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Big Six · 08-24-2006, 02:59 PM

South Bend Tribune, May 12, 1937

O'FARRELL VICTORIOUS IN FINAL GAME FOR IRISH
Senior Strikes Out 10, Defeats Boilermakers 3-2

SOUTH BEND--Last May, Notre Dame baseball coach Jake Kline offered a congratulatory handshake to Mike O'Farrell, who had just pitched the Fighting Irish to a victory over the Indiana Hoosiers. Kline figured that would be the last time he'd have the opportunity to perform this particular ritual.

"I knew Mike was being pursued by several professional teams, and that he was seriously considering their offers," Kline recalled. "Even when Mike returned to campus this fall, I figured he wanted to play football one more year, and that he'd be leaving to sign a pro contract in the winter."

Kline's assumptions were wrong, and he and the Fighting Irish are very glad about that. O'Farrell returned for his senior season on the diamond, and the lean righthander, who earned second team All-America recognition as a junior, pitched nine strong innings to lead the Irish to victory over Purdue yesterday afternoon. The score was 3-2.

The Irish therefore closed the 1937 campaign with a victory, and O'Farrell's effort allows him to conclude his athletic career in South Bend on a high note. The talented two-sport star should have an opportunity to play baseball or football for a living, and might even attempt both.

O'Farrell, who advanced his record to 10-3, encountered trouble largely not of his own making in the eighth inning. With the score 3-1, the Boilermakers loaded the bases on two errors and a walk. O'Farrell remained cool, however, and retired Purdue with only one run scoring.

In two weeks, O'Farrell, who majors in history, will receive his degree. He grinned when asked what his next move would be.

"I'll certainly consider an offer to play professional baseball or football, if I receive one," he said. It would probably have been safe for O'Farrell to say "when" instead of "if," as scouts from at least nine of the sixteen major league teams have watched O'Farrell pitch here in South Bend.

And if the offer comes from the Boston Red Sox, the team for which his father, Pat O'Farrell, starred for many years and with whom he is currently employed as general manager?

Mike O'Farrell's grin grew even larger. "I'd consider it even more seriously, I think."

08-24-2006, 02:59 PM	#1032 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,493 Thanks: 145 Thanked 100x in 79 posts	Going out a winner South Bend Tribune, May 12, 1937 O'FARRELL VICTORIOUS IN FINAL GAME FOR IRISH Senior Strikes Out 10, Defeats Boilermakers 3-2 SOUTH BEND--Last May, Notre Dame baseball coach Jake Kline offered a congratulatory handshake to Mike O'Farrell, who had just pitched the Fighting Irish to a victory over the Indiana Hoosiers. Kline figured that would be the last time he'd have the opportunity to perform this particular ritual. "I knew Mike was being pursued by several professional teams, and that he was seriously considering their offers," Kline recalled. "Even when Mike returned to campus this fall, I figured he wanted to play football one more year, and that he'd be leaving to sign a pro contract in the winter." Kline's assumptions were wrong, and he and the Fighting Irish are very glad about that. O'Farrell returned for his senior season on the diamond, and the lean righthander, who earned second team All-America recognition as a junior, pitched nine strong innings to lead the Irish to victory over Purdue yesterday afternoon. The score was 3-2. The Irish therefore closed the 1937 campaign with a victory, and O'Farrell's effort allows him to conclude his athletic career in South Bend on a high note. The talented two-sport star should have an opportunity to play baseball or football for a living, and might even attempt both. O'Farrell, who advanced his record to 10-3, encountered trouble largely not of his own making in the eighth inning. With the score 3-1, the Boilermakers loaded the bases on two errors and a walk. O'Farrell remained cool, however, and retired Purdue with only one run scoring. In two weeks, O'Farrell, who majors in history, will receive his degree. He grinned when asked what his next move would be. "I'll certainly consider an offer to play professional baseball or football, if I receive one," he said. It would probably have been safe for O'Farrell to say "when" instead of "if," as scouts from at least nine of the sixteen major league teams have watched O'Farrell pitch here in South Bend. And if the offer comes from the Boston Red Sox, the team for which his father, Pat O'Farrell, starred for many years and with whom he is currently employed as general manager? Mike O'Farrell's grin grew even larger. "I'd consider it even more seriously, I think." __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Connecticut Shore League: a fictional league story Three Pals, a Base Ball Story: my newest fictional story Last edited by Big Six; 08-24-2006 at 03:00 PM.