15 home runs in 1914 finished second in the league.
In 285 games over four seasons, Kenworthy posted a .304 batting average (301-for-989) with 159 runs, 71 doubles, 21 triples, 18 home runs, 146 RBI, 61 stolen bases, 67 bases on balls, .360 on-base percentage and .473 slugging percentage. He finished his career with a .946 fielding percentage playing primarily at second base and several games at left and right field.
In 1917, he gained a World War I draft exemption for a growth over one of his eyes; he aided the war effort by working at a shipyard in Oakland, California. He continued playing and managing in the minor leagues until 1924.

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