In 1889, he played for the Columbus Solons, appearing in forty-six games and compiling a .272 batting average. In three major-league season, Kappel played in 105 games: forty-nine games at shortstop, thirty-three at third base, and sixteen at second base.
Kappel's baseball career began in 1889 with the Columbus Solons, where he appeared in 46 games and hit .272. Throughout his three-year stint in the major leagues, Kappel logged 105 appearances: 49 at shortstop, 33 at third base, and 16 at second base.