Connor was everything a big brother could be. Generous, loving and a true inspiration. He always looked out for me as he did with all his family and friends. If there ever was a problem we all knew we could count on Connor to fix it. He was my role model and everything I hope I can be. I miss him and will think of him always.

We met the O'Gormans in Singapore when they moved there from Bangkok. It was the first day of school and we always prayed for all the new kids since we had often experienced that difficulty...I remember Allyson (our second oldest, Jessica our oldest was in Connor's class) coming home and saying she had just met a new girl, Katie, who turned out to be a wonderful friend as were the entire O'Gorman family. Patricia and I coached Katie & Ally's cheerleading squad and while I never could have done it myself, with Mrs. Pat it was a joy. All of the O'Gorman kids were joys as well. I remember one time my husband was in Mauritsius having breakfast and heard a familiar voice behind him....it was Mr. Pat and they were staying at the same hotel. We spent many hot and sunny days on the SAS football field and a couple of mexican dinners out together. Katie also seemed like a daughter to us. Fast forward, we moved to Athens, GA while the O'Gs moved to Athens, Greece. The last time I saw Connor, he and and Katie came up to Athens while they back visiting Granny in Decatur. They were there with the cutest little dog they had just bought I think. I was surprised that Connor was so tall and had turned into such a wonderful young man. I think he had just graduated from Princeton. Anyway, we, too, enjoyed his warmth, his humor, his tremendous smile, and his humble and kind heart. God, indeed has called him onward and upward and he certainly must be a bright and shining star in Heaven. It was with a broken heart that we heard the tragic news and we pray God's comfort and peace to you all as you mourn and celebrate a life well lived. He was one unforgettable young man, raised by wonderful parents, and leaves a legacy of all that is good and true. Our love to you Pat & Pat, Katie, Mike, and Kerry.

We knew the O'Gorman family and Connor in Singapore. I enjoyed watching Connor play any sports and he was a great athelete. I will always remember Connor for being a friend to everyone and how he encouraged all his teammates on. My prayers are with all of you during this time. Lana Packer

I served as the family pastor in Singapore and knew Connor well. An extremely fine young man from a great family. He will be missed. Lana and I are saddened to hear of his passing and wish to express our love to the family and our prayers for you all during these days. Wish we could be there with you during this time. May the God of all Comfort be especially close to you during these days. With love, David and Lana Packer

We first met the O'Gorman family in Bangkok in the early 1990's. They had 4 children, we had 6. Patricia played bridge, so did I. Fred played softball, so did Pat. And we had a lot of kids who liked sports!!! That put us together a often and the kids all got along well. Connor was always so good with his sisters and brother and so mild mannered. He and my son Degan were serious about there baseball but then Connor would sit in the bleachers and be so nice to my daughter Riann talking about the game and the plays. I think he sparked her interest in playing [she was playing at the IASSAS tournament in Singapore that Mike Bennett talked about]. We were at the beach together and he would be so patient with his little sister Kerri and would include Katie and Mikey in everything. He was the son every parent wanted their son to be like!!! That also says a lot for his parents who are also very special people. Connor, your time here on earth was way to short but you made every minute count and you made such an impact on so many people!! You will be missed but never forgotten. May you rest in peace.

I met Connor in New York through Pippa, which was an issue for me at first. I had just gotten off a plane from Bangkok where I was for a month and was at a roast party for another friend and I had a few too many drinks. Pippa was my "Jessie's Girl" if I can say that and I did not understand why she did not want to be with me after coming home. Little did I know who was distracting her. That night I went to see Pippa and upon seeing her with Connor I became more drunk and jealousy set in. He introduced himself and I ignored. He asked me questions about my trip and I gave him dumb answers. He bought drinks and I spilled mine on the floor. He offered to cab me home and I stormed off down the street. The guy did not stop being overly nice to me, a total jerk. I couldn't win. Defeated by an unbeatable foe, I gave up. A few weeks later I met him again, this time with less liquid courage. Again, the extreme hospitality was given to me and he talked and made me feel as if I was his brother. He turned me so fast I believe this guy could stop a fight between anyone, world leaders included. The next few times I saw him I felt honored to be in his presence and relished every opportunity to talk to him and he continued to be an amazing guest, a wonderful host and if I can write this without tearing up, a friend by mistake. You are not supposed to be friends with guys who steal your thunder. He didn't steal it, he deserved it, as well as, I am sure, everything he had ever gotten in life. I would go to hang out with Sarah and Pippa and ask if Connor was going to come. I fell in love with this kid and only wish I knew him longer and spent more time with him. I am truly jealous of all the people who knew him better than I and am deeply saddened by your loss. Please accept my apologies and condolences. Gus Levy

When I think of Connor I think of an outlined square that the O'Gormans put on a wall in their back yard in Manila. That's the first thing that comes to mind whenever I think of Connor. I don't know why I remember that one thing - especially since we knew the O'Gormans for so many years in Manila and then in Singapore. Maybe I think of that square because it represents the same things that everyone associates with Connor...practice, hard work, always wanting to get better at something, etc. He worked harder than anyone - and at everything. He is the brilliant guy who works hard in school and the great athlete who works hard at sports. But I'm willing to bet that he worked hardest at the things he had already mastered - like being a true teammate, an honest friend, a loyal brother and a loving son. My other clear memory of Connor is probably the hardest for me to recount because it involves me letting him down. We were at the IASAS Tournament in Kuala Lumpur and we were clearly one of the better teams there. Through the first day that held true and we had made quick work of the teams we played. That night a bunch of us decided to go out shopping and ended up at a bar inside mall which was a big no-no and against the contract we all signed and we knew it. Early the next morning we found out that a ISKL teacher had been in the bar and recognized that we were there for the tournament. They weren't able to identify exactly who the players were or even how many of us had been in there, but we were approached and asked to come clean. If you were there and drank beer - even half a beer - you needed to fess up and you'd be booted from the tournament. I went back & forth with my decision - I was at the bar but probably wasn't seen drinking. I could stay quiet and nobody from the tournament staff would probably know. A few guys were caught for sure but I thought if I lied we could still keep enough players active to field a team and stay in the tournament. In the end I told the truth and was booted from the tournament. Our team had to withdraw because we were down to 8 players. I felt terrible - for myself, my team mates, my parents, the other parents who had traveled to watch us play, etc. It was a self-inflicted low point and I was devastated. Later that day as the tournament went on without us, I was walking up on one of the ball fields. Connor happened to be up there sitting alone and just watching games. I sat down next to him and began to apologize profusely. I felt like I had let him down. After all, IASAS was the one thing that all of us (and particularly Connor) had worked towards all year. It was our World Series. About 2 minutes into my apology Connor stopped me and I wish I remember his exact words. As best I can remember he said something to the extent of "hey man, it's okay, don't worry about it, I'm not mad at you. You'll probably forget what team ends up winning this tournament but you won't forget that you stood up, told the truth and admitted your mistake." Well, Connor was right. That was 15 years ago and I have no earthly clue who won that tournament. I can't even remember who we beat in the games we did play or what any of the scores were. What I do remember 15 years later is a 2 minute conversation with Connor O'Gorman.

Connor was an important client of mine for 4 or 5 years now, so we dealt at least weekly. He always was very price sensitive, because he knew where value was. I respected that, so I enjoyed working for the best prices available for him. He always appreciated my efforts, even when our efforts to get good prices sometimes meant he wouldn't get his complete order done. Many in similar positions in NY & London, were complete jerks, and would blame the messenger, but, Connor was always very easy to work with, even in the last year's dysfunctional markets, which were often impossible to transact in. It's very frustrating when one can't get trades done, especially for a competitor like Connor, but he always was civil, which is rare in this business. Connor & David Flowerdew came to Chicago for a wedding in 2007, & wanted to get a round of golf in @ Beverly CC. After VERY late or early morning carousing, post wedding, Connor, was struggling both with the tough course & in his bet for the round with David, but his gregarious & contagious laugh & banter, continued through his losing round, and kept us entertained. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading, to battle my severe sadness, all the memories written here, about a GRAND young man, and am requiring my daughter & sons to read these and the post that Connor's Princeton baseball coach wrote. His passion for life will truly be inspirational for all who knew him. I know many have been and will be inspired to get the most out of their abilities, to never give up, & to be a GREAT teammate, friend and citizen, because Connor touched their life. I know I have been blessed to know Connor. In my prayers, Gary Hynes

I remember just hanging out with Connor when we were in middle school at ISB watching baseball games. He was such a nice guy and a good friend. I will never forget all the times our families got together whether it was for holidays, dinners, ball games, school events, etc. we always had so much fun. Our trips to the beaches in Thailand...all amazing memories. I even remember meeting up again when the Napoliello's housed all us "good friends" from different schools for IASAS in Jakarta. I could only imagine how much he was loved and how much he'll be missed... Riann

IAs I received the news Monday night after my basketball game at Chelsea Piers of Catcher's passing, I reflected back to a week prior to where I saw him in the same facility talking with a teammate or ours. I had the privilege to play baseball for three years with someone who was dedicated, loyal, smart and true to the game. Catcher was all you could ask for as a teammate, player and friend. He always had a smile on his face and always had something positive to say even when he struck out or missed a ball which was rarely. The one thing I remember most about Catcher is that you could always count on him and his dirty uniform, I think I offered to wash it a few times for him but he refused because that's the way he liked it. Connor aka Catcher will be truly missed and my thoughts and Prayers goes out to his family and friends because we lost a great person but we all know that he is in a better place now. Many Blessings to all

I've known Connor since middle school in Singapore, thru high school and college at Princeton. We shared a number of classes and memories over the years. Some random recollections I have about Connor: - He kept getting bigger: somewhere in high school, Connor went from being kind of small to being pretty tall. And then he got to college where he suddenly put on lot of muscle too. It was like every few months, he was building a new body. I still remember him telling me his baseball trainer's secret: lift until you're tired, lower the weight, and lift a bit more. - Stats class buddies: we sat together in stats our senior year in high school. We both liked sitting in the front row, which had a pretty good view. - The DIY Pizza coupon: we working late at the E-Quad at Princeton and we decided to order pizza. Connor had worked out that the pizza guys never really knew what coupons and offers they had, so he showed me how to just make one up. Call up, ask for what you want, and say you have a coupon for it for some sort of price. "I have it right here in my hand!". Bold brilliance. - Hanging out in London: the last time I got to see Connor was a number of years ago when he came to London for work for several days. We had a bit of time to hang out. I took him to my gym to work out (where he imparted more workout wisdom for my abs) and we had a good night out on the town (without getting into too much trouble!). These are random recollections of a man with quiet determination and lively spirit. I'll remember Connor for these memories and more, for his enthusiasm and focus, for being a classmate and a friend. I've been fortunate to know him and grow up with him. He will be missed.

I never knew or met Connor or any of his family but I am thinking of his parents and family to-night also all his wonderful friends who have paid tribute here. I came across this site for the first time to-night by accident and have read every message here, what a great son brother and friend he must have been, What caught my eye was his Irish name and that made me read on. As I read the messages I just cried , so sad to see a young life taken, just as well he enjoyed every minute. Thinking of you all at this time of great sorrow. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely Margaret

I've known Connor for 6 years. For 3 of those years, I sat 6 inches from him for 12 hours a day. It's possible I spent more of my waking hours with Connor over that time than my wife! Nevertheless, our day together would often last beyond work, as we hauled over to the squash courts to take out our frustrations from the market on that poor little black ball. I introduced him to the game a few years ago. When he first started playing, I still had a slight edge. I'd go up a game, and Connor would obviously retort "best of 3". I'd go up two games, and it'd be "best of 5", 3 games and it was "best of 7". I'm pretty sure if there weren't time restrictions, he literally would have gone on all night. In short time, however, Connor and I were even. In recent months, he had overtaken me. There literally was no moving him from his spot in the center of the court!! When Connor was really playing well, the ball was lucky to last for more than a game. The last time I saw Connor was last Friday night. We had a great battle on the squash court, which fittingly, he won. Afterwards, we went to our favorite post-squash bar for the customary beer and wasabi peas. Connor absolutely loved the snack mix there despite his recent aversion to sodium! He had to leave a bit early to help plan a surprise birthday dinner for another close friend of ours (classic selfless Connor). As we were leaving the bar and walking towards 6th Avenue, an attractive girl walked by us. Immediately, Connor turned to me and gave me that sly Connor grin, and said "I think I might actually go try to find a cab on 5th". We laughed and parted ways for the night. I can still hear that infectious chuckle now. The impact Connor made on my life and all of our lives is truly unforgettable. We can only hope to live our lives like Connor did. Connor, I can't tell you how much I'm going to miss you, buddy. I am honored to have been your friend.

My favorite picture of Connor is from our junior year, the year we lived together with Dennis, Andrew and Dave. The running joke that year was that Connor did not actually attend Princeton but somehow snuck himself into our dorm, which is the only place we ever saw him. Apparently, he also finagled his way onto the baseball team, because Andrew reported seeing him there on the field as well (I see from Coach Bradley's post that this latter conjecture was part truth). Connor worked so dang hard that year that he pretty much lived in the engineering quad, occasionally sleeping there when he couldn't make the trek back to the Junior Slums. It wasn't until a crisp fall day in November that I actually spotted him outside of the dorm room, and it was such a momentous occasion that it demanded photographic evidence. In the photo, Dennis's mouth is comically agape, his index finger pointing exaggeratedly at the uncommon sight, Andrew is smiling solidly at the side of his friend and teammate, and Connor is giving one of those "you got me" grins, the same one he would give whenever happily becoming the butt of a joke - anything to make people happy. When I close my eyes I can't help but see this smiling Connor, the laughing Connor, the joking fun-lover that we all in turn loved. Yesterday I had a dream that we were outside shake shack, having hamburgers, talking about baseball. There was no sadness, no stress, just two old friends calmly catching up, chomping down on some charbroiled beef. It seemed so normal that it had to have been real, and in a way I feel like it was. He lives in my memory in this way - comfortable in his skin, jolly for our benefit, loving sports and large plates of food. And in all our memories he lives in the ways that made him special to us... to each and every one of us.

About 8 years ago when Connor and I lived together in NYC we had decided that we needed a new TV for the apartment. We walked down to PC Richards and Sons to see what kind of deal we could get. After about an hour of firing ourselves up, we thought we could walk down there and get the best deal possible...it was the end of the month, about 2 hours left before closing..and we'd be willing to pay cash. We got there and didn't have a clue what we were doing..we walked up to the first TV sales guy we saw and proceeded to hammer him with questions on why we should buy this 42 inch TV that was on display. We went back and forth for over an hour, this salesman was so sorry he spoke to us that day..we ended up getting a $2400 TV for $1600 and a free 2 year warrantee valued at $200. We laughed and laughed for years about how nobody has EVER gotten a deal like that at the store. We were so confident that we robbed PC Richards that we felt they should rename the store after us. I can still remember the laughter and hi-fives that we exchanged when we walked out of that store...in our minds, we were the best negotiators that ever walked the earth. Connor was one in a million.

I was visiting the LA Changs early on in their relocation to the better side of the country. Connor was there of course to bestow his blessings on the move and also trying out the yellow corvette he rented complete with dual black racing stripes. There were other reasons why he was there. Given Connor's prowess I was not surprised to find it is was a very good reason. Anyway, we were all in the pool outside on the terrace of the complex, Dennis and Steven having of course ate 3 fried chickens from KFC, working off our meal and training Duncan for 2024. Being a swimmer i decided to do two laps of the pool underwater with no breath. I finished, and everybody said wow. Then Connor looked at me with this look, not even that sloppy as he was only 4 beers in, and then he pushed off and did two laps underwater. He popped up no problem. It wasn't pretty, but he made it. That was Connor, almost methodically seeking out the next challenge, giving it his all, almost always succeeding, pocketing the memory, and then moving on to the next one. It seems his whole life was built up that way. And it's even more impressive and compelling because he applied the same approach even to challenges were he was not naturally gifted. That is a rare thing and to me why he was special. Jimmy Nash '01 and a half PS He also had the most singular ability to date girls with unusual names.

I am Philippa's sister and feel lucky to have known such an amazing man. Connor was like a big brother to me and he meant so much to my family. I'll never forget the ski trip we took to Vermont - Connor, Pippa, Katie, Mike, Kerry and myself all in a little condo together, skiing all day, cooking and laughing together at night. It is one of my fondest memories because I got to see how important family was to Connor and the bond he shared with his siblings was so special. His smile was contageous, his laugh infectious. Anyone that knew Connor will never be the same. He makes me want to be a better person, he is an inspiration to us all. His spirit and love of life will live on through all of us that loved him. I seek comfort in knowing that he is in Heaven spreading the love and joy that he spread to all of us. I will never forget him and my love and prayers are with his family.

I had the pleasure of meeting Connor over a weekend in Iceland. Mike, myself, and a bunch of other guys went to Iceland with high hopes of winning a soccer tournament and showing everyone that Americans could play soccer. We showed them we could play, just not very well. With no trophy or wins over the trip I could only return with great memories. Connor was a big part of that. He was the life of the party and treated the other guys and me like we had been friends for years. The hi jinx we got ourselves into, the late nights and early mornings, the drinks, dancing, and good times we spent will forever be a memory of what a great guy Connor was. We will miss you

I'm really upset to learn about Connor's tragic death. We were in the same residential group at Princeton (class of '01) and had friends in common. If I remember right he also lived in Patton Tower and was in my RA group. Sometimes we ate together in the dining hall and I remember him telling me about living in Singapore and how there would sometimes be lizards on the walls of the house (indoors). I asked him if it bothered him to have lizards crawling over his walls and he shrugged and said it didn't, that it was just like having the occasional bugs in the house that we might have here! He was a pretty easy-going guy, quiet, and had a soft smile. It is a real tragedy that he is gone from this world. I will keep Connor and the O'Gorman family in my prayers.

I had the pleasure of attending school with Connor at SAS, getting to know him particularly well during his senior year as we shared some classes and were debate partners. We had 3 returning team members and needed a 4th, for which Connor stepped up. While I knew Connor as a smart, talented guy, I wasn't sure how his methodical speaking style and aw shucks demeanor would play out. Unsurprisingly, he learned quickly, made a great partner, and we walked away with the title as tournament rookies. The topic that year was proposing a way to reduce juvenile crime. He introduced our plan with the attention-grabbing words, "Swamalta. This is a central African greeting meaning 'How are the children?' and it is a question that we need to ask ourselves today." It wasn't until after the tournament was over that I learned all his African phrases were completely made up. I will always remember Connor for his ever-present smile, infectious laugh, and sense of humor. Thanks, Connor, for all the great memories. Much love, thoughts, and prayers for the O'Gorman family.

Connor was a member of my family, just like Ben, Andrew, Sully, Seth, Adam and many of Dennis's friends. Some holidays and weekends when he could not go home to Atlanta, we can find Connor either playing golf with Dennis at my club, catch a nap on our couch, enjoying Irene's Chinese meal, and of course my BBQ. Dennis, Irene and I were to have dinner with Connor two weeks ago when Dennis came to NY for business. Connor could not make it but we saw him when we took Dennis to his apartment. He was waiting for us and gave Irene and I the usual big hugs and warm greetings. Little that we know that was the last time! Connor, we miss you very much. Rest in peace. Irene and Dominic Just like Ben, Connor was so close to Dennis and Steven,

Connor first touched my life in the 8th grade at SAS (Singapore American School). He was the small shy guy who was obsessed with baseball and we were in almost all of the same classes that year and the following - a blessing for me as there's a lot I learned from sitting next to a truly classy and straight-up guy like Connor O'Gorman. He was different from the other guys, not an ounce of arrogance or bravado in him - testament to what a great job his parents did in raising Connor. He was never the most talkative guy of the bunch but when he spoke, I made sure I listened. It was always great to see Connor at various IASAS events throughout our high school years as he always made sure to reach out to me despite our schedules, to share a laugh and a memory about our SAS days even after I had moved to Indonesia and the Philippines; the same email exchanges happened while we were in college, and although they were few and far between, I never did forget Connor's smile. News of his passing brings me such sadness. My condolences to the O'Gorman family. Connor, may your path back to our Maker be well-lit and easy. -Cathy Paras Lara

Connor filled our hearts with laughter, kindness, sincerity, and so much love. He didn’t even question when I asked him to be an escort for my debutante party. He took the time to come down, because he knew it was important to me and my family, he made it work…and almost six years later, it still means a great deal to me. We had so much fun together that night with family and friends, and he had to leave at 4am the next day, but it didn’t hold him back from being there for me that night. I have always looked up to Connor; he has always been a role model for me and someone I have truly admired. Our family has been friends for as long as I can remember, and I was the little “sister” that wanted to follow him around (and Katie) wherever they went. My most recently memory with Connor was his 30th birthday party. I was soooo excited to be invited to his party and couldn’t believe we were in NYC together after years in the Philippines and Singapore. He was so happy and surrounded by so much love. He smiled the entire night and I feel so lucky to have been there and to have spent it with him, Katie, and Mikey. I love you all and I am thinking about you. My memories with Connor will be cherished, and he will always be missed.

A legend in the Singapore baseball community. Connor was what every Singapore baseball player after him dreamed of being, on and off the field. He was a role model and a great leader and I was honored to have had the privilege of playing ball with him. I am currently in Singapore again, and was playing ball against the SAS highschool kids last night. Thought about you Connor, and what you had done to impact ballplayers in Singapore after you graduated. Much love to the O'Gorman family from the Peck family. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. Jason Peck

Pete and Mary Zimmerman

15 years ago

Pat & Pat, Our hearts go out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With our sincere sympathy, Pete & Mary

I am one of Connor's post-college friends. Like many of us, we know Connor through his friend Dennis Chang. They provided some Princeton flavor to our Harvard swimming crew. There's typically no love lost between Harvard and Princeton, but in this case I don't think the subject of the rivalry (be it in baseball or swimming) EVER really came up. Though I never lived in the same city as Connor, I have known all along that he was a guy you could count on. I returned from a combat deployment in Afghanistan just two months ago. As I boarded a plane in Bagram, I sent emails to a few guys in New York and Philadelphia to see if they'd be interested in helping a couple Navy SEALs celebrate their safe return. I didn't expect much would come of it on 24 hours' notice, but 5 of my favorite people miraculously showed up for just 1 night in DC - of course, Connor was in the thick of it. It was an awesome surprise for me - and Connor's warmth, laugh, and carefree attitude were immediately noticed by my brother and friends Monica Nista and Brett Hennessy. All three of them - who could count on two hands the number of times they hung out with Connor - were in tears when they heard the news of his death. A return from combat can be a difficult thing, but its not if you have the support of your friends...friends like Connor who are there when it matters. I can't think of a time that I came into town on one of my dozens of New York visits over the last 8 years that Connor wasn't there to give me a hug, down a shot, laugh out loud at someone's joke (sometimes even my horrible ones), and ask/tell me what was new. My brother said it right, "I only met Connor twice, but he was one of those rare people who has such a good way about him and was very good to the people around him." Over the years, Connor has been a key player in all of my favorite stories. The nurse in Philadelphia, the house in Dewey, weddings in Jackson Hole and Michigan, the return from Afghanistan, endless dinners, parties and New Year's celebrations in New York. That's no surprise - Connor is always there when it matters. I don't suspect it will ever change.

I went to middle school with Connor in Bangkok. I played baseball with him. I was on student council with him. He was so nice and was really a great guy. I looked up to him. I hadn't talked to him in a long time but I thought about him often. My thoughts go out to his family.

IMPACT PLAYER In July of 1997 I was hired to be the head baseball coach here at Princeton University and as I anxiously awaited the start of my first season I often looked at the names of the returning players as well as the members of the incoming class wondering who the impact players were going to be. I reviewed the statistics from the previous years and tried to figure out which player would provide the leadership needed to have a successful program. Little did I know at the time but the pleasant young man who walked into my office with his Dad, asking to tryout for the team would become the impact player we needed. About a week before Orientation began for the Class of 2001, Connor O’Gorman knocked on my door and asked for an opportunity to walk on to the baseball team. He seemed like a good kid and his baseball resume was different than most of the other players. He learned to play baseball growing up in the Atlanta area but his high school years were spent in Singapore where he attended the Singapore American School, not exactly a hotbed for producing college baseball players. Still, there was something special about this young man and I agreed to let him work out with the team when our fall practices began. I was certain that I would let him practice for a few days and then he would figure out that he was not good enough to play with all of our recruited players. For the next two weeks Connor lived at Clarke Field! He was always there! When I drove past the batting cages on the way to my office he was hitting off the batting tee. When I went to get some lunch, he was there and when I left at the end of the day he was still there. I jokingly asked him if he was actually enrolled at Princeton because it seemed as though he did not have any academic responsibilities or worries. He smiled and looked me directly in the eye and said, “Coach, I handle myself very well in the classroom and you do not have to worry about my grades but baseball is what I live for and I will do whatever it takes to be a member of this team.” I told him that he would more than likely never play a meaningful inning while at Princeton but if he promised to work hard and keep his positive attitude he could have a uniform for as long as he wanted. He once again looked me directly in the eye and responded, “That is all I needed to hear.” For the next four years Connor O’Gorman was our impact player. He made everyone on the team a better player because of the work ethic and passion he brought to the field each and every day. He was the best friend and teammate anyone could ever possible have and he impacted all of our lives. We won the Ivy League Championship in 2000 and 2001 and although Conner did not have many opportunities to play he really put his stamp on the personality and chemistry of the team. He was well known for making passionate speeches about the importance of Princeton baseball and what it means to be part of the baseball family. For several years after graduation Connor would return to campus in the fall so that he could give his speech to the freshman players so that they also understood. We played Harvard in a doubleheader this past Sunday and Connor was to meet up with his best friend and Princeton teammate Andrew Hanson in Boston so that they could watch us play. He did not make it to Cambridge. Connor O’Gorman was tragically killed early Sunday morning when he was hit by a car, while walking back to his Manhattan apartment. In between games of the doubleheader, I spotted Andrew along the fence behind our dugout and I immediately walked towards him to say hello. As soon as Andrew looked up I could tell that something was wrong. It is hard to imagine that someone who appeared in only 16 games during a four year career could be considered an impact player but after reading the numerous e-mails I have received in the past two days from former players, some who played with Connor and others who had not, there is no doubt that the title is accurate. Connor may not have impacted the game itself but he impacted all of our lives in just so many ways. His passion for the game of baseball was contagious and his devotion and loyalty to the program as well as his friends and teammates was undeniable. He cared more about wearing a Princeton baseball uniform than any player or coach we have ever, or will ever have in the program. Our team won the 2001 Ivy League Championship with a dramatic come from behind, extra inning win against Dartmouth. We had one last regular season game at home before the NCAA Tournament began and in the hours before the final contest virtually every single one of the starters came to me and asked that Connor take their spot in the lineup. If my memory serves me correctly, Connor went 2 for 4 that day with a couple of RBI’s and as he told me after the game, “ I finally did something the help the team.” Little did he know!! CONNOR O”GORMAN was and will always be an IMPACT PLAYER. Rest in peace.

I had the great pleasure of getting to know Connor over the last 6 years or so through his dear friend, Dennis. From the first time I met Connor in their Murray Hill apartment through all of the weddings, trips, and fun times we've shared since then, my memories of Connor are chock-full of laughter. And oh that laugh! He had the ability to brighten any situation - sitting here, I can't even recall a single time that I was around him when people weren't laughing and having a good time. Whether he authored the joke or was the butt of it, Connor seemed to love making sure everyone was as happy as he was. His openness made it easy to get to know him and to see what a genuinely nice guy he was (an accolade that is over-used and underrated, but one that certainly suits Connor). His sudden death is truly tragic and my heart goes out to his family and everyone that is grieving for him. I cherish the times that I spent with Connor and only hope that I can be more of the fun-loving and life-living kind of person that he was. He will be dearly missed.

There are so many wonderful memories of growing up with Connor. Connor and I were in the same 3rd grade class in Manila and played on the same baseball team as kids -- go Kodak. When we moved to Singapore (8th grade), we didn't know that the O'Gormans had moved to Singapore that summer too. I remember it vividly -- I was standing in the lunch line, brand-new to the school, and there was someone in line a few people ahead and I said to myself -- wow, that person stands exactly like Connor...the same stance I knew well from the baseball field years before...and then I looked up and it was Connor. He was also brand-new to the school. It was so nice to have someone who was like family at my new school. Connor always was laughing and made others laugh. He was also always also coming up with some practical joke. I'll never forget the April fools joke he played on his mom in the Philippines. Every April fools day I think of him. Then in the 8th grade in Singapore we came up with what we thought was the funniest joke (although admittedly not that funny now). We collected ketchup packets from a fast food restaurant in Holland village, and would sneakily put them under where someone was about to step, and it would explode. We thought it was hilarious and laughed and laughed. I'll also never forgot how Connor and the whole O'Gorman family helped pull off my surprise 14th birthday party. They invited me over to their house so all the guests could assemble at our house and brought me back for the big surprise. Connor was always a true and loyal friend. But most of all, I always admired his perseverance and tenacity. "No" and "can't" were not words in Connor's vocabulary. I remember in Biology class in the ninth grade, he tried to "negotiate" with our teacher to reconsider a few of his answers she marked incorrect on his test…he was relentless. He always kept trying to do better, to be better, in everything he did. He was smart and gifted but always humble. If someone told him he couldn't do something, it just made him try harder. He could also talk his way into anything or convince someone of his point of view (i.e., drivers license). I used to watch him and try to take notes. Connor was someone you could rely on and would do anything for his friends and family. He came down to Richmond for a function for my sister, and then had to get up at 4am the next morning, drive to Charlottesville, so he could fly back to NY for a double header. Connor, you have left a huge hole in this world and in our hearts. You will truly be missed.

My name is Margot Ramsay, and I am one of Pippa's best friends. Pippa and Connor came to visit us in Sun Valley for a few days a number of years ago, and we had a great time skiing, playing football in the snow, and getting to know him. That weekend was the first time that I met Connor, and I was impressed with his carefree approach to skiing (and seemingly with everthing else in his life), in that he had no qualms about getting on the ski hill and letting it go! He was not apologetic about his lack of skiing experience and completely improper form (he looked so funny and cute when he was headed down the mountain), and had so much fun with it. He was so happy, and brought laughter and efortless joy to all of us during that trip. I am so sad and sorry that the unbounding energy and love that emanated from Connor was taken from us. We send love and prayers to Connor's family from his favorite skiing friends in Sun Valley.

I got to know Connor after college through his roommates in New York. Over the years we spent a lot of time together around New York and at weddings, parties, ski-trips, and other gatherings. Like others, I felt a strong connection to him from the start. He had a disarming way and warmth that put you at ease and made you feel great every time you saw him. I came to learn that this was a direct reflection of his open and kind heart. It really was special. I have many fond memories of Connor but one recent road trip stands out in my mind. In February, we got short notice that a good friend of ours who lived across the world was travelling through DC for part of the weekend. I wasn’t able to talk to Connor until Saturday morning but, as I expected, he required no convincing and happily committed to a spontaneous roadtrip. Within two hours we had loaded up a rental car with snacks and sandwiches and were on the NJ turnpike. We had a great time and covered all sorts of subjects in conversation. I particularly remember him being very interested in swim workouts and swim suits (he had just discovered how much faster he could swim using biker shorts instead of baggy trunks – of course, he refused to wear a speedo). And to his driving credit, he navigated us through some country backroads in Maryland that probably saved us two hours in a traffic jam. In DC, we had a great night with our friends and, as usual, Connor was the catalyst in the group for making sure we had a good time. For all the fun stories, I will best remember Connor’s devotion and loyalty to his family and friends. He was uniquely selfless and loving to those around him. I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family. I will miss him deeply but look forward to sharing more memories with others who knew him.

I am Philippa's father and she would often bring Connor out to our house on some weekends. When Connor wasn't reading the sports page, we would "coax" him out to the golf course where the stategic concept of "laying-up" never entered his mind. In fact, to even suggest it made Connor "go for it" even more. I can still hear the eerie buzzing noise generated from the massive club head speed he generated just in his practice swing. Philippa's family and all our friends here in Bedford, NY who met Connor are devestated. We send our love to his family and friends. Thank you for sharing this terrific young man with us. Jim Renwick

On behalf of the entire Princeton University Class of 2001, I would like to extend deepest sympathy and condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Connor. Connor will be greatly missed and will be forever remembered by his Classmates, teammates, and fellow alumni. Jessica Walter '01 Alumni Class President

I feel honored that I was able to call Conor a teammate with the LI Drive. He welcomed me onto the team with open arms, always smiling and fooling around with his teammates, his friends. The effort he put into his play each and every game was, I'm sure, the same effort he put into his life; Working hard and having a great time while doing so. I will miss Conor and wish his family my deepest condolences.

I've only met Connor a few times...but all were VERY memorable. The last time I saw Connor was at Ferg and Sully's wedding in South Jersey. Derrick and I always enjoyed being near Connor and his brilliant laugh...it truly lit up any room. The other few times were at Andy's apartment for impromptu dinners. The last dinner we had when Connor happened to stop in for steaks...he ran back up stairs and brought back these amazing brownies that his sister made. He said they were the best and he was feeling generous because he normally didn't share those brownies ;-). I always looked forward to funny Connor stories and being in the same room with him. He will be missed tremendously...espeically that laugh! My deepest sympathy to Connor's family and closest friends...I know there are a HUGE group of you! ♥-Stacy

We want to express our sincere sympathy to Connor’s family and friends. We have fond memories of Connor when he joined the Murray’s for Easter dinner at my brother Steve and sister-in-law Maggie’s house about 10 or 11 years ago. He stayed in NJ for Easter break that year. Connor was the epitome of the All American Boy - smart, handsome, funny and kind. He had an amazing ability to make everyone feel good. I heard of Connor’s accomplishments over the years from Rich, Mary, Pat and Megan and bragged about him to friends and colleagues. He will truly be missed.

I would like to extend to the family/friends of Conner my sincere condolences. I had met Connor at a number of L.I.Drive baseball games and would like to say; "He was one of the nicest people that you have ever met". He will be missed.

I remember the first time Connor and I saw each other in early 2003. He stared in my direction so long that I actually approached him as I was leaving the bar with my friends and told him where we were going. We ran into each other sporadically for years, and eventually dated for 2 years. I’ve never met a more kind, sincere, generous, family-loving person. I’ve never heard him say a bad thing about anyone…His kindness was so pure it was almost child-like. Connor lived for simple things…like pistachios on the roofdeck listening to country music. He could play that song The Gambler a million times and never get sick of it. He loved to drive the car…I jokingly called him Boss because noone else could drive or decide the fastest route to get somewhere. Nothing made him happier than baseball and golf. And what amazed me about Connor was his ability to always be positive. On his walk to work he’d say “I’m gonna make a million bucks today Babe”…or every time he stepped up to the tee to drive the golf ball he’d say “This is going to be a hole in one..are you ready for this? Are you READY for this??” He approached everything he did with that kind of enthusiasm and determination. I remember for Christmas he’d give me the most thoughtful gifts…like a stocking with 12 little presents and each one had a note attached referencing a joke we’d shared. He lived to take care of the people he loved. His family was the most important thing in the world to him. I remember when he started skiing, the first thing he wanted to do was rent a condo in Vermont and buy ski gear for all his siblings and plan a trip with them. And seeing him with all his young cousins at the beach every summer was too cute. The world was a better place with Connor here, but at least he can live on as an inspiration to all of us. I feel so grateful to have known him and loved him. I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Dan Crosswell

15 years ago

CONNOR O”GORMAN. Where do I start? Probably the beginning. I am a baseball guy—and Connor’s coach in Singapore. I can’t say “from” Singapore because neither of us belongs there. My memories of Connor are all baseball related; but he would not mind. I coach the under-19 team but Connor was already on my radar screen when he was still a busher. My first encounter with Connor happened at the old Ullu Pandan field. I volunteered to umpire a game. It was a tune-up for the tournament. Connor played for the under-15 team. It was raining—actually misting. I wanted to get the game in so I stretched the strike zone a couple inches on both sides of the plate. Connor went to the plate. He was always determined to succeed. The first pitch just missed the inside corner of the plate. “Strike,” I yelled. Connor was like Pete Rose—on the field thankfully; not off—and he watched that pitch all the way into the catcher’s mitt. He knew it was an inch or two off the plate—gave me the Pete Rose look—then dug in for the next pitch. Now in my misbegotten youth, I loved Pete Rose. And the fact this kid pulled a Pete on me; well I thought he had grit. The next year he moved up to high school. I had the advance scouting report—I drafted him early. It did not hurt his dad was the commissioner. Nah, never occurred to me. I wanted Pete. We had a kid named Clay Roup on that team. He eventually got drafted by Kansas City. Threw in the low 90s with a filthy slider. We had a stacked team, but we were 1-3 because nobody could catch Roup’s stuff. Now I knew O’Gorman could. But the problem was, Connor weighed 86 lbs. maybe. I thought Roup would kill him. After a defeat, I am walking back from the dugout and I run into Pat, his dad. I don’t like getting whipped; but am afraid to put Connor behind the plate for fear he might get busted up. I tell his Dad that. He says, “What are you thinking? Connor and I wondered when you would make the obvious move.” Well, I make the obvious move with some trepidation. In the first inning, Roup is out there bringing the heat—and the filthy slider. Roup has some control issues. People are on base. Connor—drowned in his catcher’s equipment—is doing his Johnny Bench routine. Runners on first and second and Roup lets fly a nasty slider. O’Gorman slides out to block it; the ball skips, hits Connor in the forearm, and bounces back to the screen. I think his pitiful little stick of an arm is broken and come running out of the dugout. Connor retrieves the ball, throws it back to Roup—Connor could never bring himself to spit, but he should have—and acting like it did not hurt, gives me the “back off. I have this under control” look. I retreated back to the dugout. And at that point gave him the name “Bulldog.” And a bulldog he was. I could site chapter and verse—give his numbers. But numbers mean squat. It is about the gut—about believing. Connor played four years with us. We never won but got close a number of times. Once we were playing a bad-ass team from Perth Australia in the championship game in Subic Bay, the Philippines. To give you an indication, their catcher—about 6”9”—was taller in the crouch than three of my weenie bourgeois players in the batter’s box. We got into a bean ball war. Pretty ugly stuff. Even though we were behind by a bunch of runs, they plunked Bulldog. How does anybody plunk Connor O’Gorman? He went to first base. The next time up; he jacked one. BULLDOG. Connor was always focused. He was the kind of kid you knew was going places. But at the same time, there was always this naïve wonder in his eyes; and something of the prankster that he always kept sublimated and only revealed in that weird little half-giggle he had. Connor wanted to play at the next level. I never did—had the tools—but never the balls. As a coach—and this is true of most coaches—you live a Walter Mitty life in the hope one of your boys actually does the business. Maybe makes the Show and gives you a little face before the game besides the dugout at Wrigley. I love the Game and Connor loves the Game. In preparation for his making the jump—and it was only a dream but hell without dreams what do we have—we used to hit ground balls. I used to get up at the crack of dawn—half the time still shitface—and get on a city bus and head over to the O’Gorman ranchero in time to experience the noise and utter chaos of an American family getting ready for school. Bulldog and I would jump in the minivan and head up to the American School. And I would hit groundballs at Bulldog. “To your right; to your left;’ “no, damn it, the other foot.” Every day—500 ground balls. Me, sucking air; Bulldog, like a puppy, wanting more. For me, and my unfulfilled dreams, watching Connor do the Terrible 500s—and looking at his watch in the hope we could squeeze in another round or two—reaffirmed everything that is great about the American Spirit. As a subtext, when Connor and his dad visited Princeton and talked to Bradley, the coach said something to the effect, “Son, if you make this team, you will see more groundball than you can ever imagine." Connor looked over to Pat and gave that goofy Connor smile; because he knew he had already been there and beyond. After Connor graduated from SAS, I never say him again. Not that we lost contact. The Old Wife and I visited Pat and Pat in Athens but Connor was in New Jersey. Then Kodak went tits-up and Pat fell off the map. I knew about Conner—his success in the best university in the universe—his passing on a Wall Street gig to pursue his diamond dreams—about Chillicothe—the end of dreams—the Long Island league--the capitalist sell out. The web is a wonderful devise. But I never saw Bulldog again. Yesterday, I went to my emails. Saw one from Katie O’Gorman, “Unbelievable,” I said. "I have been tracking the O’Gorman’s online for years"—no success. We have mutual friends. “Triple C. Give me Mikey’s email address.” Somehow we never hooked up. But everytime I pick up a fungo, I think of the Terrible 500s and you. Whenever the Reds beat the Braves, I laugh, and think of you. In these times when Americans entertain doubts about what the USA is made of—I take faith that the country—and your amazing parents--produced a guy like Connor O’Gorman. And I cry thinking of the hole you leave in the lives of all of us left. I hope there is a baseball heaven. If they is, you are already there. If I make the grade, I hope to meet you there, brother. And we will do Terrible 500s for eternity. But, please, tell me in ain’t in Iowa.