During a career which spanned from 1888 to 1907, Jake played predominantly at first base for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1888-1889, 1891-1896), New York Giants (1896-1897), Cincinnati Reds (1897-1903) and St. Louis Cardinals (1904-1907). He was a regular run producer, knocking in 1575 runs over his career.
After his Major League career ended, Beckley became a player/manager for Kansas City in the American Association in 1908-1909, managed Bartlesville in the Western Association in 1910, and served as an umpire in the Federal League in 1913.
He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.