James McCann was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in December, and the 33-year-old was curious as to how he would fit in with an Orioles squad loaded with players under 30.
After a quick stint on the IR, McCann is back in the clubhouse as the veteran backup catcher to Adley Rutschman.
McCann is one of the few Diamond Hogs currently playing in the MLB, and his time in Fayetteville should indicate why he is viewed as one of the mentors in the Orioles clubhouse.
“There’s a lot in my career that I can draw back on experience-wise and share and help really every player, whether it’s a pitcher or a hitter,” he told The Athletic about being the veteran guy.
“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.”
McCann was only a sophomore when he was named captain of a squad and hit one of the most memorable home runs in Razorback history.
Now McCann is a mentor to the Orioles’ best player, Rutschman.
“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.”
McCann’s bat hasn’t been as good as his leadership so far, only batting .194 at the plate, but his presence is obviously more important.