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Berkshire Eagle
July 9, 1930
O'FARRELL RESIGNS
Yankee League Commissioner Steps Down, Vows To Remain Part Of League
PITTSFIELD--The Yankee Baseball League announced today that Pat O'Farrell had resigned the office of league commissioner, effective immediately.
League President Jim McFarland was introduced as the new commissioner.
Several days ago, O'Farrell called for a press conference, which was assumed to be a routine matter. His resignation, therefore, came as a complete surprise, and drew audible gasps from the reporters present. This response brought a smile to O'Farrell's face, and he quickly spoke to set the matter straight.
"I have not been fired or asked to step down," he explained. "Nor am I, or is the League, in any sort of legal or financial trouble. I'm in perfect health, both physical and emotional. So there's no tragic story here at all."
O'Farrell admitted that a job that confines him to an office is not the job for him, at least not now. "When I was approached and asked to help set up a baseball league in our region, I accepted without hesitation because I love baseball, and was missing being part of the game. I didn't anticipate being asked to serve as commissioner, but I was flattered and I accepted. It turns out it's not a position I'm well-suited for, and I'm sorry I didn't realize it sooner. That would have saved a lot of trouble, I think."
He expressed his complete faith in his successor, McFarland. "Jim has been doing a lot of good work for the league, work he's not been given credit for. Now you'll all see what a pro Jim is. He'll be a great commissioner."
When asked what he planned to do now, O'Farrell smiled again. "I suppose I'm unemployed now, aren't I? I have a wife and five children, so I better not be without a job for long." The reporters laughed along with O'Farrell, who proceeded to answer their question more directly.
"I'm committed to the Yankee League," he stated. "I want to do what I can to help it succeed. Maybe I'll see if one of the clubs could use a coach. Or maybe I'll see if someone will let me try my hand at broadcasting a game over the radio. I don't think you've seen the last of me."
All of us who cover the Yankee League certainly hope we'll see more of Pat.
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