James McCann Valued His Experience Playing With The Baltimore Orioles
James McCann, Adley Rutschman’s seasoned backup catcher, has returned to the clubhouse following a brief absence on the injured list.
James McCann, Adley Rutschman's seasoned backup catcher, has returned to the clubhouse following a brief absence on the injured list.
After being dealt to the Baltimore Orioles in December, James McCann, 33, was still determining how he would fit in with a team stacked with guys under 30.
McCann, Adley Rutschman‘s seasoned backup catcher, has returned to the clubhouse following a brief absence on the injured list.
Being one of the few Diamond Hogs still competing in Major League Baseball should explain why James McCann is regarded as a mentor in the Orioles clubhouse. He spent time in Fayetteville.
He revealed to The Athletic his status as a veteran:
“There’s a lot in my career that I can draw back on experience-wise and share and help every player, whether it’s a pitcher or a hitter.” “In working with Adley, I’ve been able to talk through some stuff with him. I really valued the veterans on my teams when I was a young player. So, hopefully, these young guys will look back on who I am and value what I brought to their careers as well.”
When McCann hit one of the most iconic home runs in Razorback history as a sophomore and was elected team captain, he was just a sophomore.
Rutschman, the most outstanding player on the Orioles, now looks up to McCann as a mentor.
“I’ve said this really since day one. His talent is off the charts. Everyone knows that. But the way he goes about his business, his work ethic, who he is as a person, as a teammate, makes him even better. He’s a great guy to work with and we have a really good working relationship and friendship.” Adley Rutschman
Only batting so far, McCann’s performance could have been stronger than his leadership. Despite 194 at the plate, his presence is unquestionably more significant.
