 Coakley was born on November 20, 1882, in Providence, Rhode Island.He helped the Athletics win the 1902 and 1905 American League Pennants and the Cubs win the 1908 World Series, and although he didn't play in the latter, he was the last surviving member of the 1908 team.His only postseason appearance was a complete game 9–0 loss to the New York Giants in the 1905 World Series.