| William Oates | |
| Birth Date: | 1 January 1852 |
| Batting: | Right-handed |
| Role: | Wicket-keeper |
| Club1: | Yorkshire County Cricket Club |
| Year1: | 1874–1875 |
William Oates (1 January 1852 - 9 December 1940) was an Irish first-class cricketer, who played in seven first-class matches for Yorkshire in 1874 and 1875.[1] He became the first Irish-born cricketer to appear for Yorkshire.
He was born in Coolattin, Shillelagh, County Wicklow, Ireland (not at Wentworth Park, Rotherham, Yorkshire, England, as is widely reported).[2] A right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper, he scored 34 runs in his seven matches, with a best score of 14 not out, for an average of 5.66. He also took five catches, and effected one stumping.[1]
Oates died in Clifton Park, Rotherham, in December 1940, at the age of 88.[1] [3]