The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-02-03
MCCAIN THE MAN WHO SAYS HE CAN
 PLEASE THE FAN
THE WHY'S AND WHEREFORES OF THE SUCCESSOR TO JIM
 O'ROURKE.
X Pennant Winning Team, Perhaps
 If Not, a Good Outfit Anyhow.


 If Not. a Good Outfit Anyhow. Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, and with less commotion than that made by Stanley Y. Beach's monoplane soaring over the heights of Stratford, the public was apprised yesterday through the Farmer that Manager James H. O'Rourke, owner of the To- cal baseball team, had sold his fran chise in the Connecticut League to H. Eugene McCeann of Jersey City, man we'll versed in the knowledge of base ball. It was not announced what price MT. McCann paid for the fran chise, but as Manager O'Rourke stated that he got what he asked 1t Is be- lieved that it brought about $7,500, which was the lowest sum the local manager said he would consider for his outfit. The new manager also se- cured a four years lease of Newfield Park, which is owned by Manager O'Rourke.
 The disposing of the franchise, the sale of the players and the leasing of the grounds was cleaned up in short order. MT. McCann brought with him from New York Attorney Leland B. Garetson, while Attorney M. J. Flana- gan acted for Manager O'Rourke.
 The franchise and the players were bought outright. MT. McCann did not stay long in this city, leaving shortly after 4 o'clock. He stated that he would be back in the city some time next week
 The new owner is a baseball man of long experience, both as player and as a manager. Last season he was scout for the New, York Ameri- cans and prior to that time he was manager of the Jersey City team of pitcher for Detroit in the American league under George Stallings, now manager of the Highlanders.
 Manager McCann began his base ball career with the Hanover, Pa., team of the Cumberland Valley lea que in 1894. In 1895 he was made manager and captain of the team. While manager of this team he pick ed up Tommy Leach off the lots of Hanover placing him at third base. Leach's remarkable career began from the day he started with the Hanover team. He lasted with the club but one year, going to the Pitts burg Pirates, where he has remained ever since, being now one of the real stars of the baseball Armament
 From Hanover, McCann went to the Hamilton team of the Ontario league remaining with that club in 1897 and 1898. He was drafted by Detroit at the end of the 1898 season. He remained with the Tigers till the season of 1901 when he was sold to Jersey City, where he was made man. ager, remaining in that berth for eight years, producing the champion ship Eastern league team for 1903. He carries with him as watch charm a gold medal presented by the of foIy esteem for bringing the pennant to that town.
 When George Stallings became manager of the Yankees he secured the services of McCann as a scout. He has been in this league looking work of Ray Fisher of the Hartford team.
 Manager McCann in a conversation with a Farmer reporter said: "I'll try to give Bridgeport the best baseball team possible. I can't promise a championship team, but I'll make ev- cry effort to cop the pennant. l don't know how much the fans know about the hardships manager has to encounter in landing a team, but I'll try to overcome these difficulties and make Bridgeport a good baseball town" Manager McCann left for his home in New York shortly after 4 o'clock. He stated that he intended to take in the Eastern league meet ing, and get a few players for his new club from some of the manage
 Before leaving, Manager O'Rourke handed him a letter from Manager Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Americans. Mack in the letter was extolling the work of one of his young pitchers, whom he promised to turn over to O'Rourke. Manager Jim stated that he had seen the young man work out last season and that he was a wonder. The new manager told Manager O'Rourke to communi- cate with Mack and have him send on the man as he could use good pitcher.