Jim O’Rourke
| Birthdate | 9/1/1850 |
| Death Date | 1/8/1919 |
| Debut Year | 1876 |
| Year of Induction | 1945 |
| Teams | Bisons, Giants |
| Positions | Catcher, First Base, Left Field |
Jim O’Rourke played 22 of his 23 big league seasons before the start of the 20th century. The 1884 batting champ finished with 2,639 career hits.
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Jim O'Rourke recorded the first base hit in National League history in 1876
Jim O'Rourke recorded the first base hit in National League history in 1876
Jim O’Rourke started playing big league baseball before the formation of the National League. The 5’8″ catcher/first baseman spent four years in the National Association, America’s first professional sports league.
When the National League was formed in 1876, O’Rourke joined the Boston Redstockings. That season he recorded the first hit in NL history.
O’Rourke played during an era with a shortened schedule compared to today’s game. He led the league in games played in both 1876 and 1877 with 70 and 61, respectively.
He appeared in his first big league game at age 21 and his last at 54. Despite playing in the condensed seasons, O’Rourke still totaled 2,639 hits, 1,729 runs, and 1,208 RBI.
According to the Hall of Fame, O’Rourke explained his longevity thusly, “I lived a clean life. I never touched liquor in any form, nor did I ever use tobacco. I always took care of myself. That’s the reason I’m playing ball today, and that is the reason why I can enjoy the game.”
O’Rourke was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1945.
O'Rourke debuted in 1872 and played his last MLB contest in 1904
O'Rourke debuted in 1872 and played his last MLB contest in 1904
Jim O’Rourke was born before the start of the Civil War and died before World War I broke out. Few pieces of memorabilia from his active playing days survive today.
Shown here is a scorecard filled out and initialed by Hall of Famer Harry Wright. Dated June 5, 1883, this game features O’Rourke and fellow Cooperstown men Deacon White, Dan Brouthers, and Pud Galvin.
