James Henry O'Rourke
September 1, 1850 - January 8, 1919
'Orator Jim' O'Rourke, son of Irish immigrants, was a professional baseball player, scholar, and civil rights activist. The Bridgeport native had the first base hit in National League history on April 22, 1876. He played for eight different major league teams during 23 seasons; While a player for the New York Giants, the team paid for Jim to attend Yale Law School, from which he received his law degree in 1887. Noted for
his command of language, Jim used his eloquence to entertain teammates and confound opponents. In 1895, Jim helped to organize the Connecticut State League. He owned, managed and played catcher for several local teams. and hired Harry Herbert, Bridgeport's first African-American resident to play professional baseball. In 1898, Jim built a minor league stadium, Newfield Park, on his family's farmland in the city's East End; the site is still in use as a city park. At age 54, Jim caught a complete game for the New York Giants. He played in his final professional game in New Haven at age 62. His brother and son also played major league baseball. James H. O'Rourke was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945.
(south face)
"We have been given the best of support by the people of Bridgeport. They want a baseball team and I intend to give it to them."
(east face)
Dedicated on this 27th day of August, 2010
by Mayor Bill Finch
Sculptor
Susan Clinard, Clinard Sculpture Studio
Principal Donor
Steelpointe Harbor and the
Christoph Family
Maior Donors
O'Keefe Controls Company
Conan Family
Special Thanks to The First Hit, Inc.
Bernard J. Crowley, Baseball Historian
Michael J. Bielawa, Baseball Historian Poet
Paul Conan Jr., great, great grandson of James
Statue foundation provided by G. Pic and Sons Construction
(north face)
"Baseball is for all creeds and nationalities."
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