Baseball Reference lists “Dooley”on the roster of the Bridgeport Victors, managed by Hall of Famer Jim O’Rourke, of the Naugatuck Valley League.
Philip Dooley was a 23 year old third baseman playing his first season of professional baseball. Born in Bridgeport, he had played semi-pro ball the last several years while working for the Bridgeport Gas Company. According to the Bridgeport Evening Post and Sporting Life Dooley was “The best amateur third baseman in the state.”
On June 6, 1896 Dooley was on a boat with friends on a local reservoir when, it was reported, the boat capsized “(D)ue to the recklessness of his companions in rocking the boat.” Accounts varied, with some saying Dooley’s companions were able to swim to shore, other saying they were rescued. In either case, Dooley was unable to get to shore and drowned.
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