O'Rourke's professional career took off when he joined the Boston Red Caps, a team in the National League, in 1879. As an outfielder, he played alongside some of the early stars of the game. During his time with the Red Caps, O'Rourke demonstrated his abilities on the field, contributing to the team's efforts in the league. His tenure with the Red Caps lasted until 1880, after which he moved on to other opportunities within the sport.
In 1881, O'Rourke joined the Providence Grays, another National League team. His stint with the Grays was relatively brief, but it provided him with further exposure to the competitive nature of professional baseball during that era. The Grays were a strong team, and playing with them allowed O'Rourke to continue developing his skills and understanding of the game.
O'Rourke's career also included time with the New York Metropolitans, a team in the American Association, which was a rival league to the National League at the time. His involvement with the Metropolitans added another chapter to his professional journey, as he navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by playing in a different league.
Throughout his career, O'Rourke played in various positions, primarily as an outfielder. His ability to adapt to different teams and leagues highlighted his understanding of the game and his capability to perform at a professional level. While his career did not span many years, O'Rourke's presence in the early days of professional baseball contributed to the sport's development during a period of growth and change.
John O'Rourke's time in baseball concluded in the early 1880s, after which he stepped away from the professional scene.
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