O’Rourke Statue Unveiling Friday

BRIDGEPORT — Baseball history scores big with the unveiling of the James O’Rourke statue on Friday, August 27, at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard in downtown Bridgeport. O’Rourke is the city’s most famous baseball player and one of the 19th Century’s most popular sports figures.

The dedication ceremony kicks off at approximately 6 pm, prior to the Bluefish and Long Island Ducks game and will feature keynote speaker Fay Vincent among other sports celebrity speakers and a postgame concert by the John Whelan Band.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch noted, “What better time to celebrate James O’Rourke, the city’s famous scholar-athlete, just a few days before his 160th birthday, than with a hometown baseball game and concert.”

For tickets to the August 27 Long Island Ducks vs Bridgeport Bluefish game, which includes the postgame John Whelan Band concert, call 203-345-4800 (mention James O’Rourke and a portion of the ticket proceeds will go toward the statue fund).

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road.