When the Bethlehem Steel Co. soccer team meets the Bristol shipyard aggregation during the approaching season, they will stack up against two players who had first decided to cast their lot with the Bethlehem F. C., but for some reason changed their pans and are now engaged in shipyard work and according to information received have been signed with the Bristol soccer team.
James Brennigan, the twenty year old youngster, who less than two weeks ago came to Bethlehem, heralded as one of the cleverest soccer players ever turned out of St. Louis and also holding the distinction of being the youngest player ever signed by a Major league baseball club, left on Wednesday and is now reported to be among the Bristol players. When Brennigan came here he created quite a furor in soccer circles and local players who have been acquainted with his work on the soccer field predicted that he would earn a position on the championship Bethlehem club. They contended that due to his present ability in the game and his youth, he had all the earmarks of becoming one of the big stars of the game under the proper tutelage. In St. Louis, where he was a member of the St. Leo club, he established an excellent record and it was thought would be a strong addition to the Bethlehem club. In the several practice games with the Steel workers he made a good showing both in soccer and baseball but for some reason he was not signed, and it is said, decided to go to Bristol where he believed he was certain to make the team.
In addition to being a star soccer player, Brennigan is also thoroughly seasoned in baseball, covering the infield position. Local fans did not have an opportunity to seem him play in this city. However, when injected into the lineup as a pinch hitter for the Pergolas in their game against the Hogans last Sunday, Brennigan responded by cracking out a two base drive off "Lefty" Baumgartmer.
The other soccer player who at one time was at Bethlehem and is now signed with the Bristol club is Burnett, also a youngster in the game. Burnett came to this country from Ireland where he developed in the game and after a short stay at Bethlehem, joined the Disston's club last season.
Owing to the uncertainty of the latter club organizing for this season, he cast his lot with the shipbuilders.
Whether any of the shipyard teams will be included in the cup competitions, is uncertain at this time. It is said that these newly organized clubs refused to enter through the proper channels and that they have been now barred to some extent. However, it is hoped that the differences will be adjusted and that the strongest of the clubs will gain admission in the cup games.