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Bridgeport Player Images  N-O-P-Q

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Charles Nagy

Pitcher.

Bridgeport native who played for the Cleveland Indians from 1990 through 2002, and the following year with the Padres.

Jim "Orator" O'Rourke

Played every position.

Nicknamed for his booming voice and florid phrasing, Jim learned his craft on the sandlots of Bridgeport. His first professional gig was with the Osceolas of Stratford. Jim spent 24 years in the majors as a player and manager.

Member of the Hall of Fame.

(See Orator O'Rourke for more.)

John Papa

Born in Bridgeport, John had a try-out with the Orioles in the early sixties.  Unfortunately, the first batter he faced was slugger Ted Kluszewski, who walloped a three-run homer. 

Success in life and baseball is 90% hard work, smarts, and character, and only 10% luck, but ya gotta have that 10%.

Phil Nastu

Pitcher.

Bridgeport native who spent 1978-1980 with the San Francisco Giants.

Detail, 1980 Topps card.

Frank O'Rourke

Infielder.

Frank begain his professional career  with the Bridgeport Mechanics in 1912, just prior to commencing a stellar 14-year career in the majors as a player.

Shown here as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.

1933 Big League Chewing Gum card.

John "Pretzels" Pezzullo

Pitcher.

Shown here with the

Philadelphia Athletics.

John owes his nickname to the contortions he would go through in his wind-up and delivery.  He got his start in 1930 at age 19 with the semi-pro Bridgeport White Eagles and with McKesson and Robbins in the Industrial League.  During 1935 an 1936, he pitched for the Athletics.

Fred "Trickey" Nichols

Pitcher.

The nickname derives from the ability to throw a curve. Fred pitched for the Bridgeport TBs in 1873 and 1874, the New Havens of the National Association in 1875, and the Boston Beaneaters (Braves) in 1876, the inaugural year of the National League.

John O'Rourke

Younger brother of Jim, whose career overshadowed John's.  John played for the Boston National League club in 1879 and 1880, and the Mets in 1883. Although John holds the records for the most RBI during baseball's first decade, many record books credit the feat to brother Jim (innocently confusing the two J. O'Rourkes).  John also served on the Bridgeport City Council in 1875, when P. T. Barnum was mayor, and was a leader in the national union movement. 

(See Orator O'Rourke biography for more on brother John.)

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