This Date In Washington Senators history... [Archive]

Aa3rt

04-20-2008, 03:13 PM

Today we get to "highlight" two of my favorite all time Senators...

1934 Morris (Moe) Berg extends his errorless streak to 117 games, setting a new American League record for catchers.

Quite possibly one of the most unique individuals to ever put on a baseball uniform, Moe Berg got his start in the major leagues in 1923 with the Brooklyn Robins, playing in 49 games as an infielder. Moe wouldn't return to the major leagues until 1926 with the Chicago White Sox. During the 1927 season, Moe first became a catcher when other Chicago catchers were injured. He would remain a catcher for the remainder of his career, excluding 1 game at 1st base while playing for the Red Sox in his last season as an active player.

Moe would play for Brooklyn, the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians (twice), Washington Senators and finish his career in Boston. Moe spent 1932, 1933 and a portion of the 1934 seasons in Washington before finishing the season with the Indians.

What made Moe so unique was his classical education, his law degree and his ability to speak a number of languages (anywhere from 7 to 14 depending on your reference).

After his baseball playing days were done, Moe joined the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, precursor to today's CIA) and spent a part of World War II behind enemy lines in Nazi occupied Europe, a dangerous task for anyone, but even moreso for Moe, who was Jewish.

Moe, who died in May of 1972, has had at least 3 books written about him-quite an achievement for a lifetime .243 hitter with 6 home runs!

Moe Berg career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bergmo01)

More on Moe Berg from Wikipedia:

Moe Berg at Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_Berg)

From the Jewish Virtual Library:

Moe Berg (1902-1972) (http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/MBerg.html)

1961 "Old vs. New" Major league baseball debuts in Minnesota with the expansion Senators facing the Minnesota Twins, last year's Washington Senators. The new guys win it, 5-3. Joe McClain ups his record to 2-0 with Dave Sisler getting the save. Dale Long homers for Washington, Lenny Green and Don Mincher homer for Minnesota.

Don Mincher made his major league debut in April of 1960 with the Washington Senators. Making the move to Minnesota with the original Senators, Don would also play for the California Angels, Seattle Pilots, Oakland Athletics, expansion Senators, Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics (again) in a 13 year career.

Don is the answer to one of my favorite baseball trivia questions: "Who is the only player to have played with both versions of the Washington Senators and the teams they became?"

Don Mincher career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=minchdo01)

Don is still active in baseball as president of the Southern League. Here's Don today:

Don Mincher, Southern League president (http://southern.league.milb.com/about/page.jsp?ymd=20070221&content_id=180465&vkey=about_l111&fext=.jsp&sid=l111)

1972 After going 1-3 on the road, the newly relocated Texas Rangers, formerly the expansion Washington Senators, debut in Texas, winning their first game 7-6 against the visiting California Angels.

Former Senators Dick Bosman, Casey Cox and Paul Lindblad do the duties on the mound with Bosman getting the win, Lindblad the save. Clyde Wright gets tagged with the loss. Former Senators Frank Howard & Dave Nelson homer for Texas.

The Senators drew 655,156 fans during their last season in Washington. The move to Texas didn't bring the instant riches that owner Bob Short predicted. The Rangers would only draw 662,974 patrons, an increase of 7,818 fans.

Senators Birthday William Kiernan (Bill) Haywood B 4/21/1937 Still living

A "one season wonder" with the 1968 Senators, Bill was a 31 year old rookie, appearing in 14 games, finishing with a 0-0 record and 4.70 ERA.

Bill Haywood career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=haywobi01)

Aa3rt

04-21-2008, 10:14 PM

Not much to report in Senators "news" on this date, however there are a quartet of Senators birthdays to celebrate. In alphabetical order...

Steve Jones B April 22, 1941 Still living

Pitching just 3 years in the major leagues, Steve started his career with the Chicago White Sox in 1967 and came to the Senators, along with Ron Hansen and Dennis Higgins in a trade for Tim Cullen, Buster Harum and Bob Priddy. In 1969 he would play for the Kansas City Royals.

Steve Jones career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=jonesst01)

John Orsino B April 22, 1938 Still living

John Orsino played for 7 years in the majors with the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles and finished his career with the Washington Senators in 1966 & 1967. John was a catcher who could also fill in at 1st base.

John Orsino career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=orsinjo01)

Bob Schmidt B April 22, 1933 Still living

A career catcher, Bob also spent 7 years in the majors with the Giants, Reds, Senators and Yankees.

Bob Schmidt career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schmibo02)

Mickey Vernon B April 22, 1918 Still living

To the "Washington faithful" Mickey Vernon needs no introduction. A career 1st baseman, Mickey played the majority of his 20 year career with the original Senators. Mickey was a 7 time All Star, Batting Champ in 1946 & 1953 and led the league in doubles in 1946, 1953 & 1954.

Mickey started his career with the Senators in 1939 and played in Washington until 1943 when his career was interrupted due to military service during WWII. Returning to the Senators in 1946 until 1948, he spent a brief period in Cleveland (1949 & part of 1950) before coming back to DC where he was with the Senators through 1955. He finished his career with the Milwaukee Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates, ending his playing days in 1960.

Mickey Vernon career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=vernomi01)

When the American League expanded in 1961 to 10 teams, Mickey was a sentimental favorite to manage the expansion Senators franchise. Unfortunately the talent Mickey displayed as a player couldn't be transferred to some of the teams he managed-he was saddled with one of the most woeful expansion franchises ever assembled. After the Senators finished in last place in 1961* & 1962, losing 100 & 101 games respectively, Mickey was fired 40 games into the 1963 season, with the Senators again in last place and a record of 14-26. Ned Yost served as interim manager, going 0-1 and was replaced by Gil Hodges. Under Gil's guidance the Senators went 42-79 over the rest of the 1963 season for a final record of 56-106, once again finishing in last place. :ughh

I've long maintained that had it not been for the 1962 Mets going 40-120 in their inaugural season in the media capital of the world, the 1963 Senators would be better remembered as one of the most inept expansion teams to ever (dis)grace a major league baseball diamond.

Expansion Senators managerial records (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/mgrtmtr2.shtml)

*Tied for 9th place with the Kansas City Athletics.

Steve Jeltz

04-21-2008, 11:16 PM

Mickey Vernon is from my neck of the woods, born and raised in Chester, PA. Even though I never saw Mickey play, I have heard from others that witnessed Mickey play state that he was a quite a ballplayer and they believe that Mickey belongs in Cooperstown. The sports editor for the Delaware County Daily Times has lobbied in the past for the HOF Veterans Commitee to elect Mickey to the Hall of Fame. I remember watching a Phillies-Nationals game from 2005 and the Phillies "honored" Vernon at Citizens Bank Park. Phils broadcaster Harry Kalas mentioned that Mickey was his favorite player when he was growing up.

Aa3rt

04-23-2008, 07:15 AM

1919 Walter Johnson records his 5th Opening Day shutout, defeating the Philadelphia Athletics 1-0 in 13 innings.

1969 30 years to the day after he hit his 1st major league home run, Ted Williams returns to Fenway Park as the manager of the Washington Senators. The Senators win 9-3, with Joe Coleman getting the win and Ken McMullen and Mike Epstein homering for the visitors.

Senators Birthdays

I knew when I began this thread it would be no easy task. Today we have to dig really deep to find some Senators players born on this date. Once again, in alphabetical order...

Beveric Benton "Belve" Bean B April 23, 1905 D June 1, 1988

Hailing from the Lone Start State, "Belve" or "Bill" Bean spent 5 years (1930, 1931, 1933-1935) as a pitcher in the majors, spending most most of his time with the Cleveland Indians. He ended his pitching days with the Senators, where he appeared in 10 games, finishing with a 2-0 record and an ERA of 7.26.

"Belve" Bean career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=beanbe01)

Bob Ganley B April 23,1875 D Oct. 9, 1945

An outfielder whose career began with the 1905 Pittsburgh Pirates, Ganley spent 1907, 1908 and the early part of 1909 with the Senators before finishing his playing days with the 1909 Philadelphia Athletics.

Bob Ganley career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ganlebo01)

Samuel Mack "Sammy" Meeks B April 23, 1923 D April 23, 2007

A utility infielder who spent most of his time at short, but could also fill in at second and third, Sammy appeared in 24 games with the 1948 Senators. In 33 AB he only managed 4 hits (one double) for a batting average of .121. Sammy spent the next 3 seasons on the roster of the Cincinnati Reds.

Sammy Meeks career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=meekssa01)

Aa3rt

04-24-2008, 06:49 AM

Digging deep (again) for some Senators news on this date...

1923 President Warren G. Harding witnesses the first shutout thrown at Yankee Stadium. The victims were the Washington Senators, who lose 4-0 to the Yankees. The Senators would end the season in 4th place with a 75-78 record.

Senators Birthday

Harry Harper B April 24, 1895 D April 23, 1963

Starting his 10 year major league career with the Senators in 1913, Harper would see his best season in 1916 when he finished the season with a 14-10 record. After leaving the Senators, Harper would spend single seasons with the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and finish in Brooklyn with the Robins in 1923.

Harry Harper career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=harpeha01)

Aa3rt

04-25-2008, 10:04 AM

Senators Birthdays

Red Bird B Apr. 25, 1890 D Mar. 23, 1972

With a name like Red Bird, you'd have thought this guy would have been a natural with the St. Louis Cardinals. ;)

However, that wasn't to be the case. The mysterious Mr. Bird appeared in one game for the Senators in 1921. His official line lists him as having pitched 5 innings, giving up 3 runs (all earned) with 1 walk, 2 strike outs and 1 hit batter and no decision. That's where the story ends on Mr. Bird.

Red Bird career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=birdre01)

Bobby Estalella B Apr. 25, 1911 D Jan. 6, 1991

Almost 5 years ago now, when I first joined BBF, one of my first posts here in the Senators forum was a query on how many players had the "distinction" (or should I say "suffered the fate"?) of having played for the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and the Washington Senators.

After some research I would learn that, to the best of my knowledge, 14 players have worn the uniforms of the A's, Browns and Senators during the span of their careers.

One of the players who holds that dubious distinction is outfielder* Bobby Estalella. First appearing in the major leagues in 1935, Bobby spent the 1935, '36 & 39 seasons with the Senators, reappearing again in 1941 with the St. Louis Browns. 1942 found him back in Washington and he finished his career further up the eastern seaboard in Philadelphia from 1943-1945. He jumped to the Mexican League in 1946 but appeared one last time with the A's in 1949.

*And sometime 1st & 3rd baseman.

Bobby Estalella career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=estalbo01)

Senators death

Carlos Paula B Nov. 28, 1917 D Apr. 25, 1983

When I first decided to try and document a daily Senators highlight for a calendar year, I thought I would try to cover births and not deaths, unless they were particularly notable. While from a statistics perspective, the 3 year (1954-1956) career of Havana, Cuba born Carlos Paula is not particularly notable, Paula is best remembered as the first black player with the Washington Senators.

Carlos first appeared in a Senators uniform on Sep. 6, 1954, more than 7 years after Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

In 1955, Carlos played in 86 games as an outfielder, hitting 7 triples, 6 home runs but committing 10 errors in the field. His brief major league career ended on Jun. 23rd, 1956.

While not a great hitter or fielder, let us remember Carlos Paula as the man who broke the color line with one of baseball's last segregated franchises.

Carlos Paula career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=paulaca01)

Aa3rt

04-25-2008, 11:23 PM

1901 The American League starts play in Philadelphia, with the Senators besting the Philadelphia Athletics by the score of 5-1.

1931 The Senators defeat the New York Yankees by a score of 9-7. A bizarre play seals the win for the Senators and possibly costs Lou Gherig the 1931 home run crown. With Yankee Lyn Lary on base, Gehrig homers, a smash that clears the fence but bounces back into the hands of center fielder Harry Rice. Thinking the ball was caught for the third out, Lary heads for the dugout. Gehrig, running with his head down, is called out for passing the runner. Gehrig ends the season tied with Babe Ruth-both have hit 46 home runs. Gehrig finished the season with 184 RBI.

Senators Birthdays

Robert Sylvester (Buzz) Murphy B Apr. 26, 1895 D May 11, 1938

Outfielder Buzz Murphy played in 79 games with the Senators in 1919, collecting 66 hits in 252 at bats, good for a .262 batting average. In 1918, he played for the Boston Braves.

"Buzz" Murphy career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=murphbu01)

Sam Dente B Apr. 26, 1922 D Apr. 21, 2002

Sam Dente's baseball career started with the Boston Red Sox in 1947. He spent the 1949-1951 seasons with the Senators, playing 2nd & 3rd base and shortstop. Other stops during his playing days found him making stops with the St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox and ending his career with the Cleveland Indians in 1955.

Sam Dente career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dentesa01)

Aa3rt

04-27-2008, 12:47 AM

1947 It's Babe Ruth Day at Yankee Stadium. 58,339 fans in attendance hear the Babe give his farewell address. Ruth, who was suffering from throat cancer would succumb to the disease the next year. The Senators spoil the the tribute winning 1-0 with the Senators Sid Hudson getting the victory over Spurgeon (Spud) Chandler.

1970 The Senators trade 3rd baseman Ken McMullen to the California Angels for infielder Aurelio Rodriguez and outfielder Rick Reichardt. Reichardt had received a $200,000 bonus in 1964 to sign with the Angels. At the time he was hitting .167 in 9 games for California. Reichardt would appear in 107 games with the Senators, batting .267 with 70 hits, 15 home runs and 46 RBI. He would be traded to the Chicago White Sox prior to the 1971 season for pitcher Gerry Janeski.

1971 Curt Flood leaves the Senators after 15 games, he was batting just .200 at the time. In a 22 word telegram to owner Bob Short he writes: "I tried. A year and a half is too much. Very serious problems mounting every day. Thanks for your confidence and understanding". Rumors of financial problems surrounded Flood, in part stemming from his lawsuit against baseball's reserve clause.

Senators Birthdays

George Archie B Apr. 27, 1914 D Sep. 20, 2001

George Albert Archie spent 3 separate, and brief, stints in the major leagues. In 1938, he played in 3 games with the Detroit Tigers. He returned in 1941 to play 105 games with Washington and an additional 9 with the St. Louis Browns. Then, after another 4 year hiatus, (I'm assuming his career was interrupted by WWII.) he returned in 1946 to play in 4 last games with the St. Louis Browns.

Primarily a 1st/3rd baseman, Archie was traded by Washington to the St. Louis Browns for one of April 25th's birthday boys, Bobby Estalella.

George Archie career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=archige01)

Orth Collins B Apr. 27, 1890 D Dec. 13, 1949

Orth Stein (Buck) Collins is another "short timer" with a broken period of time in the majors. Playing 5 games with the New York Highlanders (later Yankees) in 1904, Collins would not return to the majors until 1909 when he appeared in 8 games for the Senators. He was an outfielder who was pressed into 1 inning of relief pitching by Washington.

Orth Collins career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=collior01)

"Dutch" Hinrichs B Apr 27, 1889 D Aug. 18, 1972

William Louis (Dutch) Hinrichs was a pitcher who played in 3 games for the 1910 Senators. He is charged with 1 loss and an ERA of 2.57 in 7 innings pitched.

Dutch Hinrichs career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hinridu01)

"Jug" Thesenga B Apr. 27, 1914 D Dec. 3, 2002

A 30 year old rookie, Arnold Joseph (Jug) Thesenga appeared in 5 games for the Senators in 1944. He started 1 game, pitched 12.3 innings, giving up 18 hits and 9 runs (7 earned) for a 5.11 ERA.

Jug Thesenga career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=theseju01)

"Kite" Thomas B Apr. 27, 1923 D Jan. 7, 1995

Completing April 27th's birthday list is Keith Marshall (Kite) Thomas. Playing 2 years in the majors, Thomas played the majority of his brief career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1952 & 1953. He was picked up off waivers by Washington in June of '53, and played a grand total of 9 games in a Senators uniform, mainly as an outfielder.

Kite Thomas career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thomaki01)

Steve Jeltz

04-27-2008, 10:32 PM

1911 Walter Johnson picks up his first victory of the season with a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia. The only run yielded by the the "Big Train" is a solo HR to Frank "Home Run" Baker. This will be the first of 25 wins for Johnson as he will finish fifth in the AL MVP voting.

Birthdays

Pedro Ramos, B: April 28,1935, Still Alive

A veteran of 15 major league seasons, the native of Pinar Del Rio, Cuba was an All Star for the Senators in 1959. Used mostly as a starter in his 5 seasons with Washington, Ramos would become an effective reliever in the latter half of his career, particularly with the Yankees. As a late season pickup by the Yankees in 1964, Ramos was an instrumental part of their pennant winning team. Ramos also pitched with Minnesota, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. He ended his career with a 4 game stint with the 1970 Senators, thus becoming one of 6 players to play for both the original and expansion Senators.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/ramospe01.shtml

Tom Sturdivant B: April 28, 1930 Still Alive

Drafted from Boston in the 1960 Expansion draft, Sturdivant appeared in 15 games with the Sens in 1961, logging a 2-6 record with a 4.61 ERA. Sturdivant was traded to Pittsburgh on June 28, 1961 for P Tom Cheney.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/s/sturdto01.shtml

Frank McGee, B: April 28, 1899 D: January 30, 1934

McGee appeared in 2 games with the 1925 Senators. He went hitless in 3 AB with 1 strikeout.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/mcgeefr01.shtml

I hope I'm not stepping on your toes, Aa3rt.

Aa3rt

04-29-2008, 06:46 AM

1971 Playing their last season as the Washington Senators, the Senators, with a 12-8 won-lost record, head to Chicago to face the White Sox.

Despite home runs from Mike Epstein and Bernie Allen, the Senators would lose 5-4. This is the start of a 6 game losing streak from which the Senators would never recover, finishing the season at 63-96, for a .396 winning percentage. Chicago pitcher Tom Bradley ups his record to 3-0 with the win, Darold Knowles is charged with the loss for the Senators.

Senators Birthdays

Mickey McDermott B Apr. 29, 1929 D Aug. 7, 2003

Maurice Joseph (Mickey) McDermott first appeared in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox in 1948. In a career that spanned 12 years he also played for the Washington Senators, New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics (2 separate stints), Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.

Mickey's years wearing the uniform of the Washington Senators were 1954 & 1955, where he compiled a 17-25 record over 2 seasons. His best year was 1953 when he went 18-10 for the Red Sox. Mickey came to the Senators, along with Tom Umphlett, in a trade for Jackie Jensen.

Mickey McDermott career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcdermi03)

Steve Ridzik B Apr. 29, 1929 D Jan. 8, 2008

Another well travelled player, Steve Ridzik first played in 1 game for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1950. He returned to Philadelphia in 1952, playing for the Phillies and going to the Cincinnati Reds during the 1955 season. He spent 1956 & 1957 with the New York Giants and spent a portion of 1958 with the Cleveland Indians. Then he would not play in the majors again until 1963 when he showed up on the roster of the expansion Senators where he would play from 1963 to 1965 compiling a 3 year total of 11-15. He was purchased by the Philles in early 1966 where he would end his career.

Steve Ridzik career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ridzist01)

Steve Jeltz

04-29-2008, 04:31 PM

1969- At Tiger Stadium, Senators starter Joe Coleman heads into the bottom of the 9th inning with a 4-2 lead over Detroit. Coleman retires 3B Tom Matchick on a fly to left for the first out, but gives up a single to C Bill Freehan and a walk to PH Dave Campbell. Manager Ted Williams lifts Coleman for Frank Bertaina, who walks 2B Dick McAuliffe to load the bases. Williams makes another pitching change by summoning closer Dennis Higgins. SS Mikey Stanley deposits a double to center that scores all 3 Tiger runners as the Senators lose a tough one to the defending WS Champs. Despite pitching to one batter, Bertaina suffers the loss.

Joe Coleman was a 1st round choice of Washington in the first MLB draft in June,1965. Coleman was one of the players that the Senators gave up in the disastrous Denny McLain trade after the 1970 season. Coleman became a two time 20 game winner wth Detroit over 6 seasons with the Tigers. Over a 14 year career, he pitched for Washington, Detroit, the Cubs, Oakland, Toronto, San Francisco and Pittsburgh. After retiring in 1979, he became a pitching coach, most notably with San Diego.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/colemjo05.shtml

Frank Bertaina was acquired by the Senators in a trade from the Baltimore Orioles along with Mike Epstein for Pete Richert in May, 1967. Bertaina pitched part of 3 years with the Senators going 14-21 in his stint with Washington from 1967 to mid 1969. He was traded back to Baltimore for minor leaguer Pete Campbell in June, 1969. Bertaina ended his career with St. Louis in 1970.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/bertafr01.shtml

Dennis Higgins, who gave up the game winning double to Stanley, pitched 2 seasons with the Senators in 1968 & 1969, logging 29 saves while compiling a 14-13 record in 104 relief appearances. He also pitched for the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland and St. Louis in his 7 year career. Higgins is a cousin of current White Sox 3B Joe Crede.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/h/higgide01.shtml

Aa3rt

04-30-2008, 01:47 PM

1939 The Senators win 3-2, beating the Yankees in New York. Making the game notable is the fact that Lou Gehrig's 2,130 consecutive game streak comes to an end today. He is hitting .143 with just 4 hits since the beginning of the season.

Senators Birthdays

Tony Brottem B Apr. 30, 1891 D Aug. 5, 1929

Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1916 & 1918, Tony Brottem would reappear in the major leagues in 1921, playing just 4 games as a catcher for the Senators and would finish his playing days with the Pittsburgh Pirates that same year.

Tony Brottem career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brottto01)

Bob Edmundson B Apr. 30, 1879 D Aug. 14, 1931

Bob Edmundson was another to have a brief career, this one entirely with the Senators. An outfielder who also made 2 pitching appearances, Edmundson played in just 3 games in the 1906 season and would resurface in 1908 to play in 26 games.

Bob Edmundson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=edmonbo01)

Kenneth Leo (Ken) Retzer B Apr. 30, 1934 Still living

Another catcher, Ken Retzer appeared with the expansion Senators from 1961 to 1964 playing in 237 games over that span. After the 1964 season he was traded to the Minnesota Twins for Joe McCabe.

Ken Retzer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=retzeke01)

Steve Jeltz

04-30-2008, 09:50 PM

1901 The Senators, after bolting to a 4-0 start, suffer their 1st American League defeat. The opponent was none other than the John McGraw led Baltimore Orioles, the forerunners to the Yankees. The Orioles take a 6-4 win in Washington. The Sens would complete their inaugural season with in 6th place with a record of 61-72 under manager Jim Manning. It would be Manning's first and last managerial job.

1925 The defending World Champion Senators improve to 10-3 with a 9-4 victory over Philadelphia. The significance of this game? This game marked the debut of a 17 year old kid by the name of Jimmie Foxx. Foxx hit a pinch single in his debut. Tom Zachary was the Senators winning pitcher.

1927 Rookie Hod Lisenbee shutouts the Red Sox 6-0 in his first major league start at Griffith Stadium. Lisenbee would compile an 18-9, 3.57 ERA for the 1927 Sens. Lisenbee would never approach those numbers again, as injuries and ineffectiveness curtailed his career. In one of the Senators best trades, Lisenbee was shipped to the Red Sox after the 1928 season in multi player deal that netted Washington Buddy Myer again, an important player for the 1933 pennant winning Senators.

Lisenbee's stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/l/lisenho01.shtml

1944 At Boston, Sens 2B George Myatt goes 6 for 6 in Washington's 11-4 rout of the Red Sox. Myatt began his career in the NL with the NY Giants in 1938 before the Cardinals purchased his contract before the 1941 season. Myatt did not play a game for the Cards in two seasons and was left unprotected in the the 1942 Rule 5 draft, where Washington selected him. His best season as a Senator was in 1945 when he placed 5th in the AL MVP voting.

After Myatt's playing days ended in 1947, he would go on to a coaching and managing career in the minors and majors. Myatt's only major league managerial position occurred when he succeeded Gene Mauch as the Phillies manager during the 1968 season. A rocky relationship with mercurial Phils star Dick Allen and a 19-35 start in 1969, would eventually seal Myatt's fate as the Phils skipper.

George Myatt stats:http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/myattge01.shtml

Aa3rt

05-02-2008, 10:09 PM

1941 In the first night game at Griffith Stadium, the Yankees defeat the Senators 6-5.

Senators Birthday

We have to dredge REALLY deep for this one...

David Austin (Del) Howard B May 1, 1889 D Jan. 26, 1956

Dave Howard's first (and presumably only) game with the Washington Senators came on May 8, 1912. He is credited with 1 run scored and no official at bats. Howard would resurface in 1915 with the Brooklyn Tip-Tops of the Federal League, where he appeared in 24 games at second and third base and as an outfielder.

Dave Howard career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=howarda01)

Aa3rt

05-02-2008, 10:13 PM

Senators Birthday

Lucas Newton Turk B May 2, 1898 D Jan. 11, 1994

Another obscure player, Lucas Turk appeared in 5 games with the Senators in 1922, finishing with no won/lost record and an ERA of 6.94 in 11.2 innings pitched.

Lucas Turk career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=turklu01)

Aa3rt

05-02-2008, 10:25 PM

1952 The Senators and Yankees make a 6 player trade, the Senators receive Jackie Jensen, Frank (Spec) Shea, Archie Wilson and minor league infielder Jerry Snyder. The Senators send Irv Noren and Tom Upton to New York.

1962 The Senators trade Willie Tasby to the Cleveland Indians. In return, Steve Hamilton and Don Rudolph suit up in Senators uniforms.

Senators Birthday

Charles Edward (Chuck) Hinton, Jr. B May 3, 1934 Still living

Fans of the early expansion Senators probably remember Chuck Hinton as one of the few bright spots on an otherwise lackluster roster. Chuck spent 11 years in the majors, starting with the Washington Senators in 1961. He spent 1965-1967 & 1969-1971 on the roster of the Cleveland Indians, with an interruption in 1968 playing for the California Angels.

Probably Chuck's best year came in 1962 when he hit .310 with 17 home runs in 151 games for a Senators team that would lose 101 games.

Chuck Hinton career record. (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hintoch01)

Steve Jeltz

05-02-2008, 11:54 PM

1923 Walter Johnson pitches the 100th shutout of his career with a 3-0 win over the Yankees at Griffith Stadium. The "Big Train" would record 113 shutouts, still a major league record.

Walter Johnson stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/j/johnswa01.shtml

Dougman59

05-03-2008, 06:59 AM

Roy Siever career stats are interesting. He had an excellent rookie season. Then a sophmore slump turning into 3 years of very limited MLB action (injured or in the minor?) Then he makes a comeback with Washington, subsequently putting in 10 years in the majors. I'm trying to think of somebody in the modern era who had similar career path.

Aa3rt

05-03-2008, 04:28 PM

Roy Siever career stats are interesting. He had an excellent rookie season. Then a sophmore slump turning into 3 years of very limited MLB action (injured or in the minor?)

Dougman59-Sievers rookie season was good enough that he won "Rookie of the Year" honors. According to a writeup in Wikipedia, he was bothered by arm and shoulder injuries during the 1951-1953 seasons.

Roy Sievers at Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Sievers)

Aa3rt

05-03-2008, 08:31 PM

Senators Birthdays

A quintet of birthdays to remark this May 4th:

Larry Francis Drake B May 4, 1921 D Jul. 14, 1985

An outfielder with a very short career, Larry Drake first appeared in 1 game for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1945. He resurfaced in the majors with the Senators in 1948 where he appeared in 4 games, with 2 hits in 7 AB.

Larry Drake career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=drakela01)

Howard Dean (Howie) Koplitz B May 4, 1938 Still living

A pitcher who started his career with the Detroit Tigers in 1961, Koplitz played 2 years with the Tigers, then returned to the major leagues in 1964 with the Senators where he spent parts of 3 seasons, through 1966.

His career record is 9 wins, 7 losses. He went 4-7 with the 1965 Senators.

Howie Koplitz career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kopliho01)

John Anthony (Ox) Miller B May 4, 1915 D Aug. 13, 2007

Beginning his career with the 1943 Senators, Miller split time between the Senators and St. Louis Browns in 1943. He returned to the majors in 1945 and spent 1945 & 1946 with the Browns, ending his playing days with the Chicago Cubs in 1947.

Ox Miller career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=milleox01)

Richard Louis (Dick) Nold B May 4, 1943 Still living

Spending part of 1 season with the 1967 Senators, Nold finished with an 0-2 career record, with an ERA of 4.97 in 20.1 innings pitched.

Dick Nold career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=nolddi01)

John Thomas (Jack) Tobin B May 4, 1892 D Dec. 10, 1969

Jack Tobin's career began in 1914 with the St. Louis Terriers of the Federal League. He spent 1916, 1918-1925 with the St. Louis Browns. In 1926 he appeared in 27 games in a Senators uniform before finishing the season with the Boston Red Sox, where he ended his baseball career after the 1927 season. An outfielder, he would finish with a lifetime batting average of .309. His best year would be 1919 when he hit .327 in 127 games for the Browns.

Jack Tobin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=tobinja01)

Steve Jeltz

05-03-2008, 09:51 PM

I noticed the Topps rookie card that Dick Nold shared with Frankie Coggins. What were the expectations for Coggins after he hit over .300 upon his September call up in 1967? I checked Coggins career stats and noticed that, after his Sept. flash, he fizzled in 1968 hitting .175 in 62 games.

Steve Jeltz

05-04-2008, 11:42 PM

1904 After losing their first 13 games of the season, Washington finally picks up its first win by defeating the NY Highlanders 9-4 at Hilltop Park. 3 days later, with the Senators sitting at 1-16, player-manager Mallachi Kiitridge is relieved of his managerial duties in favor of Patsy Donavan, who is embroiled in a contract dispute with the St. Louis Cardinals. Donavan eventually settles the dispute and becomes the Senators manager. Donavan would not fare better than his predecessor, going 37-97 over the rest of the year. The Senators finish 1904 at 38-113, a winning pct. of .252, the worse in franchise history.

Aa3rt

05-05-2008, 08:47 PM

Two Senators birthdays to note today...

Harley Grossman B May 5, 1930 D Sep. 5, 2003

Harley Grossman's "career" was probably something that would best be left unremarked. 1 game, 0.1 innings pitched giving up 2 runs for a career ERA of 54.04. :ughh But for that 1 day, at least, he did appear in a major league uniform, on the roster of a major league team and has a place in the baseball record books, something that many of us can only dream about.

Harley Grossman career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=grossha01)

Joe McClain B May 5, 1933 Still living

Joe McClain has the distinction of being the first pitcher to record a win for the expansion Senators franchise on April 14, 1961 over the Cleveland Indians. He looked like a promising pitcher for the expansion Senators in the early 1961 season, going 7-7 with a 3.19 ERA. Unfortunately the wheels fell off after the All-Star break, his record 1-11 with a 4.76 ERA in the second half of the season. His totals for the year were 8-18 with an ERA of 3.86. Returning with the Senators in 1962, he went 0-4 with a 9.38 ERA before being sent to Syracuse in June. He would never return to the majors.

Joe McClain career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcclajo01)

And a happy birthday to my father who turns 82 today. Born in 1926, a year that would see the St. Louis Cardinals defeat the New York Yankees 4 games to 3 for the World Championship. Frederick (Firpo) Marberry of the Washington Senators would lead the American League in appearances with 64 and saves with 22. After winning the World Series in 1924 and the American League pennant in 1925, the Senators would slip to 4th place with an 81-69 record, behind the pennant winning New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Athletics.

Steve Jeltz

05-05-2008, 09:27 PM

Hope your father had a great birthday, Aa3rt!

Steve Jeltz

05-05-2008, 10:38 PM

1967 Behind 9th inning solo homers by Bob Chance and Paul Casanova, the Senators win their 3rd straight by shutting out the Angels 2-0 in Anaheim. Darold Knowles picks up the victory with 6 solid innings of relief, scattering 2 hits and striking out 6.

Aa3rt

05-06-2008, 07:12 AM

Senators Birthdays

Patrick Henry (Pat) Duff B May 6, 1875 D Sep. 11, 1925

Another VERY brief appearance in a Senators uniform, Pat Duff appeared in one game with the Senators in 1906, at the age of 30. What he did in that at bat, we have no idea except that he didn't hit safely, ending his career going 0 for 1 with a batting average of .000. According to the records he did not field, so Pat Duff's proverbial "cup of coffee" in the majors was served on April 16, 1906.

Pat Duff career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=duffpa01)

Myron Winthrop (Mike) McCormick B May 6, 1917 D Apr. 13, 1976

There have been 3 players in the major leagues known as Mike McCormick. (Two of them have spent time in a Senators uniform.) The Mike McCormick of interest to us on May 6th was an outfielder who played in the majors for 10 years, missing 1944 & 1945 during WWII. Starting in 1940 with the Cincinnati Reds, this Mike McCormick would also spend time with the Boston Braves, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, Chicago White Sox and finish his career in 1951 with the Senators where he would play in 81 games, collecting 70 hits in 243 at bats, good for a respectable .288 average during his one season playing for Washington.

Mike McCormick career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mccormi02)

Steve Jeltz

05-06-2008, 09:33 PM

1917 Boston's Babe Ruth outduels Walter Johnson 1-0 in Washington. The only run is a sacrifice fly by, who else, the Babe himself.

1957 Charlie Dressen is dismissed as the Senators manager after the Sens drop 8 straight to fall to 5-16. Under new manager Cookie Lavagetto, the Senators drop their 9th straight as they fall to the Tigers 5-3 at Briggs Stadium in Detroit. Jim Lemon, Pete Runnels and Faye Thorneberry drive in the Senators 3 runs. Ted Abernathy of the Senators falls to 0-3.

1965 The Senators sweep a doubleheader from the Yankees at RFK Stadium winning by the scores of 4-3 and 7-3. Jim King's 2 run pinch hit HR in the 7th off the Yanks Mel Stottlemyre that breaks a 2-2 tie is the difference in the first game. In the nightcap, the Senators provide more 7th inning magic by scoring 5 runs to erase a 3-2 deficit. Frank Howard's 3 run triple and former Yank Woddie Held's 2 run HR off former Senator Pedro Ramos punctuates the 5 run outburst. Ron Kline saves both ends of the doubleheader with his 6th and 7th saves.

1971 In Minnesota, the Senators score 4 runs in the top of the 9th inning to defeat the Twins 6-5. Trailing 5-2 with 2 outs and nobody on against Bert Blyleven, Washington RF Tom McGraw starts the rally with a triple. Former Twin Bernie Allen follows with an RBI single to center to cut the Twins lead to 2. Catcher Paul Casanova comes through in the clutch with a game tying 2 run homer to chase Blyleven. With the score now tied, SS Toby Harrah greets new Twins pitcher Ray Corbin with a single to left center. After Corbin throws a wild pitch to advance Harrah to second base, PH Denny Billings hits a flyball to right field that is misplayed by Twins RF Tony Oliva that allows Harrah to score the go ahead run.

Aa3rt

05-07-2008, 08:45 AM

Senators Birthdays

Today we have another quartet of Senators birthdays to highlight...

Sydney Harry (Syd) Cohen B May 7, 1906 D Apr. 9, 1988

Syd Cohen pitched 3 years for the Washington Senators (1934, 1936, 1937) appearing in a grand total of 55 games over those 3 seasons, with a W-L record of 3-7 and an ERA of 4.54.

Syd Cohen career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cohensy01)

Case Lyman Patten B May 7, 1874 D May 31, 1935

A truly "original" Washington Senator, Case Patten's career began in 1901, the inaugural year of the American League. Patten would pitch for the Senators from 1901-1908 and appear in 1 game with the Boston Red Sox in 1908.

He ended his first season with a record of 18-10 and an ERA of 3.93. With the 1906 Senators his record was 19-16 with an ERA of 2.17. Overall, he was 105-127 with Washington, with another loss for the Red Sox thrown in for good measure.

Case Patten career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=patteca01)

Henri Joseph Rondeau B May 7, 1887 D May 28, 1943

Henri Rondeau first appeared in the major leagues in 1913 as a 1st baseman/catcher for the Detroit Tigers in 1913. He returned to the majors in 1915, playing 2 seasons for the Senators in the outfield. His most active season, 1916, was also his last. He appeared in 50 games, going 36 for 162 (.222 BA) with 1 home run.

Henri Rondeau career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rondehe01)

Jonathan Thompson Walton (Tom) Zachary B May 7, 1896 D Jan. 24, 1969

Tom Zachary's career spanned 19 years and he was on the roster of 7 different major league teams. Beginning with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1918, he spent the majority of his career with the Washington Senators (1919-1925, 1927-1928) but also saw service with the St. Louis Browns, New York Yankees, Boston Braves, Brooklyn Dodgers and ended his career in 1936 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Zachary is one of those 14 players who holds the "distinction" of having played for the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators.

He played for the World Champion Washington Senators in 1924 and went 2-0 in the World Series. He also pitched to a 1-0 record for the New York Yankees in the 1926 Series.

Tom Zachary career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=zachato01)

Steve Jeltz

05-08-2008, 10:26 AM

1912- Walter Johnson's five game win streak is snapped with a 7-6 defeat at the hand of the White Sox in Washington.

1914- May 8 must not have been a good day for the "Big Train" in his career. On this date in 1914, Johnson comes on in relief against the A's and gives up 6 runs in 3 innings in a game that ends in a 9-9 tie. The "Big Train" throws the only beanball of his career at Frank "Home Run" Baker, who is a career .385 hitter against Johnson until this game. After this game, Baker would only hit .207 off Johnson for the rest of his career.

1937 Bobo Newsome hits the only homer of his career off Detroit's Schoolboy Rowe. The Senators win 8-3 at Detroit.

1948 After suffering 3 straight shutouts, the Senators finally score but still lose to Cleveland 6-1 in Washington. The highlight of this game is Cleveland's Larry Doby's 408 foot, 3 run, inside the park HR which hits the loudspeakers in CF. The ball is declared by the umpire as in play as it bounces back onto the field.

1971 The Senators trade 1B Mike Epstein and P Darold Knowles to Oakland for 1B Don Mincher, P Paul Linblad, C Frank Fernandez and cash. For Mincher, he would become one of 6 players to have played for both the original and expansion Senators.

Senators Birthday

No one who ever played for the Washington Senators was born on May 8th.

Steve Jeltz

05-08-2008, 10:59 PM

1904 After dropping a 6-3 decision in Philadelphia that drops the Senators to 1-16, Malachi Kittridge is dismissed as the Sens interim manager. Kittridge returns to his catcher position. Patsy Donavan, the Sens original choice to be the manager, finally settles his contract dispute with the Cardinals and is handed the managerial reigns by Senators vice president and business manager William Dwyer. Donavan, in his only major league stint as a manager, finishes the year as the Sens go 38-113. Both Donavan and Dwyer will be gone by the next season.

1958 After rainouts of six straight home games, the Yankees defeat the Senators 9-5 at Yankee Stadium. The highlight of the game is Mickey Mantle's solo, inside the park homer that breaks a 2-2 tie in the 3rd inning. Yogi Berra drives in 3 RBI for the New Yorkers. For the Senators, 1B Norm Zauchin connects for his 3rd homer of the year and goes 2 for 3 with 2 RBI. Bob Turley of the Yanks gets the complete game win, while Pedro Ramos of the Sens drops to 2-1 with the loss.

1960 The young Senators throttle the Kansas City A's 8-1 at Griffith Stadium. Camillo Pascual strikes out 11 in the complete game 3 hitter for the Sens. RF Bob Allison and C Earl Battey each drive in 2 RBI. CF Dan Dobbek, LF Jim Lemon and 3B Reno Bertoia join the hit parade with 2 hits apiece and a RBI. Allison and Lemon connect for their 2nd and 6th homers of the year, respectively.

Senators Birthday

Lewis L. (Lew) Drill B May 9, 1877 D July 4, 1969

Lew Drill appeared in the major leagues from 1902-1905 with the Washington Senators, Baltimore Orioles (playing their last season in Baltimore before moving to New York to become the Highlanders, later Yankees) and ended his career with the Detroit Tigers.

Starting with the Senators in 1902, Drill played 38 games for Washington. In July he was "loaned" to the Baltimore Orioles where he appeared in 2 games and then was returned to Washington, where he appeared in an additional 33 games. He played a full season for the Senators in 1903. In 1904 he would appear in 46 games for Washington before being purchased by Detroit, where he played 51 games in 1904 and 72 games in 1905.

A versatile player, Drill was primarily a catcher but was also tapped to play at 1st, 2nd & 3rd base as well as the outfield.

Lew Drill career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=drillle01)

Steve Jeltz

05-09-2008, 11:24 PM

May 10 was an eventful day in the colorful history of the Senators, particularly as it pertains to Walter Johnson and a variety of streaks and records by different players.

1909 Walter Johnson suffers his second straight 1-0 shutout loss, this one to the White Sox at South Side Park. It is the third consecutive 1-0 loss for the Senators, tying the record set by the St. Louis Browns 2 weeks before. For Johnson, he would suffer 10 shutout losses for the season, establishing a 20th century ML record. Despite a 2.22 ERA, Johnson finishes the season at 13-25, the most losses of his legendary career.

1910 The Washington Post, with managing editor Scott Bone as a substantial stockholder in the Senators ownership, opines that the Senators should "trade this phenom (Johnson) for a couple of good fielders." The reason for the Post's suggestion? The Big Train has a tough outing against Chicago, giving up 7 runs in 5 innings as the Sox rout the Sens 10-3 in Washington. Johnson recovers and begins to establish himself as a top tier pitcher going 25-17 with a 1.36 ERA.

1913 Johnson tosses a 2 hitter as the Senators squeak by the White Sox 1-0 at Comiskey Park. Johnson runs his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 52.2. The streak would end at 55.2 innings, a ML record that would stand until 1968 when Don Drysdale of the Dodgers breaks it. Nonetheless, the scoreless innings streak is still the AL record. Johnson has his most dominant season and easily wins the AL MVP by winning 36, tossing 11 shutouts and posting a minuscule 1.14 ERA.

1936 Lefty Grove of the Red Sox heads into his start at Washington having only given up 1 earned run in his previous 48 innings pitched. The Sens score 4 on Grove as Bobo Newsom, in his first tour of duty with the Senators, gets the 4-0 shutout win.

1938 The Senators reel off their 7th consecutive victory by defeating the Browns in a slugfest at Griffith 8-6. With the win, the Sens move into 1st place with a 15-7 record. This would be the high point of the 1938 season as the Senators would gradually drift out of contention and finish in 5th place at 75-76.

1959 In the Bronx, the Yanks sweep a doubleheader from the Senators winning 6-3 and 3-2 in 10 innings. Ken Aspromonte of Washington drives in all 3 Sens runs with a solo HR and a 2 run single in the first game as Chuck Stobbs takes the loss. Norm Siebern of the Yankees drives in the winning run in the 10th inning of the second game with a one out double off Camilio Pascual. Yogi Berra sets a ML record for catchers in the nightcap by handling his 148th consecutive error less game.

Senators Birthday

Newton Michael (Mickey) Grasso B May 10, 1920 D Oct. 15, 1975

Catcher Mickey Grasso first played in the major leagues with the New York Giants in 1946, appearing in 7 games. He returned to the majors in 1950, playing in Washington from 1950 through 1953. He appeared in just 4 games with the Cleveland Indians in 1954 and ended his career where it began, with the New York Giants in 1955.

His best year as a hitter came in 1950 when he had 56 hits in 195 AB, good for a .287 BA. He appeared in 115 games in 1952 but his BA dropped to .216 that season.

Mickey Grasso career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=grassmi01)

TallIndian

05-10-2008, 08:49 AM

I remember Don Drysdale 'breaking' the Big Train's streak. However, it was with the aid of the umpires. Drysdale hit a batter with bases loaded and the streak should have ended there.

However, the home plate umpire ruled that the batter did not make an attempt to get out of the way of the pitch -- and simply ruled the pitch a ball.

Hershhiser (IIRC) finally did break the record.

Steve Jeltz

05-10-2008, 11:51 PM

Hershhiser (IIRC) finally did break the record.

That's correct TallIndian. Orel Hershiser is now the record holder having broke Drysdale record in 1988.

Steve Jeltz

05-11-2008, 01:22 AM

1904 New Senators manager Patsy Donavan picks up his first win in his managerial debut as the Senators beat the Browns 7-3 in Washington. The victory "improves" the Nats record to 2-16.

1911 At Chicago, the Senators give up a season high 20 runs as the Senators get pounded 20-6 by the Sox.

1919 Jack Quinn of the Yankees and Walter Johnson engage in a 12 inning scoreless pitching duo. The game ends after 12 innings tied 0-0 at the Polo Grounds. An interesting side note: Johnson fans George Halas twice as the Papa Bear goes 0 for 5.

1960 In another scoreless extra inning pitching duo, Pedro Ramos and the Tigers Frank Lary match zeros for 10 innings. Al Kaline breaks the 0-0 tie with a game winning homer in the bottom of the 11th to win it for the home team 1-0. Ramos is the hard luck loser giving up 5 hits and 1 run in 10.2 innings.

1962 Leading 1-0 heading into the top of the 6th at Baltimore, the Senators explode for 11 runs in stomping the Orioles 12-1. Gene Woodling's grand slam and Chuck Cottier's 3 run double highlight the inning. Washington's Dave Stenhouse improves to 2-0 with the complete game win.

1967 Camilo Pasqual, in his first season back in Washington, strikes out a season high 10, but the Sens fall to the Indians 2-1 at RFK.

1969 Despite 2 home runs from Frank Howard, the Senators conclude their first ever series with the Seattle Pilots by getting swept at Sicks Stadium. Erstwhile Senator Don Mincher hits a game winning home run in the bottom of the 9th as the Pilots take the 6-5 win. The only team that the Pilots had a winning record against in their only season is the Senators.

Senators Birthdays

John Dewey Adkins B May 11, 1918 D Dec. 26, 1998

Dewey Adkins first appeared in a Senators uniform in 1942. A pitcher, he appeared in 1 game, pitching 6.1 innings, giving up 7 runs for an ERA of 9.95. In 1943 he appeared in another 7 games, with a cumulative total of 10.1 IP. His ERA that second season was a much-improved 2.61. Then he would disappear from the major league scene until 1949 when he returned for 1 season with the Chicago Cubs, appearing in 30 games and earning a 2-4 W/L record.

Dewey Adkins career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=adkinde01)

Francisco Jose (Lopez) Campos B May 11, 1924 D Jan. 28, 2006

"Frank" Campos was one of many Cuban players who appeared briefly with the Senators during the 1940's and 1950's. Campos was with the Senators from 1951-1953, appearing in a grand total of 71 games stretched out over 3 seasons. In 1951 he only played in 8 games, but managed to hit 11 for 29, good for a .423 BA. His most active season was 1952 when he appeared in 53 games.

Frank Campos career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=campofr01)

TallIndian

05-11-2008, 08:45 AM

I still rememer that series against the Pilots in 1969. There was one game in the series where the Nats had a 7 or 8 run lead and then the bullpen blew it.

Funny how these things linger in your mind.

Aa3rt

05-11-2008, 12:08 PM

I still rememer that series against the Pilots in 1969. There was one game in the series where the Nats had a 7 or 8 run lead and then the bullpen blew it.

TallIndian-Could this (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196905100SE1) be the game you are referring to?

On Saturday, May 10, 1969 the Senators were leading the Pilots 11-3 before the Pilots broke the game open with an 8 run bottom of the sixth, :( finally winning 16-13.

TallIndian

05-11-2008, 04:19 PM

Yes that's the one! The game started around 11PM DC time. I had to listen to the transitor with the volume turned down.

Steve Jeltz

05-11-2008, 10:44 PM

1926 Walter Johnson picks up his 400th career victory as the St. Louis Browns fall to the Sens 7-4 at Griffith Stadium.

1956 An 8 run bottom of the second propels the Senators to a 12-9 win over Boston. Washington's Jerry Snyder falls a single short of the cycle and drives in 5 of his 14 RBI's for the year. Roy Sievers and Ernie Oravetz chip in 2 runs apiece. Every Sens position player picks up at least 1 hit and scores a run, except for Pete Runnels, who wears an 0 for 5 collar.

1964 Baltimore's Dave McNally throws a 2 hit complete game as the Orioles whitewash the Sens 5-0 at RFK. Chuck Hinton and Fred Valentine collect the only 2 Senators hits.

1968 At RFK, Frank Howard hits 2 home runs as the Sens defeat the eventual World Champion Tigers 6-3. Joe Coleman gets the complete game win, upping his mark to 2-2.

Senators Birthdays

James Harry Dean B May 12, 1915 D Jun. 1, 1960

Another "short timer" with the Senators, Harry Dean pitched in 2 games for the Senators in 1941. His short record covers 2 IP, 3 runs (1 earned) for an ERA of 4.5.

Harry Dean career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=deanha01)

Edward Hoyte (Ed) Lyons B May 12, 1923 Still living

Ed Lyons appeared in 7 games for the 1947 Senators, hitting 4 for 26 for a .154 BA

Ed Lyons career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lyonsed01)

George Earl McNeely B May 12, 1898 D Jul. 16, 1971

Earl McNeely spent 8 years in the major leagues, from 1924-1931, spending his first 4 years in Washington and ending his career with the St. Louis Browns. Perhaps his best season with the Senators was 1926 when he appeared in 124 games, with 134 hits in 442 AB, good for a .303 BA. He was a prt of the World Championship team in 1924 and the pennant winner of 1925.

Earl McNeely career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcneeea01)

Thomas Mullen Umphlett B May 12, 1930 Still living

An outfielder from 1953-1955, Umphlett's best season was his rookie year when hit hit .283 with 3 home runs with the Red Sox. He spent the 1954 & 1955 seasons in Washington where his hitting didn't match the promise he showed in his rookie season.

Tom Umphlett career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=umphlto01)

TallIndian

05-12-2008, 12:36 AM

That was the start of Frank Howard's home run streak -- 10 home runs in 20 at bats. Don Mattingly may have broken that record.

It was a home game but was televised. Howard and Ken McMullen hit back-to-back homers (off Mickey Lolich, IIRC).

Tigers went on to win the World Series and the Nats finished a gazillion games behind the Tigers.

But you took what you could get back then!:)

Steve Jeltz

05-12-2008, 02:25 PM

Actually, Howard and Ken McMullen did not go deep back to back. Their homers off Lolich were sandwiched around a Cap Petersen strikeout. ;)

I was checking out Howard's games played from that streak. Howard hit 10 homers with 17 RBI in 6 games from May 12-18. Of those 10 home runs, 5 put the Sens ahead, so it wasn't as though the Sens were trailing or leading big. The Nats went 3-3 in those 6 games, but easily could have been 6-0 during that stretch if the pitching would have held late inning leads.

Steve Jeltz

05-12-2008, 10:40 PM

1903 A 3-0 win at St. Louis snaps a 7 game losing streak for the Sens. The 1903 Nats will finish in last place with a 43-94 record under manager Tom Loftus.

1926 "Bullet" Joe Bush records his only victory as a Senator as the defending AL champs knock off the Browns 6-2 in Washington. The victory keeps the Nats in a 1st place tie with the Yanks, but this would be the Sens final day in first. Bush, acquired with OF Jack Tobin from the Browns for pitchers Tom Zachary and Win Ballou, would go 1-8 with a 6.69 ERA before being sold to Pittsburgh in July.

1932 Alvin "General" Crowder shuts out Detroit 7-0 at Briggs Stadium as the Senators improve to 18-5 on the season. For Crowder, this victory is one of a career high 26 victories that he will record for the season.

1948 The Senators trade OF Leon Culberson and $20,000 to the Yankees for OF Bud Stewart. Stewart would play 3 seasons with the Sens, with the 1948 season ranking as the best year of his career, when he hit .279 with 7 HR and 69 RBI. Stewart would be dealt to the White Sox in December, 1950 for OF Mike McCormick.

1953 C Ed Fitz Gerald is purchased by Washington from Pittsburgh. Mostly a backup, Fitz Gerald played parts of 7 seasons with Washington before being dealt to Cleveland in 1959, where he would finish his career.

1961 The expansion Sens record their first ever shutout. Tom Sturdivant goes the distance as he silences the Red Sox bats 4-0 at Griffith Stadium. Sturdivant yields only 2 base runners in the complete game win.

Senators Birthdays

A trio of Senators birthdays to note today...

Carden Edison Gillenwater B May 13, 1918 D May 10, 2000

Carden Gillenwater began his major league career with the 1940 St. Louis Cardinals, appearing in 7 games as an outfielder. He returned to the majors for another short stint with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943, then played for the Boston Braves in 1945 and 1946. His most active season was 1945 when he appeared in 144 games, batting .288 with 7 home runs. His career ended with the Washington Senators in 1948 when he appeared in 77 games, hitting .244 with 3 home runs.

Carden Gillenwater career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gilleca01)

Frank Vernon Hemphill B May 13, 1878 D Nov. 16, 1950

Frank Hemphill's career was rather brief-13 games with the Chicago White Sox in 1906 and then a return to the majors in 1909 when he appeared in 1 game for the Senators, going 0-3 at the plate.

Frank Hemphill career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hemphfr01)

John Junior (Johnny) Roseboro B May 13, 1933 D Aug. 16, 2002

Johnny Roseboro's career began with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957 when he appeared in 35 games. He went west with the Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1958 and was a mainstay of the Dodgers through 1967, appearing in over 100 games each season during that span. He was traded to the Minnesota Twins prior to the 1968 season, playing for the Twins in 1968 & 1969.
His last season in the majors was 1970 when he appeared in 46 games for the Senators after being picked up as a free agent during the off-season. He was released by the Senators on August 19th of that year, after appearing in 46 games, hitting .233 with 1 home run.

Johnny Roseboro career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rosebjo01)

Steve Jeltz

05-13-2008, 09:45 PM

1913 A new major league record is set in St. Louis as Walter Johnson breaks Jack Coombs record of 53 consecutive scoreless innings. The Browns will push a run across in the 4th to snap the streak at 55.2 innings, but the Sens still prevail 10-5.

1914 In Washington, Chicago's Jim Scott no hits the Senators for 9 innings, but Chicago is unable to score in regulation. In the bottom of the 10th, future "Black Sock" Chick Gandil collects the Sens first hit and scores the winning run on Howie Shanks single as the Sens defeat the White Sox 1-0. With the victory, the Senators will begin a season best 7 game winning streak.

1918 Due to increased population caused by WWI and the need for recreation activities, Sunday baseball is legalized in the District of Columbia. Five days later, the Sens beat Cleveland in the first legal Sunday game 1-0.

1920 It's career victory number 300 for the Big Train as the Nats topple Detroit 9-8 at Griffith.

1961 After recording their first ever shutout yesterday, the expansion Senators complete their first ever doubleheader sweep. Joe McClain and Bernie Daniels are the winning pitchers in the twin bill as the Sens sweep the Red Sox 3-0 and 2-1.

1964 The Orioles are unable to solve former teammate Buster Narum, who throws a complete game 4 hitter in a 4-1 Senators win at RFK. Nats 3B Don Zimmer provides all the offense with a 2nd inning grand slam off eventual Hall of Famer Robin Roberts.

Senators Birthdays

Doc Burrell Land B May 14, 1903 D Apr. 14, 1986

Another "One Game Wonder" for the Senators, Doc Land appeared in 1 game as an outfielder in 1906, playing centerfield and batting 0-3 with 1 walk.

Doc Land career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=landdo01)

Anthony (Tony) Smith B May 14, 1884 D Feb. 27, 1964

Tony Smith's career began with the 1907 Senators where he played 51 games as a shortstop. His weak hitting (BA .187) was most likely the reason he did not return to Washington in 1908.
In 1910 & 1911, he was on the roster of the Brooklyn National League team. In 1910 they were known as the "Superbas" with the team name changing to "Dodgers" for the 1911 season. Regardless of team name, Tony's hitting didn't improve much and he departed the majors after 13 games in 1911.

Tony Smith career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=smithto03)

Steve Jeltz

05-14-2008, 10:57 PM

1901 The first ever shutout in American League history belongs to Washington. Watty Lee blanks the Boston Americans 4-0 in Boston.

1918 Walter Johnson and Chicago's Lefty Williams each go the distance for 18 scoreless innings. The Nats push a run across in the bottom of the 18th to win 1-0.

1941 Johnny Bloodworth collects the Sens only hit in the bottom of the 7th as the Brown's Denny Galehouse whitewashes the Sens 7-0.

1952 At Detroit, Virgil "Fire" Trucks throws a no hitter as the Tigers beat Washington 1-0. Vic Wertz hits a 2 out, 9th inning, game winning home run of the Sens Bob Porterfield for Detroit's only run.

1965 The 17 year career of Roy Sievers comes to an end as the Senators release the former Rookie of the Year. Over his career, Sievers had a lifetime batting avg. of .267, with 318 HR and 1,147 RBI. Sievers' best seasons were in Washington, where he compiled 4 seasons of knocking in 100 plus RBI. The slugger, in addition to his two stints as a Senator, also played for the Browns, White Sox and Phillies.

1970 The late inning heroics of Frank Howard go for naught as relievers Horatico Pina and Darold Knowles are unable to preserve a 3-2, 9th inning lead over Baltimore. Howard's solo homer, his 12th of the year, in the bottom of the 8th gives the Sens the lead, but the Orioles promptly tie it back up in the 9th. In the top of the 11th, Curt Motton's RBI single gives Baltimore the 4-3 victory.

1971 The Senators battle back from an 8th inning 3-0 deficit to outlast Detroit 4-3 in 15 innings at RFK. Recently acquired Don Mincher's solo homer in the 15th wins it for the home team.

Senators Birthdays

Another quartet of Senators birthdays to note this May 15th...

Joseph Patton (Joe) Evans B May 15, 1895 D Aug. 9, 1953

An 11 year major leaguer who spent most of his career with the Cleveland Indians, Joe Evans spent the 1923 season with the Senators, doing duty in the outfield, and at first and third base. A lifetime .259 hitter, Evans managed a .263 BA in Washington. He'd finish his time in the majors with the St. Louis Browns in 1924 & 1925.

Joe Evans career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=evansjo01)

Lloyd Benjamin (Ben) Spencer B May 15, 1890 D Sep. 1, 1970

Eight games with the Senators in September of 1913, with a .286 BA make up the career of Ben Spencer. His grandson, long time major leaguer Jim Spencer, is probably better remembered.

Ben Spencer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=spencbe01)

Claude Alfred Thomas B May 15, 1890 D Mar. 6, 1946

Pitching in 7 games for the 1916 Senators, Claude Thomas makes the record books with a 1-2 W/L record and an ERA of 4.13.

Claude Thomas career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thomacl01)

James Charles (Jimmy) Wasdell B May 15, 1914 D Aug. 6, 1983

Jimmy Wasdell played in the majors for 11 years. Starting with the Senators in 1937, he would also appear in the uniforms of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Indians. He would appear in 1 game with the Indians in April of 1947 at the end of his major league service.

An outfielder/1st baseman during his time in Washington, he never saw much playing time. In 1938 he would appear in 53 games. His best year at bat while in a Senators uniform would be 1939 when he hit .303 while appearing in only 29 games. His most active seasons would be with the Phillies in 1943-1945.

Jimmy Wasdell career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wasdeji01)

Steve Jeltz

05-15-2008, 10:40 PM

1921 Led by the bat of Ty Cobb, who pounds out 4 hits, scores 4 runs and swipes a base, the Tigers complete a 3 game sweep of the Nats in Detroit by a 17-11 score. Senators pitching gives up 33 runs in the series.

1930 The Senators sweep a twin bill from the Philadelphia A's 5-3 and 4-0 at Shibe Park. The wins move the Senators into first place ahead of eventual AL champion Philadelphia.

1933 In a wild extra inning contest with Cleveland at Griffith Stadium, both squads combine to use a then ML record 11 pitchers as the Sens win 11-10 in 12 innings. SS Cecil Travis collects 5 hits in his ML debut.

1968 Frank Howard continues his torrid hitting with his third 2 HR game in 4 games as the Sens defeat the Tribe in Cleveland 4-1. Howard, with his 2 homers, ties the AL record with 7 HR in 4 games (at least 1 homer in each game). LHP Barry Moore picks up his first victory of the season, with Dennis Higgins getting the save.

1969 At Comiskey Park, 1B Mike Epstein slugs 3 home runs, but it is not enough as the Nats fall to the White Sox 7-6. The Sens overcome a 6-1 Sox lead, but Chicago's Carlos May leadoff homer off Casey Cox in the bottom of the 7th is the difference maker. All the Senators runs are scored on home runs, as Frank Howard collects his 14th and PH Brant Alyea connects off the White Sox Wilbur Wood.

Reference: http://www.baseballlibrary.com/chronology/thisday.php?month=5&day=16

Senators Birthdays

The stork gets a break-no player for the Washington Senators was born on May 16th.

TallIndian

05-16-2008, 08:31 PM

What I remember most at the 3-homer game was that we lost on the Carlos May homer and that, the next day, on MLB game of the week, Curt Gowdy kept referring to Mike as 'Mike Ep-STINE'.

Epstein, IIRC, may have been batting .086 before being sent to Buffalo. Ted Williams bought him back up and platooned him with some success.

Epstein seemed to be in a long line of Orioles who had fabulous minor league power stats but never consistently acheived those same stats in the majors -- Curt Blefary, Roger Freed, Drungo Hazewood were the others that I recall.

Steve Jeltz

05-17-2008, 12:50 AM

1925 At Cleveland, Tris Speaker picks up hit number 3,000 of his fabulous career, but the Senators spoil the occasion by winning 2-1.

1930 The Nats trample Philadelphia 16-5. In the bottom of the 5th, OF Sammy West of the Sens hits a 3 run homer that causes a fan to have a fatal heart attack.

1935 Should be Hall of Famer Buddy Myer goes 3 for 3, with 4 RBI, as the Sens hold off Detroit 10-8 in the nation's capital.

1946 Bob Feller strikes out 14 Washington batsmen as the Tribe shutouts the Nats 4-0 in game one of a doubleheader in Cleveland. Washington takes the 2nd game, 9-4, as the game is called in the 8th due to darkness.

1961 In the House that Ruth Built, the Senators stave off a late inning rally by the Yanks and hold on for the 8-7 victory. Roger Maris hits just his 4th homer of the year and begins a stretch of hitting 24 HR in 38 games. Maris would, of course, hit 61 homers in 1961.

1968 Sailing into the top of the 9th with a one hitter and a 2-1 lead, Tigers pitcher Joe Sparma gives up a leadoff single to Del Unser. One out later, Sparma faces the white hot Frank Howard. Hondo belts his 8th homer in 5 games to give the Sens a 3-2 lead.

But, unfortunately for the Nats, there was a bottom frame of the inning. P Dave Balwin gives up a leadoff single to Norm Cash. After a sac bunt moved PR Dick Tracewski to second, Nats manager Jim Lemon summons P Steve Jones in from the bullpen. Jones induces PH Mickey Stanley to hit a grounder to first for what would have been the second out, but Howard boots the grounder, putting Tigers at 1st and 3rd. Detroit promptly ties it up with game tying single from PH Jim Price. After Jones walks Dick McAuliffe to load the bases, the dangerous Jim Northup steps in. Northup deposits a Jones pitch for a game winning grand slam and a difficult 7-3 loss.

1971 A seemingly harmless pop fly by Sens RF Tom McGraw to shallow left center results in a violent collision between Indians SS Jack Heideman, LF John Lowenstein and CF Vada Pinson. McGraw races around the bases for a solo inside the park homer, but the Senators still fall 6-3 at RFK. Heideman, Lowenstein and Pinson were all injured on the play and had to be taken out of the game.

References: http://www.baseballlibrary.com/chronology/thisday.php?month=5&day=17

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET196805170.shtml

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WS2/WS2197105170.shtml

Senators Birthday

Frank Russell Woodward B May 17, 1894 D Jun. 11, 1961

Frank Woodward pitched in the major leagues for 5 years with 4 teams. Starting with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1918, his baseball travels also took him to St. Louis (Cardinals), Washington and Chicago (White Sox). He was on the roster of the Washington Senators in 1921 and 1922 but only appeared in 4 games during those 2 years. His most active season was 1919 when he appeared in 34 games, split evenly at 17 games each in a Phillies and Cardinals uniform.

Frank Woodward career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=woodwfr01)

Steve Jeltz

05-17-2008, 10:57 PM

1906 In the 6th inning, Washington's game against Chicago is interrupted when Senators P "Long" Tom Hughes goes after a heckler in the stands. The "Hitless Wonder" White Sox rout the Sens 10-0 in Washington.

1913 Ty Cobb's steal of home in the bottom of the 7th is the only run that Walter Johnson allows as the Sens nip the Tigers 2-1.

1930 The Nats lead in the AL is trimmed to 1 game as Lefty Grove and the Philadelphia A's win 2-1 at Griffith. Sens P Lloyd Brown is the tough luck loser as he surrenders only 3 hits.

1954 The Senators first visit to Baltimore since 1902 is a success as Mickey McDermott gets the victory in the 3-1 win.

1956 1B Pete Runnels goes 5 for 6, including hitting the go ahead single in the top of the 11th, as the Senators top Cleveland 5-4 in 11 innings. Sens C Clint Courtney raps 3 doubles in the game.

1964 Sens CF Don Lock goes yard twice and drives in 4, but a costly error by Nats 3B Don Zimmer opens the floodgates for a Detroit rally in the top of the 9th. The Tigers go on to score 3 in the inning for a 7-6 Detroit victory.

1965 Featuring a Frank Howard grand slam, the Sens drop 7 runs on Detroit in the top of the 5th as the Nats roll to a 15-9 win.

1967 At RFK, Sens P Pete Richert shuts out the Orioles 2-0. 11 days later, Baltimore losing pitcher Frank Bertaina and O's farmhand Mike Epstein will be traded to Washington for Richert.

1968 Frank Howard concludes his record setting week by tying the AL record with homers in 6 straight games in the Senators 8-4 win at Detroit. His 10 homers in 6 games are a major league record, as is his 10 homers during a single week (Sunday through Saturday).

Senators Birthdays

Gilbert Fitzgerald (Gil) Coan B May 18, 1922 Still living

Gil Coan was an outfielder who player 11 years in the major leagues, getting his start with the Senators in 1946. He appeared in over 100 games a year from 1948 through 1952, managing back to back batting averages of .303 in 1950 & '51. After a drop in production in 1953 he was traded to the newly relocated Baltimore Orioles for Roy Sievers. Gil spent 1954 and part of 1955 in Baltimore, also playing for the Chicago White Sox and the New York Giants that same season. His career came to an end in 1956 after only 4 games with the Giants in April of that year.

Gil Coan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=coangi01)

Kenneth Lee Hamlin B May 18, 1935 Still living

Primarily a shortstop during his 7 year career, Ken Hamlin played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1957 & 1959, spent the 1960 season with the Kansas City Athletics, 1961 with the Los Angeles Angels before finishing his major league career with the Senators in 1962, 1965 & 1966. His most active season was 1960 when he appeared in 140 games for Kansas City. In 1965 he hit .273 with 4 home runs for the Senators.

Ken Hamlin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hamlike01)

Steve Jeltz

05-18-2008, 09:52 PM

1919 The Nats are shutout in Detroit 6-0. The loss begins a season high 11 game losing streak that will drop the Sens into 7th place, where they will stay for the rest of the season, finishing 56-84.

1923 After Walter Johnson gives up 3 runs in the 9th, Allan Russell relieves Johnson as the Senators defeat the Sox 6-4 at Commiskey. Johnson's 2 run single in the top of the 9th proves to be the difference.

1925 The Big Train's bat does the talking again. Batting as a pinch hitter in the 9th, Johnson hits a game winning, opposite field homer in Cleveland as the Senators edge the Indians 4-3. Johnson becomes only the second right handed batter to clear the 45 foot right field wall at League Park. The Senators improve to 20-9 on the young season, 1 game back of Philadelphia, with the win.

1946 The Nats broom the White Sox in a twinbill at Chicago. Pale Hose P Ted Lyons absorbs the 4-3 loss in the opener. In game 2, Mickey Vernon hits for the cycle as the Nats hit around Ed Lopat for a 7-1 victory.

1952 Clark Griffith sells C Sherry Robertson, his nephew, to the Philadelphia A's. Robertson will return to Washington in 1953 in a front office capacity.

1966 In Cleveland, SS Ed Brinkman and P Mike McCormick hit back to back homers off Luis Tiant in the 5th. Washington wins easily, 7-2.

1968 A triple dose of bad news for the Sens today in Detroit. First, Frank Howard's consecutive home run streak is halted at 6 games by Detroit's Earl Wilson. Second, the Nats lose the game 5-4. Third, behind the home runs of Dick McAuliffe and future Hall of Famers Al Kaline and Eddie Mathews, the Nats are whitewashed in the nitecap of this doubleheader 7-0.

Senators Birthdays

A trio of Senators birthdays to note this May 19th...

Baldomero Pedro Fernandez (Merito) Acosta B May 19, 1896 D Nov. 17, 1963

Merito Acosta was one of the very early members of the Senators' "Cuban Connection", playing the outfield for Washington from 1913-1918, with a break in 1917. After 3 games with the 1918 Senators he went to Philadelphia to play for the Athletics. Used sparingly, his most active season was 1915 when he appeared in 72 games for Washington. However, his best year at bat was his last, when he hit .302, with 51 hits for the A's. Merito Acosta is the brother of Jose Acosta, who pitched for the Senators in 1920 & 1921.

"Merito" Acosta career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=acostme01)

Jacob Willard (Jake) Early B May 19, 1915 D May 31, 1985

A catcher who played 9 years in the major leagues, Jake Early appeared in a Senators uniform from 1939-1943, then had his career interrupted due to military service in 1944 & 1945. He returned to the Senators in 1946. He was traded to the St. Louis Browns for catcher Frank Mancuso prior to the 1947 season. After playing for the Browns in 1947, he was purchased by the Senators and returned to Washington, finishing his career in 1949. His most active season was 1943 when he appeared in 126 games, his best year at the plate 1941 when he hit .287 with 10 home runs.

Jake Early career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=earlyja01)

Hugh Henry (Hughie) Tate B May 19, 1880 D Aug. 7, 1956

Another "One Season Wonder" for the Senators, Hughie Tate's career consisted of appearing in 4 games in late September 1905 where he played left field and went 4 for 13 at bat with one triple, good for a .308 BA.

Hughie Tate career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=tatehu01)

Steve Jeltz

05-19-2008, 10:22 PM

1909 After opening the season with 5 losses, Walter Johnson picks up his first victory over the Naps at Cleveland 3-2.

1920 Deadlocked at the end of 14 innings at 3, the White Sox and Senators each score twice in the 15th. In the top of the 16th, the Pale Hose explode for 8 runs, a ML record for runs scored by a team in the 16th inning, as the Nats lose 13-5.

1948 At St. Louis, the Sens get trounced by the Browns 17-7. The 17 runs is the most allowed by the Sens this year.

1952 In his third year in the bigs, 40 year old P Connie Marrero shuts out the Browns at Sportsman Park 2-0. 1952 would be Marrero's best season with a 11-8 record and a 2.88 ERA.

1962 The Sens and Kansas City A's split a doubleheader in D.C. Claude Osteen's solid start goes for naught as he surrenders a ninth inning homer to Manny Jimenez for a 1-0 A's win in the opener. The Sens avoid the broom by pulling out a 7-5 victory in the second game.

1965 At Tiger Stadium, the Senators blow 1 run leads in the 9th and 10th innings of a 9-8 defeat to the Tigers. After the Nats score 2 in the top of the 9th to take a 7-6 lead, Detroit C Bill Freehan ties it in the bottom frame with an RBI double. In the top of the 10th, PH Don Lock regains the Senators lead with a solo HR off Tiger P Ron Nischwitz. Now winning 8-7 in the bottom of the 10th, Sens P Marshall Bridges gives up a 2 run, game winning HR to Senators nemesis Dick McAuliffe.

1966 Trailing the California Angels 5-2 going into the bottom of the 8th, the Sens stage a comeback. A 2 run HR by C Paul Casanova and a RBI single from RF Fred Valentine ties the game in the 8th. Frank Howard's RBI single in the bottom of the 9th off Angels P Lew Burdette completes the comeback and the Nats 6-5 win.

1969 The Senators record their first ever victory over the Seattle Pilots at RFK 6-5. Mike Epstein's socks a 2 run homer in the 8th to put the Sens in the lead for good. Dennis Higgins gets the victory, while Seattle's Marty Pattin absorbs the loss.

Senators Birthdays

It's "A through Z" today, as May 20 has 5 Senators birthdays, starting with Appleton and ending with Zardon...

Peter William Appleton* B May 20, 1904 D Jan. 18, 1974

*=Baseball Reference notes that Pete Appleton was born "Peter William Jablonoski" and legally changed his name to Appleton in 1933.

Pete Appleton played 14 years in the big leagues, from 1927 through 1945 although he did not appear in the majors in 1934 or 1935. Starting with the 1927 Cincinnati Reds, his career saw him on the rosters of the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Washington Senators (twice), Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Browns. After appearing in 1 game for the 1933 Yankees, Appleton wouldn't appear in a major league game again until 1936 when he was picked up by the Senators. A pitcher, Appleton's best season was 1936 when he appeared in 38 games for Washington, going 14-9 with an ERA of 3.53.

After the '39 season, he was traded to the White Sox, along with Taffy Wright for Gee Walker.

Pete Appleton career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=applepe01)

Joseph Harris B May 20, 1891 D Dec. 10, 1959

Joe Harris was another player who bounced around the majors, playing for 6 teams in a 10 year career that included some "broken service". Primarily a first baseman, Harris also played in the outfield and could fill in at short and 3rd. Appearing in 2 games for the 1914 Yankees, Harris would show up in the majors again with the Cleveland Indians in 1917 & 1919 and not return again until he made the Red Sox roster in 1922. He appeared in 192 games with the Senators in 1925 & 1926, hitting .323 with 12 home runs in 1925. From Washington, he headed west, to spend 1927 and a portion of 1928 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and finished the season, and his major league career with the 1928 Brooklyn Robins.

Joe Harris career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=harrijo03)

Tom Stephen (Plowboy) Morgan B May 20, 1930 D Jan. 13, 1987

Appearing in 14 games with the 1960 Senators, where he went 1-3 with an ERA of 3.75, Tom Morgan started with the Yankees in 1951 and ended his career with the 1963 Los Angeles Angels. His 8-2 record with the 1961 Angels was his best season. Morgan also appeared on the roster of the Kansas City Athletics and the Detroit Tigers.

Tom Morgan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=morgato01)

Earl Wellington Rapp B May 20, 1921 D Feb. 13, 1992

Outfielder Earl Rapp played for 5 teams while only spending 3 years in the major leagues. Splitting 1949 between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox, Rapp returned to the majors in 1951 splitting that season between the New York Giants and the St. Louis Browns. He returned with the Browns in 1952 only to be sent to the Washington Senators after appearing in 30 games for St. Louis. He appeared in an additional 46 games for the Senators and then disappeared from the major league scene. He actually had a couple of decent half seasons, hitting .327 in 26 games for the 1951 Browns and .284 in 46 games for the '52 Senators. I think the poor guy just tired of moving.

Earl Rapp career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rappea01)

Jose Antonio Sanchez Zardon B May 20, 1923 Still living

Appearing for just 1 season (1945) with the Senators, Jose Zardon hit .290, appearing in 54 games and playing in the outfield for the Senators.

Jose Zardon career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=zardojo01)

Steve Jeltz

05-20-2008, 10:10 PM

1913 Trailing Cleveland 2-0 in the top of the 9th, Washington's Alva "Rip" Williams ties the contest with a 2 run, pinch HR. After the Sens score 2 more in the top of the 10th, Walter Johnson is bought in to seal the 4-2 victory.

1925 The Big Train goes 3 for 4 and the Sens defeat the Tigers 6-2 in Detroit. Both teams combine for 9 double plays, a major league record for a 9 inning game.

1935 Bobo goes to Washington. The Senators purchase the contract of St. Louis Brown pitcher Bobo Newsome for the then astronomical sum of $40,000. It is the first of 5 stints that Newsome would have in Washington.

1940 At Comiskey Park, erstwhile Senator and future Sen manager Joe Kuhel collects 5 hits against his ex mates as the White Sox edge the Sens 9-8.

1943 In the fastest night game played in AL history, the White Sox shutout the Senators 1-0 at Griffith. The contest is completed in 1 hour and 29 minutes.

1955 It's Fight Night at Griffith, as Senators P Mickey McDermott and Boston OF Jackie Jenson exchange blows after McDermott applies a hard tag on Jenson. Despite the bout between the players that were traded for one another after the 1953 season, the Senators throw the knockout punch on Boston when they push a run across in the bottom of the 12th for the 1-0 win.

1963 With the Senators mired in 10th place at 14-26 after tonight's 4-3 loss to Chicago, manager Mickey Vernon is dismissed as the Nats manager. Gil Hodges would succeed Vernon two days later, after coach Eddie Yost manages for one game on an interim basis.

1970 Despite 11 walks issued by New York P Mel Stottlemyre, the Senators fail to capitalize as they fall to the Yanks 2-0 at Yankee Stadium. The 11 free passes by Stottlemyre ties a major league record for walks issued in a shutout.

Senators Birthdays

Just a pair of Senators birthdays to note today...

Yancey Wyatt (Doc) Ayers B May 21, 1891 D May 26, 1968

Doc Ayers spent 9 years in the major leagues beginning with the Senators in 1913. Probably his best season was the 1915 campaign, when he went 14-9 with a 2.21 ERA. Traded to the Detroit Tigers during the 1919 season, he would end his career with Detroit in 1921.

Doc Ayers career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ayersdo01)

Edward Raymond Fitz Gerald B May 21, 1924 Still living

Ed Fitz Gerald first appeared as a major league catcher in 1948 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In May 1953, he was purchased by the Washington Senators where he would spend the next 6 seasons. In May of 1959 he was traded by the Senators to the Cleveland Indians for Hal Naragon and Hal Woodeshick. He would be released by the Indians in April of 1960 before appearing during the regular season.

Never heavily utilized, his most active seasons were 1948 (102 games) and 1954 (115 games). A career .260 hitter, possibly his best season was 1956 when he batted .304 while appearing in 64 games.

Ed Fitz Gerald career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fitzged01)

Steve Jeltz

05-21-2008, 08:28 PM

May 22 was a relatively uneventful day in Washington Senator history.

1938 At Griffith Stadium, Ted Lyons of Chicago collects his 200th career victory as the Sox down the Nats 9-2.

1953 Sparked by OF Clyde Vollmer's 3 run double and 2 run homer, the Senators pound Yankee pitching for 18 hits in a 12-4 Senators rout. In the top of the 9th, Yanks OF Irv Noren lines into a game ending triple play. Former Yankee farmhand Bob Porterfield pitches the CG.

1963 Eddie Yost's managerial career record will go into the record books at 0-1. Yost, in place of disposed skipper Mickey Vernon, pilots the Sens to a 9-3 drubbing at the hands of the White Sox in RFK.

Senators Birthdays

Another quintet of birthdays on May 22nd...

Franklin (Frank) Coggins B May 22, 1944 Still living

Frank Coggins played for parts of 2 seasons for the expansion Senators, starting as a late season call up in 1967. A second baseman, Coggins managed a .307 average with 1 home run in 19 games. Unfortunately, that would be the best performance of his career. With the 1968 Senators, he played in 62 games, managing a .175 average before being demoted to AAA.
Coggins would appear in 6 games, with 1 AB for the 1972 Chicago Cubs.

Frank Coggins career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=coggifr01)

Foster Pirie (Babe) Ganzel B May 22, 1901 D Feb. 6, 1978

Outfielder Babe Ganzel is another player who started out with some pretty impressive numbers but quickly fizzled. Playing his first major league games with the Senators in late September 1927, Ganzel managed to hit .438, going 21 for 48 while appearing in 13 games. Returning in 1928, he only appeared in 10 games, hitting just 2 for 26, a paltry .077 BA. Ganzel would never appear in the majors again.

Babe Ganzel career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ganzeba01)

Decatur Poindexter (Dick) Jones B May 22, 1902 D Aug. 2, 1994

Dick Jones appeared in 4 games with the Senators in 1926, going 2-1 with a 4.29 ERA. In 1927 he was limited to 2 appearances, pitching 3.1 innings and giving up 8 runs. Mr. Jones would also disappear from major league rosters after April of 1927.

Dick Jones career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=jonesdi01)

Aloysius Harry Szymanski AKA "Bucketfoot" Al Simmons B May 22, 1902 D May 26, 1956

Hall of Famer Al Simmons should need no introduction, however, in keeping with the format of this thread, outfielder Al Simmons spent 20 years in the major leagues, primarily with the Philadelphia Athletics. He actually spent 3 separate stints with the A's: 1924-1932, 1940-1941 & 1944.

He also appeared with the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, Boston Bees, Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox.

He appeared in 3 consecutive World Series (1929-1931) while in Philadelphia with both the 1929 and 1930 teams becoming World Champions. He also appeared in the 1939 World Series while with the Reds.

Simmons was the starting center fielder in the All Star games of 1933, 1934 & 1935. Among his impressive statistics are 157 RBI in 1929, and batting averages of .381 in 1930 and .390 in 1931, all league-leading feats.

With the Senators in 1937 and 1938, his better year was 1938 when he batted .302 with 21 home runs.

"Bucketfoot" Al Simmons career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=simmoal01)

Jose Martinez de Valdivielso (Lopez) B May 22, 1934 Still living

Another member of the frequently mentioned "Cuban connection", Jose Valdivielso was a utility infielder with the Senators. First appearing in 1955, he was on the Senators roster again in 1956. He would not return to the majors until 1959, having his most active year in 1960 when he appeared in 117 games. He would move west with the original Senators to become a Minnesota Twin where his major league career would end in 1961.

Jose Valdivielso career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=valdijo01)

Steve Jeltz

05-22-2008, 10:48 PM

1901 An inglorious record is set today by the Nats in Cleveland. Up 13-5 on the Blues with 2 outs and no runners on base in the 9th, the Blues set a major league record by plating 9 runs for a stunning 14-13 win.

1924 Striking out a career high 14 and allowing only 1 safety, Walter Johnson records his 103rd career shutout with a 4-0 victory over the White Sox in D.C. The only hit by the Pale Hose belongs to Harry Hooper.

1927 In the 1st inning of today's game at Griffith, the Yankees appear on the road to another victory as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig slug back-to-back homers. Sens P Sloppy Thurston settles down and the Senators score 3 runs to down the Yanks 3-2.

1929 In Shibe Park, the A's take both ends of a doubleheader, both by 9-8 scores. The Senator's offense scores 8 runs in the first two innings of the opener, but the Mackmen battle back for the 9-8 win. In game 2, Rube Wahlberg goes the distance for Philadelphia. Senators OF Ossie Bluege homers in both games.

1956 In a 17 inning marathon at Kansas City, the Sens fall to the A's 7-6. After Roy Sievers scores on a Whitey Herzog double in the top of the 17th to give the Senators a 6-5 lead, the A's score 2 in the bottom half courtesy of a solo home run by Jim Finigan and a wild pitch by P Camilio Pasqual that allows Clete Boyer to score the winning run. Sens SS Jim Snyder wears an 0-for-8 collar for the game.

1963 New Nats manager Gil Hodges is acquired in a trade from the Mets for OF Jimmy Piersall. Hodges arrives in Baltimore just in time to watch the Orioles' Robin Roberts 2 hit the Sens 6-0. Senators starter Claude Osteen is battered for 6 runs and 7 hits in 2.1 innings of work. Light hitting SS Ed Brinkman gets the only 2 hits off of Roberts.

1971 Denny McLain returns to Detroit for the first time with his new team. Two of his former teammates, Al Kaline and Norm Cash, welcome him back by each slugging 2 run homers as the Tigers smoke the Sens 5-0. In the nitecap, the Tigers maul the Senators and starter Mike Thompson 11-0.

Senators Birthdays

Another round of 5 birthdays of note this May 23rd...

Harry Stephen Patrick Chesley AKA Harry Child B May 23, 1905 D Nov. 8, 1972

Pitcher Harry Child appeared in 5 games for the 1930 Senators, pitching a grand total of 10 innings with a career ERA of 6.30.

Harry Child career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=childha01)

Jose Luis (Chile) Gonzales Gomez B May 23, 1909 D Dec. 1, 1992

Infielder Chile Gomez started his career with the 1935 Philadelphia Phillies. He appeared in 108 games for the Phillies in 1936 and then disappeared from the major league scene until 1942 when he returned for 25 games with the 1942 Senators. Never a very potent hitter, Gomez' best year was 1936 when he stroked 77 hits, with 28 RBI, for the Phillies.

Chile Gomez career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gomezch01)

George Willis Hudlin B May 23, 1906 D Aug. 5, 2002

Pitcher Willis Hudlin spent 16 years in the major leagues, mainly with the Cleveland Indians. Starting with the Indians in 1926, Hudlin appeared in 25 or more games every year from 1927 through 1939. In 1940 however, Hudlin was bounced around like a pinball. Starting with the Indians at the beginning of the season, Hudlin played for the Washington Senators, St. Louis Browns and New York Giants all within the span of that 1 season. He would make one last major league appearance in 1944 with the pennant winning St. Louis Browns.

Hudlin's brief tenure with the Senators lasted from May 18-July 13, 1940 when he appeared in 8 games, starting 6 and going 1-2 with a 6.51 ERA.

Willis Hudlin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hudliwi01)

Francis Mortimer (Frank) Kelliher B May 23, 1899 D Mar. 4, 1956

Another "One Game Wonder", up for a very short cup of coffee with the 1919 Senators, Frank Kelliher appeared for 1 at bat on September 19, 1919. He did not get a hit nor did he appear in the field.

Frank Kelliher career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kellifr01)

Frank Octavius Mancuso B May 23, 1918 D Aug. 4, 2007

Frank Mancuso was the younger brother of Gus Mancuso who played in the major leagues for 17 years. Frank Mancuso was a fine player as well, getting his start as a professional baseball player in 1937 in the farm system of the New York Giants. He actually spent the entire 1939 season with the Giants but never appeared in a game, being relegated to the role of bullpen catcher.

His baseball career interrupted by World War II, Frank was seriously injured during parachute training at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He spent 5 months in an Army hospital and had to endure a number of operations. After recovering, his injuries rendered him unfit for further military service. However, through hard work and determination, he was able to make it back to the major leagues even if it was in a limited capacity.

Playing for the St. Louis Browns from 1944-1946, his most active season was 1945 when he appeared in 119 games, hitting .268 with 98 hits, including 13 doubles, 3 triples and 1 home run. He finished his major league career in 1947 with the Senators, hitting .229 in 43 games.

Frank Mancuso career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mancufr01)

Texas Baseball Hall Of Fame writeup by Bill McCurdy (http://www.tbhof.org/features/feature-20070804.htm)

SABR biography by Jim Sargent (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&pid=8751&bid=1936)

Frank Mancuso baseball card (Courtesy of Bill McCurdy)

Steve Jeltz

05-23-2008, 10:41 PM

1901 After yesterday's 9th inning meltdown by the Nats in Cleveland, Washington turns the tables with a 5 run top of the 9th to tie the Blues. The rally does not result in a win, as the game is called with the score knotted at 5.

1917 Pale Hose P Reb Russell goes the distance as the White Sox defeat the Sens 1-0 in 12 innings in Chicago.

1943 Former Yankee and Senator nemesis Lefty Gomez signs with Washington following his release from the Boston Braves. Gomez will lose in his only appearance with the Sens before retiring.

1951 Behind the two hit pitching of the Tribe's Bob Feller and the hitting of Larry Doby, the Indians trample the Senators 16-0 in Washington. The Sens are currently in the midst of a 9 game losing streak, during which the pitching staff allows 85 runs in those 9 games.

1958 Two run singles by Eddie Yost, Ron Bridges & Jim Lemon erase a 3-0, top of 8th inning hole as the Sens beat Cleveland 6-3. All the Senators runs are scored in the 6 run, 8th inning eruption.

1966 Down 1-0 in the bottom of the 9th against the Kansas City A's, PH Don Lock's 2 out, 2 run game winning home run lifts the Senators to a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Senators Birthdays

Five more birthdays to note on May 24th...

Vernon Eugene Curtis B May 24, 1920 D Jun. 24, 1992

Pitcher Vern Curtis played for the Senators in 1943, 1944 & 1946, appearing in a grand total of 16 games, pitching in 30 innings. He had a W/L record of 0-1 and a career ERA of 5.70.

Vern Curtis career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=curtive01)

James Raymond Duckworth B May 24, 1939 Still living

Jim Duckworth was also a pitcher who played for the Senators in the 1963-1966 seasons. In June of 1966 he was traded to the Kansas City Athletics for Ken (Hawk) Harrelson. A little over a month later he was traded back to Washington for Diego Segui. However, he would not return to the major leagues after his last appearance in a Kansas City uniform.

His most active season was his rookie year of 1963 when he went 4-12 for a hapless expansion Senators team that would finish at 56-106.

Jim Duckworth career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=duckwji01)

Guillermo Perez (Willy) Miranda B May 24, 1926 D Sep. 7, 1996

Yet another of Washington's "Cuban Connection", Willy Miranda, primarily a second baseman/shortstop, got his start in the majors with the Senators in 1951. He only ever appeared in 7 games for Washington. During the offseason he would be traded to the White Sox for Floyd Baker. His baseball journey would also take him to the St. Louis Browns, New York Yankees and end up with the Baltimore Orioles where he spent the last 5 years of his career. His best season offensively would be 1955 when he batted .255, stroking 124 hits in 487 AB.

Willy Miranda career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=miranwi01)

Ernest Raeford (Mule) Shirley B May 24, 1901 D Aug. 3, 1955

First baseman Mule Shirley played in 44 games for the Senators in 1924 & 1925. He appeared in 3 World Series games for the 1924 World Championship team, going 1 for 2 at bat.

Mule Shirley career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shirlmu01)

Clay Van Alstyne B May 24, 1900 D Jan. 5, 1960

Another pitcher with a short career, Van Alstyne appeared in 6 games with the Senators between August 1927 and May 1928, finishing his major league service with a 0-0 record, 24.1 innings pitched and an ERA of 5.18.

Clay Van Alstyne career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=vanalcl01)

Steve Jeltz

05-23-2008, 11:06 PM

The SABR and Bill McCurdy articles about Frank Mancuso were inspiring, moving and touching. The man suffers a broken leg and back while in a paratrooping accident during training in the Army. Through hard work, dedication and perseverance, Mancuso comes back and plays the game that he loves again for 11 years and serves the city of Houston as a respected city councilman for 30 years.

Some think that a career minor leaguer who plays 12 years in the bushes before getting their major league chance is inspiring, but it pales in comparison to the character of Frank Mancuso.

Steve Jeltz

05-24-2008, 11:12 PM

1908 An unusual occurrence happens in today's game in the nation's capital. Detroit scores an unearned run in the 3rd against Sens P "Sleepy" Bill Burns, but do not collect a hit until there are 2 out in the 9th inning. The future middle man in the 1919 World Series fix, "Sleepy" Bill drops the 1-0 decision.

1911 Ty Cobb raps 2 hits of Walter Johnson, but the "Big Train" and the Senators hand the Tigers a 6-2 defeat.

1912 Johnson breaks the jaw of New York SS Jack Martin with a fastball. Martin will be out of action for 5 weeks. Meanwhile, the Senators drop 2 to the woeful Highlanders 6-3 and 9-5 at Hilltop Park.

1919 Looking to add insurance runs to a 4-3 lead in the top of the 8th inning at Chicago, Sox CF Happy Felsch starts a triple play to halt a potential big inning by the Sens. In the home half of the 8th, Chicago scores 2 runs off Walter Johnson to win 5-4.

1924 Another losing season appears set as the Sens drop a frustrating 10-9 loss to Chicago in D.C. The Senators now sit in 6th place, at 13-17, 5.5 GB 1st place co-holders New York and Boston. It appears that the squad is not responding to new player/manager Bucky Harris and a change may be imminent if the team does not turn it around soon. ;)

1926 The Senators out slug the Athletics 17-12 in the opener of a doubleheader in Philadelphia, scoring 11 runs in the 5th. Philadelphia's Mickey Cochrane's 3 run homer in game 2 is the difference as the Senators are edged 7-6.

1944 On Mel Harder Appreciation Night in Cleveland, the Nats prove to be inhospitable guests as they down Harder and the Indians 4-2. Mickey Haefner picks up the win for Washington.

1965 In Washington, Ken McMullen, Jim King and Ken Hamlin's homers pace the Senators to a 7-3 victory over the L.A. Angels. In the second match of this twinbill, the Sens hold on for 6-5 win. Frank Howard homers and drives in 2, while Ed Brinkman knocks in 3 for the Sens.

Senators Birthdays

Joseph Ignatius Judge B May 25, 1894 D Mar. 11, 1963

Brooklyn-born first baseman Joe Judge would appear in his first game with the Senators in September of 1915. From 1916 through 1930 Judge would be a fixture at first base for Washington appearing in over 100 games a season.

Judge stood 5' 8.5" tall, certainly not typical for a first baseman. However, he led the American League 5 times in fielding average. In 1922 Washington set a then major league record by completing 161 double plays.

Judge was also an excellent hitter-he hit over .300 for 9 seasons while playing for the Senators, his best year 1920 when he hit .333. While never much of a long ball threat (playing half your games in spacious Griffith Stadium would do that to a guy) he finished his career with 2,352 hits, including 433 doubles, 159 triples and 71 home runs.

Playing for the World Championship team of 1924, Judge hit .385 in the World Series. In 1925 his series average dropped but he did manage a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After playing for the Senators from 1915-1932, Judge was on the roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers for 42 games in 1933, finishing the season with the Boston Red Sox. 10 more games with the Red Sox in 1934, when he still hit .333 ended his career. A disciplined hitter, Judge would have 7,898 AB in his 20 year career with only 478 strike outs, an average of 1 strike out per 16.5 AB.

Joe Judge career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=judgejo01)

For an in-depth writeup on Joe Judge:

Joe Judge on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Judge)

A recently (2004) published book titled "Damn Senators: My Grandfather and the Story of Washington's Only World Series" by his grandson, Mark Gauvreau Judge is an excellent reference.

James Norman Riley B May 25, 1895 D May 25, 1969

Jim Riley got to sample the major league coffee twice-once in 1921 when he appeared in 4 games for the St. Louis Browns as a second baseman, and again in 1923 when he appeared in 2 games for the Washington Senators. In 14 AB in the majors, Riley had no hits and 1 run scored.

Jim Riley career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rileyji02)

Steve Jeltz

05-25-2008, 08:05 PM

Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend.

1918 In 3 plate appearances, Walter Johnson helps himself to 2 hits and a walk. On the mound, Johnson pitches a complete game, 4 hitter over visiting Detroit 4-0, extending his scoreless innings streak to 40.

1920 First sacker Joe Judge is 5-for-5 on the day as the Sens whip Cleveland 13-9 at Griffith.

1930 The Senators reach their high water mark of the year with a 10-7 shootout win over the Yanks in New York. Judge and Goose Goslin accomplish a major league first by homering back-to-back twice in the same ballgame. The first place Sens move to 26-10, 4 games ahead of second place Philadelphia.

1954 For the first time in 3 years, the Senators defeat the Yanks' Ed Lopat. Three successive 2 out singles by the Nats in the bottom of the 9th enables the Nats to slip by New York 2-1. Coming into this tilt, Lopat had won 12 straight against Washington.

1959 In a swap of outfielders, Washington ships 1958 AL Rookie of the Year Albie Pearson to Baltimore for Lenny Green. Pearson had lost his starting CF job to Bob Allison.

1964 Despite a cycle from RF Jim King, the Sens fall to the Red Sox at Fenway 3-2.

Senators Birthdays

James Thomas Mahoney B May 26, 1934 Still Living

Second baseman (and occasional shortstop) Jim Mahoney got his start in professional baseball in the Phillies organiztion in 1953. Sometime during that year he was picked up by the Red Sox where he would make his major league debut in 1959, playing in 30 games for Boston.

He was selected by the expansion Senators in the 1960 draft, appearing in 43 games for Washington in 1961.

Traded to Cleveland, along with Dick Donovan and Gene Green in exchange for Jim Piersall, he would appear in 41 games for the 1962 Indians.

He would resurface for 5 games for the 1965 Houston Astros where his major league career would end.

For the Senators he had 26 hits in 108 AB for a .241 BA.

Jim Mahoney career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mahonji01)

Frank Roland Ragland B May 26, 1904 D Jul. 28, 1959

Pitcher Frank Ragland appeared in 12 games for the 1932 Senators, compiling a 1-0 record, with an ERA of 7.41 in 37.2 innings pitched.

In 1933 he would go 0-4 for the Phillies, appearing in 11 games.

Frank Ragland career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=raglafr01)

Steve Jeltz

05-26-2008, 09:46 PM

1911 Boston P Ray Collins is roughed up in the Sens 9-4 win in Washington. P "Long" Tom Hughes gets the victory.

1925 The Nats edge the the 1st place Athletics 10-9 at Shibe Park. Walter Johnson picks up his 7th consecutive victory.

1928 Behind the pitching of Bump Hadley, the Nats halt a season worst 9 game losing streak with a 4-1 win over Philadelphia.

1953 Mickey Vernon extends his hitting streak to 20 games, but the Ed Lopat and Yanks double up the Sens 3-1 at Yankee Stadium. The win begins an 18 game winning streak for the Bronx Bombers.

1954 With President Eisenhower on hand to present Mickey Vernon with a Silver Bat to commemorate Vernon's 1953 batting crown, the Senators score 6 unearned runs to defeat the Yanks 7-3 in Griffith. Vernon goes hitless in this contest, as Chuck Stobbs gets the win.

1955 At Fenway, rookie 1B Norm Zauchin of Boston homers 3 times and drives in 10 in the first 5 innings as the Red Sox rout the Sens 16-0.

1960 Despite fanning 13 Red Sox, Camilo Pasqual suffers his third loss of the year to Boston, as the Senators bow to the Sox 4-3 in Washington.

1965 2B Tim Cullen goes 4-for-5, with 2 RBI, CF Hank Allen and LF Frank Howard each collect 2 hits as the Sens win a laugher at Tiger Stadium 8-1. Tigers starting P Mickey Lolich fails to record an out in the 6 run Senators 1st inning. Camilo Pasqual fires a 7 hit complete game for Washington.

1973 Hope is raised for baseball fans in D.C. as San Diego Padres owner C. Arnholdt Smith announces that he is selling the Padres to Washington grocery chain owner Joseph Danzansky. Danzansky announces that he will move the Padres to Washington in time for the 1974 season. Despite the Padres having the lowest attendance in the NL for the first 5 seasons of their existence, NL owners stall on a vote to move the team, wishing not to abandon the San Diego market. After eight months of backroom dealing, politics, lawsuits, double dealing and general turmoil, Danzansky withdraws his offer and the Pads are sold to McDonald's founder Ray Kroc.

Senators Birthday

John Ludwig (Johnny) Welaj B May 27, 1914 D Sep. 13, 2003

Outfielder Johhy Welaj began his major league career in 1939 with the Senators, His best season at the plate was his rookie year when he hit .274 in 63 games. In 1940 he appeared in 88 games but his BA dropped 18 points. After 49 games in 1941 he had a brief hiatus from the major leagues but would return for 93 games for the Philadelphia Athletics.

Johnny Welaj career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=welajjo01)

TallIndian

05-27-2008, 02:02 AM

I remember the 'purchase' of the Padres by Dazansky. WTTG broadcast a couple of Padres/Mets games after the announcement. Lindsay Nelson (the Mets broadcaster) welcomed DC fans to the National League.

The NL Owners were apparently concerned about the financial package put together by Dazansky to buy the Padres and by objections thatthe Phillies were raising about an NL franchise relocating to 'their' territory.

For whatever reason, there were also reports that MLB simply didn't beleive tht the DC Metro area was capable of sustaining a major league baseball franchise (too many people leaving for long summer vacations, too humid in the summertime to watch baseball, etc.).

Steve Jeltz

05-27-2008, 11:11 PM

1903 A 5-4 loss to the Boston Americans at the Huntington Avenue Grounds in Boston starts a 9 game losing streak for Washington. Tom Loftus's men will complete the year with a last place, 43-94 record, 47.5 GB the pennant winning Americans.

1920 With Clyde Milan going 5-for-5, the Senators hold off the rebuilding A's 6-4 in Philly. Eric Erickson is the Sens winning pitcher.

1927 Making his first start of the year, NY P Wilcy Moore is handed a 3-2 loss in the second game of a doubleheader in New York. Indicative of the rough play of the time, the Nats score the decisive run in the 8th when Firbo Marbarry scoots home as player/manager Bucky Harris spikes Lou Gehrig at first base. Tris Speaker of the Sens plays the first game, an 8-2 loss, with a fractured thumb.

1935 In just his second start since being purchased from the Browns, Bobo Newsom takes an Earl Averill line drive off his knee. It is not discovered until after the Sens 5-4 loss to Cleveland that Newsom broke his kneecap. The loss begins a Senators 8 game losing streak.

1941 With 25,000 on hand to witness Griffith Stadium's first night game, the Yanks spoil the occasion with a 6-5 win.

1946 Before 49,917 on hand to watch the first ever night game in Yankee Stadium, the Sens gain a measure of revenge with a 2-1 victory.

1955 Following yesterday's 16-0 debacle, former BoSox hurler Mickey McDermott's homer starts a 5 run uprising in the 6th as Washington upends Boston 5-3 at Fenway. In his first game of the season, Ted Williams singles in his first plate appearance.

Senators Birthdays

William Joseph (Whispering Bill) Barrett B May 28, 1900 D Jan. 26, 1951

"Whispering Bill" Barrett spent 9 years in the major leagues, from 1921-1930, with the Philadelphia Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, and capping off his career appearing in 6 games for the Washington Senators.

Primarily an outfielder, he also appeared at every infield postion and even pitched in 4 games for the Athletics. The only position he never appeared at was catcher. In 81 games for the 1925 White Sox, he hit .363.

Bill Barrett career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=barrebi02)

Robert Leroy Kuzava B May 28, 1923 Still living

Pitcher Bob Kuzava spent 10 years in the major leagues, from 1946 through 1957, playing for 8 teams, 5 in the American and 3 in the National Leagues. Appearing for the Senators in 1950 and 1951 he managed records of 8-7 and 3-3 respectively.

Bob Kuzava career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kuzavbo01)

Stephen Nagy B May 28, 1919 Still living

Steve Nagy pitched briefly for the Pirates in 1947 and returned to the majors in 1950 when he appeared in 9 games for the Senators. His Washington effort shows a W/L record of 2-5 with an ERA of 6.58 in 53.1 innings pitched.

Steve Nagy career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=nagyst01)

Steve Jeltz

05-28-2008, 11:14 PM

1912 Boston batters draw 15 walks and tag Nats pitching with 18 hits and 21 runs in a 21-8 shellacking at Fenway. The Sens score 11 runs in the second game, but it is still not enough as the Red Sox win 12-11.

1917 The Boston pitching duo of Dutch Leonard and Babe Ruth quiet the Senators bats in a doubleheader sweep, 2-1 and 9-0, in Washington.

1920 Water Johnson hits the first two batters he faces, then mows down Philadelphia 5-0 in the nitecap of another doubleheader. The visiting Sens also take game one, 11-5, behind the pitching of Tom Zachary.

1942 In 1942, Yankees P Lefty Gomez will collect 5 hits for the year. 4 of them come in today's game in the Bronx as the Yanks mop up Bucky Harris men 16-1.

1952 The Senators set a ML record in Boston. By stranding no runners on base today and only stranding two yesterday, The Sens establish the record for fewest baserunners left on base in two straight games. Unfortunately, Sens batters are unable to reach base, as Boston's Mickey McDermott faces the minimum 27 hitters in a 1-0 win for the Red Sox. Mel Hoderlein gets Washington's only safety, but he is erased on a double play.

1956 Replacing an injured Pete Runnels at 2B, Harmon Killebrew belts two homers and 3 RBI as Washington gets the best of Baltimore, 6-5 at Memorial Stadium. Sens LHP Dean Stone ups his record to 2-0.

1959 President Eisenhower and his grandson, David, are in attendance for today's afternoon game with Boston. Ike and his grandson witness a Senator 7-6 victory, with Killebrew clouting a home run. David receives Killebrew's autograph on the home run ball after the game.

1966 Nats hurler Phil Ortega strikes out 7 consecutive Red Sox batters, tying a ML record. Don Lock's 3 run homer in the bottom of the 1st inning is just enough, as the Sens hold on for the 3-2 win.

1967 In one of the better expansion Senator trades, the Sens deal P Pete Richert to the Orioles for P Frank Bertaina and 1B Mike Epstein.

Senators Birthday

John Edward Kennedy B May 29, 1941 Still living

Infielder John Kennedy started his 12 year major league career with the expansion Senators in 1962. He would also appear on the roster of the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Boston Red Sox. He appeared in 2 World Series with the 1965/1966 Dodgers.

After spending 3 seasons in Washington, he would be traded to the Dodgers, along with Claude Osteen, for Frank Howard, Ken McMullen, Dick Nen, Phil Ortega and Pete Richert.

A late season call up in 1962, his rookie appearance with the Senators was his best in Washington, when he hit .262, going 11 for 42 in 14 games.

John Kennedy career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kennejo03)

Steve Jeltz

05-29-2008, 10:32 PM

1912 Floundering with a 17-21 record, the Senators purchase the contract of 1B Chick Gandil from Montreal of the International League. With Manager Griffith immediately placing Gandil in the lineup, the Sens reel off 17 straight wins to rise from 6th to 2nd place.

1913 Harry Hooper of Boston leads off both ends of a Memorial Day doubleheader in D.C. with home runs. Washington take game one, 4-3, while Hooper's home run is the difference of game two, a 1-0 loss for Washington.

1927 After being sidelined with a broken foot, the Big Train makes his inaugural appearance of the year. Johnson fires his 110th, and final, career shutout as Washington defeats the Red Sox, 3-0. Behind the pitching of Bump Hadley in the second game, the hometown Senators steamroll the Sox, 13-5.

1934 In a noteworthy doubleheader, the Sens split a pair with New York. Nats P Earl Whitehill sees his no hit bid broken by a 9th inning single by the Yanks' Ben Chapman. Nonetheless, Whitehill and Washington edge Lefty Gomez and the Yanks, 1-0. The Yankees score in the top of the 11th in the nitecap to give spitballer, Burleigh Grimes, his 269th and final victory of his career, 5-4.

1952 Eddie Yost's 3-run homer provides the win for the Senators, 5-2 in Boston. The Sox even the twinbill with a 5-3 victory, as Boston's Mel Parnell wins his 17th straight decision over the Sens.

1954 Washington P Mickey McDermott shuts down the A's, 6-0, in the front end of a doubleheader in Philadelphia. The Sens miss a golden opportunity for the sweep when the A's Ed McGhee hits a pinch hit, bases loaded double in the bottom of the ninth to give the Senators a 6-5 loss.

1956 Camilo Pascual is the victim of a legendary Yankee Stadium home run by Mickey Mantle. Leading off the bottom of the 5th, Mantle's blast comes within inches of being hit out of the stadium. According to legend, the ball was still rising when it struck the upper stand facade in right field, approximately 396 feet from home plate. Had the ball not struck the facade, it would have been the first and, so far, only home run ever hit out of Yankee Stadium. Mantle's homer put the New Yorkers in the lead for good as the Yanks whip the Senators 12-5. Mantle also homers off Pedro Ramos in game one, a 3 run shot, as the Yanks sneak by the Sens, 4-3.

1961 The Sens stop their expansion cousins, the Angels, 5-1 at Griffith. Ed Hobaugh of Washington strikes out 8 in a 6 hit complete game effort.

1964 Cleveland's Leon "Daddy Wags" Wagner collects 5 hits in 5 plate appearances as the Indians bulldoze the Nats, 10-2 in RFK.

1968 Mantle is 5-for-5, with 2 homers and 5 RBI, in an opening game, 13-4 Yanks cakewalk. Washington bounces back to earn the split with a 6-2 victory behind Camilo Pasqual and Darold Knowles.

Senators Birthday

The stork "rides the pine" today as no Senators players were born on May 30th.

Steve Jeltz

05-30-2008, 09:39 PM

1920 In a morning-afternoon doubleheader at the Polo Grounds, the Yankees outscore the Senators, 7-6 and 10-7. In the early bird contest, Sens reliever Al Schacht gives up 3 ninth inning runs for the 7-6 Sens defeat. 38,000 fans on hand for the PM tilt witness Walter Johnson's 4.2 innings of ineffective relief. Babe Ruth clouts a gargantuan 8th inning homer off Johnson, as the Griffmen fall, 10-7, despite 4 stolen bases by the Sens Braggio Roth.

1921 Washington plates 7 runs in the home second off the Yanks Waite Hoyt. The Sens pound out 8 consecutive safeties off Hoyt in the inning to win going away, 11-5.

1931 In a 7 inning shortened game in Washington, Nats pitching is able to stop Yanks OF Earle Combs 29 game hitting streak. Nevertheless, the Yankees prevail, 4-2.

1932 SS Joe Cronin hits a game tying home run in the top of the 9th off Philadelphia's Tony Freitas. The Senators will break the tie in the 12th inning to edge the A's, 5-4.

1950 The Senators and White Sox make a 6 player trade today. Washington trades 1B Eddie Robinson, P Ray Scarborough and 2B Al Kozar to Chicago for P Bob Kuzava, 2B Cass Michaels and OF John Ostrowski.

1959 Bob Turley of the Yanks throws a 2 hitter, shutting out the Sens, 3-0, in Griffith. Moose Skowron's 3-run, 9th inning homer off Camilio Pascual is all the scoring. 1B Julio Becquer and C Hal Naragon collect the only 2 hits off Turley.

Senators Birthday

Jackie Gene Brown B May 31, 1943 Still living

Pitcher Jackie Brown started his major league career with the Senators in 1970. In his 2 years in Washington he appeared in a total of 38 games, going 2-2 in 1970, 3-4 in 1971.

He didn't appear in the majors in 1972 but returned with the Texas Rangers in 1973. He also played for the Cleveland Indians and Montreal Expos before his 7 year career ended in 1977.

Jackie Brown career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brownja01)

Steve Jeltz

05-31-2008, 08:56 PM

1916 Walter Johnson and Babe Ruth lock up in a pitching duel at Fenway. Ruth allows 3 hits and the Red Sox nick Johnson and the Nats, 1-0.

1925 Ruth makes his first appearance of the year, returning from his infamous "Bellyache Heard Around The World", and is 0-for-2 before departing in the 6th. Lou Gehirg pinch hits for SS Pee Wee Wanniger in the bottom of the 9th, beginning Gehirg's historic consecutive games played streak. Meanwhile, the defending World Champs knock off the Yanks, 5-3.

1944 In St. Louis, the Sens Stan Spence is 6-for-6 with 5 singles and a homer, as the Sens deflate the Browns, 11-5.

1961 The expansion Senators score 3 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat the Angels, 3-2. Gene Woodling's 2 out, 2-run double off LA pitcher Ryne Duren wins it.

1967 Behind a 4 hit, complete game effort from Camilo Pascual, the Senators complete a 2 game sweep of the Angels at RFK, 1-0. Bob Saverine drives in Ed Brinkman with an RBI single in the 3rd for the games only run.

Senators Birthdays

A "Lucky 7" birthdays to report as we start the month of June...

John Francis (Jack) Kralick B Jun. 1, 1935 Still living

Pitcher Jack Kralick first appeared with the original Senators in April of 1959, appearing in 6 games. He stuck with the team in 1960 appearing in 35 games, compiling a 8-6 record.

Moving west with the Senators to Minnesota in 1961, he stayed with the team through part of the 1963 season when he joined the Cleveland Indians where he stayed until his major league career ended in April of 1967.

Jack Kralick career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kralija01)

Thomas Agustus Long B Jun. 1, 1890 D Jun. 15, 1972

Outfielder Tom Long first appeared with the Senators for 14 games at the end of the 1911 season. In 48 AB, he recorded 11 hits, including 3 doubles, for a .229 average. He returned for 1 game with the Senators in 1912 where he went hitless in his only AB.

He returned to the majors in 1915 with the St. Louis Cardinals, appearing in over 100 games a year from 1915 through 1917.

Tom Long career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=longto01)

Raymond Leroy Moore B Jun. 1, 1926 D Mar. 2, 1995

Pitcher Ray Moore began his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1952, appearing in 14 games where he went 1-2. After 1 game with the Dodgers in 1953, he wouldn't make it back to the majors until 1955 with the Baltimore Orioles. He was with the Orioles through 1957 and had some decent seasons there. In 1958 his baseball travels took him to the Chicago White Sox through 1960 when he split the season with the White Sox and the Senators. Along with the previously mentioned Jack Kralick, Moore was another who went west with the original Senators to become a Minnesota Twin, where he ended his baseball days in 1963.

During his time with the Senators he appeared in 37 games, compiling a 3-2 record with a 2.88 ERA.

Personal aside: I'll always remember Ray Moore-as a 7 year old in 1961, Ray Moore's Topps card was the first card I saw when I opened the first pack of cards I ever purchased. For those of you who may be of a similar age, you'll recall that cards were 5 cents a pack for 5 cards and a piece of petrified bubblegum that I wasn't allowed to chew on the advice of our family dentist.

Ray Moore career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=moorera02)

Kenneth Lee McMullen B Jun. 1, 1942 Still living

Ken McMullen spent 16 years in the major leagues, primarily as a 3rd baseman, in a career that started with the LA Dodgers, but also found him with the Washington Senators from 1965-1970 (he was a part of the trade that sent Claude Osteen to LA for Frank Howard and others-see John Kennedy, May 29th). After 15 games in Washington in 1970, he would join the California Angels, spend a second stint with the LA Dodgers, play for the Oakland Athletics in 1976 and finish his career in 1977 with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Probably his best year as a Senator was 1970 when he hit .272. Playing in 158 games he stroked 153 hits including 25 doubles, 2 triples and 19 home runs.

Ken McMullen career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcmulke01)

Harry Kenneth (Duke) Sedgwick B Jun. 1, 1898 D Dec. 4, 1982

Duke Sedgwick played for the Phillies in the 1921 season where he appeared in 16 games. In 1923 he returned to the majors with the Senators, appearing in 5 games, with 16 IP and a record of 0-1.

Duke Sedgwick career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sedgwdu01)

Henry Levai Severeid B Jun. 1, 1891 D Dec. 17, 1968

Hank Severeid played in the majors for 15 years starting with the Cincinnati Reds in 1911. He did not appear in the major leagues in 1914 but would return in 1915 to play 11 seasons with the St. Louis Browns. Splitting his time in 1925 between the Browns and the Senators, he donned the Senators uniform for 50 games. After another 22 games in Washington in 1926 he finished his playing days with the Yankees that same season.

In 1925, he went 39 for 110, good for a .355 BA in the employ of Washington.

Hank Severeid career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=severha01)

Ewart Gladstone (Dixie) Walker B Jun. 1, 1887 D Nov. 14, 1965

NOT the Dixie Walker who gained fame patrolling the Brooklyn outfield in the 1940's, this is his lesser known father who was a pitcher for the Washington Senators from 1909-1912.

First appearing in a Senators uniform in September of 1909, his best season was 1910 when he went 11-11 with a 3.30 ERA.

Another son, Harry (The Hat) Walker, was also a National League player and manager for many years. Dixie, the elder, had a brother named Ernie who was a St. Louis Browns outfielder from 1913-1915.

Dixie Walker career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=walkedi01)

Steve Jeltz

06-01-2008, 08:25 PM

1902 During the 3rd inning of today's game vs. Chicago, Washington uncorks 3 home runs off Sox P Clark Griffith in a 12-0 victory. Ed Delahanty, Bill Coughlin and George Carey all connect off the “Silver Fox”, as Wyatt Lee gets the win for the Nats.

1918 Walter Johnson and Cleveland's Jim Bagby match zeros for 10 innings. The Tribe nick Johnson for the winning run in the bottom of the 11th to win, 1-0.

1925 Washington acquires INF Buddy Myer from New Orleans of the Southern Association. The two-time All Star would play 14 of his 16 season in Washington.

1932 The Sens dust off the Red Sox in a twin bill at Fenway, 6-4 and 8-1. Boston P Danny McFayden drops his 14th straight to Washington in the opener, tying a ML record by pitchers for most consecutive losses to one team.

1950 With the Brown's Hank Arft going 5-for-5, the Browns drop the Senators, 10-5. The Browns cap off today's doubleheader sweep at Griffith by coasting to a 9-3 win. St. Louis winning pitcher, Harry Dorish, becomes the last AL pitcher to steal home in game two.

1959 Light hitting Sens SS Ron Sanford connects for a solo home run in the top of the 10th as the Sens defeat the Indians, 3-2. Bob Allison hits his 10th of the year, a solo shot in the 6th off Mudcat Grant.

1961 Hard luck P Dick Donovan finally scores his first win of the season in a 12-4 win over visiting Kansas City. Donovan receives more run support in this start (12) than he had in his previous 5 starts combined (11).

1965 It's a happy homecoming for two former Dodgers, Frank Howard and Ken McMullen. The Senators rout the Angels in a doubleheader at Dodger Stadium, 13-0 and 7-1. Howard is 3-for-5, with 2 homers and 4 RBI, while Joe Cunningham goes 3 for 4 with a homer and 5 RBI in the opener. Phil Ortega tosses a 5 hit complete game to collect the easy win. McMullen is the star of the nitecap with 3 hits, 2 RBI and a home run. Bennie Daniels earns his 4th win, with Ron Kline getting his 13th save.

Senators Birthdays

Hubert Burley (Lefty) Atkinson B Jun. 2, 1906 D Feb. 12, 1961

Another "One Game Wonder", Lefty Atkinson's cup of coffee with the Washington Senators came on August 5th, 1927. Credited with 1 at bat, no hits and 1 run scored, Lefty would disappear from the major leagues after his one short day.

Lefty Atkinson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=atkinle01)

Marshall Bridges B Jun. 2, 1931 D Sep. 3, 1990

Pitcher Marshall Bridges spent 7 years in the major leagues, playing for 4 different teams. Starting with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959, he also wore the uniform of the Reds, Yankees and finished off his career with the Senators in 1964 & 1965.

He appeared in 17 games for the Senators in 1964 and 40 games in 1965 pitching in 87.1 innings over those 2 years.

Marshall Bridges career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bridgma01)

Charles Claude Jones B Jun. 2, 1876 D Apr. 2, 1947

Charlie Jones spent 6 years in the American League. As a "charter" American Leaguer, he first played for the Boston franchise in 1901 when they were known as the Americans. Returning to the AL in 1904, he appeared in 5 games for the Chicago White Stockings. 1905-1907 would be his most active seasons, when he appeared in over 120 games a year with the Senators. He would end his career with the St. Louis Browns in 1908. Primarily an outfielder, Jones also filled in at 1st, 2nd & short.

His best year at the plate for the Senators was 1907 when he hit .265, going 116 for 437 in 121 games.

Charlie Jones career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=jonesch03)

Robert Paul Saverine B Jun. 2, 1941 Still living

Bob Saverine first appeared in 1 major league game with the Baltimore Orioles in 1959. He wouldn't be back in the majors until 1962 when he spent 3 years on the Orioles' roster. After another hiatus from the majors in 1965, he would end his career with the Senators in 1966 & 1967.

A utility infielder, Saverine would also play in the outfield. Appearing in 120 games with the Senators in 1966 he hit .251.

Bob Saverine career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=saverbo01)

Hollis John (Sloppy) Thurston B Jun. 2, 1899 D Sep. 14, 1973

Pitcher Sloppy Thurston played in 2 games with the St. Louis Browns in 1923 and then spent the remainder of the season, and the next 3 years with the Chicago White Sox.

He spent 1927 on the roster of the Washington Senators, going 13-13 with a 4.47 ERA.

Thurston would not appear in a major league game again until 1930, when he played for 4 years in Brooklyn, finishing in 1933.

"Sloppy" Thurston career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thurssl01)

TallIndian

06-02-2008, 05:50 PM

Steve Jeltz

06-02-2008, 10:03 PM

Steve,

On June 2 1968 (forty years ago!), one of the most memorable games in Senators (if not baseball) history took place.

In the second game of a double header against the Tribe, Jim Hannan of the Nats gave up a double and a homer in the first inning and then retired the next 24 batters in a row!

In the 9th, Hannan gave up a triple and then a single.

Jim Hannan gave up only four hits: a single, a double, a triple and a homer. As far as I can tell, this is the only time in the history of baseball that a pitcher has pitched a cycle!

Good catch, TI! The funny thing is that, according to what Hannan said years later, after he gave up the runs in the 1st, his first 3 outs were all flyballs that would have been homers had the Sens outfielders not pulled them back in! Another humorous tidbit is that Hannan's teammates did not know he was throwing a 'perfect game', but the Cleveland bench was aware. :lookitup

I don't know, or have heard, of another pitcher pitching for the cycle, but if there is one, it was probably a Senators pitcher! And, hopefully, they got the win like Hannan did.

Steve Jeltz

06-02-2008, 10:24 PM

1911 With Cobb's two triples pacing the Tiger offense, Detroit handily defeats Walter Johnson and the Sens, 7-2, in the nation's capital.

1938 Brothers and batterymates Rick and Wes Ferrell each collect RBI doubles as the Senators douse the visiting Pale Hose, 5-1. Pitcher Wes collects the win.

1949 The Senators pound out 14 hits to make P Paul Calvert the winner in a 12-3 rout of the Browns at Sportsman Park. This will be Calvert's last win as a Sen as he will go on to lose his next 14 decisions, the 4th worst in AL history.

1952 Satchel Paige of the Browns pitches 5.2 scoreless relief innings as St. Louis prevails 3-2 in 17 innings. Paige goes 3-for-3 as a hitter, including driving in the eventual winning run in the top of the 17th.

1957 Pedro Ramos serves up a 3 run homer to Ted Williams in the top of the 8th as the Sens are doubled up by Boston, 5-3. Ramos will surrender 17 home runs this month, an all time ML record for any month.

1962 Senators OF Willie Tasby is traded to Cleveland for pitcher Steve Hamilton and Don Rudolph.

Senators Birthdays

As Dennis the Menace used to say: "Hey Mr. Wilson!" Today we recall 2 Senators players born on this date, both with the last name of Wilson, who had very short stays in Washington.

Max Wilson B Jun. 3, 1916 D Jan. 2, 1977

Pitcher Max Wilson had 2 brief visits to the major leagues, first with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1940, and then with the Senators in 1946. Appearing in 9 games in a Washington uniform, he would post a record of 0-1 in 12.2 IP.

Max Wilson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wilsoma01)

Tom Wilson B Jun. 3, 1890 D Mar. 7, 1953

Another "One Game Wonder", catcher Tom Wilson's cup o' coffee with the Senators was served on September 8th of 1914. He was 0-1 at the plate.

Tom Wilson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wilsoto01)

Steve Jeltz

06-03-2008, 10:36 PM

1904 Snapping a 10 game losing streak, the Nats score a rare shutout, 2-0, at Chicago.

1906 The Tigers erupt for 9 runs in the last two innings to trounce Washington 13-4 in Detroit. Bill Coughlin of the Bengals steals second, third and home in the 7th inning.

1912 It's win number 5 in a 17 game winning streak as the visiting Nats sweep a four game series from the Browns, 3-2. The win moves Washington a game over .500.

1918 Hurler Jim Shaw's bases loaded triple in the 5th is the difference in a Sens 3-1 victory at Cleveland. Shaw, however, injures his leg on the slide into third on the triple and is relieved by Doc Ayers.

1929 In a dramatic win, the Sens score 6 runs in the bottom of the 9th to edge St. Louis, 8-7. Ossie Bleuge's steal of home wins it for the Nats.

1967 In a 19 inning marathon at Baltimore, Washington batsmen strike out a whopping 21 times. Bird's C Andy Etchabarren's 2 run home run off Bob Priddy hands the Sens a 7-5 defeat.

1970 In the secondary phase of the amateur draft, the Nats use their 1st round selection on Arizona State's Lenny Randle. In the 21st round, Washington selects Bruce Sutter, but the Sens are unable to sign the future Cy Young winner.

1971 In another marathon, this time in D.C., the Sens fall to Oakland in 21 innings, 5-3. A bases loaded walk and a wild pitch by reliever Jim Shellenback gives the A's the decisive runs for the win.

Senators Birthdays

Today we note the birthdays of 2 "Senators Short-timers":

William David (Dutch) Holland B Jun. 4, 1915 Still living

Pitcher Bill Holland appeared in 3 games for the Senators in 1939, compiling an 0-1 record.

Bill Holland career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hollabi02)

George Frederick (Silent George) Twombly B Jun. 4, 1892 D Feb. 17, 1975

An outfielder, George Twombly got his start in the major leagues in 1914 with the Cincinnati Reds. Used sparingly, his most active season would be his rookie year when he appeared in 68 games, hitting .233. After 3 seasons with the Reds, he spent 1917 on the roster of the Boston Braves.

He returned to the majors in 1919 for 1 game with the Senators in September.

George Twombly career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=twombge01)

Steve Jeltz

06-04-2008, 08:14 PM

1947 Sherry Robertson and Al Evans each go deep for the Sens, as Early Wynn picks up the shutout, 3-0 in Cleveland.

1961 Before tonight's contest vs. Cleveland, the Nats trade P Hal Woodeshick to Detroit for 2B Chuck Cottier. Perhaps the Sens could have used Woodeshick's services in the game. The Tribe draws 7 walks, rap 15 hits and score 7 runs off three different Washington pitchers in the 7-5 loss for Washington.

1967 Mike Epstein makes his Senators debut at Yankee Stadium. In the 4th, Epstein gives the Sens a 2-0 lead when he hits a 2-run inside the park home run off the Yank's Thad Tillotson. However, the 6th place Yanks score 2 in the bottom of the 8th off Darold Knowles to take home the victory, 4-2.

1968 A 3-1 win over visiting Oakland extends the Nats modest win streak to 3 games. Frank Howard's 2-run homer in the 6th, his 21st, provides the margin of victory.

1969 Holding the 1st overall pick in the amateur draft, the Sens select future All Star and AL MVP Jeff Burroughs.

1970 Making his major league debut in RFK, Minnesota P Bert Blyleven yields a leadoff home run to RF Lee Maye. Blyleven will settle down and pitch 7 effective innings in the 2-1 Twins win.

Senators Birthdays

Wade Hampton Lefler B Jun. 5, 1896 D Mar. 6, 1981

For those of us old enough to recall the "Twilight Zone" television program hosted by Rod Serling, the brief career of Wade Lefler would have lent itself perfectly for one of Mr. Serling's opening introductions..."Presented for your consideration, the brief career of one Wade Hampton Lefler, who appeared in the major leagues for a grand total of 6 games in 1924. Playing in one game with the Boston Braves, Mr. Lefler would reappear on the roster of the Washington Senators for 5 games in the fall of that season. Batting .625, Mr. Lefler would depart from the major league scene with a career batting average of .556".

Wade Lefler career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=leflewa01)

Albert Leonard (Beany) Jacobson B Jun. 6, 1881 D Jan. 31, 1933

Beany Jacobson joined the roster of the Senators as a pitcher in 1904. After a 2 year stint in Washington, he spent 1906 and the early part of 1907 with the St. Louis Browns. He joined the Boston Red Sox (known then as the "Americans") for 2 games, also in 1907, where his major league career ended.

With the 1905 Senators, Jacobson was 7-8 with a 3.30 ERA.

"Beany" Jacobson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=jacobbe01)

Frank Elmer Huelsman B Jun. 5, 1874 D Jun. 9, 1959

Another player from the very early part of the last century, Frank Huelsman's baseball career actually started in 1897 when he played in 2 games for the old St. Louis Browns of the National League.

In 1904 he would resurface in the 3 year old American League and appear with half the teams then extant in 1 season! 4 games with the Chicago White Sox, 4 with the Detroit Tigers, 20 with the St. Louis Browns and 84 with the Senators-112 games for 4 different teams in 1 season. In 1905, he returned with the Senators, appearing in 121 games, hitting .271, only to disappear from the major league scene after the season ended.

Frank Huelsman career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=huelsfr01)

Charles Furman Gooch B Jun. 5, 1902 D May 30, 1982

Another "One Season Wonder", Charlie Gooch appeared in 39 games with the 1929 Senators, playing both 1st & 3rd bases (with one game at shortstop), and hitting .281.

Charlie Gooch career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=goochch01)

TallIndian

06-05-2008, 12:09 AM

Steve Jeltz

06-05-2008, 04:13 PM

Robert Short had us Nats fans convinced that Jeff Burroughs was the second coming of Babe Ruth. Again, I think his minor league career was rushed to accomodate Short's need for a 'start' to fill the seats at RFK.

You also mention Bert Blyleven. I read somewhere that Ted Williams actually wanted to draft Blyleven in 1969 but was over ruled by Short.

Getting back to another thread, the Nats could have had a pitching staff of Ryan, Hunter, Coleman, Bosman and Blyleven with Darold Knowles in the bullpen.

The Sens selected a pitcher by the name of Jim Officer in the 3rd round of the June, 1969 draft. Officer would never sniff the majors. 6 picks later, the Twins nabbed Blyleven.

So, if you are keeping score, Short eschewed a potential rotation with 2 future HOF's, a strong HOF candidate in Blyleven, and two solid starters.

Steve Jeltz

06-05-2008, 09:40 PM

1912 Walter Johnson relieves Paul Musser in the bottom of the 6th with the Nationals in the lead, 2-1, over Chicago. The Nats plate 7 more runs for the 9-1 victory and, due to the rules at the time, the Big Train is credited with the win.

1935 Sens P Henry Coppola makes his big league debut a memorable one as he shutouts the Red Sox, 3-0, at Griffith. Coppola will post a 3-4 W/L mark for the season and will disappear from the majors for good by the middle of 1936.

1961 Cleveland moves into 1st place with a 14-3 clobbering of the expansion Nats in Washington. Washington P Jim McClain is chased in the 6th having giving up 6 ER. The bullpen fails to stop the bleeding, surrendering 8 runs in 4 innings. Cleveland P Gary "Ding Dong" Bell collects the win.

1963 Dave Stenhouse and Ron Kline make Larry "Bobo" Osborne's 2-run, 1st inning homer stand in a 2-1 win over visiting Boston. Washington runs their winning streak to 4 games.

1966 Interrupting a 16 game road trip, the Sens return home to play a make up game against Baltimore. Phil Ortega survives 2 home runs by Frank Robinson to defeat the Birds, 5-3. Ortega is the beneficiary of a 2-run homer by Frank Howard in the 3rd and a solo home run from Ed Brinkman in the 7th.

1969 Despite allowing 11 hits, Sens hurlers Barry Moore and Darold Knowles team up for a 1-0 shutout in Minnesota. Frank Howard is 3-of-4 with the only run scored.

1971 40,246 paying customers go home in disappointment as the powerhouse A's complete a 4 game sweep with a 6-1 win. Denny McLain drops his 10th decision of the season, pitching only 5 innings. Oakland's Vida Blue continues his march to the AL MVP and Cy Young awards with a 4 hit, complete game.

Senators Birthdays

Jay Carl Cashion B Jun. 6, 1891 D Nov. 17, 1935

Playing for the Senators from 1911 through 1914, Carl Cashion was a pitcher who was also tapped to play in the outfield on a few occasions. His best year was 1912 when he posted a record 10-6 with a 3.17 ERA.

Carl Cashion career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cashica01)

Steve Jeltz

06-06-2008, 11:41 PM

1933 Cleveland GM Billy Evans hires former Senator legend Walter Johnson as manager. Johnson succeeds another former Nat and former teammate, 1925 AL MVP Roger Peckinpaugh.

Meanwhile, the future AL pennant winners are engaging in a slugfest at Shibe Park. The A's and Nats battle to a 13-13 tie in 10 innings. Jimmie Foxx poles a 3-run homer in the 8th to deadlock the match at 11. Washington plates 2 in the top half of the 10th for a 13-11 lead, but the Mackmen promptly score 2 in their half to even the score once again. Foxx is at the plate when the contest is called due to rain. Ossie Bluege and Moe Berg each homer for Washington.

1946 Signed 3 days previously, Bobo Newsom commences his 4th stint as a Senator with a victory over the visiting White Sox, 3-2.

1957 Coughing up leads of 4-0 and 7-4, the Sens still manage to extract a victory at Cleveland, 11-7. An error by Tribe SS Larry Raines on a Frank Bolling grounder opens the floodgates to a 4 run Nats 8th inning. Tex Clevenger gets the win in relief.

1966 Frank Robinson's one out RBI single in the bottom of the 12th caps a 3 run Baltimore rally, as the Sens drop a heartbreaker, 6-5. Ken McMullen's 2-run single in the top of the 12th places the Sens in the lead, 5-3. Nats rookies Dick Lines and Dick Bosman, appearing in his 3rd ML game, allow 5 consecutive Orioles to reach base, setting the stage for Robinson's game winner, his 4th safety of the contest.

In the amateur draft earlier that day, the Sens used their 1st round pick on Tom Grieve. Also selected in the draft is Del Unser during the secondary phase.

Senators Birthdays

Jerome Patrick (Jerry) Conway B Jun. 7, 1901 D Apr. 16, 1980

Another "One Game Wonder", Jerry Conway's cup of coffee with the Senators came on Aug. 31, 1920. Pitching 2 innings, giving up 1 hit and no runs, Mr. Conway would not appear in another major league game.

Jerry Conway career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=conwaje01)

William Frederick (Bones) Ely B Jun. 7, 1863 D Jan. 10, 1952

Here's an interesting career-born during the Civil War, William Ely would first appear for the Buffalo Bisons, then in the National League, for 1 game in 1884.

In 1886, he appeared in 10 games for the Louisville Colonels in the American Association.

2 years later, 1890, he appeared in 119 games for the Syracuse Stars, also of the American Association.

In 1891, he was on the roster of the Brooklyn Bridegrooms of the National League.

He returned to the NL in 1893 with the St. Louis Browns, staying in St. Louis for 2 seasons until he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1896. He remained with the Pirates through 1901 when he went to the Philadelphia Athletics in mid-season.

In 1902, at 39 years of age, he would play his last season in the major leagues, appearing in 105 for the Senators at shortstop, collecting 100 hits in 381 AB, good for a .262 average.

Primarily a shortstop, he played every infield position, pitched and played in the outfield in a career that spanned 14 seasons over 18 years.

"Bones" Ely career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=elybo01)

Steve Jeltz

06-07-2008, 10:12 PM

1920 Walter Johnson's homer in the top of the 7th makes the Sens, and himself, winners, 5-3 over the Browns.

1944 The A's fall into the basement, as the Senators are victorious, 7-5 in Philadelphia. Nats CF George Case steals 3 bases and records an unassisted double play.

1947 On Luke Appling Day at Commiskey Park, the Sens and Sox split 2. Washington takes game one, 1-0 in 18 innings, when Al Evans triples and Sherry Robertson drives in Evans with a sac fly. The White Sox come back in the nitecap to defeat the Nats, 8-2 behind the pitching of Bob Gillespie.

1965 In the inaugural major league draft, the Senators use their first ever selection on P Joe Coleman.

The Sens sign one of the great characters of baseball, P Ryne Duren, as a free agent. Washington will be Duren's final destination of his career.

1966 Another dubious record is set by a Nats player in today's double header at Baltimore. 2B Bob Saverine sets an AL record by going 0-for-12 in both games.

Meanwhile, the Sens blow a 5-3, 9th inning lead in the opener. The O's will eventually win, 6-5 in 14 innings when Cam Carreon doubles in the Birds game winner. In the second tilt, Washington once again cannot sustain a lead inning lead, this time a 6-4 advantage in the 8th. Baltimore goes on to score 4 runs in the 8th for a 8-7 victory.

Senators Birthdays

Today we note 4 birthdays, including 2 of my favorite pitchers from those late expansion Senators teams and a little bit of mystery...

George Stuart (Lefty) Brunet B Jun. 8, 1935 D Oct. 25, 1991

George Brunet had quite a career-however I don't think the poor guy ever had a chance to settle down in 1 spot for very long.

Starting his major league career with the Kansas City Athletics in 1956, Brunet would appear for 9 teams in his 15 year career. He played for Kansas City in 1956, 1957, 1959 and a part of 1960 before being traded to the Milwaukee Braves. After spending the remainder of 1960 & 1961 in Milwaukee he found himself on the roster of the expansion Houston Colt 45's in 1962. He spent 1962 and part of 1963 in Houston before being purchased by the Baltimore Orioles where he'd spend the remainder of the season.

In 1964 the Houston club purchased George back from Baltimore but he never appeared in a game for Houston that year before he was purchased once again, this time by the Los Angeles Angels. He remained with the Angels through their move to Anaheim until July of 1969 when he moved way up the coast to become a member of the short-lived Seattle Pilots.

He was traded in the off season to the Washington Senators for Dave Baldwin. While in Washington he posted an 8-6 record with a 4.42 ERA. Late in the 1970 season he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Denny Riddleberger.

He finished the 1970 season in Pittsburgh but was traded once again, this time to the St. Louis Cardinals where he appeared in 7 games before being released in May of 1971.

However his baseball career didn't end there-he managed to find work in the Mexican League where he played until suffering a fatal heart attack in 1991 at age 56.

George holds the minor league strikeout record in a career with over 3000.

George Brunet career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brunege01)

Vibert Ernesto (Webbo) Clarke B Jun. 8, 1928 D Jun. 14, 1970

Panamanian pitcher Webbo Clarke is another "One Season Wonder" who appeared in 7 games for the Senators in 1955, pitching in 21.3 innings and leaving with an ERA of 4.64.

"Webbo" Clarke career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=clarkwe01)

Timothy Cornelius Donahue B Jun. 8, 1870 D Jun. 12, 1902

Catcher Tim Donahue began his baseball career with the Boston Reds of the American Association in 1891. Only appearing in 4 games, he wouldn't return to the majors until 1895 when he appeared with Chicago, known as the Colts from 1895-1897 and Orphans 1898-1900. Donahue would remain in the Windy City through the 1900 season.

In 1902 he returned to the majors with the Senators, appearing in 3 games, going 2-8 for a .250 BA. This is the mystery I alluded to earlier-published information shows that Donahue died on June 12, 1902, 4 days after his 32nd birthday and in the middle of the baseball season. If anyone could lend any insight to the early death of Mr. Donahue I'd be most appreciative!

EDIT: I've been informed that Tim Donahue was suffering from Addison's disease, which is suspected to have been caused by exposure to tuberuclosis. This in turn led to kidney failure which is listed as his cause of death.

Donahue left the Washington team in mid-season and died at the family home in Taunton, Massachusetts. More information here:

Tim Donahue SABR Biography (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1190&pid=3672)

Tim Donahue career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=donahti01)

Joseph Charles Grzenda B Jun. 8, 1937 Still living

Joe Grzenda was another journeyman pitcher who appeared with 6 teams in a career that spanned 8 seasons over 11 years. First appearing with the Detroit Tigers in 1961, he wouldn't return to the majors until 1964 when he appeared with the Kansas City Athletics in 1964 & 1966. In 1967 he was with the New York Mets and after another year's hiatus he returned to the major leagues with the 1969 Minnesota Twins.

Traded by the Twins, along with Charlie Walters to Washington for Brant Alyea, he'd spend 1970 and 1971 in Washington before finishing his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972.

Joe was on the mound on September 30, 1971, with 2 outs and Yankee batter Horace Clarke coming to bat, when an almost certain Senators win ended in a 9-0 forfeit to the Yankees when angry fans stormed the field, halting play before the last out could be made.

Joe was on hand for the opening ceremonies in 2005 when the Nationals returned major league baseball to Washington.

I've posted this link before on more than one occasion, but in the event you've missed it up until now, here's a great writeup on Joe Grzenda from the Washington Post:

Joe Grzenda, The Ultimate Closer (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59629-2004Oct24.html)

Joe Grzenda career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=grzenjo01)

Steve Jeltz

06-08-2008, 08:55 PM

1918 A harmless single by Ossie Vitt is Detroit's only hit, as Walter Johnson shutouts the Tigers, 2-0 at Navin Field.

1927 Cleveland routs the Senators, 7-1 in Griffith. Johnson allows 6 hits and is chased after 5 innings.

1934 Sore armed Boston P Lefty Grove surrenders a ML record 5 consecutive doubles to the Nats in the top of the 8th inning. The Red Sox get pounded, 8-1.

1962 2B Chuck Cottier comes back to haunt his former team. Cottier's 2-run, game winning homer in the bottom of the 10th off Detroit's Jerry Casale hands the Sens a 4-2 victory.

1967 Carl Yastrzemski belts 2 home runs and 3 RBI to lead Boston to an 8-7 win. Yaz also earns a standing ovation from the Fenway faithful with 2 outstanding defensive plays, as the Sens cannot sustain an early 5-2 lead. Frank Howard connects for his 12th homer off Jim Lonborg in the 1st inning.

1971 Dartmouth P Pete Broberg is the Nats first round selection in the amateur draft. As was usually the case with 1st round picks under the Bob Short regime, Broberg will be rushed to the majors. Unlike previous 1st rounders Jeff Burroughs and Tom Grieve, Broberg will skip minor league ball entirely and make his major league debut 11 days after he was drafted.

Senators Birthdays

William James Cunningham B Jun. 9, 1886 D Feb. 21, 1946

Bill Cunningham was a little used second baseman who only appeared in 123 games over 3 seasons, from 1910-1912. His 21 game rookie season stint was undoubtedly his best when he hit .297. His BA dropped by over 100 points in 1911 and after 8 games in 1912 Cunningham was dropped by the Senators.

Bill Cunningham career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cunnibi01)

Lamar Gary (Jake) Jacobs B Jun. 9, 1937 Still living

Jake Jacobs was a late season callup in 1960 where he appeared in 6 games for the original Senators during their last gasp in Washington. He went west with the franchise to Minnesota in 1961, where he appeared in another 4 games in late September and then departed the major leagues.

"Jake" Jacobs career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=jacobja01)

Emil Frederick (Irish) Meusel B Jun. 9, 1893 D Mar. 1, 1963

The brother of noted New York Yankee Bob Meusel, "Irish" Meusel got his start in the majors with a one game appearance with the 1914 Senators, playing left field and going 0-2 at bat.

Unlike some One Game Wonders that we've noted in this thread, Irish Meusel would return to the majors in 1918 and put in 10 solid years with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Giants and Brooklyn Robins, finishing with a career BA of .310. His best year would be with the 1921 Phillies when he hit .353 in 84 games.

"Irish" Meusel career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=meuseir01)

James Madison Pearce B Jun. 9, 1925 D Jul. 17, 2005

Jim Pearce appeared in 30 major league games over the course of 5 seasons. Starting with the Senators in September of 1949, he would appear in a Senators uniform again in 1950 and then would not return until 1953. He finished his career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1954 & 1955.

His most active season would be 1950 when he appeared in 20 of those 30 games, going 2-1 in 56.2 innings with a 6.04 ERA.

Jim Pearce career record (http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pearcji01)

TallIndian

06-09-2008, 02:40 AM

Broberg had quality stuff and some work in the minors would have helped hiim. However, IIRC, Broberg didn't want to spend time in the minors.

His pal, Steve Dunning, went straight to the majors for the Tribe. Broberg also wanted to go straight to the majors.

Steve Jeltz

06-09-2008, 11:20 PM

1901 The Nats score 8 in the bottom of the 8th to knot the Pale Hose at 10-10. The tilt goes to extra innings, when Chicago's Fred Hartman decks a 3-run home run in the top of the 10th. Clark Griffith of Chicago gets the 13-10 win in relief.

1910 June 1st birthday boy Dixie Walker one-hits the White Sox, 1-0 in Chi-Town. Chicago SS Lena Blackburne's 9th inning throwing error allows the Sens Dan Unglaub to score the game's only run.

1911 OF Tilly Walker of the Nats falls a home run short of the cycle in his major league debut. Despite Walker's impressive showing, Washington is throttled by visiting Chicago, 18-7.

1937 Washington acquires brothers P Wes and C Rick Farrell, as well as OF Mel Almada, from Boston for P Bobo Newsom and OF Ben Chapman. P Wes will only last over a year in Washington before being released in August, 1938. Rick, however, will stay in Washington for 3 and half more seasons, before being dealt to the Browns in 1941. Rick would return to Washington in 1944 for his second stint, where he garnered a few MVP votes in 1945 for his role in the Senators surprising 2nd place finish. Rick Ferrell would be inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 1984.

1950 In a rain shortened, 5 inning contest in Griffith, the Nats bounce Chicago, 6-0. RHP Sandy Consuegra gets credit for the win in his major league debut.

1952 The Senators and Red Sox deal again. Washington ships former 2 time All Star and 12 year veteran P Sid Hudson to Boston for former Senator and Hudson teammate, P Walt Masterton and P Randy Gumpert. Gumbert's claim to fame: He surrendered Mickey Mantle's first ever home run.

1956 In the leadoff game of today's twinbill against Detroit, the Nats score 6 runs in the final 3 innings to edge the Bengals, 6-5. Jim Lemon's RBI single in the bottom of the 9th wins it. In the second game, Lemon and Roy Sievers each hit a homer, as the Nats hold on for a 12-9 victory to complete the sweep.

1966 Sonny Siebert of Cleveland no-hits the Senators, 2-0 at Cleveland. The only Nats to reach base are 1B Dick Nen on a walk in the 5th and C Paul Casanova on a fielding error in the 8th. Sens P Phil Ortega pitches 8 effective innings, but see his record fall to 5-3.

1970 In Kansas City, the Senators improve to 25-29 by flushing the Royals, 8-1. P Joe Coleman goes the distance, while Frank Howard drives in 2 and swipes his first base of the season.

Senators Birthdays

Today we have a trio of birthdays to note. All of today's celebrants spent 10 or more years in the major leagues, however with one exception, all had short stays with the Senators.

Edgar Garland Braxton B Jun. 10, 1900 D Feb. 25, 1966

Pitcher Garland Braxton first appeared in the majors in 1921 with the Boston Braves where he would also spend the 1922 season. He would reappear in the majors on the roster of the New York Yankees in 1925 where he would also spend the 1926 season.

In 1927 he joined the Washington Senators, playing for Washington in 1927-1930. He'd split the 1930 season between the Senators and Chicago White Sox. He'd split 1931 between the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns. Out of the majors for 1932, he'd return to the Browns for 5 last games in 1933.

During his years in Washington he posted a collective record of 38-32, his best ERA was 2.51 in 1928.

Garland Braxton career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=braxtga01)

Michael Andreas Kreevich B Jun. 10, 1908 D Apr. 25, 1994

Mike Kreevich is another member of the group of 14 players who has the "distinction" of appearing with the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators during his career.

First appearing in the major leagues for 5 games with the 1931 Chicago Cubs, he wouldn't return to the majors until 1935, this time with the Chicago White Sox. An outfielder, he remained with the White Sox through 1941 appearing in over 100 games a year from 1936 through 1941, batting .323 in 1939 and being selected for the 1938 All-Star game.

In 1942 Kreevich was with the Philadelphia Athletics for 116 games, heading west to spend 1943, 1944 and a goodly portion of 1945 with the St. Louis Browns, appearing in the World Series with the 1944 pennant winning Browns.

He spent his last 45 games in the majors with the 1945 Senators, where, at 37 years of age he still managed to hit .278, going 44 for 158 at bat.

Mike Kreevich career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kreevmi01)

Daniel Knowles MacFayden B Jun. 10, 1905 D Aug. 26, 1972

Another pitcher with a long record, but a short stint with the Senators, Danny MacFayden started his major league journey in August of 1926 with the Boston Red Sox, where he would remain through 1932.

Splitting 1932 between the Red Sox and the New York Yankees, he was with New York through 1934.

After a short stint with the 1935 Cincinnati Reds, he went back to Boston to spend the remainder of the season with the Boston Braves where he would remain through 1939.

1940 found MacFayden on the roster of the Pittsburgh Pirates and in 1941 he would appear in 5 games for the Washington Senators, going 0-1, pitching only 7 innings.

He capped off his career in 1943 appearing in a final 10 games for the Boston Braves.

His best season was 1936 when he went 17-13 for Boston (known then as the "Bees") with a 2.87 ERA.

Danny MacFayden career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=macfada01)

Steve Jeltz

06-10-2008, 10:41 PM

1908 Making his initial appearance of the year since having surgery to remove an abscess behind his right ear, Walter Johnson is hit hard in a 4-2 defeat at St. Louis. Johnson departs in the 4th inning and will not pitch again until June 25.

1925 The 1924 World Series flag is raised at Griffith, but Detroit spoils the festivities with a 7-4 win over the Sens. Ty Cobb knocks in 2 for the Tigers, as "Big Train" Johnson is derailed.

1932 Washington purchases the contract of RHP Tommy Thomas from the White Sox. The former 19 game winner will be used primarily as a reliever in parts of 4 seasons in Washington, before being traded to the Phillies in May, 1935.

1935 Al Simmons of the White Sox clubs a grad slam, but the Nats eek out a 9-8 win at Comiskey Park. The Sox come back to split the doubleheader, with a 9-3 victory over Washington.

1937 On "Zeke Bonura Day" in Chicago, the White Sox slugger collects 3 hits and 5 RBI. The Pale Hose whip the Sens, 14-8.

1958 The Sens stop Chicago, 5-2, in D.C. behind the 6 hit pitching of Russ Kemmerer. RF Neil Crisley drives in 2 with a 2-run triple, with Roy Sievers, Ken Aspromonte and Kemmerer also picking up RBI's for Washington.

1968 The visiting Orioles batter Nats starter Frank Bertaina for 4 runs in 1.1 innings in an 8-4 O's victory. The loss drops the 24-32 Senators into 10th place, where Jim Lemon's men will reside for the remainder of the season.

1969 The improving Senators dig out from a 4-0 hole, but the A's pull out a 6-4 win in 13 innings. Reggie Jackson's second homer of the night in the top of the 13th off loser Frank Bertaina puts Oakland ahead for good. Sens 2B Bernie Allen collects 3 hits, including a home run off Catfish Hunter, and 2 RBI in a losing cause.

Senators Birthdays

Jacinto (Jack) del Calvo B Jun. 11, 1894 D Jun. 15, 1965

Another early member of the Senators' "Cuban Connection", Jack Calvo spent 2 separate stints with the Senators in 1913 and 1920. An outfielder, he appeared in 17 games each season, with dramatically different results. His 1913 playing time saw him go 8 for 33, good for a .242 BA. Unfortunately his time in 1920 saw his BA drop by 199 points when he went 1 for 23, for a .043 BA. He would leave the Senators in June of 1920 and be gone from the major leagues.

"Jack" Calvo career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=calvoja01)

Steve Jeltz

06-11-2008, 11:19 PM

1910 The 1906 White Sox were dubbed the "Hitless Wonders", but the 1910 incarnation appears to be trying to steal that moniker. For the third straight day, the punchless Sox are shutout by the visiting Nats, this time 3-0. RHP Bob Groom collects the win.

1923 The Browns double up the Nats, 3-1, at Griffith. A rarity occurs when Walter Johnson is outpitched in a pitching duel. St. Louis southpaw Dave Danforth is the winner.

1938 In the rubber match of a three game series with Detroit, the Senators absorb a humiliating defeat at the hand of the Tigers. The Sens lose 18-12 in the nation's capital, but it is not the 18 runs that the Sens give up that is embarrassing. It is the lead that they somehow cannot hold. Washington had a 11-1 lead in the top of the 6th inning when the rains came. After the rain delay, the Tigers roar for 17 runs in the last 4 innings off Bucky Harris' men to complete the 3 game sweep.

1954 In one of the few good acquisitions of the early 1950's, Washington purchases little used OF Jim Lemon from Cleveland. Lemon will bounce between Washington and the minors for the next one and a half seasons before breaking out in 1956.

1960 The Nats hit 8 home runs in a double header split with Detroit at Griffith. The Nats score 5 early runs in the opener and are never threatened for a comfortable 8-3 victory. Game two Senators starter Hal Woodeshick is sent to an early shower, as the Tigers build a 9-1 advantage to win, 12-5. Lemon swats 3 homers, 1 in the first game and 2 in the second, in this twinbill.

1967 It is a record setting night in Washington. Returning to the confines of RFK, the Senators are looking to rebound from a dismal 3-9 road trip. The 1st place White Sox come into town looking to increase their lead in the AL with a sweep of the 10th place Sens.

The Sens spot starter Joe Coleman a 4-1 lead, but the Sox knot the tilt with 3 runs in the 7th to chase Coleman. In the 10th, both squads trade runs to make the game tied at 5. Over the next 11 scoreless innings, both teams squander opportunities to score. The Pale Hose have runners gunned out at home in the 13th and 16th innings. The Nats load the bases with one out in the 20th, but Paul Casanova hits into a 5-2-3 double play to squash the threat. Finally, in the bottom of the 22nd inning, Casanova ends it with a RBI single to score Hank Allen at 2:43 am for a memorable 6-5 victory.

Some records were set in this 22 inning contest. 1B Mike Epstein stays alert and sets an AL record with 32 put-outs. RF Cap Pedersen has trouble staying awake in right as he records no put-outs or assists. Neither team commits an error, the longest errorless game in major league history. The 6 hour, 38 minute time sets a major league record for the longest night game.

Senators Birthdays

Joseph Abram Agler B Jun. 12, 1887 D Apr. 26, 1971

An early "Senators Short timer", Joe Agler appeared in 2 games for the Senators in late 1912, going 0-1 at the plate.

An outfielder/first baseman, Agler would play 1 full season in 1914 for the Buffalo Buffeds of the Federal League hitting .272. In 1915 he'd split time between Buffalo and the Baltimore Terrapins, also of the Federal League.

The Federal League would end play after the 1915 season, Agler's major league career ended that year as well.

Joe Agler career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=aglerjo01)

Steve Jeltz

06-12-2008, 11:35 PM

1905 Chicago easily disposes of the Nats, 7-0. Sox RHP Frank Owen not only collects the win and shutout. He also steals home in the top of the 8th, Owen's 2nd, and final, stolen base of the year. Strangely, both stolen bases are swipes of home and both happen to occur against the Nats.

1917 The Senators sell .222 hitting OF Elmer Smith back to Cleveland. Smith will have a career year with the 1920 World Series winning Tribe, when he hits .316 with 103 ribbies.

1921 Washington skipper George McBride summons Walter Johnson to come in to the game in relief. The hometown Tribe proceeds to rough up the sore armed Big Train, as 1st place Cleveland rolls to a 10-6 victory.

1930 In one of the best trades in Nats history, original and expansion versions included, the Nats trade OF Goose Goslin to the Browns for OF Heinie Manush and LHP Alvin "General" Crowder. Manush, a future HOF, and Crowder will become instrumental parts of Washington's 1933 pennant winning team. Goslin, another Hall of Famer, will be reacquired from St. Louis after the 1932 season and will play a role on the 1933 team as well.

1943 The Nats rap 18 hits and rack up 16 runs to win a 16-5 laugher over Boston in Fenway. Red Sox, and former Sen pitcher, Ken Chase greatly assists his former mates by issuing 11 bases on balls. Boston gains a measure of revenge in the finale of this doubleheader by easily shutting out Washington, 7-0.

1971 And some people believe that Barry Bonds was a terrible presence in the clubhouse. Bonds would have some stiff competion in that category from Alex Johnson. During the Sens 5-2 victory over California in Anaheim, California's Chico Ruiz allegedly pulls a gun on the mercurial Johnson during an altercation after both players have left the game. Ruiz denies that the incident happened, while Johnson adamantly claims that Ruiz threateningly waved a gun at him. Nonetheless, the incident makes national news and the press makes Johnson the villain.

While this is not Senator related, here is a SABR biography link on Alex Johnson: http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=649&pid=6979

Senators Birthdays

The "Senators Coffee Shop" is a busy place today as we note the birthdays of 5 players who appeared in a Senators uniform for very short stints, the longest being 10 games.

George Dueward Foss B Jun. 13, 1897 D Nov. 10, 1969

George Foss appeared in 4 games for the Senators in 1921, going 0-7 at bat.

George Foss career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fossge01)

Carl Lynwood Mathias B Jun. 13, 1936 Still Living

Pitcher Carl Mathias first arrived in the majors with the Cleveland Indians in 1960 where he appeared in 7 games going 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA.

He was selected by the "new" Senators in the expansion draft. Appearing in 4 games for Washington in 1961, he posted an identical 0-1 record, however his ERA ballooned and he was sent to Rochester in July to never appear in another major league game.

Carl Mathias career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mathica01)

Emilio Antonio Palmero B Jun. 13, 1895 D Jul. 15, 1970

Emilio Palmero appeared with 4 different teams in 5 seasons over the course of 14 years and only played in 47 major league games during that entire span.

Starting with the New York Giants in 1915 where he appeared in 3 games, he would return with the Giants in 1916 for another 5 games.

His major league service then took a hiatus until he resurfaced with the 1921 St. Louis Browns where he appeared in 29 games.

He would take another break until 1926 when he appeared in 7 games for the Washington Senators.

Finally, he would cap off his major league service with 3 games for the 1928 Boston Braves.

Possibly Palmero's "best" season was his short 1926 stint in Washington when he posted a 2-2 record.

Emilio Palmero career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=palmeem01)

Fred Peter Scheuerholz (Played as "Fred Sherry") B Jun. 13, 1889 D Jul. 27, 1975

Fred Sherry spent two months with the Senators in 1911. A pitcher, he posted an 0-4 record, appearing in 10 games, pitching 52.1 innings.

Fred Sherry career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sherrfr01)

Albert Clyde (Chief) Youngblood B Jun. 13, 1900 D Jul. 6, 1968

Another pitcher with a very short stay in Washington, Chief Youngblood appeared in 2 games with the 1922 Senators, hurling 4.1 innings. He departed with a 0-0 record and an ERA of 14.54.

"Chief" Youngblood career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=youngch02)

Steve Jeltz

06-13-2008, 11:55 PM

1912 The streaking Sens win their 14th in a row. With Clyde Milan stealing 5 bases in 3 innings, Washington hands the Naps their 6th straight defeat with a 13-8 victory.

1913 The Nats leapfrog the guest White Sox for 3rd place in the standings with an 8-3 win. Chicago receiver Ray Schalk chalks up his first ML home run off winner Walter Johnson.

1922 A 5-0 lead with Johnson on the hill should mean doom for the opposition. But George Sisler and the surprising, 2nd place Browns are up to the challenge. Sisler's grand slam paves the way for a tough, 7-6 defeat for the Big Train and the Nationals in Sportsman Park.

1963 The Sens and the Indians lock horns for 19 innings at Cleveland. Willie Kirkland of the Tribe ends the long tussle with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the 19th for a 3-2 Tribe victory. With Kirkland also homering in the 11th, he ties Vern Stephens ML mark with 2 extra inning homers in the same game. The loss sends the hapless Senators on a 10 game losing streak.

Senators Birthdays

7 Senators birthdays to report this June 14th...

Jimmy Lee Constable B Jun. 14, 1933 D Sep. 4, 2002

Jim Constable, sometimes referred to as "Sheriff", made his debut with the New York Giants in 1956. He returned to the Giants in 1957 and accompanied the team west when they relocated to San Francisco between the 1957 and 1958 seasons.

However, he wouldn't last long on the west coast-he appeared in 9 games for the Giants in 1958 and was put on waivers, being claimed by the Cleveland Indians.

After 6 games with the Tribe, he was again put on waivers, claimed this time by the Senators where he would appear in 15 games, pitch 27.2 innings and post an 0-1 record with a 4.88 ERA.

Constable would return to the majors in 1962 for 3 games with the Milwaukee Braves and end his major league career with the franchise where he started, appearing in 4 games for the San Francisco Giants in 1963.

Jim Constable career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=constji01)

Issac Marion (Ike) Davis B Jun. 14, 1895 D Apr. 2, 1984

Shortstop Ike Davis had a short stop with the Senators in 1919, appearing in 8 games, going 0-14 at bat.

He'd return to the majors in 1924 with the Chicago White Sox, playing in 10 games and posting a .242 BA. He'd play one more season for the White Sox, playing in 146 games, hitting .240.

Ike Davis career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=davisik01)

William Roger Fahey B Jun. 14, 1950 Still living

A late season callup for the swansong of the 1971 Senators, Bill Fahey would first appear in a major league game on Sept. 26, 1971. For the Senators he'd play in 2 games and go 0-8 at bat.

He'd appear on the roster of the Texas Rangers in 1972 after the franchise was shifted to the Dallas area. He didn't appear in the majors in 1973 but would return to the Rangers in 1974 and remain there through the 1977 season. In 21 games with the 75 Rangers he posted a .297 BA.

After another 1 year hiatus, he'd appear with the San Diego Padres in 1979 & 1980 and finish his career with the Detroit Tigers from 1981-1983.

A sparingly used catcher, Fahey's most active season was 1980 when he'd appear in 93 games for the Padres.

Bill Fahey career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=faheybi01)

Raymond Lamont Hoffman B Jun. 14, 1917 Still living

Another Senators Short-timer, 3rd baseman Ray Hoffman played in 7 games for the 1942 Senators. In 19 at-bats he only managed 1 hit and departed the majors with a .053 BA.

Ray Hoffman career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hoffmra01)

Raymond Caryll Morgan B Jun. 14, 1889 D Feb. 15, 1940

Primarily a second baseman, Ray Morgan spent 8 years with the Senators and also filled in at shortstop, 1st & 3rd base and in the outfield. Probably his most impressive season was 1913 when he appeared in 138 games, batting 131 for 481, good for a .272 BA.

Ray Morgan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=morgara01)

George Edward Myatt B Jun. 14, 1914 D Sep. 14, 2000

Another second baseman who could also fill in at other spots, George Myatt began his baseball career with the New York Giants in 1938. He'd be back with the Giants in 1939 and then would not see major league action again until 1944.

Playing for the Senators from 1944-1947, Myatt would appear in 140 games in 1944, batting .284 and in 1945 he played in another 133 games hitting .296. However, his playing time in 1946 dropped to 15 games. Another 12 games in 1947 would be the end of his major league career.

George Myatt career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=myattge01)

Herbert Eugene Plews B Jun. 14, 1928 Still living

Herb Plews began his 4 year major league journey with the 1956 Senators. In 1957 he played in 104 games, posting a .271 BA. 1958 would find him playing in another 111 games for the Senators, primarily at 2nd base.

After playing in 27 games for the Senators in 1959, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Billy Consolo. His 13 games with the Red Sox would be his final major league experience.

Herb Plews career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=plewshe01)

Steve Jeltz

06-14-2008, 10:01 PM

1907 The 20 year career of Lave Cross comes to an end when the Nationals release the 41 year old. Beginning his career in 1887 with the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, Cross would see time with the Philadelphia Athletics in the AA and the Philadelphia Quakers of the Players League. The well traveled veteran would also toil for the Phillies, Cardinals, Cleveland Spiders, Brooklyn Superbas and Connie Mack's A's. Cross' best seasons were with the Phils in the mid 1890's and the A's in the early 1900's.

1921 The original "Clown Prince of Baseball", Al Schacht, picks up a relief win for the second day in a row. The 7-5 home victory over the Browns is Schacht's 4th win of the year.

1923 The bat of Chicago's Bibb Faulk connects for a 3-run, pinch homer off Walter Johnson. The Nats are the victors of this contest in Washington, 8-6.

1924 The "Old Fox" lives up to his word. Calling Clark Griffith on a promise that the "Old Fox" made to him 4 years previously, Schacht returns to the Senators as the 3rd base coach. The promise that Griffith made occurred on July 5, 1920. With a big crowd on hand at Griffith Stadium to watch the advertised Walter Johnson start against Babe Ruth and the high powered Yanks, Johnson is unable to pitch at the last minute due to a sore arm. Not wanting to disappoint the fans and ruin goodwill, Griffith had promised Schacht, who volunteered to replace Johnson, that he would have a job for life if Schacht went out and won over the fans. Schacht did his part and won the fans over with a 7 hit, 9-3 win over the powerful Yanks.

1932 Despite a HR and 3 singles from Heinie Manush, the Sens are clipped by the Tigers, 7-6 in the Motor City. Detroit's Gee Walker doubles twice and steals home in the 4th.

1945 The Nats participate in the first ever major league game to end after midnight in the second game of a twinbill against visiting Boston. The opener is a defeat for the Senators in 14 frames, 6-5. With the nitecap deadlocked at 4-4 after 13 innings, the game is called at 1:02 am due to curfew.

1951 At the trade deadline, the Sens trade P Bob Kuzana to the Yankees for pitchers Fred Sanford, Tom Ferrick and Yanks farmhand Bob Porterfield. Porterfield will become the gem of the trade when he develops into Washington's ace over the next 5 seasons.

1961 It is a rarity that a team that loses 100 games holds a positive major league record, but the 1961 Senators can take some pride in one record. After today's 5-2 victory in Baltimore, the expansion Senators sit in 4th place with a 30-30 record. It is the latest date that any expansion club will be at .500. The Sens will subsequently drop their next 10 games.

Senators Birthdays

On Father's Day 2008 we note the births of 5 Senators who entered this life on June 15th...

Henry Ward (Heinie) Beckendorf B Jun. 15, 1884 D Sep. 15, 1949

Catcher Heinie Beckendorf began his 2 year major league career with the 1910 Detroit Tigers, appearing in 15 games where he hit .259. After 3 games with the Tigers in 1911, he joined the Senators, playing in 37 games. Unfortunately his BA would drop over 100 points and he would be gone from the Senators, and the major leagues after 1911.

"Heinie" Beckendorf career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=beckehe01)

Alan Edward Closter B Jun. 15, 1943 Still living

A true "Senators Short Timer", Al Closter would appear in 1 game in April for the 1966 Senators, pitching 1/3 of an inning, giving up 1 hit and 2 walks.

He'd return to the majors in 1971 with the New York Yankees going 2-2. In 1972 he appeared in 2 games for the Yankees and capped his major league stay with 4 games for the Atlanta Braves in 1973.

Al Closter career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=clostal01)

Edward Perry (Bud) Stewart B Jun. 15, 1916 D Jun. 21, 2000

Bud Stewart began his career patrolling the outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1941 and 1942. He wouldn't return to the major leagues until 1948 when he played for the Yankees for 6 games and then spent the remainder of 1948 as well as 1949 and 1950 in a Senators uniform.

He appeared in 118 games each season that he played for the Senators, posting a career best BA of .284 in 1949.

1951 through 1954 found Stewart in the service of the Chicago White Sox where he'd end his career in June of 1954.

Bud Stewart career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stewabu01)

Montgomery Morton (Monte) Weaver B Jun. 15, 1906 D Jun. 14, 1994

Monte Weaver was also known as "Prof", short for professor. Prior to reaching the major leagues, Weaver had earned a master's degree in mathematics and taught analytical geometry in college.

He began his baseball career in 1928 with Durham in the Piedmont League. In 1930 he was picked up by the Baltimore Orioles, then in the International League. Purchased by Washington from Baltimore in 1931, Weaver would be on the Senators roster from 1931-1938.

In 1932 he posted a 22-10 record with an ERA of 4.08. The Senators pennant winning season of 1933 saw him pitching in 23 games, compiling a 10-5 record with a 3.25 ERA.

Weaver was charged with the loss in the 4th game of the 1933 World Series, losing a heartbreaker 2-1 in the 11th inning.

Purchased by the Boston Red Sox during the offseason, the 1939 season would be his last in the majors, when he appeared in 9 games, posting a 1-0 record with a 6.64 ERA.

Monte Weaver career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=weavemo01)

John Nicodemus Wilson B Jun. 15, 1890 D Sep. 23, 1954

Another "Senators Short Timer" who was on the Washington roster for 2 weeks in June of 1913, John Wilson appeared in 3 games, pitched 4 innings and left the Senators, and the majors, with a 4.50 ERA.

John Wilson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wilsojo01)

Steve Jeltz

06-15-2008, 08:16 PM

1925 Walter Johnson becomes the AL's first 10 game winner. The 3-0 win moves the 2nd place Nats to within 1 game of league leading Philadelphia.

1935 Sportsman's Park is kind to Sens OF John Stone today. In today's doubleheader split with St.Louis, Stone racks up 4 singles, 2 doubles and 2 triples for a total of 8 hits. Stone crosses the plate 5 times in the opener, a 17-8 Washington win. St. Louis outshoots Washington, 10-9, in game 2.

1936 Carl Reynold's pinch hit, 2-run homer in the top of the 10th is just enough, as the Senators take home a 9-8 victory in Detroit.

1944 The BoSox witness their 9 game win streak halted. Washington, behind the pitching of Milo Candini, shutouts the Red Sox, 4-0, in D.C.

1952 Bobo Newsom is released, thus ending his 5th, and final, stint in Washington.

1957 The Nats dig the hometown White Sox a 6-0 hole, but the South Siders score 8 unanswered runs to win, 8-6. Reliever Dixie Howell of Chicago hits 2 home runs and gains the win.

1965 A leadoff single in the top of the 7th by Woodie Held spoils the Tribe's Luis Tiant's no hit bid. Held's single is the Nats only safety of the evening. Tiant and the Indians easily banish Washington, 5-0.

1967 The Senators send their fans home happy with a twinbill sweep of the Red Sox. Sens hurlers Bob Priddy and Dave Baldwin team up to make Priddy's RBI stand in a 1-0 Sens victory. In the finale of the doubleheader, Boston cruises into the bottom of the 9th with a 3-0 adavntage. The Nats roar back for 4 runs in the frame to shock Boston, 4-3

1971 When former Nat Mike Epstein homers in his first 2 at bats, he ties a record with 4 straight home runs in 2 games. The AL West leading A's defeat the Senators, 5-1, in Oakland, courtesy of five solo home runs. In addition to Epstein's 2 solo jobs, Dave Duncan and Joe Rudi also go yard for the A's.

Senators Birthdays

Thomas (Rags) Ragland B Jun. 16, 1946 Still Living

Tom Ragland was drafted by the Senators in the amateur draft of 1965. He wouldn't show up with the big club until 1971. Appearing in 10 games as a second baseman, he would only go 4-23 at the plate, for a .174 BA.

Despite the low BA, Ragland holds the distinction of having scored the last run in expansion Senators history when, on a Tom McCraw RBI, he crossed the plate to give Washington a 7-5 lead over the Yankees on Sept. 30, 1971. Of course, we all know the story (See Joe Grzenda, June 8 for the details) as the Senators ended up forfeiting to the Yankees 9-0.

Ragland would go to Texas with the franchise when they abandoned DC after the 1971 season, appearing in 25 games in with the Rangers.

Traded to the Cleveland Indians for Vince Colbert, he would have his best season with the Indians in 1973 when he appeared in 67 games, playing both 2nd base and shortstop and hit .257. However, his major league career ended after that season.

Tom Ragland career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=raglato01)

Steve Jeltz

06-16-2008, 10:09 PM

1923 The Pale Hose are assisted in their 5-3, 11 inning win in Washington by Nats starting P Skipper Friday and 3B Ossie Bluege. Friday walks 14 and Bluge ties a ML record by striking out 5 times.

1924 Beginning the day 24-26 and in 6th place, the Nats come through with a 12-6 victory over the White Sox. Todays win in Chicago commences a 10 game winning streak that will catapult Washington to the top of AL.

1925 Manager and starting SS Bucky Harris extends his hit streak to 23 games. The Senators, behind P Tom Zachary, win in St. Louis, 2-1.

1953 Recording the 3rd of his 10 shutouts for the season, Walt Masterton masters the White Sox, 1-0, at home.

1956 In Chicago, the Sens are annhilated by the White Sox, 20-2, in the lidlifter of a doubleheader. Senator reliever Connie Grob hurls the final 6 frames, allowing 11 runs. Future expansion Senator Dick Donavan fights off the boredom of watching his Sox teammates run laps around the basepaths to collect a complete game win. The Senators will bounce back in game two with a 10-4 drubbing of the Sox.

1957 Hope College product Jim Kaat is signed to his first professional contract by Washington. The smooth fielding Kaat will go on to win 283 games over a 24 year career which spans 4 decades (1959-1983).

1963 The dismal Nats find a new way to lose. This time, it is a balk. Washington starter Jim Duckworth and Cleveland starter Jerry Kralick lock horns in a pitching duel for 7 and a half innings With no score in the bottom of the 8th, Duckworth balks in Dick Howser for the go ahead run for the Tribe. Kralick gets the final 3 outs in the top of the 9th for a 1-0 Cleveland victory.

Senators Birthdays

Bennie Daniels, Jr. B Jun. 17, 1932 Still Living

Bennie Daniels got his first taste of the major leagues in the fall of 1957 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. From 1957 through 1960 he appeared in 53 games with the Pirates.

He joined the expansion Senators when he was traded, along with Harry Bright and R. C. Stevens for Bobby Schantz.

For the Senators he appeared in at least 32 games each season, from 1961 through 1965, with a career high of 44 games in 1962. His best year was the inaugural season with the "new" Senators when he went 12-11 for an expansion team that only won 61 games, accounting for 19.6% of the total wins. 1965 would be his last year in the major leagues.

Bennie Daniels career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=daniebe02)

Peter J. O'Brien B Jun. 17, 1877 D Jan. 31, 1917

Pete O'Brien first appeared in the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds in 1901, playing in 16 games at second base.

He wouldn't return to the majors until 1906 when he played in 151 games for the St. Louis Browns. 1907 would find him starting the season on the roster of the Cleveland team, then known as the "Naps".

After 43 games in Cleveland, he finished the 1907 season with the Senators playing in 39 games primarily at 3rd base. His major league playing days ended at the end of the year.

Pete O'Brien career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=obripe02)

Steve Jeltz

06-17-2008, 10:22 PM

1912 Due to the Titanic disaster, President William Howard Taft belatedly throws out the ceremonial first ball. The Senators increase their winning streak to 17 games with a 6-4 victory over Philadelphia.

1917 Hooks Dauss and the Tigers nip the Nats, 1-0 in Washington. Ty Cobb steals 3 bases and scores the contest's only run on Sam Crawford's RBI groundout.

1936 Usually, a pitcher that allows 10 hits and 11 walks is sent to an early shower and, in the pre-free agency era, may be told to ply his trade elsewhere. But Bobo Newsom was no ordinary pitcher. Newsom performs one Houdini act after another in hurling a complete game, 12-4 victory in Detroit. The Sens pot 7 runs in the 7th inning and turn their first ever triple play in franchise history in the 2nd.

1942 It's a good news and bad news day for the Washington squad. The good news: Early Wynn and the Sens blowout the Tribe at Cleveland, 7-1. The bad news: The Sens remain in last place and 20 GB the first place Yanks.

1954 The Senators are the winners of the Harmon Killebrew sweepstakes. Today, the Nats beat out every team in baseball by inking the sought after Killebrew to a contract. Killebrew will begin his journey to Cooperstown in 5 days since he was signed as a "bonus baby", meaning that he must stay on the big league squad or risk being lost on waivers if the Sens attempt to place him in the minors.

1959 Killebrew homers and hits a key double in the bottom of the 5th, as the Senators complete a 3 game sweep of the A's, 7-5. Journeyman RHP Bill Fischer ups his ledger to 6-2 and Roy Sievers bops a home run.

1961 Having lost the first two games of this weekend series in Boston, the Senators seek to even the series with a doubleheader sweep today. The first game looks bright as the Sens sail into the bottom of the 9th at Fenway with a seemingly solid 12-5 lead. The outlook becomes more rosy as Boston's Vic Wertz and Bill Harrell record the first 2 outs sandwiched around a Don Buddin single. 2 singles and 3 walks later, the Nats advantage is cut to 12-8 with the bases loaded with Sox. Long time Nats fans could probably predict what would happen next: A grand slam over the Monster by Boston's Jim Pagligroni to tie it at 12. Boston's Russ Nixon puts the Sens out of their misery with a game ending RBI single for the demoralizing 13-12 loss.

To make matters worse, there is a second game to be played. Perhaps the shock of the first game had yet to sink in as the Nats make a valiant, late inning comeback. Nonetheless, it is another defeat, 6-5 in 13 innings, to end this disastrous series.

1965 In Baltimore, Pete Richert and relief ace Ron Kline combine on a 4 hitter to pluck the Orioles, 2-0. Jim Palmer's wild pitch in the 2nd inning nets the Sens first run. Ken McMullen's sac fly in the 9th provides the insurance.

Senators Birthdays

James Willard (Jimmy) Pofahl B Jun. 18, 1917 D Sep. 14, 1984

Minnesota native Jimmy Pofahl was purchased by the Senators from the Minneapolis Millers, then of the American Association, in the fall of 1939. First appearing in a Senators uniform in 1940, his rookie season would be his most active when he played in 119 games, primarily at shortstop, batting .234.

In 1941 his BA dropped almost 50 points as his playing time was restricted to 22 games. 1942 would see him appearing in 84 games, raising his BA by 21 points however it wouldn't be enough to keep him on the major league roster as he made his last appearance in the majors in September of that year.

Jimmy Pofahl career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pofahji01)

Steve Jeltz

06-18-2008, 10:56 PM

1909 7 walks, 4 wild pitches and 1 hit batsman is the Big Train's line for the day. A loss? Nope. Johnson strikes out 10 Highlanders and picks up the 7-4 win in the opener of a doubleheader at Hilltop Park. New York takes the finale, 6-3.

1949 21,818 fans come out to Griffith on this Sunday afternoon for a doubleheader against Detroit. The crowd will be silent all day as the Nats do not score a run in either game. Virgil "Fire" Trucks whitewashes the Nats in game one, 9-0 and Hutchinson keeps the Nats bats silent in game two, 7-0.

1969 Manager Ted Williams may have blamed tonight's Senators loss on President Richard Nixon. The President arrives in the top of the 8th inning with the Senators and Orioles tied at 0. Baltimore will promptly score runs in the 8th and 9th innings for the 2-0 victory in D.C. More than likely, Teddy Ballgame blamed the loss on the Sens continuing inability to solve O's hurler, Dave McNally, who runs his record to 10-0 on the year with the complete game 2 hitter.

1970 Mike Epstein's hot bat drives in 8, but the Sens fight an uphill battle to rally from an early 7-2 deficit. The Sens fall short in their comeback, as Baltimore hangs on for the 12-10 victory. In the nitecap, the Senators face a slightly less daunting task and succeed in fighting back from a 2-0 hole. Bernie Allen's 2-out homer in the top of the 9th ties the match at 2-2. When Baltimore starter P Jim Hardin departs after 10 innings, former Senator Pete Richert comes in and keeps his ex-team at bay for the next 3 innings with scoreless, 1 hit pitching. Baltimore's Merv Rettenmund ends it with an RBI single in the 13th that scores Davey Johnson for the 3-2 Oriole victory.

Senators Birthdays

Arnold Revola (Red) Anderson B Jun. 19, 1912 D Aug. 7, 1972

Pitcher Red Anderson appeared in 2 games for the Senators in the late season of 1937 and did not return to the Senators until 1940, when he appeared in another 2 games. His most active season would be 1941 when he appeared in 32 games, posting a 4-6 record with an ERA of 4.18. Overall, his career record was 5-8 with an ERA of 4.35.

"Red" Anderson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=anderre01)

Chester Robert (Chet) Boak B Jun. 19, 1935 D Nov. 28, 1983

Chet Boak had 2 brief appearances in the majors with the Kansas City Athletics in 1960 and the expansion Senators in 1961. He appeared in 5 games with each team, only managing 2 hits in 20 AB.

"Chet" Boak career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=boakch01)

Steve Jeltz

06-19-2008, 10:27 PM

1905 St. Louis extends the Nationals losing streak to 7 with a 12-3 blowout in Washington. The defeat sends the Nationals into the cellar of the AL.

1913 The woeful Yankees easily take the opener of a doubleheader, 9-3, in D.C. Second game Sens starter Bert Gallia looks to set a tone in game 2 by plunking 3 of the first 4 Yanks batters he faces. However, New York makes Gallia pay and Gallia is chased. Relievers Joe Engel and Tom Hughes will pick up where Gallia left off and will continue to bean New York hitters. In all, a record 6 Yanks batters are hit by pitches, with leadoff hitter Bert Daniels getting nailed 3 times. Last place New York is bruised, but still wins game 2 by an identical 9-3 score.

1926 A contingent of fans from Coffeyville, KS are on hand in St. Louis to cheer on their hometown hero Walter Johnson. Despite the support, the Big Train cannot hold a 4-0 lead and takes the loss, 7-4. The Browns pivotal blow is a Ken Williams' 3-run, pinch home run in the 7th.

1956 In a battle between two of the AL's cellar dwellers, the 7th place Nats upend the 8th place A's, 5-4, in Kansas City. A's southpaw Tommy Lasorda pitches the 9th, walking 3 and giving up an unearned run.

1961 Al Kaline makes his 3B debut in Detroit's 5-4 victory over the collapsing Senators. If the position switch fazed Kaline, it didn't show in his hitting. The stand in third sacker is 2-for-4 with 2 RBI's in the Bengals win at Griffith.

1969 The Tigers finally get a taste of their own medicine. Seeming to have a knack for coming back from late inning deficits to hand the Nats heartbreaking defeats over the years, the shoe is on the other foot tonight in Detroit. The Tigers score 3rd and 5th inning runs to gain a 2-0 advantage. In the top of the 6th, a Frank Howard homer and a Bernie Allen double knots the affair at 2-2. The score stays the same until the top of the 10th, when the Sens bat around and kick the Tigers for 5 runs. Brant Alyea's 2-run homer in the inning is the icing on the cake in the 7-2 Washington win.

Senators Birthdays

The Senators maternity ward is a busy place today with 6 birthdays to report:

Donald Odell (Red) Barbary B Jun. 20, 1920 D Sep. 27, 2003

Red Barbary is added to the list of "One Game Wonders" who have appeared with the Senators over the years. In Red Barbary's case, that game was on May 22nd, 1943. He went 0-1 at the plate and did not appear in the field.

Red Barbary career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=barbare01)

James Christopher Delahanty B Jun. 20, 1879 D Oct. 17, 1953

Jim Delahanty was one of 5 Delahanty brothers who appeared in the major leagues. His brother Ed, who also played for the Senators, and whose mysterious death has been the subject of much speculation and conjecture, will be covered at a later date.

Jim Delahanty began his major league career in 1901 with the Chicago Orphans of the National League. From 1902 through 1915 (with breaks in 1903 & 1913) his career looks like a travelogue with stops in New York (Giants), Boston (Beaneaters), Cincinnati (Reds), St. Louis (Browns), Washington (Senators) Detroit (Tigers) and Brooklyn (Tip-Tops, of the Federal League).

In 1907 Delahanty started the season with the St. Louis Browns, playing in 33 games. He moved on to Washington, appearing in 108 games with the 1907 Senators, 83 games in 1908 and 90 games in 1909 before moving to the Detroit Tiger roster in mid-season.

During his tenure with the Senators his best year was 1908 when he hit .317, going 91 for 287.

Career wise, his best season would be in a Tigers uniform when he hit .339 in 1911. Primarily a second baseman, Delahanty appeared at every position but catcher during his 13 year career.

Jim Delahanty career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=delahji01)

George Barclay (Win) Mercer B Jun. 20, 1874 D Jan. 12, 1903

Win Mercer began his career with the National League Washington Senators in 1894. Playing in Washington from 1894-1899 he would join the New York Giants in 1900 when the National League contracted from 12 to 8 teams.

When the rival American League began it's first year of play in 1901, Mercer would find himself in familiar territory as a member of the American League Washington Senators in their inaugural season. Appearing in 51 games as a pitcher, 1st & 3rd baseman and in the outfield, he would hit an even .300 and post a record of 9-13 with a 4.56 ERA. 35 games with the 1902 Detroit Tigers would mark the end of his major league career.

"Win" Mercer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mercewi01)

David Earl Nelson B Jun. 20, 1944 Still Living

Infielder Dave Nelson began his major league career with the 1968 Cleveland Indians. After 2 seasons in Cleveland, he was traded to the Washington Senators (along with Horacio Pina and Ron Law for Dennis Higgins and Barry Moore) where he would spend 1970 and 1971 playing at 2nd & 3rd base. In the last year of the expansion Senators existence, Nelson would hit .280 with 5 home runs in 85 games.

Moving with the franchise to Texas in 1972, he would remain with the Rangers through 1975 and finish his days in the majors with the Kansas City Royals in 1976 & 1977.

Dave Nelson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=nelsoda01)

Arthur William Schult B Jun. 20, 1928 Still Living

Art Schult would make his first appearance in the majors with the 1953 New York Yankees when he took part in 7 games.

He wouldn't return to the majors until 1956 when he took part in 5 games with the Cincinnati Reds. After 21 games with the Reds in 1957, he became a member of the Washington Senators squad, splitting his time between 1st base and the outfield, hitting .263.

He'd return to the big leagues in 1959 to spend time with the Chicago Cubs in 1959 & 1960.

Art Schult career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schular01)

Clair Lee (Duke) Shirey B Jun. 20, 1898 D Sep. 1, 1962

Pitcher Duke Shirey escapes the "One Game Wonder" label by virtue of having appeared in 2 games with the 1920 Senators. Pitching in just 4 innings, he gave up 5 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) and left with an 0-1 record and an ERA of 6.75.

"Duke" Shirey career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shiredu01)

Steve Jeltz

06-20-2008, 11:28 PM

1914 If the designated hitter existed in 1914, maybe Walter Johnson could have filled the slot on some days that he didn't pitch. It is no surprise then that Johnson wins it with his bat today at Detroit. Barney's grand slam is the difference in the Nats 7-3 win.

1918 CF Clyde Milan goes from goat to hero in a 3-2, 13 inning victory in the Big Apple. Milan's drop of what would have been the final out allowed the Yankees to tie in the 9th. Milan redeems himself with the go-ahead RBI single in the 13th to enable Washington to escape with the victory. Johnson pitches all 13 frames to collect his 12th straight victory.

1933 The rampaging Senators close to within 1 game of New York with a 9-0 thrashing of the White Sox in the Windy City. Mgr./SS Joe Cronin has his second consecutive multiple hit game and P Earl Whitehill fetches his first shutout of the year.

1940 Today's game in St. Louis is filled with dramatic overtones, as Nats rookie P Sid Hudson bids for a no-hitter. The Browns Rip Radcliffe rips a leadoff double in the 9th to squash the no hitter. With the Nats precariously nursing a 1-0 lead, Radcliffe advances to third on a passed ball. With Radcliffe on third and no outs, Hudson bears down to retire the final 3 St. Louis batsmen for the tense 1-0 win.

1964 The Nats beat up the A's in a doubleheader, 13-2 and 5-2, in KC. Led by CF Don Lock's 2 home runs and 4 ribbies, Sens P Leslie Ferdinand "Buster" Narum is the beneficiary of a 17 hit, 13 run Nats attack in the opener. With Narum tossing the CG in game one, second game Nats starter Alan Koch hurls 4 hit ball over 8.1 innings in the Nats 5-2 victory in the finale. 1B Bill "Moose" Skowron is the Nats hot hitter in the nitecap with 3 hits and 2 RBI.

1968 3-run homers from Frank Howard and Bernie Allen pave the way to a 7-3 victory at Oakland. Veteran Camilo Pascual keeps the emerging Athletics off balance all night to improve his record to 7-5.

Senator Birthdays

Two birthdays of note on this first day of summer 2008...

Spencer Dewey Adams B Jun. 21, 1898 D Nov. 24, 1970

Infielder Spencer Adams would first make his way to the major leagues in 1923 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, playing in 25 games. He did not appear on a major league roster in 1924.

1925 would find him in the employ of the Washington Senators. Appearing in 39 games, playing second and third base and shortstop, he would hit for a .273 BA.

In 1926 he was a member of the New York Yankees and would end his career in 1927 with the St. Louis Browns.

Spencer Adams career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=adamssp02)

Hunter Benjamin Hill B Jun. 21, 1879 D Feb. 22, 1959

Hunter Hill spent 3 years in the major leagues, beginning in 1903 with the St. Louis Browns. He remained with the Browns for the 1904 season.

In 1904 he split his time between the St. Louis Browns and the Washington Senators, playing 3rd base. In 1904 he appeared in 77 games, batting .197. He returned with the Senators in 1905, played in 104 games but only raised his BA by 12 points, finishing the season at .209, ending his major league career in early September of that year.

Hunter Hill career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hillhu01)

TallIndian

06-21-2008, 05:06 AM

Dave Nelson was the color commentator for the Cubs on radio for a brief period (I want to say 1987).

Steve Jeltz

06-21-2008, 08:20 PM

Today, Nelson is a color commentator on some Brewer games.

Steve Jeltz

06-21-2008, 10:09 PM

1902 In an effort to circumvent the ban on Sunday baseball in Ohio, the Cleveland Bronchos and Nats play their game in Fort Wayne, IN. Cleveland and P Addie Joss double the Nationals, 6-4.

1916 Making the final starting assignment of his pitching career, Sam Rice pitches 6.2 innings and does not factor into the decision, as the visiting Senators are tripped up by Philadelphia, 4-2. Rice will make 2 more appearances on the mound, in relief, before switching permanently to the outfield.

1920 Rice is nabbed at third base, courtesy of a hidden ball trick by Detroit's Babe Pinelli. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they cannot fool the Sens into a defeat. The Sens win handily in the Motor City, 6-1.

1940 The Brown's Harland Clift bangs a grand slam and future "General Hospital" star Johnny Berandino's 2 homers stake the Browns to an early lead. Washington comes back to life to outslug the Browns, 11-10, in St. Louis.

1953 Nats catcher Ed Fitz Gerald records an unassisted double play in a 5-2, opening game loss to Cleveland. In the nitecap, Sens P Walt Masterton has his 22 inning scoreless streak snapped, as the Tribe once again tops Washington, 5-2, in D.C.

1960 Ted Browsfield makes Harvey Kuenn's 1st inning RBI single stand in a 1-0 Cleveland victory at Griffith. The Nats manage only 5 hits off Browsfield, who picks up his only CG and shutout of the year.

1969 Thanks to 2 big innings, the Sens sweep a Sunday doubleheader from Detroit. By piling up 7 hits and 6 runs off four different Tiger pitchers in the top of the 8th, the Senators knock off the the Tigers, 9-4, in game one. In the finale, the Nats do all their scoring in the 4th, by sending 14 men to the plate to collect all 9 of their runs. The Sens win the 9-5, 6 inning, rain shortened affair.

Senators Birthdays

James Warren Bronstad B Jun. 22, 1936 Still Living

Jim Bronstad began his major league career in 1959, appearing in 16 games for the New York Yankees and posting an 0-3 record.

He wouldn't return to the majors until 1963, when he spent 2 years with the expansion Senators. His most active season would be 1963, when he'd play in 25 games, pitch in 57.1 innings and post a 1-3 record.

Jim Bronstad career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bronsji01)

Le Roy Barton Heiser B Jun. 22, 1942 Still Living

Roy Heiser joined the ranks of "Senators Short Timers" in 1961 when he appeared in a grand total of 3 games between Sept. 2 and Sept. 11. At the young age of 19, Heiser would pitch in only 5.2 innings and depart with a career record of 0-0 and an ERA of 6.35.

Roy Heiser career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=heisero01)

Walter Edward Masterson B Jun. 22, 1920 D Apr. 5, 2008

Pitcher Walt Masterson began his career with the Washington Senators in 1939, pitching in 24 games and posting a 2-2 record. He remained on the Senators roster (with a break in 1943 & 1944, presumably for military service during WWII) through June of 1949 when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Sam Mele and Mickey Harris.

Playing the remainder of 1949 in Boston, he'd remain with the Red Sox through June of 1952 when he was traded back to Washington for Sid Hudson. He would finish the year with the Senators and play the following year (1953) in Washington as well.

Masterson would come back for one final stint with the Detroit Tigers in 1956, appearing in 35 games.

During his time in a Senators uniform, he went 12-16 in 1947 and 10-12 in 1953 in a couple of his more active seasons for some usually woeful Senators teams.

Walt Masterson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mastewa02)

Maynard Faye Throneberry B Jun. 22, 1931 D Apr. 26, 1999

The lesser known brother of "Marvelous" Marv Throneberry, "Fabulous" Faye began his major league journey as an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox in 1952. He wouldn't return to the Red Sox until 1955. He remained on the Boston roster for the 1956 season. In 1957 he appeared in 1 game for Boston and then was traded to the Washington Senators, along with Milt Bolling and Russ Kemmerer for Bob Chakales and Dean Stone.

Remaining with the Senators through 1960, his most active season was 1959 when he appeared in 117 games (His only season that he appeared in over 100 games.) and hit .251 with 11 doubles, 2 triples and 10 home runs.

Selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the expansion draft, he'd finish his career with the Angels in July of 1961.

Faye Throneberry career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thronfa01)

Steve Jeltz

06-22-2008, 08:53 PM

1911 Controversial figure Hal Chase sets a ML record with 21 putouts in a 9 inning game for a 1st baseman. The Highlanders slip by the Nats, 3-2, in Washington.

1915 Walter Johnson tosses another 1-hitter in a 5-0 home victory over Boston. Harry Hopper collects the BoSox's only hit.

1917 In a doubleheader at Boston, Ray Morgan leads off game one with a walk off P Babe Ruth. Ruth disagrees with plate umpire Brick Owens on balls and strikes, and gets ejected. Ernie Shore relieves Ruth and, after Morgan is caught stealing, mows down the next 26 Washington batters to earn a perfect game. Needless to say, Boston wins, 4-0. The perfect game by Shore is later removed from the books since Shore did not retire the requisite 27 batters. In game two, Boston sweeps the Nats in a 5-0 win over Johnson.

1933 With 15 hits in a 4 game stretch, MGR/SS Joe Cronin leads the Senators to a 7-3 victory in Chicago. Coupled with New York's loss in St. Louis, the Senators climb into 1st place in the American League, where they will reside for the rest of the season.

1935 The Senators offense capitalizes on 11 walks from generous Tiger pitching to easily win, 12-7. Hank Greenberg's grand slam in the bottom of the 9th makes the game look somewhat competitive in the final score.

1950 Cleveland, behind a 2 home run performance from Luke Easter, blasts the Senators, 13-4 in Cleveland. Al Rosen of Cleveland fall a home run short of the cycle.

1954 In the top of the 2nd inning of today's 8-6 defeat to the White Sox, the Nats Clyde Vollmer is hit by a pitch. Vollmer is injured and will have to leave the game. Washington manager Bucky Harris summons 18 year old Harmon Killebrew to make his major league debut as a pinch runner for Vollmer.

1963 Washington's Tom Cheney twirls a 4-hit, complete game shutout in LA. Jim King, Larry “Bobo”Osborne and Eddie Brinkman drive in the Washington runs in the 4-0 victory over the Angels.

1966 P Jim Duckworth is dealt from the Nats to the Kansas City A's for 1B Ken “Hawk” Harrelson. The Hawk's stint in a Senator uniform is uneventful and he will be sold back to the A's in June, 1967.

Senators Birthdays

John Doolittle (Jack) Hardy B Jun. 23, 1877 D Oct. 20, 1921

Jack Hardy spent brief portions of 4 seasons in the major leagues, beginning with 5 games in 1903 for the Cleveland Blues.

In 1907 he appeared in just 1 game for the Chicago Cubs.

Finally in 1909 & 1910 he would appear in just 17 games over 2 seasons for the Washington Senators. Mainly used as a catcher, he also filled in at second base and left field. He hit .167 in 1909 and .250 (going 2 for 8) in 1910. His last game in the majors was in late June of 1910.

Jack Hardy career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hardyja01)

Leon Arthur Pettit B Jun. 23, 1902 D Nov. 21, 1974

Leon Pettit first came to the major leagues as a 32 year old rookie in 1935 with the Senators. Appearing in 41 games, he posted a 8-5 record with a 4.95 ERA.

In 1937 he briefly resurfaced with the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching in 3 games and finishing with an 0-1 record.

Leon Pettit career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pettile01)

John Doward (Jack) Sanford B Jun. 23, 1917 D Jan. 4, 2005

Jack Sanford broke in the majors with the Senators in August of 1940, playing first base and hitting .197. He returned with the Senators in 1941, but would only appear in 3 games, going 2-5, good for a .400 BA.

In 1946, he had one last fling in Washington, playing in 10 games and hitting .231. His last game would be on May 9th of that year.

Jack Sanford career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sanfoja01)

Steve Jeltz

06-23-2008, 08:57 PM

1914 At Washington, the Nationals take a pair from the A's. The Nats squeeze by the A's, 4-3, in the opener. In the closer, Walter Johnson stops the Mackmen, 2-1.

1918 Granted a leave from the Army for a couple of days, CF Sam Rice's 2 hits helps the Nats to edge Philly, 2-1, at Griffith. Rice resumes his military duty for Uncle Sam following the game.

1925 A steal of home is Lou Gehrig's first career stolen base in a 5-3 Yanks win in Washington.

1926 ”Bullet” Joe Bush sees his disappointing Senator stay end when he is released. Bush had compiled an abysmal 1-8 mark as a Sen.

1955 The visiting Tigers pounce to a 13-0 lead in the top of the 5th, when 3B Harmon Killebrew boots a grounder. In the bottom of the frame, Killebrew would bat and work a 2-2 count against Detroit southpaw Billy Hoeft. Tigers catcher Frank House tells Killebrew that Hoeft's next offering would be a fastball. Hoeft delivered that fastball and Killebrew rocketed the ball out of the park for his first major league home run. Killebrew would later say that, of all the home runs he hit at Griffith Stadium, the home run off Hoeft was the longest he ever hit in Griffith.

1967 Mike Epstein's 1st inning grand slam sets the tone, as the Nats bounce the slumping Birds in Baltimore, 8-3. Frank Howard connects for his 17th round tripper and Ken McMullen drives in 2 RBI.

Senators Birthdays

Melvin Anthony Hoderlein B Jun. 24, 1923 D May 21, 2001

Mel Hoderlein's 4 year major league career began in 1951 when he appeared in 9 games for the Boston Red Sox.

During the offseason, he was traded from Boston to the Chicago White Sox, along with Chuck Stobbs, for Randy Gumpert and Don Lenhardt. Before he ever appeared in a game for Chicago, he was traded again in May of 1951 to the Senators, along with Jim Busby, for Sam Mele.

Appearing in 72 games for the 1952 Senators, he played at second base and managed a .269 BA. He'd play with the Senators in 1953 & 1954. Unfortunately his batting average would drop markedly. In June of 1954, Hoderlein would be traded by the Senators to the Detroit Tigers for Johnny Pesky. He would never appear in another major league game.

Mel Hoderlein career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hoderme01)

Donald Ray Mincher B Jun. 24, 1938 Still Living

First baseman Don Mincher started his career in the White Sox organization in 1956. In April of 1960 he was traded, along with Earl Battey, to the Senators for Roy Seivers. Mincher would appear in 27 games for the original Senators in 1960 and head to Minnesota when the franchise relocated prior to the 1961 season. He'd remain with the Twins through 1966, appearing in the 1965 World Series.

In 1967 and 1968 he played for the California Angels, being selected to the 1967 All-Star Team.

1969 found Don selected by the Seattle Pilots in the expansion draft. He spent the 1969 season in Seattle and was the Pilots lone representative in the 1969 All-Star game.

Traded to the Oakland Athletics prior to the 1970 season, he'd play in Oakland in 1970 and appear in another 28 games with the Athletics in 1971 before he was traded to the expansion Senators, along with Frank Fernandez and Paul Lindblad, for Mike Epstein and Darold Knowles. He'd play in an even 100 games for the Senators in their last year in Washington, batting .291 with 10 home runs.

Moving to Texas with the franchise in 1972, he'd play in 61 games for the Rangers in their inaugural season before being traded one last time to the Oakland Athletics. He's play in 47 more games for Oakland and call it a career at the end of the 1972 season.

Don has the distinction of hitting the last grand slam for the expansion Senators in an August 31st 6-5 victory over the New York Yankees. Mincher struck the blow as a pinch hitter.

As has been mentioned previously in this thread, Don is the only player to have played for both versions of the Senators and the teams they became (Minnesota Twins & Texas Rangers).

Don Mincher career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=minchdo01)

Paul Musser B Jun. 24, 1889 D Jul. 7, 1973

Paul Musser first showed up in the majors in June of 1912. That season he pitched in 7 games (20.2 innings) for the Senators, posting a 2.61 ERA with an 0-0 record.

Seven years later (1919) he showed up with the Boston Red Sox for another 5 games, where he went 0-2.

Paul Musser career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mussepa01)

Robert Edwin Reeves B Jun. 24, 1904 D Jun. 4, 1993

Bobby Reeves got his start with the Senators in 1926, appearing in 20 games. He'd return to the Washington roster in 1927, play in over 110 games and hit .255. Primarily a shortstop who also filled in at 2nd & 3rd bases, his best year with the Senators would be 1928 when he hit .303 while playing in 102 games.

1929 through 1931 found Reeves in Boston in the employ of the Red Sox. Unfortunately his BA would slip each year he was in a Boston uniform and he'd leave the majors in 1931 after appearing in only 36 games.

Bobby Reeves career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=reevebo01)

Steve Jeltz

06-24-2008, 10:12 PM

1919 Sam Rice homers and Clyde Milan collects 3 hits to lead the Nationals over the Red Sox, 8-3, in the leadoff game of a doubleheader in Beantown. Sox starter Babe Ruth walks 5 and gets touched for 9 hits. With the Bambino moving to LF for game two, the Nats bats go to sleep in a 1-0 loss. Johnson is the tough luck loser, allowing only 5 hits.

1921 Ruth goes deep at Griffith for a 2-run homer, but it's not enough for the Yanks. The Nats and Johnson prevail, 6-4.

1930 The Senators cruise to an easy 13-5 rout of the Tribe, thanks to an 11 run bottom of the 7th. Ossie Bluege raps 4 hits and RHP Lloyd Brown gets the victory.

1933 Winning their 14th of 15th games, the 1st place Senators broom the Tribe, 9-0 and 10-1, in a twinbill at Cleveland. The sweep expands the Senators lead over the faltering Yanks to 1.5 games. The Nats offense punishes the Tribe pitching for 29 hits and 19 runs in the 2 games. Pitchers Earl Whitehill, with the shutout, and Bob Burke earn the wins.

1956 PH Cliff Courtney caps a rally from a 3-0 hole at Briggs Stadium with a 2-run homer for a 5-3 Sens victory over Detroit. For Camilo Pascual, it is win number 3 on the year.

1961 The freefalling Senators suffer their 9th and 10th consecutive losses with a doubleheader loss at Chicago. The White Sox's Billy Pierce strikes out 10 in a CG, 7-3 Sox victory. Chicago's Early Wynn scatters 4 hits over 8 innings in the finale, as the Sens fall to 10 games under .500, with a 6-3 defeat.

1968 Sonny Siebert continues his mastery of Washington. Siebert shows that he is human by giving up a single run on 3 hits in 7 innings of work in a Cleveland 6-1 win in RFK.

Senators Birthdays

Joseph Anthony Kuhel B Jun. 25, 1906 D Feb. 26, 1984

Joe Kuhel's 18 year major league career began with the Washington Senators in late July of 1930. Kuhel would remain a fixture at first base for the Senators through 1937. During that time he would turn in some impressive seasons at bat including hitting .322 in 1933 during the Senators pennant winning season.

Traded to the White Sox for Zeke Bonura prior to the 1938 season, Kuhel would play for the White Sox through 1943.

The Senators would purchase Kuhel from the White Sox and bring him back to Washington after the 1943 season. He'd remain a Senator for 1944 and 1945. 14 games into the 1946 season, the White Sox would purchase Kuhel back from the Senators. He'd appear in 64 games for the 1946 White Sox and end his career after 3 games in a Chicago uniform in 1947.

Kuhel was a member of the American League All-Star squads of 1932 & 1945.

Joe Kuhel career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kuheljo01)

Peter Nelson Lapan B Jun. 25, 1891 D Jan. 5, 1953

Catcher Pete Lapan first played in the majors with the Senators in September of 1922 as a 31 year old rookie. In 11 games in 1922 he managed 11 hits in 34 AB, good for a .324 average. He appeared in 2 more games in 1923 and then was gone from the major league rolls.

Pete Lapan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lapanpe01)

TallIndian

06-25-2008, 01:40 AM

The Mike Epstein grand slam (in 1967) followed three consecutive walks. IIRC Epstein was quoted as saying that the walks were 'semi-intentional' and part of a head game by the Orioles because he had dissed them after being traded.

Steve Jeltz

06-25-2008, 09:07 PM

1901 A 5-4 victory over visiting Philadelphia moves the Nationals into a 3rd place tie with the Baltimore Orioles. Overall, the Nationals are 24-20, 4 and a half behind 1st place Boston.

1912 In what should have gone down as one the best Senators acquisitions ever, the Sens acquire P Hippo Vaughn from the Highlanders for the waiver price. In 12 games for Washington, Vaughn posts a 4-3 mark with a 2.89 ERA. Curiously, Clark Griffith is not that impressed with Vaughn and deals Vaughn to Kansas City of the American Association in August. Vaughn will eventually resurface and emerge as a star with the Chicago Cubs.

Scattering 4 hits and fanning 10 is not enough on this day for the Big Train. Behind the stellar pitching of “Smokey” Joe Wood, the Red Sox outlast the Senators, 3-0, in the nation's capital.

1920 The streaking A's skid to their 17th straight loss. Clyde Milan's RBI single in the top of the 9th spells defeat for the Mackmen, 4-3.

1924 The beat goes on for the red hot Senators. With President Calvin Coolridge and the First Lady in attendance, the Senators cool off Philadelphia, 5-0, in Washington. It is the 10th consecutive victory for 1st place Washington.

1925 Washington pulls out a hard fought, 5-3 win in Philly. The key blow is Goose Goslin's 3-run homer off Lefty Grove in the 7th. The 42-22 Senators close to within 1.5 games of league leading Philadelphia.

1927 In game 3 of a 5 game set at home against Boston, the Nats outpunch the Sox, 8-7. Despite getting credit for the win, Walter Johnson lasts only 5 innings. Buddy Myer of the Red Sox homers off his former teammate and future manager, Johnson, while Goslin homers for Washington.

1942 A 3-run home run and 3-run double from the Brown's Harland Clift and Chet Laabs, respectively, is all the offense that St. Louis will need. The Browns add 2 more runs for the 8-5 win in St. Louis.

1970 Becoming only the 7th player in major league history to hit grand slams in consecutive at bats, Baltimore's Frank Robinson historic feat is the story of the O's 12-2 laugher in RFK. Dave McNally dominates the Nats once again with a complete game. Rick Reichardt is the only Senator able to solve the riddle of McNally by homering twice off the southpaw.

Senators Birthdays

Joseph Peter Albanese B Jun. 26, 1933 D Jun. 17, 2000

Senators Short Timer Joe Albanese appeared in 6 games during the 1958 season. Pitching in just 6 innings, he left the majors with a 0-0 record and a 4.50 ERA.

Joe Albanese career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=albanjo01)

Gene Leroy Green B Jun. 26, 1933 D May 23, 1981

Gene Green's 7 year career in the majors began in 1957 when he appeared in 6 games with the St. Louis Cardinals. He'd remain with the Cardinals through 1959 and then be traded to the Baltimore Orioles. He'd appear in just 1 game for Baltimore in 1960.

Selected in the expansion draft by the Washington Senators, he'd appear in 110 games for the "new" Senators, catching and playing right field. Green would go 102 for 364, yielding a .280 BA, with 18 home runs.

During the off season, he'd be traded, along with Dick Donovan and Jim Mahoney to the Cleveland Indians for Jimmy Piersall.

Green would play for the Indians in 1962. After 43 games in a Cleveland uniform in 1963 he was traded one last time and finish his career appearing in 15 games for the Cincinnati Reds.

Gene Green career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=greenge01)

Bert Elmer Singleton B Jun. 26, 1918 D Jan. 5, 1996

Pitcher Bert Singleton first appeared in the major leagues in 1945 as a 27 year old rookie with the Boston Braves. Appearing in just 22 games over the 1945 & 1946 seasons, he find himself with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1947 & 1948.

After a brief hiatus in 1949, he'd return to the majors in 1950 when he appeared in 21 games for the Washington Senators in 1950. Pitching in 36.1 innings, he'd leave Washington with a 1-3 record and an ERA of 5.20 for the season.

7 years later, he'd have one final fling with the Chicago Cubs from 1957-1959, appearing in just 28 games over those 3 seasons.

Elmer Singleton career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=singlel01)

Richard Morley Tettlebach B Jun. 26, 1929 D Jan. 26, 1995

Dick Tettlebach got his short major league career started in late September of 1955 when he appeared in 2 games for the New York Yankees.

During the winter he was traded, along with Lou Berberet, Whitey Herzog, Herb Plews and Bob Weisler, from the Yankees to the Washington Senators for Bobby Kline and Mickey McDermott.

An outfielder, Tettlebach would find himself in just 18 games in 1956, when he hit .156. After another 9 games in 1957 he was traded once again, in May, to the Cleveland Indians, along with Dick Brodowski, for Bob Usher. Tettlebach would never appear in another major league game.

Dick Tettlebach career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=tettedi01)

Steve Jeltz

06-26-2008, 09:00 PM

1913 Walter Johnson begins a personal 14 game winning streak with a shutout of the Athletics, 2-0, in D.C.. Barney's next loss will not occur until August.

1914 The A's, with Eddie Collins rapping out 2 hits and a RBI, defeat Johnson and the Nats, 4-2 in Philadelphia.

1920 The Big Train tosses just 72 pitches in disposing of the the guest A's, 7-0. The win enables Washington to climb over Boston into 4th place.

1958 Pale Hose lefty Billy Pierce's bid for a perfect game comes to a bitter end. Nat's pinch hitter Ed Fitz Gerald's 2 out, top of the 9th inning double keeps Pierce out of the record books. Pierce streak of hurling shutouts is still intact as he tosses his 3rd in a row with a 3-0 victory over the Sens.

1971 Ted Williams' crew brings their brooms to Yankee Stadium. Del Unser's 2-run homer is all the support that relievers Joe Grzenda, Casey Cox, Paul Lindblad and Horacio Pina will need in the 2-1, opening game win. It's all Senators in game two. Don Billings and Toby Harrah drive in 2 apiece in the 8-0 Nats rout.

Senators Birthdays

Louis Raphael (Bull) Durham (Born Louis Raphael Staub) B Jun. 27, 1877 D Jun. 28, 1960

Making his major league debut with the 1904 Brooklyn Superbas where he pitched in 2 games, Bull Durham wouldn't return to the major leagues until 1907 when he appeared in another 2 games with the Washington Senators. He'd pitch a grand total of 5 innings with Washington, giving up 9 hits and 7 runs for an inglorious ERA of 12.60.

In 1908 he appeared in 1 game for the New York Giants and finish his career in 1909, appearing in another 4 games for the Giants.

"Bull" Durham career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=durhabu01)

Edward Russell Hobaugh B Jun. 27, 1934 Still Living

Starting his career in the Chicago White Sox organization, Ed Hobaugh was selected by the Senators in the expansion draft of 1960. He first appeared in the majors with the "new" Senators in 1961, posting a 7-9 record.

Hobaugh would remain with the Senators through 1962 and 1963. Overall he earned a 9-10 career record with a 4.34 ERA.

Ed Hobaugh career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hobaued01)

Willard Wayne Terwilliger B Jun. 27, 1925 Still Living

Wayne Terwilliger played in 9 major league seasons spanning 12 years. Beginning his major league career with the Chicago Cubs in 1949, he'd remain with the Cubs in 1950 and part of 1951 when he was traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Finishing 1951 with Brooklyn, he would not appear in the majors in 1952.

Selected off waivers by the Washington Senators, Terwilliger would appear in over 100 games each season in 1953 & 1954 for Washington, batting .253 in 1953.

He was purchased by the New York Giants during the winter of 1954/1955 and played for 2 years (1955 & 1956) with the Giants.

After a 2 year break, he returned to the majors with the Kansas City Athletics in 1959 and close out his career in 1960 appearing in 2 games.

Wayne Terwilliger career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=terwiwa01)

Steve Jeltz

06-27-2008, 09:48 PM

1907 A day that Branch Rickey would certainly like to forget. The Mahatma is pressed into service behind the plate despite a bad throwing shoulder for New York. The Nats take full advantage and run roughshod by stealing a record 13 bases in a 16-5 drubbing of the host Highlanders. Mr. Rickey will see better days ahead as a trailblazing executive.

1922 In career shutout number 97, The Big Train strikes out 9 in blanking the powerful Yanks, 1-0. Senator Earl Smith's run scoring double off New York's Waite Hoyt in the top of the 9th is the contest's only scoring.

1966 The White Sox find themselves on the short end of this tilt, falling to the Senators, 4-1, at Commiskey. Sens lefty Mike McCormick goes all the way, allowing 0 walks and only 5 hits. All of Washington's scoring is courtesy of the long ball. Don Lock connects for his 10th in the 1st, a 3-run job, and McCormick helps himself by poling his 2nd home run of the season in the 3rd.

1970 The Senators snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with a 12 inning, 4-3 win over Earl Weaver's Orioles in RFK. Mike Epstein's error in the top of the 12th gave Baltimore a 3-2 lead and a certain victory once again over the Nats. But the Nats Rick Reichardt comes to the rescue with a clutch, 2-run, pinch hit, home run off Eddie Watt for the exciting victory.

Senators Birthdays

Joseph Thomas Cascarella B Jun. 28, 1907 D May 22, 2002

Joe Cascarella's nickname listed at Baseball-Almanac is "Crooning Joe". I'd like to know if he earned that title by singing in the shower after a long game?

Regardless, Joe started his career in the majors with the 1934 Philadelphia Athletics. After 9 games with Philadelphia in 1935 he was sold by the Athletics to the Boston Red Sox where he appeared in another 6 games.

In 1936, he appeared in 10 games for the Red Sox and then was traded to the Washington Senators for Jack Russell. Pitching in 22 games for the Senators in 1936, he went 9-8 with a 4.07 ERA. After 10 games with the Senators in 1937, when he went 0-5 with a 8.07 ERA, he was sold to the Cincinnati Reds. He'd finish the 1937 season in a Reds uniform and return in 1938 for 33 more games.

Joe Cascarella career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cascajo01)

Bert Robert Shepard B Jun. 28, 1920 D Jun. 16, 2008

The recently deceased Bert Shepard only ever appeared in one game for the Senators on August 4th of 1945.

However, the obstacles Mr. Shepard had to overcome to make it to that game are truly amazing and an inspirational story. A promising minor leaguer, Bert Shepard enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew a number of missions before being shot down over Germany. Unfortunately, he would lose a leg due to injuries received and spend part of the war in a German POW camp.

Returning to the US in a prisoner exchange, Shepard expressed a desire to continue his baseball career. Outfitted with a prosthetic leg, he tried out for the Senators and amazed Washington manager Ossie Bluege with his athletic ability. He was an outstanding example for many returning servicemen who had been wounded or maimed during the war, proving that one could overcome their disabilities and lead a normal and productive life after being injured.

Here's a link to a recent thread devoted to Bert Shepard with more detailed information:

Bert Shepard thread (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=78903)

As we approach Independence Day 2008, it is important to remember the servicemen and women who made many sacrifices, some giving up their lives, so that we can enjoy the many freedoms bestowed on us.

We salute you Bert Shepard-thank you and Rest In Peace.

Bert Shepard career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shepabe01)

Steve Jeltz

06-28-2008, 08:45 PM

1909 The Nats double up the Highlanders, 3-1, in the Big Apple. Highlander Ray Demmitt accounts for New York's lone run with a homer off Walter Johnson. For Johnson, it is the first homer he has yielded since his debut nearly 2 years before.

1925 Outfielder “Broadway” Bill Lamar of Philadelphia has his 28 game hitting streak snapped in a 4-1 Senators victory in Washington. The Sens now find themselves on the doorstep of the 1st place A's, a mere half game behind.

1941 Playing host to the Yankees in two today, the Senators are defeated twice, 9-4 and 7-5. The bigger story, though, is Joe DiMaggio tying and breaking George Sisler's AL mark of hitting in 41 consectutive games. Joltin' Joe ties Sisler's record in the first game with a 6th inning double off Nat's knuckeballer Dutch Leonard. DiMaggio becomes the record holder with a 7th inning single off Red Anderson in the nitecap.

1945 P Marino ”Chick” Pieretti, one of only 6 Italian born baseball players to play in the majors, notches the win today for the Nats. The native of Lucca, Italy is the beneficiary of a hot Senators offense, as the Sens knockout the host Tigers, 8-3.

1961 Going nowhere fast, the expansion Sens unload veteran P Tom Sturdivant to contending Pittsburgh for hard throwing, albeit wild, pitcher Tom Cheney. Cheney would see his career derailed by arm woes just as he was beginning to establish himself as a solid starter.

1962 Chuck Hinton's bomb in the bottom of the 10th wins it for Washington, 6-3, over Minnesota. In the 8th inning, Hinton's bases loaded walk had knotted the game at 3 after Harmon Killebrew had homered in the top half to give the Twins the lead. Dave Stenhouse of Washington pitches all 10 innings in grabbing his 6th win.

Senators Birthdays

Harmon Clayton Killebrew B Jun. 29, 1936 Still Living

Hall Of Famer Harmon Killebrew should need no introduction. First appearing as a 17 year old rookie with the Senators in 1954, Killebrew wouldn't be a regular on the Washington roster until 1959 when he appeared in 153 games and hit 42 home runs. His best season in Washington would unfortunately be the last year of the original Senators Franchise, 1960, when he played in 124 games and hit .276.

After the original Senators relocated to the Twin Cities, Killebrew would spend 14 years on the Twins roster (1961-1974) and finish his career in 1975 with the Kansas City Royals.

Originally signed as a second baseman, Killebrew eventually found his niche playing 1st & 3rd bases and in the outfield. He would only ever appear in one World Series (1965) but was selected to the All Star squad in eleven years (1959, 1961, 1963-1971) and also played in the American League Championship Series of 1969 & 1970.

Killebrew would finish with 573 career home runs, hitting over 40 in 7 seasons. His personal high was 49, accomplished in both the 1964 and 1969 seasons.

Harmon Killebrew career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=killeha01)

Robert Hayes (Bobby) Veach B Jun. 29, 1888 D Aug. 7, 1945

Sometimes you just need to know how to pick your spots...

Outfielder Bobby Veach spent a long and impressive career in the major leagues, playing in 1,821 games over 14 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Washington Senators. Only 18 of those games were in a Washington uniform, but it was enough to allow Veach to appear in his only World Series with the 1925 Senators.

Beginning his major league journey in Detroit in August of 1912, Veach would spent the remainder of 1912 through 1923 playing in the Tigers outfield. His most impressive season would be 1919 when he went 191 for 538, good for a .355 BA.

1924 would find Veach in Boston, with the Red Sox. After 1 game in Boston in 1925, he went to New York, appearing in 56 games for the Yankees.

His last move would come later in the 1925 season, when he played his last 18 regular season games for the Senators, hitting .243. He appeared in 2 games for the Senators in the 1925 World Series, going 0-1 at bat.

Bobby Veach career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=veachbo01)

Gene Kermit Verble B Jun. 29, 1928 Still Living

Gene Verble arrived in the majors in April of 1951 as an infielder for the Senators. Playing 2nd, shortstop and 3rd, he'd make it into 68 games and hit .203.

Returning to the Senators in 1953, he'd play 8 games at short, but would only hit .190 and depart the Senators, and the majors, on June 27 of 1953, 2 days shy of his 25th birthday.

Gene Verble career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=verblge01)

Steve Jeltz

06-29-2008, 08:56 PM

1925 The Nats are in sole possession of 1st place with a 7-0 win over the A's. Johnson allows 2 harmless hits in the rubber match of this 5 game series, of which 4 are won by Washington.

1937 Pitcher Wes Ferrell, acquired on June 11 from Boston, knocks in the tying and go-ahead runs against his former mates, in a 6-4 Senator home victory. The Red Sox's Bobo Newsom, part of the aforementioned trade, is tagged with the loss.

1955 Bill Veeck buys the Senators from Clark Griffith. Well, not exactly, but some may have believed that Veeck did judging from the pre-game hijinx at Griffith Stadium. The pre-game show features an egg tossing contest, a phantom infield practice, a blindfolded wheelbarrow race (won by Camilo Pascual), and a singing duet with singer Frank Shea and Nat's starter Mickey McDermott belting out “You Gotta Have Heart” from “Damn Yankees”. The Red Sox, today's opponents, do not participate in the festivities due to the recent passing of Harry Agganis. Amid this bizarre atmosphere, there is a baseball game played. McDermott, obviously not encouraged to quit his day job, beats the mourning Red Sox, 3-2.

1965 Sam McDowell fires 11 strikeouts and allows 2 runs over 8 innings. Yet, the Sens manage to get the better of the Tribe, narrowly edging Cleveland, 2-1. Washington hurlers Phil Ortega and Ron Kline negate McDowell's powerful performance by limiting the 1st place Indians to 1 run on 5 hits.

Senators Birthdays

We end the month of June noting the birthdays of another "Senators Short Timer" and another member of the much remarked Senators "Cuban Connection".

Pompeyo Antonio Romero (Yo-Yo) Davalillo B Jun. 30, 1931 Still Living

Venezuelaian born Senators short timer Yo-Yo Davalillo spent 22 days on the roster of the Senators in August of 1953. Appearing in 19 games, and playing shortstop for 17 of those, he managed 17 hits in 58 at bats, good for a .293 BA. However, he was gone from the Senators, and the majors, after August 23, 1953.

"Yo-Yo" Davalillo career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=davalyo01)

Roberto Gonzalo (Nunez) Ortiz B Jun. 30, 1915 D Sep. 15, 1971

Another member of the Senators "Cuban Connection", Roberto Ortiz spent 6 years in a Senators uniform before finishing his career playing in 6 games for the Philadelphia Athletics.

Originally appearing in 1941, he was used sparingly and only played in 1 game in 1943. His most active season would be 1944 when he appeared in 85 games and hit .253.

He wouldn't appear in a Senators uniform again until 1949 when he hit .279 in 40 games. He'd return to the Senators in 1950, playing in 39 games, before finishing his season, and career, in Philadelphia.

His brother, Olivero (Baby) Ortiz, also played with the Senators in 1944 and will be covered on December 5th.

Roberto Ortiz career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ortizro01)

Steve Jeltz

06-30-2008, 08:59 PM

1908 Concluding a 30 game road trip, the weary Nats are shutout in Philadelphia, 2-0. The Nats go 8-22 during their 30 game road swing.

1911 Enduring one of the poorest outings of his career, Walter Johnson is slammed for 13 runs in a 13-8 Athletics's rout in Washington. Johnson nemesis Frank Baker collects his 2nd career home run off the Big Train.

1920 13 years into his stellar career, Walter Johnson finally pitches a no hitter. Only an error from 2B Bucky Harris prevents Barney from throwing a perfect game. Johnson strikes out 10 in the 1-0 victory at Boston.

1926 Behind a Lou Gehrig solo homer in the bottom of the 6th, the Yanks nick the Sens, 3-2, in game one of a doubleheader. The Bombers are bombed in the second game, 12-5.

1938 C Bill Dickey is a one man wrecking crew in New York's 8-0 pasting of the Nats in the Bronx. Dickey wallops a grand slam and drives in 7 of the Yankee's 8 runs.

1956 The Nats fail to put the Yankees away in the opener of a twinbill at Yankee Stadium, losing 3-2. Aided by 2 Senator baserunners getting picked off and 5 Washington double plays, the Yanks are able to escape numerous jams. New York 1B Joe Collins rips a 2-run homer in the 8th off Camilo Pascual to provide the winning margin. In the nitecap, Mickey Mantle homers from both sides of the plate, including the game winner batting right handed in the 9th, to hang an 8-6 defeat on the Nats.

1960 Senator minority stockholder H. Gabriel Murphy's first-refusal option to buy the holdings of Calvin Griffith expire. Murphy will file 2 separate lawsuits to prevent Griffith from moving the franchise to Minneapolis, but Murphy loses both.

1961 The expansion Senators continue to blow late inning leads, this time in New York. Unable to preserve 3-0, 5-1 and 6-5 leads, the Nats fall to the Yankees, 7-6. In the bottom of the 9th, with the Sens ahead 6-5, manager Mickey Vernon summons reliever Dave Sisler to get the final 3 outs. A leadoff Tony Kubek single and a 2-run homer from Roger Maris abruptly ends the affair in the Yankee's favor.

1962 Washington fans may have been mumbling “what if” after today's game against the Twins. Former Senators Lenny Green, Harmon Killebrew, Bob Allison and Bernie Allen all homer for the Twins in a 9-0 shelling of the struggling Sens. 1955 blindfolded, wheelbarrow race champion Camilo Pascual improves to 12-4 on the year with a dominant 5 hit, complete game effort.

1969 The Indians prove to be no match for the visiting Senators on this day. Eddie Brinkman, Frank Howard and Mike Epstein all homer to make P Casey Cox the game one winner, 4-1. The Sens stage a spirited, 3 run, top of the 9th inning comeback in the second contest to upend Cleveland, 7-5. Frank Howard 2-run single off the Tribe's Horatio Pina in the 9th puts the Senators in the win column. The sweep puts the Senators at 40-39, the latest date that the expansion Senators have been over .500 in their 9 year existence.

Senators Birthdays

John Jacob Atz (Born Jacob Henry Atz) B Jul. 1, 1879 D May 22, 1945

Jake Atz was a native Washingtonian who appeared in his first major league game with the Senators in September of 1902. Playing 3 games at second base that season he made no errors in the field but only went 1 for 10 at the plate.

Atz would return to the major leagues in 1907 with the Chicago White Sox, playing in 4 games. He remained with the Pale Hose through 1908 & 1909. His best year at bat was his last, when he hit .236 in 119 games.

Jake Atz career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=atzja01)

Kenneth Lanier Wood B Jul. 1, 1924 D Nov. 22, 2007

Ken Wood began his major league career with the St. Louis Browns in 1948, spending 4 years in St. Louis. He began the 1952 season on the roster of the Boston Red Sox.

In June of '52 he was traded by the Red Sox to the Senators for Archie Wilson. Wood would appear in 61 games for the Senators in 1952, hitting .238. His career would end in 1953 after 12 more games in a Washington uniform.

Ken Wood career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=woodke01)

Steve Jeltz

07-01-2008, 10:03 PM

1903 Ed Delahanty passes away at the age of 35 when he falls from a bridge in Bridgeburg, Ontario. The circumstances surrounding his death are still somewhat mysterious to this day.

Delahanty had boarded a train in Detroit that was bound for New York's Grand Central Station, according to a letter that was sent to his wife. While on the train, Delahanty behaved in a bizarre fashion, aggravating other passengers. Having heard enough complaints from the passengers, the conductor stopped the train at Bridgeburg on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, across from Buffalo. At approximately 10:45 PM, the conductor told Delahanty to remove himself immediately from the train.

At 10:55 PM, a railroad night guard named Sam Kingston spotted a man walking along a span of the bridge that contained no footwalk or railing. In a statement not filed until the following day, Kingston stated that when he shone his lamp in the man's face, the man menacingly told him, “Keep that light away or I'll knock your lights out!” When further interrogated by police, Kingston added that the stranger smelled of liquor. At this point, according to Kingston, he grabbed the man by the collar, but stumbled while doing so. Kingston said his foot fell between the railroad ties, and before he could pull himself up, the man had disappeared and then he heard a splash.

Kingston later changed his story and insisted that no confrontation ever occurred. The guard said that the man simply ignored him and kept walking, eventually right off the bridge. Two days later, Delahanty's body was found when it washed upon the shore.

Many people believed, the most prominent being Big Ed's younger brother, Frank, that Delahanty had intended to jump to the New York Giants, reigniting the AL-NL war. It is well known that Giants owner John T. Brush and manager John McGraw were not happy about the peace agreement that was brokered between the two leagues. Before the peace agreement, Delahanty had signed with New York for the 1903 season, but was awarded back to Washington after the peace agreement was finalized.

However, some believe that Big Ed may have committed suicide. They cite that his gambling debt from horse racing was tremendous. Also pointed out is that Delahanty had supposedly told some his Washington teammates a few weeks prior that he had taken out an insurance policy on his life and that, when his mood darkened, he spoke of death. Finally, there is the fact that Delahanty had left his personal belongings in Detroit before catching the train on that fateful night.

Regardless, what is known is that Delahanty's life ended much too soon.

1904 Highly touted rookie Walter Clarkson of Harvard makes his big league debut for the Highlanders. The Nationals spoil the Ivy Leaguer's debut with a 3-2 win in New York.

1906 Boston and Washington clash in a doubleheader in D.C. for supremacy of the AL basement. Cy Young and Boston cop a 4-3 decision in the opener. The Nats bounce back to rout the Red Sox, 17-3, in the game two. The Sox throw up the white flag after 7 innings of the second tilt in order to catch their train.

1918 Boston CF Babe Ruth goes 0-for-2, collects an error and quits the Red Sox after an argument with Red Sox manager Ed Barrow. On the other side, Senator P Harry Harper wins his 7th straight, a 3-0 shutout in Washington.

1943 30 year old Chicago rookie Guy Curtright has his AL rookie record 26 game hitting streak snapped in a 3-2 Sens win in Chicago. Curtright's record will stand until Boston's Nomar Gaciaparra breaks it in 1997.

1948 The Senators clip the hometown Yankees in 12, 2-1. Washington pitcher Walt Masterton pitches all 12 frames, allowing 3 hits, in the victory.

1966 The Fall of the Yankee Empire continues. With 2 outs in the bottom of the 6th, Frank Howard, Don Lock and Ken McMullen belt 3 consecutive home runs off the winless Whitey Ford. The Nats beat up on the Yankees and the “Chairman of the Board”, Ford, 10-4.

Senators Birthdays

It's 3 for 2 today, as we remark 3 birthdays on July 2nd.

Peter Willits Burnside B Jul. 2, 1930 Still Living

Pete Burnside began his career as a 25 year old rookie pitcher with the New York Giants. He'd go 1-0 in 1955 but wouldn't return to the majors until 1957. 1958 found him heading west to San Francisco with the Giants franchise. Sold to the Detroit Tigers, he'd played for the Tigers in 1959 & 1960.

Burnside was selected by the expansion Senators, spending 1961 & 1962 in Washington, where he'd post records of 4-9 and 5-11 for some pretty hapless expansion teams.

Traded by the Senators, along with Bob Johnson, to the Baltimore Orioles for Barry Shetrone, Marv Breeding and Art Quirk, he'd appear in 6 games for the 1963 Orioles before being released in early May. Less than 3 weeks later, he was resigned by the Senators, and would finish the 1963 season, and his career in Washington.

Pete Burnside career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=burnspe01)

Charles Klein Stobbs B Jul. 2, 1929 Still Living

Pitcher Chuck Stobbs spent 15 years in the major leagues beginning with the Boston Red Sox in 1947. In 1952 he spent one season with the Chicago White Sox and then was traded to the Senators for Mike Fornieles. Stobbs would spend 1953 through the mid-1958 season in Washington. In 1956 he was 15-15 with a 3.60 ERA.

Claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals in July of 1958, he'd appear in 17 games for the Cards and then be released in the off season.

Stobbs would be signed by the Senators for the second time and spend 1959 and 1960 in Washington and head to Minnesota with the franchise when they became the Twins in 1961, where his career would end after the season.

Stobbs ended with a career record of 107-130 which reflected on the Senators teams he played on from 1953-1960. He had some respectable years in Boston at the beginning of his career. However, Stobbs suffered the fate of throwing the famed home run to Mickey Mantle in 1953 that was supposedly measured to have travelled 565 feet in Griffith Stadium.

Chuck Stobbs career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stobbch01)

Peter John Susko B Jul. 2, 1904 D May 22, 1978

"One Season Wonder" Pete Susko showed up on the Senators roster in 1934 as a 30 year old rookie. Playing in 58 games at first base, Susko batted .286 with 64 hits, including 2 homers. His last game would be on September 30th of that season.

Pete Susko career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=suskope01)

Steve Jeltz

07-02-2008, 09:38 PM

1913 Boston racks 15 hits off Walter Johnson, but the Big Train does not yield a single run. The Sens take the tilt in 15 innings, 1-0 in Beantown. The 15 Red Sox safeties ties a ML record for most hits in an extra inning shutout loss.

1914 Washington's Rip Williams falls a single short of a cycle, as Johnson easily shutouts the Red Sox, 12-0, in game one at Griffith. In the finale, Boston comes back behind the pitching and hitting of Joe Wood for a 3-1, 10 inning win. Wood singles and scores a run in the 2-run Sox 10th.

1916 The Big Train tosses 11 innings, but falls to New York, 1-0, in the nations capital. P Ray Caldwell of the Yanks outduels Johnson for the victory.

1923 In another pitching duel, New York's “Bullet” Joe Bush and Washington's George Mogridge battle for 15 innings. In the bottom of the 15th, Babe Ruth ends the 1-1 tie with a game winning home run for the 2-1 Yankee win.

1925 On the eve of Independence Day, the Nats offense provides plenty of fireworks in an 11-0 whipping of the Red Sox in Fenway. Nats P Stan Coveleski keeps SS Roger Peckinpaugh and 2B Bucky Harris on their toes, as the two infielders handle a combined 22 fielding chances.

1927 The red hot Senators and Yankees face off in front of a capacity crowd in Griffith. Ruth's 1st inning home run to center will be the longest home run ever hit in Griffith until 1953, when Mickey Mantle blasts one longer. While the partisan crowd gives the “Sultan of Swat” an ovation, the Bambino's blast does not deter the Sens from winning their 10th straight, 6-5.

1954 Mantle runs his hitting streak to 12 games, as the Sens are nipped at Yankee Stadium, 3-2. Mantle's opposite field homer off Bob Porterfield is all of New York's offense.

1958 Russ Kemmerer is victimized by 2 Mantle home runs in an 11-3 Yanks thrashing of the Sens in Griffith. Mantle's first homer is another that adds to the Mantle legacy, as the ball is still rising when it clears the 31 foot high wall in right-centerfield.

1971 The Senators defeat the Tribe, 4-3, in Cleveland. 2B Bernie Allen, RF Larry Biittner and starting pitcher Jackie Brown each drive in a run apiece for Washington. The Senators bullpen tandem of Horatio Pina and Joe Grzenda do spectacular work of limiting Cleveland to 3 hits in the last 3.1 innings to nail down the victory.

Senators Birthdays

And today it's "2 for 3" as we note 2 Senators birthdays on this eve of Independence Day...

Joseph Casey Cox B Jul. 3, 1941 Still Living

Casey Cox joined the Senators on April 15th of 1966, coincidentally appearing in 66 games that season. Pitching for some usually bad teams, his best season in Washington would come during that memorable 1969 season (the only year the expansion Senators finished above .500) when he went 12-7 with a 2.78 ERA. Cox was a workhorse of the Senators pitching staff, appearing in at least 37 games per season, except for 1968, from 1966 through 1971.

Moving to Texas with the franchise in 1972, Cox would appear in 35 games for the newly minted Texas Rangers and finish the season with the New York Yankees. One last appearance on April 6, 1973 with the Yankees would end Cox's career.

Casey Cox career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=coxca01)

Edward Jack Roebuck B Jul. 3, 1931 Still Living

Another guy who knew how to pick his spots was Ed Roebuck, who made his major league debut with the eventual World Champion Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955. Roebuck posted a 5-6 record in 1955. He'd remain with the Dodgers in Brooklyn through 1957 and then be uprooted with the rest of the franchise to the west coast.

Roebuck would remain with the Dodgers through July of 1963 when he was traded to the Senators for Marv Breeding. Appearing in 26 games for the Senators in 1963, Roebuck posted a 2-1 record with a 3.30 ERA.

Roebuck would appear in 2 games for the Senators in 1964 and then was sold to the Philadelphia Phillies in April of that year. He'd finish his career in Philly, after 6 games in 1966.

Ed Roebuck career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=roebued01)

Steve Jeltz

07-03-2008, 10:16 PM

I hope everyone is enjoying their July 4th holiday. Please do not forget the men and women who have fought and sacrificed for our freedom and the gentlemen who risked facing death by signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. I also salute all the great leaders, inventors, scientists, etc., who, through our history, have made our country the best in the world.

1923 The Nationals give up 24 runs in today's doubleheader debacle in New York. The Yanks rout Washington 12-6 and 12-2, with Walter Johnson the loser in game two. In the 4 game series, the Bombers bludgeon Nats pitching for 39 runs.

1927 Whatever hope that the Senators had off catching league leading New York is obliterated in today's doubleheader fiasco at Yankee Stadium. The Senators see their 10-game winning streak wrecked in, 12-1 and 21-1, Yankee cakewalks. Every New York starter in both games collects at least one hit, except for P Wilcy Moore, the second game winner.

1930 Babe Ruth swats his 32nd in game two, but the Nats come away with the win, 7-3. In the lid lifter, “Sad” Sam Jones of the Nats shuts down his ex-mates, 8-0.

1932 The Senators sweep the Yankee's on this Independence Day two for one special, 5-3 and 12-6, in New York. C Bill Dickey of the Yanks breaks Carl Reynolds jaw with a punch, after Reynolds slams into Dickey on a successful squeeze attempt in the finale. Dickey earns a 30 day suspension and a $1,000 fine. Bucky Harris and Heinie Manush of the Sens both homer in the second game.

1939 Lou Gehrig gives his famous “I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth” speech in an emotional Yankee Stadium in between games. The Iron Horse's number 4 becomes the first number in ML history to be retired. Meanwhile, the two teams split the contests. Dutch Leonard knuckleball stymies the New Yorkers, 3-2, in the opener, while the Yanks, inspired by Gehrig's heartfelt speech, come out and hammer the Nats, 11-1, in the nitecap.

1945 The AL schedule makers give the Senators/Yankees July 4th doubleheader a break. This season, the Nats find themselves in Chicago for the holiday twinbill. With Washington's Harland Clift leading the way with 3 homers and 9 RBI overall in both matches, the Sens broom the White Sox, 5-4 in 12 and 11-2. Sens game one starter Marino Pieretti pitches all 12 frames for his 9th victory.

1950 At Griffith, the Yankees parade 12 runs across the plate in the final 3 innings for a 16-9 Nats defeat. Mickey Vernon and Joe DiMaggio trade bases loaded triples to tie an AL mark for bases loaded triples by 2 teams in a game. The second game ends in a 3-3 tie after 9 innings.

1960 Nats P Hal Woodeshick is the victim of Mickey Mantle's 300th career home run, a 3-run shot in the 1st. Washington, nonetheless, prevails, 9-8. CF Pete Whisenant and 2B Billy Gardner combine for 6 hits and 4 RBI's in the come from behind Senator victory.

1961 Despite some wildness (5 walks), Tom Cheney makes his Senator debut a success, winning a 7-3 decision over the guest Red Sox. Gene Woodling, Gene Green and Willie Tasby homer for Washington.

1968 RF Ed Stroud collects 4 hits, 2 doubles and 2 triples, as the Senators defeat the visiting Yankees, 4-2. The win goes to Jim Hannan, now 3-1 on the season.

Senators Birthdays

6 "Yankee Doodle Dandys", born on the 4th of July, have appeared in Senators uniforms over the years. However, with one notable exception, all had rather short stays in Washington or in the majors.

William Jennings Kenworthy B July 4, 1886 D Sep. 21, 1950

Bill Kenworthy got his start in the major leagues in 1912 with the Senators. Appearing in 12 games as an outfielder, Kenworthy would hit .237.

He'd return to the majors with the Kansas City Packers of the Federal League in 1914 & 1915, finding himself stationed at 2nd base. 4 games with the 1917 St. Louis Browns would round out his major league experience.

Bill Kenworthy career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kenwobi01)

Wescott William Kingdon B July 4, 1900 D Apr. 19, 1975

"One Season Wonder" Wes Kingdon appeared in 18 games for the Senators in 1932. Playing shortstop and 3rd base, he hit a very respectable .324 but was gone from the Senators, and the major leagues, in early August of that season.

Wes Kingdon career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kingdwe01)

Robert Edward Malkmus B July 4, 1931 Still Living

Originally appearing in 13 games with the 1957 Milwaukee Braves, Bobby Malkmus would play for the Senators in 1958 and 1959.

Malkmus appeared in 41 games in 1958 at 2nd & 3rd bases and shortstop but would only hit .186. In 1959 he appeared in only 6 games for Washington.

He'd finish his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, playing for the Phils from 1960-1962.

Bobby Malkmus career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=malkmbo01)

George Joseph (Wabash George) Mullin B July 4, 1880 D Jan. 7, 1944

George Mullin spent 14 years in the major leagues, the majority of that time with the Detroit Tigers. A pitcher with a 228-196 career record, Mullin first played with the Tigers in 1902. He remained in Detroit through a portion of the 1913 season, playing on the pennant winning teams of 1907, 1908 and 1909. He posted a 3-3 record in 3 World Series.

In May of 1913 he was purchased by the Senators. He only ever appeared in 11 games in a Washington uniform, going 3-5.

Prior to the 1914 season, he joined ("jumped") the Indianapolis Hoosiers of the Federal League. The Indianapolis franchise shifted to Newark, NJ in 1915, where Mullin would play in 6 final games as a member of the Newark Peppers.

George Mullin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mullige01)

Robert Hayes Murray B July 4, 1894 D Jan. 4, 1979

Another Senators Short Timer, Bobby Murray played 3rd in 10 games with the 1923 Senators, batting .189.

Bobby Murray career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=murrabo01)

Michael Raymond Palagyi B July 4, 1917 Still Living

Mike Palagyi pitched in 1 game for the Senators in 1939. It was probably a day that Palagyi would like to forget-he walked 3, hit 1 batter and gave up 3 runs before being pulled without ever recording an out. That unfortunate circumstance would put Palagyi in the record books as 1 of 11 pitchers in major league history to have an infinite ERA for their career record.

Mike Palagyi career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=palagmi01)

Finally, on a humorous note, Morganna (The Kissing Bandit) Roberts was born on this date in 1954. Senators fans may still recall when Morganna once kissed 6' 7" Frank Howard in a "cheeky" appearance at the 1970 home opener on April 6, 1970. Something must have inspired Howard-he had 3 of Washington's 7 hits in a 5-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

Steve Jeltz

07-04-2008, 09:05 PM

1915 At Boston, Sox hurlers Rube Foster and rookie Babe Ruth blank the Nats in two, 4-0 and 6-0. The Babe hits his first career triple and scores 2 runs in the final game.

1917 Frank Baker's inside the park homer off Walter Johnson is just enough for the Yankees to squeeze by the Nats, 5-4 at the Polo Grounds. It is Baker's 5th lifetime home run off of the Big Train.

1920 In the early bird tilt of a doubleheader at Griffith, Tom Zachary and the Senators down New York, 4-2. With a full house on hand anticipating an advertised Johnson start in the PM contest, Johnson is unable to go. Manager Clark Griffith selects rookie southpaw Al Schacht as Johnson's replacement. Schacht does not give up a hit until the 4th and strikes Babe Ruth out with the bases juiced in the 9-3 Sens victory. (See June 15th for more details on Schacht)

1934 Defeating the Nats single handed with 2 singles, 2 home runs and 7 RBI, Lou Gehrig leads the Yanks to a comfortable 8-3 victory in the Bronx. One of Gehrig's 2 homers is an inside the park grand slam, his 17 career slam, which places the Iron Horse first on the all time grand slam list ahead of teammate Ruth.

1945 The Senators complete a 4 game sweep of the Pale Hose in Commisky with a 5-2 victory. In a tight American League pennant race, the Nats find themselves only 4.5 games back of front running Detroit.

1953 A Sunday afternoon crowd of 27,685, the largest gathering of the year, witness the Senators sweep of the Yankees in a pair at Griffith. Two former Yanks pitchers do the Bombers in. Senator Bob Porterfield blanks his former team, 4-0, in the opener, while Johnny “Bear Tracks” Schmitz comes out the winner in the finale, 5-4.

1963 Playing their best ball of this dismal season, the Senators knock off the Angels, 5-1, in RFK. The Angels are unable to solve Washington P Don Rudolph, who limits the Sens expansion cousins to 7 hits in a complete game victory. Eddie Brinkman is 2 of 3, with 2 RBI, to pace the Senators.

Senators Birthdays

Albert Kenneth Kozar B Jul. 5, 1921 Still Living

Al Kozar started his baseball career with the Boston Red Sox organization in 1941. Before he had a chance to appear before the Fenway faithful in a Red Sox uniform, he was traded, in 1947, to the Washington Senators, along with Leon Culberson for Stan Spence.

Appearing for the Senators in 1948, 1949 and a portion of 1950, Kozar played 2nd base and hit .250 in 150 games in his rookie season. In 1949 he managed to raise his BA to .269 but only appeared in 105 games.

1950 found Kozar only playing in 20 games for the Senators when he was traded again, this time along with Eddie Robinson and Ray Scarborough to the Chicago White Sox for Bob Kuzava, Cass Michaels and Johnny Ostrowski. 10 more games for the White Sox in 1950 would mark the end of Kozar's major league career.

Al Kozar career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kozaral01)

Irving Darius (Bump) Hadley B Jul. 5, 1904 D Feb. 15, 1963

Bump Hadley played in 16 major league seasons and was on the roster of 6 different major league teams, including two separate stints with the Senators. Hadley is another member of that group of 14 players who hold the "distinction" of having played with the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators.

Appearing in 1 game for the 1926 Senators, Hadley would remain on the Senators roster through the 1931 season. While in Washington, his best year was 1927 when he went 14-6 with a 2.85 ERA.

Traded to the Chicago White Sox, along with Jackie Hayes and Sam Jones for Carl Reynolds and Sam Kerr, Hadley would only appear in 3 games for the White Sox before being traded in late April to the St. Louis Browns.

Hadley would remain a Brownie through 1934.

In 1935, the Browns traded Hadley back to the Senators for Luke Sewell and cash. Hadley would go 10-15 for the 1935 Senators and was rewarded by being traded yet again, this time, along with Roy Johnson, to the New York Yankees for Jimmie DeShong and Jesse Hill.

Hadley would remain a Yankee from 1936 through 1940, appearing the in World Series of 1936, 1937 & 1939, where he would post a collective 2-1 record.

In 1941 he was purchased by the New York Giants. He played in just 3 games as a Giant and then was returned to the Yankees. One day later he was purchased by the Philadelphia Athletics. He would wind down his career with the A's in 1941, posting a 4-6 record in 25 games.

"Bump" Hadley career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hadlebu01)

Steve Jeltz

07-05-2008, 08:48 PM

1914 Washington SS George McBride's steal of home in the home 4th is all the help that Walter Johnson will need in a 1-0 win over Boston. It is the 16th 1-0 victory of Johnson's career.

1920 In a game that Clark Griffith and the Senators would much rather forget, Washington is steamrolled by the Yanks, 17-0, in D.C. The lowlight is the 5th inning, when the Nats allow a then record 14 Yankee runs to cross the plate. Nats hurler Olaf Erickson goes down in the record books as the losing pitcher of this humiliating contest.

1933 Joe Cronin is tapped as the starting SS in the inaugural All Star Game at Commiskey Park. Cronin collects a single off Lon Warnerke of the Cardinals in the 6th and is 1-for-3 with a run scored.

Washington's other All Star representative, P General Crowder, gives up the NL's only 2 runs, including a home run from the bat of the Cards Frankie Frisch in the 6th. The American League defeats the National League, 4-2, with the highlight off the game being a Babe Ruth 2-run home run.

1962 Tallying 7 runs in the bottom of the 8th, Kansas City soars to a 12-9 win over the Senators. Shoddy pitching from Tom Cheney, Steve Hamilton, Bennie Daniels and Marty Kutya waste a solid offensive performance. Jim King, Bob Schmidt, Chuck Hinton and Bob Johnson all homer for the Nats, with Johnson and Bid Zipfel driving home 2 RBI's apiece

1969 The Senators shutout Boston in Fenway, 5-0. P Dick Bosman continues his breakout year with a 6 K, 0 walk, complete game victory to run his record to 6-2 with a 1.89 ERA.

Senators Birthdays

Hardin Abner (Lil' Abner) Cathey B Jul. 6, 1919 D Jul. 27, 1997

One Season Wonder Abner Cathey appeared in 12 games for the Senators in 1942. A pitcher, his final appearance was in mid-June of that season. He would depart with a 1-1 record and an ERA of 7.42.

Hardin Cathey career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=catheha01)

Karl Arthur (Ole) Olson B Jul. 6, 1930 Still Living

Outfielder Karl Olson made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1951, playing in 5 games. He'd return to the Red Sox roster in 1953 and remain in Boston through the end of the 1955 season.

During the off season, he was part of a multi-player trade that sent minor leaguer Al Curtis, Dick Borodowski, Neil Chrisley and Tex Clevenger to the Senators in exchange for Mickey Vernon, Bob Porterfield, Johnny Schmitz and Tom Umphlett.

Playing in 106 games for the Senators in 1956, Olson would hit .246 with 4 home runs.

Olson would start the 1957 season in Washington but only appear in 8 games before being purchased by his previous team, the Boston Red Sox. However, his stay would be very short as he was traded the same day to the Detroit Tigers. 8 more games in a Detroit uniform would mark the end of Olson's major league career.

Karl Olson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=olsonka01)

Barry Stevan Shetrone B Jul. 6, 1938 D July 18, 2001

Another outfielder, Barry Shetrone played for portions of 5 seasons in the American League, but only appeared in a grand total of 60 games during that span.

His most active season would be his rookie year of 1959 when he appeared in 33 of those 60 games. He'd remain in the Orioles organization, making brief appearances in 1960 through 1962.

In December of 1962 he was traded by the Orioles, along with Marv Breeding and Art Quirk to the Senators in exchange for Bob Johnson and Pete Burnside.

2 games for the Senators in 1963, where he went 0-2 at the plate, marked the end of his major league experience.

Barry Shetrone career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shetrba01)

Steve Jeltz

07-06-2008, 08:58 PM

1918 St. Louis defeats Washington, 3-0, in League Park. The Senators offense is punchless, managing only 3 safeties off Browns starter Allen Sothoron.

1927 The Senators reacquire lefty P Tom Zachary from the Browns for P Alvin “General” Crowder. Zachary was dealt to the Browns in February of 1926 for “Bullet” Joe Bush and Jack Tobin in one of Washington's worse trades in franchise history.

1931 President Herbert Hoover is on hand to watch the Nats drop a 7-3 decision to the A's. P George Earnshaw collects the win for Philly.

1937 Washington plays host to its first All Star Game. With President Franklin Roosevelt in attendance, the AL All Stars defeat the NL squad, 8-3. This was the All Star game where Dizzy Dean of the Cardinals had his right toe fractured by a line drive from Cleveland's Earl Averill. For all intents and purposes, Dean was never the same dominant pitcher after this injury.

1962 For the second night in a row, the A's rally from a 4-run deficit in the bottom of the 8th to defeat the Senators, 9-8. Kansas City CF Bobby Del Greco's 2 out, 3 run homer off loser Dave Stenhouse is the pivotal blow.

Senators Birthdays

Four "Senators Short Timers" were born on July 7th.

Richard William (Dick) Bass B Jul. 7, 1906 D Feb. 3, 1989

One Game Wonder Dick Bass first appeared with the Senators as a 32 year old rookie in 1939. His day in the Senators Coffee Shop was September 21st, when he started 1 game as a pitcher, hurled 8 innings, being tagged for 6 runs and the loss.

Dick Bass career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bassdi01)

John Earl Simmons B Jul. 24, 1924 Still Living

John Simmons spent the majority of the 1949 season in a Senators uniform, playing in 26 games as an outfielder but appearing in a grand total of 62 games. At the plate he was 20 for 93 with no extra base hits, working out to a .215 BA. His last game in the majors would be in late September.

John Simmons career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=simmojo02)

John Romonsky B Jul. 7, 1929 Still Living

John Romonsky would make his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in September of 1953. Appearing in 2 games with St. Louis, he wouldn't find his way back to the majors until 1958 when he was on the roster of the Senators.

Playing for the Senators in 1958 & 1959, Romonsky would appear in 30 games for the Senators over those 2 seasons, compiling a 3-4 record. He'd be gone at the end of 1959.

John Romonsky career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=romonjo01)

Harold Kefauver Keller B Jul. 7, 1927 Still Living

Hal Keller, brother of major leaguer Charlie Keller, made some very short appearances with the Senators strung out over 3 seasons. A catcher, he would appear in a grand total of 25 games:
3 games in 1949, 11 in 1950 and a final 11 in 1952. He'd leave having hit 11 for 54, working out to a .204 BA.

Hal Keller career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kelleha03)

Steve Jeltz

07-07-2008, 09:11 PM

1901 For the first time in their young existence, the Nationals find themselves under the .500 mark. The Nats drop to 26-27 with a 3-1 loss to the Americans in Boston.

1904 The dog days of summer have already set in for this year's Nationals squad. Washington makes the train trek north to Philadelphia and lose, 2-1, to the A's. The sad Nats sit at 11-52, 31.5 games out

1910 Walter Johnson strikes out 8 of the first 9 Browns hitters, including the first 7, in a 12-3 Washington rout. When the Nats score 10 runs in the 5th inning to provide some breathing room, Johnson allows the visiting Browns to make some contact and records no more K's.

1930 Defying preseason predictions of a 7th place finish in the AL standings, the Nats climb into a 1st place tie with a 6-5 defeat of host Boston. It is the Sens 9th straight victory and reliever Firpo Marberry's 3rd win during this winning streak.

1932 The Indian's Wes Ferrell improves to 16-5 on the season with a 6-5 victory over the Nats in Washington.

1944 The 1st place St. Louis Browns trim the Sens at Griffith, 5-4. Winning pitcher Sig Jakucki intentionally walks Senator slugger Stan Spence 3 times and the Sens fail to capitalize on Jacucki's 7 free passes. Sens starter Johnny Niggeling strikes out 10 Browns in the losing cause.

1966 At Yankee Stadium, the Senators earn a split in a pair with the Yankees. Washington holds on in game one, 7-6. In the nitecap, the Sens cough up a 4 run lead to earn a 7-5 defeat. Mickey Mantle is 5-for-8 in the twinbill, with a home run in each contest. The second homer in game two is a towering blast over the centerfield monuments off Jim Hannan.

Senators Birthdays

Just one birthday to report this July 8th...

Joseph John (Oyster Joe) Martina B Jul. 8, 1889 D Mar. 22, 1962

One Season Wonder Joe Martina appeared in a Senators uniform as a 34 year old rookie in 1924. A pitcher, Martina appeared in 24 games and finished the season with a 6-8 record and an ERA of 4.67.

1924 was the year the Senators won their only World Series and Martina did appear for 1 inning in game 3, but left with no decision. The NY Giants defeated the Senators in game 3 by a 6-4 score.

"Oyster Joe" Martina career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=martijo02)

Steve Jeltz

07-08-2008, 09:12 PM

1903 The hometown Nats, one week after Ed Delahanty's death, roll Detroit, 17-4. The 17 runs represents the highest offensive output of the year.

1920 Cleveland scores 4 in the top of the 7th and 4 in the 8th to overcome a 4-0 hole to win, 8-4. Jim Bagby of the Tribe cops the win in relief.

1930 The Sens extend their winning streak to 10, with a 5-2, opening game win at Boston. The streak is halted in the finale by former Nat Milt Gaston, a 5-1 BoSox victory.

1937 Lou Gehrig rips a homer and Joe DiMaggio hits for the cycle in a fight marred, 16-2 Yankee pounding of the Nats at Yankee Stadium. Joe Kuhel and the Yank's Jake Powell are tossed for exchanging blows, while the two teams engage in a brawl.

1945 With the scheduled All Star Game being cancelled due to travel restrictions, MLB substitutes regional interleague exhibition games. The Senators interleague opponent is the Brooklyn Dodgers at Griffith. The Sens edge the Dodgers, 4-3, with the recently deceased Bert Shepard picking up the win in relief. Sadly, the career of Brooklyn rookie pitcher Lee Pfund ends when he suffers a knee injury during this exhibition match.

1965 Frank Howard has a tough day and strikes out a record tying 7 times in today's doubleheader with Boston. Eddie Brinkman's single in the bottom of the 9th in the opener gives Washington the 2-1 win. The Bosox make the second game a no contest with a 10-1 smashing of the Sens. Red Sox hurler Earl Wilson homers and fans 11 in a complete game win.

1969 Joe Coleman walks 6, but strikes out 11 and allows only 4 hits, in a 3-0 whitewashing of Cleveland. With President Nixon in the stands, Del Unser, Frank Howard and Mike Epstein drive in the Senator's runs. The Nats are now 1-3 with the President in attendance this season.

Senators Birthdays

Tyrus Turner Barber B Jul. 9, 1893 D Oct. 20, 1968

Turner Barber first appeared in the major leagues with the Senators in 1915. As a 21 year old rookie, he'd play in the outfield and finish the season with a .302 BA. In 1916 he returned to the Senators but only appeared in 15 games during the season, his batting average dropping 90 points.

From 1917 through 1922 he'd play with the Chicago Cubs, including the pennant winning team of 1918. The 1921 season would be the only year where he appeared in over 100 games and he would finish that season with a .314 BA.

1923 was his last season in the majors, when he played in 13 games for the Brooklyn Robins.

Turner Barber career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=barbetu01)

Truman Eugene (Tex) Clevenger B Jul. 9, 1932 Still Living

Tex Clevenger began his baseball journey in the Red Sox organization. He'd appear in 23 games for the Red Sox as a 21 year old rookie in 1954 and post a 2-4 record. He did not play in the majors in 1955.

Traded to the Senators along with minor leaguer Al Curtis, Dick Brodowski, Neil Chrisley and Karl Olson for Bob Porterfield, Johnny Schmitz, Tom Umphlett and Mickey Vernon, Clevenger would pitch for the Senators from 1956 through 1960. His best season in Washington would be 1959 when he'd post an 8-5 record with a 3.91 ERA.

Drafted by the expansion Los Angeles Angels, he'd split the 1961 season between the Angels and the New York Yankees and finish his career with New York in 1962.

Tex Clevenger career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=clevete01)

Joseph Paul Gleason B Jul. 9, 1895 D Sep. 8, 1990

Joe Gleason had 2 short stints with the Senators in 1920 & 1922. Appearing in just 3 games in 1920, he'd pitch in 8 innings and depart with a 13.50 ERA. Returning to Washington in 1922, he'd post a 2-2 record over 8 games with a 4.65 ERA and disappear from the majors after May of that season.

Joe Gleason career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gleasjo01)

Raymond Roy Rippelmeyer B Jul. 9, 1933 Still Living

Senators Short Timer Ray Rippelmeyer appeared in 18 games in the 1962 season, posting a 1-2 record, with a 5.49 ERA.

Ray Rippelmeyer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rippera01)

Orville Inman (Coot) Veal B Jul. 9, 1932 Still Living

Coot Veal began playing in the majors with the Detroit Tigers in 1958. A sparingly used shortstop, he'd remain with the Tigers through 1960.

Picked up by the "new" Senators in the expansion draft, Veal would appear in 69 games and hit .202 in 1961.

Sold to the Pirates in the off season, he'd play in 1 game in a Pittsburgh uniform in 1962 and then be traded back to the Tigers, finishing his career where it began, in Detroit in 1963.

"Coot" Veal career record. (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=vealco01)

Steve Jeltz

07-09-2008, 08:59 PM

1926 In a 19-4 home blowout of the Browns, Washington sets a ML record when 13 different Nats score a run. P Stan Coveleski collects the easy win.

1928 Senator P Milt Gaston pitches a 14 hit, 9-0 shutout of Cleveland in game two of a twinbill, thus establishing an AL record for most hits allowed in a 9 inning shutout by a pitcher. The Sens also take game one, 9-5, in Washington.

1935 Hitting a record tying 10 doubles is not enough for Detroit. The Nats tame the the guest Tigers 12-11, halting the Bengals 14 game win streak.

1936 History was nearly made at Griffith, but nobody was covering first base. In the 3rd inning, Detroit's Jack Burns' hits an in between ground ball between the first and second basemen. 2B Joe Kuhel fields the ball, but he has nobody to throw to since the 1B was going after the grounder as well. Unfazed, Bobo Newsom shuts out the Tigers on 1 hit in a 5-0 Sens win.

1955 In a pair at Griffith, the Sens split two with New York. Mickey Mantle homers twice in the opening tilt, but Washington P Dean Stone escapes with the 6-4 victory. Carlos Paula of the Nats adds a homer and a double. Mantle swats another four-bagger in game two off Ted Abernathy, an 8-3 Yankees win.

1966 A doubleheader sweep of the Yankees in the Bronx has the Nats going into the break on a high note. A 2-run, Bob Saverine home run, along with Eddie Brinkman's solo shot, hands the Yank's Jim Bouton a 3-2, opening game defeat. The Sens pound 13 hits in the second contest, a 9-2 Sens drilling of the 9th place Yankees. Brinkman, Willie Kirkland and Fred Valentine drive home 2 apiece.

Senators Birthdays

Tony Mike Brumley B Jul. 10, 1938 Still Living

Originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957, Mike Brumley wouldn't make it to the major leagues until 1964 when first played for the Senators, making his debut as a 25 year old rookie. He'd appear in 136 games that year, batting .244. A catcher, his playing time would dwindle to 79 games in 1965 and a final 9 games in 1966 when his major league experience would come to an end.

He is the father of Mike Brumley, an infielder who spent 8 years in the majors between 1987 and 1995.

Mike Brumley career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brumlmi01)

Peter Joel Craig B Jul. 10, 1940 Still Living

Canadian born Pete Craig coincidentally spent parts of the same 1964-1966 seasons with the Senators as did our previous birthday boy. Picked up off waivers from the Detroit Tigers, Craig would only ever appear in 6 games over those 3 seasons and depart the majors with a 0-3 record and an ERA of 11.50.

Pete Craig career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=craigpe01)

Adolph (Ad) James Liska B Jul. 10, 1906 D Nov. 30, 1998

Submarine pitcher Ad Liska came to the majors with the Senators in 1929. Pitching for Washington in 1929, 1930 & 1931, his best year would be 1930 when he went 9-7 with a 3.29 ERA.

In 1932 he'd move up the seaboard to Philadelphia, playing for the Phillies in 1932 & 1933. While his major league record stands at 17-18, Liska later found success with the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League, spending 14 years with the Beavers, winning 198 games. Liska is a member of the PCL Hall Of Fame.

"Ad" Liska career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=liskaad01)

John Arnold Niggeling B Jul. 10, 1938 D Sep. 16, 1963

Johnny Niggeling spent 9 years in the majors, playing for the Boston Braves (twice), Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Browns and the Washington Senators.

Beginning his trip through the majors as a 34 year old rookie with the 1938 Boston Braves, he'd play for Cincinnati in 1939 and then spend 1940 through August of 1943 with the St. Louis Browns.

Traded to the Senators, along with Harlond Clift for Ellis Clary, Ox Miller and cash, Niggeling would remain a Senator through August of 1946. While in Washington, his best year was 1944 when he went 10-8 with a 2.32 ERA.

Released by Washington in August of 1946, he'd return to Boston to appear in 8 more games with the Braves, marking the end of his major league journey.

Johnny Niggeling career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=niggejo01)

Steve Jeltz

07-10-2008, 01:41 PM

Did you know that Pete Craig holds the highest batting avg. among pitchers for the expansion Senators? Craig hit .667, with 2 hits in 3 AB.

Steve Jeltz

07-10-2008, 09:39 PM

1918 Detroit proves that Walter Johnson is mortal by plating 8 runs in the final 3 innings for an 8-6, come from behind, victory in Washington. Ty Cobb knocks in a run and scores twice, as the Big Train fumbles a 6-0 cushion.

1925 New Nat reliever Spencer Pumpelly becomes a card carrying member of the "One Game Wonder" club. The Yale product mops up for 1 inning and allows a home run to the first ML hitter he faces. Pumpelly's line: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB and 0 SO for a 9.00 ERA.

While Pumpelly gets his name in the baseball encyclopedia, the story of this tilt in St. Louis is George Sisler. Sisler, with a bases loaded triple in the 3rd and a slam in the 4th, drives home 7 RBI in 2 innings of the 10-5 Browns victory. The 7 RBI sets a new AL record for RBI's in consecutive innings by a batsman.

1927 Washington and Cleveland need overtime to settle today's contest. With the game knotted at 2 in the top of the 10th with 2 away, player/manager Bucky Harris, on a double steal, steals home for the Sens, 3-2, win. With the victory, the Senators complete an impressive 6 game, road sweep of the Tribe.

1935 Former Nat, but still a fan favorite, Goose Goslin contributes 3 hits for Detroit in the Tigers 7-6, 10 inning win in D.C. Goslin and Charlie Gehringer deposit a homer each for the Bengals. The Nats can take some solace in the fact that their pitching was able to halt Detroit's Pete Fox's 29 game hitting streak.

1944 At Pittsburgh's Forbes Field, starting RF Stan Spence ropes 2 hits for the losing American League All Stars. OF George Case, C Rick Ferrell and P Dutch Leonard also represent Washington, but do not see game action, in the AL's 7-1 loss.

1948 In Washington, the Senators avoid a 3 game sweep to Bucky Harris' Yankees. The Sens swat the Yanks, 9-4, with Forrest Thompson getting the win in relief.

1962 The Senators send along 1B Dale Long to the Yankees for the ever popular player to be named later. Four days later, that player to be named is Don Lock. In five seasons in Washington, Lock would belt 99 homers, 2nd on the all time expansion Senator list, and 286 RBI, 4th among expansion Sens. After the 1966 season, the Senators would peddle Lock to the Phillies in another good trade for reliever Darold Knowles.

1968 The Birds stop the Senators at Memorial Stadium, 3-2. Del Unser's single in the 7th had temporarily put the Sens in the lead, but the O's Andy Etchebarren's solo homer retied the game in the same inning. In the Orioles 8th, Frank Robinson scores courtesy of a Brooks Robinson sacrifice fly to give Baltimore the victory.

Senators Birthdays

William Robert Allison B Jul. 11, 1934 D Apr. 9, 1995

Another one of the few bright spots in the later years of the original Senators franchise, Bob Allison needs very little introduction.

First brought up in September of 1958, Bob Allison's rookie year of 1959 had Washington fans talking. Appearing in 150 games, Allison hit .261 with 30 home runs, 85 RBI and led the American League with 9 triples. This led to Allison being named 1959's "Rookie of the Year".

In 1960 his output dropped somewhat, but he still managed to hit .251 with 30 doubles and 15 home runs in 144 games.

Moving to Minnesota when the Senators bade farewell to Washington for the Twin Cities, Allison was a mainstay of the Twins lineup through the 1970 season.

He had 3 years when he hit over 30 home runs and an additional 5 seasons when he hit over 20. Allison was named to the All-Star team in 1959, 1963 & 1964 and appeared in 1 World Series with the Twins in 1965.

Allison would retire after 13 seasons with a career BA of .255, 216 doubles, 53 triples and 256 home runs.

Bob Allison career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=allisbo01)

George Alvin (Bingo) Binks B Jul. 11, 1914 Still Living

Bingo Binks is another of the 14 players who played for the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators. In fact, those were the only teams he played for in a 5 season career that went from 1944 through 1948.

First playing in 5 games for the Senators in 1944, Binks would remain on the Washington roster in 1945 & 1946. Appearing in 145 games in 1945, he hit .278 with 32 doubles, 6 triples, 6 homers and 81 RBI.

Binks' batting average dropped markedly in 1946. Prior to the 1947 season, he was traded to the Philadelphia Athletics for Lou Knerr. After one season in Philadelphia he'd be traded again, this time to the St. Louis Browns where his career would end in July of 1948.

An outfielder and occasional first baseman, Binks fielding prowess reportedly amazed Casey Stengel, long before the Mets were ever dreamed of.

As of this writing, Binks is one of the oldest surviving former major leaguers.

"Bingo" Binks career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=binksge01)

Steve Jeltz

07-11-2008, 09:52 PM

1901 For the first time in 10 days, the Nationals win a game, halting an 8 game losing skid. At Oriole Park in Baltimore, Washington outguns John McGraw's Orioles, 14-12.

1962 Both the Senators and Twins score all their runs via the long ball. Back to back home runs from Jim King and Harry Bright in the 10th is the difference in the Sens 7-4 victory. King goes deep twice, both with a man aboard. Sens winning pitcher Dave Stenhouse labors for all 10 innings, giving up 7 hits, including 3 home runs.

1966 Pete Richert swallows the loss in the American League's, 2-1 loss in 10 innings to the National League at the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Richert, the lone Senator All Star for the second year in a row, yields a one out, game winning single to the Dodger's Maury Wills that scores the Card's Tim McCarver.

Senators Birthdays

Allen Wilbert (Bullet Ben) Benson B Jul. 12, 1908 D Nov. 16, 1999

South Dakotan Allen Benson joined the ranks of "Senators Short Timers" in August of 1934 when he appeared in 2 games in a Washington uniform. Benson would spend 1 week on the Senators roster and depart with a record of 0-1 and an ERA of 12.10 in 9.7 innings pitched.

Al Benson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bensoal01)

William Paul (Scranton Bill) Coughlin B Jul. 12, 1878 D May 7, 1943

Scranton Bill Coughlin got his major league start way back in 1899, appearing in 6 games with the National League version of the Washington Senators.

After the National League contracted and the rival American League started play in 1901, Coughlin was on the roster of the newly minted American League Washington Senators from 1901 through mid-1904. Coughlin's best season in Washington would be 1902 when he went 141 for 469, good for a .301 BA with 27 doubles, 4 triples and 6 home runs in the dead ball era.

Purchased by the Detroit Tigers in late July of 1904, Coughlin would spend the remainder of 1904 and the entire 1905-1908 seasons on the Tigers roster.

Primarily a 3rd baseman who could fill in at shortstop and 2nd base, Coughlin appeared in 8 games in the World Series of 1907 & 1908, going 6 for 28 at the plate. His major league career ended with the close of the 1908 World Series.

"Scranton Bill" Coughlin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=coughbi01)

Steve Jeltz

07-12-2008, 09:08 PM

1909 For the third day in a row, the Nationals fail to score. The Nats are whitewashed at Detroit, 3-0.

1916 Detroit's Bill James strikes out 7 straight batters in the Tigers 3-1 win at Washington.

1918 In D.C., Harry Heilmann's 1st inning, RBI bloop single is the contest's lone run in Detroit's 1-0 clipping of the Nats. The loss breaks Nats P Harry Harper's personal 7 game win streak.

1927 Detroit brooms the visiting Nats, 7-3 and 13-9. The Sens fail to take advantage of the 12 walks issued by Tiger's starter Sam Gibson in the opener. In the second match, Heilmann is the star, going 5-for-5, with 3 doubles, in the 13-9 Nats defeat.

1940 Washington is once again swept by the Tigers in a twinbill, this time at Griffith. The Bengals slip by in game one, 4-3. In the nitecap, Bobo Newsom wins his 13th straight for Detroit, as he 2-hits his former and future mates, 4-0.

1952 It is now the Tribe's turn to broom a pair. Before 26‚770 fans at Griffith‚ Cleveland, behind the 2-hit pitching of Mike Garcia, shuts out Washington, 1-0, in the first game. The Nats score a run in the finale, but the Indians score 1 more, a 2-1 Sens loss.

1956 The Tigers and Senators demonstrate how not to play baseball. In sloppily played affair, the Nats score 5 runs in the bottom of the the 8th to pull out a 12-11 victory. Washington's Connie Grob gets the win despite not officially facing a batter. Grob gets credit for the victory when the Tiger's Bill Tuttle is caught attempting to steal home in the 8th. Both teams combine to use 12 pitchers, issue 13 walks, commit 4 errors and leave 20 men on base in the 3 hour, 35 minute contest.

1967 The Nats kick off the second half of the season with a doubleheader sweep of the Tigers in D.C. Stadium. The Tigers race to an early 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning of game one, but the Sens storm back for 2 runs in their half of the 2nd and 3 more in the 3rd for a 5-3 advantage. Mike Epstein's homer with 2 aboard in the 3rd is the pivotal blow. The Nats will tack on an additional 3 runs for the 8-3 victory. Epstein homers twice and SS Tim Cullen hits his first ML homer, with Camilo Pascual getting the victory. The Senators complete the sweep with an easy 6-1 win in the nitecap behind the pitching of Joe Coleman. Epstein drives in a pair with a key, 2-run double off Detroit's Denny McLain in the bottom of the 1st, giving Epstein 4 RBI overall in this twi-nighter.

Senators Birthdays

Stanley Anthony Coveleski (born Stanislaus Kowalewski) B Jul. 13, 1889 D Mar. 20, 1984

Hall Of Fame pitcher Stan Covelski first appeared in the majors with the Philadelphia Athletics for 5 games in 1912. He'd return to the majors in 1916 in Cleveland. Playing in Cleveland from 1916 through 1924 he'd put up some pretty impressive numbers, including 4 consecutive seasons (1918-1922) where he would win 22 games or more.

After 9 years in Cleveland, Coveleski was traded by the Indians to the Senators in exchange for By Speece and Carr Smith.

Coveleski would turn in another impressive year in 1925, going 20-5 with a 2.84 ERA, helping Washington to their second World Series appearance.

Released by Washington in June of 1927, Coveleski would return to the majors in 1928, appearing in 12 final games for the New York Yankees, where he'd finish with a 5-1 record for the season.

Coveleski would finish his career with a 215-142 record and only have 2 seasons where he had more losses than wins. (1923 & 1924, where he was 1 game below .500 each season.)
He would also record 3 World Series wins with the 1920 Cleveland Indians, but unfortunately go 0-2 for the 1925 Senators against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Stan Coveleski career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=covelst01)

John Augustus (Jiggs) Donahue B Jul. 13, 1879 D Jul. 19, 1913

Jiggs Donahue began his major league career at the turn of the last century with the 1900 Pittsburgh Pirates as a catcher/outfielder. After 2 games with Pittsburgh Pirates in 1901, he joined the original Milwaukee Brewers in the first season of American League play. Moving with the Brewers to St. Louis in 1902, where they resumed play as the St. Louis Browns, he'd not appear on a major league roster in 1903.

In 1904, he'd return with the Chicago White Sox. By this time, Donahue had found his niche at 1st base. He'd remain with the White Sox through May of 1909 when he was traded to the Washington Senators, along with Nick Altrock and Gavvy Cravath for Bill Burns.

Donahue's career would come to an end after 84 games with the 1909 Senators where he hit .237.

Donahue also saw World Series play with the 1906 White Sox where he went 5 for 18 in 6 games.

"Jiggs" Donahue career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=donahji02)

Kenneth Lawrence Hunt B Jul. 13, 1934 D Jun. 8, 1997

Outfielder Ken Hunt first got a taste of major league play with the 1959 New York Yankees, appearing in 6 games. Returning to New York for another 25 games in 1960, he'd be selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the expansion draft.

Hunt would appear in 149 games with the fledgling Angels in 1961 (his only season with over 100 games played), batting .255.

Purchased by the Senators in mid-September of 1963, he'd play in 7 games for Washington. In 1964, he'd appear in 51 more games, hitting .135.

Traded to the Chicago Cubs in April of 1966 for Bob Humphreys, he'd not return to the majors.

Ken Hunt career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=huntke01)

Steve Jeltz

07-13-2008, 09:07 PM

1904 For only the second time this season, Washington wins two in a row. After yesterday's 9-4 win over the Browns, the Nationals strike the visiting Browns again, this time by a 5-2 score.

1920 An inside-the-park, 3-run homer from the bat of Sam Rice is the difference maker in the Nationals 6-4 home win over Chicago. Rice, during the course of his 19 seasons in Washington, will only hit 9 homers in Griffith Stadium, all of them inside-the-park jobs.

1940 Another defeat looms as the last place Nats trail the 1st place Indians by 2 runs with 2 outs and nobody on in the bottom of the 9th. The Nats spring to life to tie the game at 5 to take the contest into extra innings. In the 11th, the Nats win it when Buddy Lewis blasts a long, bases loaded, single for the unexpected Washington victory.

1969 Surpassing their entire 1968 home attendance total, the Senators shutout Detroit, 3-0. Joe Coleman gobbles up his second consecutive shutout in front of 23,831 patrons. Coleman gets the game winning RBI with a double that scores Jim French in the home 3rd. In the 4th, Coleman and Del Unser draw back-to-back, bases loaded walks off Joe Sparma to cap the Senator scoring.

Senators Birthdays

David Stanley Harris B Jul. 14, 1900 D Sep. 18, 1973

Dave Harris got a slow start in the majors. First playing for the 1925 Boston Braves, he'd appear in 92 games, hitting .265. Harris wouldn't return to the Braves roster until 1928 and then would only play in 7 games.

After another year's interlude, he'd find himself with the 1930 Chicago White Sox but would be traded in June to the Washington Senators for Red Barnes.

Harris would spend the remainder of his major league career, through 1934, in a Senators uniform. Primarily an outfielder, Harris would hit over .300 for 3 years, from 1930-1932 with his best BA being .327 in 1932. Harris would go 0-2 at the plate in the 1933 World Series that saw the Senators lose to the New York Giants.

Dave Harris career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=harrida01)

Warren Lemuel Miller B Jul. 14, 1885 D Aug. 12, 1956

Outfielder Warren Miller made 2 brief appearances with the Senators in 1909 & 1911. An outfielder, he'd appear in 26 games in 1920 as a 23 year old rookie and hit .216. Returning for another 21 games in 1922 his BA would drop below .150 and he'd be gone from the Senators, and the major leagues, in early June.

Warren Miller career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=millewa01)

George Charles (Rabbit) Nill B Jul. 14, 1881 D May 24, 1962

Rabbit Nill spent 5 years in the major leagues, beginning in 1904 with the Senators when he played in 15 games. A second baseman, who also filled in at 3rd and short, Nill's best season at the plate would be 1906 when he hit .235 in 89 games.

Traded to the Cleveland franchise, then known as the Naps, for Pete O'Brien and Howard Wakefield, he'd only play in Cleveland for 12 games in 1907 and another 11 in 1908 before leaving the majors in June of that year.

"Rabbit" Nill career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=nillra01)

Jesse Niles Tannehill B Jul. 14, 1874 D Sep. 22, 1956

Jesse Tannehill's 15 year career began in 1894 and ended in 1911. First pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 1894, he would not return to the majors until 1897 when he spent 6 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jumping to the New York Highlanders (later Yankees) in 1903, he'd spend 2 seasons in New York before being traded to the Boston Americans (later Red Sox). He'd be on the Boston staff from 1904 until he was traded to Washington in late May of 1908 for Case Patten. Some of Tannehill's best career years would be in Boston when he'd go 21-11 in 1904 and 22-9 in 1905.

Tannehill would be on the Senators roster in 1908 and 1909. While in Washington he'd post a cumulative record of 3-5, only appearing in 13 games.

He'd return for 1 last game with Cincinnati in 1911. Overall Tannehill had a career record of 197-116 in 358 games and 2750.3 innings pitched, finishing with an ERA of 2.79.

Jesse Tannehill career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=tanneje01)

Steve Jeltz

07-14-2008, 09:16 PM

1909 The Tigers take a pair in Detroit, 9-5 and 7-0. Two inside-the-park home runs from Ty Cobb pace the Bengals. For the 5th time in 8 games, the Nats are shutout.

1915 In the first of two in St.Louis, Browns rookie pitcher/1B George Sisler pitches a complete game in defeating Washington, 5-2. The Browns finish the sweep with a 4-3, win in game two.

1933 The Sens move to a half game lead in the AL by taking two from the Browns at Griffith. P Lefty Stewart takes the opener, 1-0, and Bobby Burke gets the nitecap victory, 2-0.

1964 With every Nats starter, except for Chuck Hinton, collecting a hit and with the offense getting a hit in every inning except the 3rd and the 5th, Washington posts 13 safeties of Mudcat Grant. A recipe for a sure victory, right? Not for the Senators on this night. Incredibly, the Senators fail to plate a single run in losing at Minnesota, 6-0. Grant strands 12 Nats baserunners in the CG victory.

1969 President Nixon and Apollo astronaut Frank Borman are on hand to witness Ted Williams' squad winning their 50th game of the season, a 7-3 decision over Detroit. Light hitting Sens 2B Tim Cullen stars for Washington with a single, double and home run for a total of 4 RBI. Barry Moore picks up his 8th win of the year, with Dave Baldwin chipping in 3.1 innings for his 3rd save. The Tigers only highlight is inducing Eddie Brinkman into a 5-4-3 triple play in the bottom of the 5th.

Senators Birthdays

Charles Bruce Edwards B Jul. 15, 1923 D Apr. 25, 1975

Catcher Bruce Edwards came up with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. Staying with the Dodgers midway through the 1951 season, he would make appearances in the World Series of 1947 and 1949. Traded to the Cubs in a multi-player deal, he would play in Chicago in 1951, 52 & 1954.

Purchased by the Senators during the offseason, he'd appear in a Washington uniform for 30 games in 1955, hitting .175.

Edwards would briefly play for the Cincinnati Reds in 1956, appearing in 7 games.

Bruce Edwards career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=edwarbr01)

Michael Edward Heydon B Jul. 15, 1874 D Oct. 13, 1913

First playing for the Brooklyn franchise, then known as the Superbas, in 1898 for 3 games, catcher Mike Heydon would make another 3 game appearance with the National League version of the Senators in 1899. 1901 would find him playing in 16 games for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Heydon would return to the majors in 1904 when he played in 4 games for the Chicago White Sox. Purchased by the American League Senators during the offseason, he'd play in Washington from 1905 through 1907. Not much of a hitter, Heydon's most active season would be 1905 when he appeared in 77 games.

Mike Heydon career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=heydomi01)

Jesse Roy Levan B Jul. 15, 1926 D Nov. 30, 1998

Jesse Levan made his major league debut in late September of 1947 when he played in 2 games for the Philadelphia Phillies. It would be 7 years before he returned to the majors with the Washington Senators in 1954.

Appearing in 7 games in 1954 and another 16 in 1955, he hit an even .300 for the Senators in '54, going 3 for 10. His BA would drop over 100 points in 1955 and he'd be gone from the Senators, and the majors, in May of that year.

Jesse Levan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=levanje01)

Alvin Jacob Powell B Jul. 15, 1908 D Nov. 4, 1948

Jake Powell first played for the Senators in 1930 appearing in 3 games. Powell would return to the Senators roster in 1934 for another 9 games. He'd finally stay with the Senators in 1935, playing in 139 games and hitting .312.

In mid-June of 1936 Powell would be traded to the New York Yankees for Ben Chapman. Staying with the Yankees through 1940, he'd play in the World Series of 1936, 1937 & 1938.

Powell would not play in the majors in 1941 or 1942 but would return to the Senators in 1943. He'd remain in Washington through a portion of the 1945 season, when he'd finish the year, and his career, on the roster of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Jake Powell career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=powelja03)

Steve Jeltz

07-15-2008, 10:07 PM

1909 The longest scoreless contest in AL history is played on this day at Detroit's Bennett Field. The Nationals and Tigers exchange zeros for 18 innings in a 0-0 tie. Detroit's Ed Summers fans 10, walks 2 and limits the Nats to 7 hits in 18 innings of work. The Nats Bill "Dolly" Gray pitches one hit ball over 8 innings before departing with an injury. Bob Groom relieves Gray and keeps the Tigers off the scoreboard for 10 innings.

1913 The Nats extract a victory in St. Louis by scoring 2 in the 9th to edge the Browns, 3-2. Walter Johnson relieves in the bottom of the 9th and, instead of getting a save, is credited with the victory. As the Sporting Life reported, "Ban Johnson rules that when a pitcher leaves the box at the end of an inning he shall not receive benefit of any runs made in the following inning. He says all runs should aid the reliever‚ not the previous pitcher."

1920 With an ineffective Walter Johnson on the hill, Red Faber and the White Sox upend Washington, 4-1, in Griffith in the first of two. Suffering from a sore arm, this will be the Big Train's final pitching appearance of the year. Sam Rice's 28 game hitting streak comes to an end, as Faber allows only 5 Washington hits. The bad news continues into game two, thanks to a Joe Jackson 9th inning grand slam. Jackson's salami proves to be the difference in Chicago's, 8-5 victory.

1932 Nats P Tommy Thomas collects his 3rd win in 3 days with a 11-0 crushing of the Browns in D.C. For Thomas, all 3 wins have come against St. Louis, 2 in relief and today's victory as a starter. In all, Thomas will defeat the Browns 7 times this season.

1958 Roy Sievers 23rd home run of the year could not have come at a better time for the Senators. With 2 outs and a man on in the bottom of the 9th, Sievers takes Cleveland's Ray Narleski deep for a dramatic, come from behind, 7-6 Sens victory. Sievers home run is the icing on the cake in the 4 run, 9th inning rally for Washington.

1962 In a game played in a crisp 1 hour and 32 minutes, the Nats take down the Angels at Dodger Stadium, 4-1. A home run from Halos 1B Lee Thomas is the only damage as Nats P Don Rudolph hurls a complete game 4-hitter. Washington's Bob Johnson drives in 3 of the 4 Senator runs.

1964 Sievers is purchased from Philadelphia for a final go around in Washington. The aging slugger will pop only 4 home runs for the remainder of the season. Sievers career will come to an end when he is released less than a year later.

Senators Birthdays

Leonard Joseph Okrie B Jul. 16, 1923

Catcher Len Okrie would play in the majors for 4 seasons, but only ever appear in 42 games.

The son of Frank Okrie, who pitched briefly with the 1920 Detroit Tigers, son Len would be drafted by the Senators from the Chicago Cubs organization in 1947. He'd first show up on the Senators roster in 1948. In his most active season, as well as his best at the plate, Okrie would play in 19 games and hit .238.

He would not play in the majors in 1949 but would return to the Senators roster in 1950 when he played in another 17 games. After 5 games in 1951 he'd be traded to the Boston Red Sox for Mike Guerra.

Okrie would make 1 appearance with the Red Sox in early April of 1952 and then would depart from the major leagues.

Len Okrie career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=okriele01)

Steve Jeltz

07-16-2008, 09:35 PM

1907 Nats OF Bob Ganley scores 5 runs as Washington tames the Tigers, 13-2, in the Motor City.

1914 Leading hitter Clyde Milan suffers a broken jaw from a outfield collision with teammate Danny Moeller at Cleveland. "Deerfoot" Milan will miss 40 games. The Indians add insult to injury with a 3-1 triumph.

1940 Gee Walker's 4 hits helps the Senators to defeat visiting Chicago, 5-3. The hot corner proves to be too hot for Chicago 3rd sacker Eric McNair. McNair greatly assists Washington's cause by committing an AL record tying 4 errors.

1960 Losers of 10 in a row to Cleveland, the guest Nats finally solve the riddle of the Tribe, as well as loser Mudcat Grant, in a 3-2 win. Grant had come into this contest with a lifetime 14-0 mark against the Sens. Bob Allison drives in 2 RBI in the second match, another victory for Washington, 5-3.

Senators Birthdays

James Marbury (Sammy) Holbrook B Jul. 17, 1910 D Apr. 10, 1991

One Season Wonder Sammy Holbrook spent the 1935 season with the Senators, appearing in 52 games. A catcher, Holbrook would go 35 for 135 at the plate, working out to a .259 BA. He managed 2 doubles, 2 triples and 2 homers in those plate appearances. Holbrook would be gone from the Senators, and the majors, after late September of 1935.

"Sammy" Holbrook career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=holbrsa01)

Steve Jeltz

07-17-2008, 09:11 PM

1906 Cy Falkenburg of Washington becomes the first ML pitcher of the 20th century to hit a grand slam. Falkenburg's slam off Chicago's Frank Owen is enough for the home Nationals to swat Chicago, 6-3.

1920 At Griffith, the Nats rap 17 hits to cruise to an easy 10-3 victory over the Tigers. Detroit pitching coach Jack Coombs injures himself when he pitches in the 8th during mop up duty and is carried off the field. Sam Rice steals another base enroute to an AL best 63. Rice, Bucky Harris and Patsy Gharitty each collect 3 hits and score 2 runs apiece.

1932 Visiting Detroit trips up Washington in a doubleheader, 8-6 and 2-1. Washington 3B Ossie Bluege ties the AL mark with 5 walks in the opener.
1954 The Senators temporarily dislodge Cleveland from 1st place with an 8-3, game one, victory in Washington. Senator Eddie Yost leads the opening game charge with a double, triple and home run. In the finale, the Tribe regains their place atop the standings with a 7-4 win over the Nats.

1957 Two Nats baserunners are gunned out at the plate in the top of the 1st inning by Cleveland LF Gene Woodling. The two assists by the future expansion Senator equals a ML record. Nontheless, the Senators prevail, 4-0.

1961 In Griffith, Mickey Mantle and New York Congressman Eddie Dooley team up to win a pre-game, home run hitting contest. Mantle then hits another two homers off Joe McLain in the actual game to lift the Yanks to a 5-3 victory over the Sens. For the Mick, it is his 34th and 35th four-baggers on the year.

1970 George Brunet and the Nats shutout the the visting Angels, 4-0. Brunet, who would pitch professionally into the 1990's, walks only 1, and strikes out 5 in the complete game effort. Former Angel Aurelio Rodriguez homers against his former club, his 14th home run of the year. Former Sen Ken McMullen, the player that Washington shipped to California for Rodriguez, is 0-for-4 with a strikeout.

Senators Birthdays

Addison Foster (Ad) Brennan B Jul. 18, 1887 D Jan. 7, 1962

Ad Brennan played 7 years in the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Whales of the Federal League and finished his career with 2 brief appearances with Washington and Cleveland in 1918.

First coming to the majors in 1910, Brennan played with the Phillies from 1910 through 1913. In 1913, his most active season, he posted a 14-12 record in Philadelphia, with a 2.39 ERA.

Jumping to the Federal League in 1914, he spent 2 seasons with the Chicago team.

Brennan did not appear in the majors in 1916 or 1917, but made 2 very brief appearances in 1918, first with the Senators, pitching in 2 games for 5.3 innings and finishing with a 5.06 ERA.

Purchased by the Cleveland Indians, Brennan would make one last appearance in the majors in late July, pitching 3 innings for the Indians.

"Ad" Brennan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brennad01)

Steve Jeltz

07-18-2008, 10:41 PM

1915 The Nationals steal a ML record 8 bases in the 1st inning of today's 11-4 rout at Cleveland. Danny Moeller (3 SB), Clyde Milan (2), Eddie Ainsmith (2) and George McBride (1) lead the larceny on the basepaths against Tribe C Steve O'Neill. With the run support, Walter Johnson is able to depart after 6 innings, allowing only 2 scratch hits.

1918 Washington C Eddie Ainsmith's application for deferment from the military draft is denied. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker rules that baseball is not an essential occupation and all players of draft age are subject to the "work or fight" rule. Ban Johnson announces that the AL will close down July 21st‚ a pronouncement that infuriates the owners. Clark Griffith, who is on good terms with Baker, steps in and is able to convince the Secretary of War to exempt players from the draft until Sept. 1. Both leagues vote end the season on Labor Day, September 2, with an extra two weeks allotted for the World Series.

1936 Cleveland romps to their 9th straight win, 11-2, in a two for one. The Tribe finally tastes defeat in game two, a 9-6 Senators victory. 17 year old youngster Bob Feller makes his ML debut in the 8th inning of the finale, walking 2, striking out 1 and allowing no runs or hits.

1960 A lone single from Rocky Colavito in the bottom of the 8th is the only hit allowed by Pedro Ramos in a 5-0 Nats win over the Tigers. Killebrew and Billy Gardner, celebrating his 33rd birthday, homer for Washington. Bob Allison drives home 2 with a 2-run single in the 4th.

Senators Birthdays

William Frederick (Billy) Gardner B Jul. 19, 1927 Still Living

Billy Gardner played for 10 seasons in the major leagues starting with the New York Giants in 1954. Playing in 62 games for the 1954 Giants, he would remain with the Giants in 1955 playing in another 59 games.

Purchased by the Baltimore Orioles early in the 1956 season, Gardner would have some active seasons in Baltimore, appearing in at least 140 games a year from 1956 through 1959.

Traded to the Washington Senators in early April of 1960 for Clint Courtney and Ron Samford, Gardner would have another active season with the Senators appearing in 145 games, primarily at shortstop but also at second base. He would have one of his better seasons at the plate in 1960, batting .257 with 26 doubles and 9 home runs.

Moving with the original Senators franchise to the Twin Cities in 1961, Gardner would be traded to the New York Yankees in mid-June.

He'd remain with the Yankees through June of 1962 (2 days shy of 1 year with the Yankees) when he'd be traded again, this time to the Boston Red Sox where he would finish the 1962 season. Returning with the Red Sox in 1963, Gardner would play in only 36 games with Boston before being released at the end of the 1963 season where his playing days would end.

Gardner would remain in baseball, managing the Minnesota Twins from 1981 through a portion of 1985 and the Kansas City Royals in 1987.

Billy Gardner career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gardnbi02)

Minter Carney (Jackie) Hayes B Jul. 19, 1906 D Feb. 9, 1983

First coming to the major leagues as a 20 year old rookie in 1927, Jackie Hayes made his major league debut with the Washington Senators in August of that year. Hayes would remain with the Senators through 1931. His most active season in Washington would be 1929 when he'd play in 123 games and hit .276.

Traded to the Chicago White Sox, along with Bump Hadley and Sam Jones in exchange for Carl Reynolds and John Kerr, Hayes would stay with the White Sox through 1940. He'd have some decent seasons with Chicago, hitting .312 in 1936 and .328 in 1938.

"Jackie" Hayes career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hayesja02)

Steve Jeltz

07-19-2008, 09:23 PM

1904 Believing that his best years are behind him, Washington unloads P Al Orth to the Highlanders for pitchers Tom Hughes and Barney Wolfe. Smiling Al will return to form in New York by posting a 11-6 record this season and winning 27 in 1906.

1918 Johnson goes all the way again in downing Chicago, 6-1. The Nats plate 4 runs in the home 4th off the Sox's Frank Shellenback.

1924 In Washington, the Nats come out victors, coming from behind to beat the Browns, 5-4. Allan Russell, in relief of the Big Train, is the winner. Washington remains in 2nd place in a tight, 3-team, battle for 1st place.

1925 With Stan Coveleski winning his 12th decision in a row, Washington disposes of Cleveland rather easily, 9-1, in Cleveland.

1948 AL President Will Harridge announces that umpire Bill McGowan is suspended for 10 games and fined $500 for his conduct in yesterday's Washington-Cleveland game. During the 7-6, 11 inning, Senator loss, McGowan had thrown a ball and strike indicator at Sens P Ray Scarborough after Scarborough complained about balls and strikes. When Senator manager Joe Kuhel confronted McGowan about the umpire's behavior, McGowan immediately ejected Kuhel and several Sens coaches. Later in the game, to prove that Washington fans had come to see him (McGowan) perform, McGowan tosses a ball at Washington's Ed Stewart in the 10th inning after Stewart disagreed about being out at home.

1962 Mantle smacks another home run off the Senators to lift New York to a 3-2 win. Mantle connects in the bottom of the 1st off Steve Hamilton. Mantle's 3-for-4 night raises his on-base percentage to .516.

Senators Birthdays

Harry Delbert Cassady (original spelling "Cassaday") B Jul. 20, 1880 D Apr. 19, 1969

Outfielder Harry Cassady played in 12 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1904, hitting .205.

Selected off waivers by the Washington Senators in 1905, Cassady would play in just 10 games for the Senators. His BA would drop off considerably and he'd play in his last major league game in late May of that year.

Harry Cassady career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cassaha01)

Oscar Marion Graham B Jul. 20, 1878 D Oct. 15, 1931

One Season Wonder Oscar Graham would go 4-9 for the 1907 Senators with a 3.98 ERA. His last game would be in early August.

Oscar Graham career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=grahaos01)

Howard Albert Maple B Jul. 20, 1903 D Nov. 9, 1970

Another One Season Wonder, catcher Howard Maple would play in 44 games for the 1932 Senators, hitting .244. His last game in the majors would be in mid-September.

Howard Maple career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mapleho01)

Henry Emmett (Heinie) Manush B Jul. 20, 1901 D May 12, 1971

Hall Of Famer Heinie Manush's career would span 17 seasons, from 1923-1939. Starting with the Detroit Tigers in 1923, Manush would stay with the Tigers through the 1927 season. He would hit .378 in 1926 with 35 doubles, 8 triples and 14 home runs.

Traded to the St. Louis Browns after the 1927 season, Manush would play for the Browns in 1928, 1929 and be traded to the Senators in mid-June of 1930. Manush would have another outstanding year at the plate in 1928 when he'd again hit .378, with 47 doubles, 20 triples and 13 homers.

In mid-June of 1930 Manush was traded, along with Alvin (General) Crowder for Goose Goslin. Playing the remainder of the 1930 season in Washington, Manush would remain in a Senators uniform through 1935. 1932 would be another notable year at the plate for Manush, when he'd hit .342 with 41 doubles, 14 triples and 14 homers.

Manush would be a part of the 1933 Washington Senators pennant winning team, but would hit a disappointing .111 (2 for 18) in World Series play as the Senators lost to the New York Giants in 5 games. Manush would be a part of the 1934 All Star squad, starting in left field.

After the 1935 season, the Senators traded Manush to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Carl Reynolds and Roy Johnson. Manush would only play 1 season for the Red Sox and would be released at the end of 1936.

Picked up by the Brooklyn Dodgers, Manush would play for the Ebbets Field faithful in 1937 but would be released by the Dodgers in mid-May of 1938.

After this release, his services were desired by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Manush would finish 1938 in the employ of the Pirates, however after only 10 more games in 1939 he would be released 1 last time in early June, where his major league career would end.

"Heinie" Manush career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=manushe01)

Steve Jeltz

07-20-2008, 09:01 PM

1902 The New York Herald reports that 3B Harry Wolverton will return to the NL Phillies. Wolverton "had informed the 'Phillies' he had tired of his work with the Washington American League club and had decided to go back to his first love. He will meet the the 'Phillies' when they return home." Meanwhile, sans Wolverton, the Senators edge St. Louis, 2-1.

1926 At Griffith, Detroit's Heinie Manush nearly hits for the cycle, falling a single short, off Walter Johnson in a 10-7 Washington victory in the 2nd of two. The Tigers are victorious in the game one, 7-6.

1944 Whatever slim hopes that Washington had for the pennant evaporates on this day in Detroit. The Tigers complete a 4-game sweep with a morale crushing, 6-5 defeat of the Senators. The Tigers score 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th after the Senators valiantly fight back from a 3-0, 8th inning deficit. Washington had scored 4 in the 8th and 1 in the 9th for a 5-3 lead before the Tigers came back to steal the victory. The Nationals will lose 45 of their final 68 games to finish dead last in the AL, 25 games back of the pennant winning Browns.

1966 Jim Hannan is superb on this night against Minnesota, going 9 innings, striking out 9 and allowing only 1 run. But Hannan's ill timed, wild pitch in the top of the 9th brings in that run, as the Twins escape with a 1-0 win. Jim Merritt of the Twins fans 12 over 9 innings, including striking out 7 straight Senator batsmen, as he wins only his 2nd of the year.

Senators Birthdays

Howard Samuel Shanks B Jul. 21, 1890 D Jul. 30, 1941

Howie Shanks began his baseball career with the Senators, where he would play 11 of 14 seasons. Originally an outfielder, Shanks found himself playing more infield positions as his career went on. He'd play every position except pitcher and catcher during his career.

Playing for the Senators from 1912-1922, his best year at the plate would be 1921 when he hit .302 with 24 doubles, 18 triples and 7 home runs.

Traded to the Red Sox, along with Ed Goebel and Val Picinich for Muddy Ruel and Allen Russell, Shanks would spend 1923 and 1924 in Boston. He'd be traded again, this time to the Yankees, where he'd play in 66 games in 1925, closing his major league career.

Howie Shanks career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shankho01)

Gerald George Snyder B Jul. 21, 1929 Still Living

Jerry Snyder got his start in the Yankees organization in 1947. Before he ever had an opportunity to appear in Yankee pinstripes, he was dealt in early May of 1952, along with Jackie Jensen, Spec Shea and Archie Wilson to the Senators in exchange for Irv Noren and Tom Upton.

He'd make his major league debut 5 days later. In 1953 he hit .339 in 29 games. Playing 2nd base and shortstop, his most active season would be 1954 when he appeared in 64 games. Snyder would remain with the Senators through May of 1958 when he'd be released 6 years and 2 days after first appearing in a major league uniform.

Jerry Snyder career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=snydeje01)

Steve Jeltz

07-21-2008, 09:07 PM

1923 Walter Johnson notches career strikeout number 3,000 in the Sens 3-1 victory at Cleveland. Johnson K's 5 Indians and will finish his career with 3,508 strikeouts.

1932 Poor baserunning plagues Washington in an 8-4 home loss to Philadelphia. The Senators rack up 15 hits of Rube Walberg, but are only able to plate 4 runs. Receiver Mickey Cochrane cycles, scores 3 times and drives in 4 for the Mackmen.

1940 The Senators sell former slugger Zeke Bonura to the Cubs for $10,000. Bonura, in his second stint in Washington, had been batting .273 with only 3 home runs. The Cubs will the final destination of Bonura's career.

1952 Eddie Yost smacks a leadoff single on the first pitch of the game off the Bengals Virgil Trucks. However, the Nats bats fall silent as that will be the only hit that Trucks surrenders. Detroit noses the Nats, 1-0.

1965 Pete Richert continues the Senators run of quality pitching by striking out 7 over 8.2 innings in a 5-1 victory over California at DC Stadium. Richert also stars at the plate, with 2 hits and 3 RBI. Richert's 2-run single in the 2nd is the game winning RBI.

Senators Birthdays

A collection of 5 "One Game Wonders" and "Single Season Senators" were born on July 22nd. In alphabetical order....

Roger Maxwell (Doc) Cramer B Jul. 22, 1905 D Sep. 9, 1990

Doc Cramer began his 20 year major league career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1929, and remained in the major leagues through 1948. However, only 1 of those 20 seasons would be in a Senators uniform. Cramer would return with the Athletics in 1930 and stay with the Athletics through 1935, hitting .336 in 1932 and .332 in 1935.

Traded to the Red Sox prior to the 1936 season, Cramer would spend the next 5 seasons in Boston, hitting .292 in 1936 and over .300 in the 4 following years.

After the 1940 season, Cramer would be traded to the Washington Senators for Gee Walker. In his only season in Washington, Cramer would play in all 154 games, batting .273 with 25 doubles, 6 triples and 2 home runs.

After the season he was traded again, this time to the Detroit Tigers, along with Jimmy Bloodworth, in exchange for Frank Croucher and Bruce Campbell. This would be Cramers last stop in his career. He'd play for the Tigers from 1942 through 1948, finally getting his release in May.

Cramer had an impressive career, playing in 2239 games and collectively hitting .296.

He was selected to 5 different All Star teams, 1935, 1937, 1938, 1939 & 1940, starting in right field for the 1939 contest.

He also appeared in 2 World Series, with the 1931 Athletics and the 1945 Tigers, going 12 for 31 (.387 BA), with 6 RBI and 7 runs scored.

"Doc" Cramer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cramedo01)

Herbert Lee Herring B Jul. 22, 1891 D Apr. 22, 1964

Pitcher Herb Herring pitched in 1 game on September 4th of 1912. Appearing in just 1 inning, he'd give up 1 walk, but no runs, and not appear in the major leagues again.

Herb Herring career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=herrihe01)

Alfred Anthony LaMacchia B Jul. 22, 1921 Still Living

Another pitcher, Al LaMacchia would first show up in the majors in late September of 1943 with the St. Louis Browns, pitching in 1 game.

He'd return to the Browns in 1945, this time appearing in 5 games, pitching 9 innings and finishing the season with a 2-0 record.

LaMacchia would start the 1946 season with the Browns but would be traded in mid-June, along with Joe Grace, to the Senators for Jeff Heath.

Playing in just 2 games for Washington, LaMacchia would finish his time with the Senators, and his career, 2 weeks after being traded.

Al LaMacchia career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lamacal01)

Pinson Lamar (Phil) McCullough B Jul. 22, 1917 D Jan. 16, 2003

Another One Game Wonder, Phil McCullough's proverbial Cup Of Coffee would be served in the Senators Coffee Shop on April 22nd of 1942. Pitching 3 innings, McCullough would give up 5 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), strike out 2 and walk 2, and depart with an ERA of 6.00.

Phil McCullough career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcculph01)

R. C. Stevens B Jul. 22, 1934 Still Living

R. C. Stevens (No first name-just "R. C.") was a first baseman who began his short career in the majors with the 1958 Pittsburgh Pirates. Playing in 59 games, he'd hit .267. In 1959 he'd only play in 3 games in Pittsburgh and 1960 would find him in just 9 more games in a Pittsburgh uniform.

Traded to the expansion Senators, with Harry Bright and Bennie Daniels in exchange for Bobby Shantz, Stevens would play in 33 games for Washington. He'd hit .129 going 8 for 62 with 7 walks and 2 RBI's. He'd make his final appearance in the majors on June 10th of 1961.

R. C. Stevens career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stever01)

Steve Jeltz

07-22-2008, 09:48 PM

1907 The Nats AL record 31 game road trip finally reaches its end with a 3-1 loss to Cleveland. Washington goes 8-22, with one game tied, on the trip. Next season, the Nats will have a 30 game road swing.

1925 Lou Gehrig holds the Major League for grand slams with 23. Name the team that surrendered the Iron Horse's first slam? Of course, it is the Senators. Gehrig connects off Firpo Marberry in the bottom of the 7th, as the Yanks take home an 11-7 victory. The Sens fall back into 2nd place, a half game behind Philadelphia, who won their game today over Boston.

1947 On his 30th birthday, Senators P Ray Scarborough whitewashes Detroit, 5-0, in Griffith. For icing on Scarborough's birthday cake, Scarborough does not walk Tigers 1B Roy Cullenbine, who came into the contest holding the ML record of drawing a walk in 22 consecutive games.

1959 The Tigers maul the Nats in Detroit, 11-2. With Ty Cobb in attendance, the AL's leading hitter, Harvey Kuenn, is 4-for-4 with 4 runs scored, while Detroit bangs out 15 hits. Washington scoring consists of Roy Sievers' sacrifice fly and Bob Allison's solo HR.

1960 Whitey Herzog of Kansas City lines into a game turning, 1-3-6, triple play in the top of the 3rd inning to preserve the Senators 3-1 lead. Washington will score 5 more for an 8-3 victory. Recently deceased Chuck Stobbs picks up the win in relief of Ramos.

Moderator's note: This was the famed "All-Cuban triple play" involving Pedro Ramos, Julio Becquer and Jose Valdivielso. Box score, courtesy of "Baseball Almanac": July 23, 1960 box score Senators vs. Kansas City A's (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=196007230WS1)

1969 One day after torrential rains forced the postponement of the All Star Game, the game goes on today in RFK. In the top of the 1st, AL starting LF Frank Howard misplays a Hank Aaron fly ball to allow the NL to take an early advantage. Hondo atones for his miscue by bringing the hometown fans to their feet with a straightaway CF home run of St. Louis' Steve Carlton in the 2nd. The Senators other All Star, Darold Knowles, puts away the only two men he faces, Matty Alou and Don Kessinger in the 3rd. Despite Howard's and Knowles' efforts, the AL falls to the NL, 8-3.

Senators Birthdays

Harold Andrew (Hank) Allen B Jul. 23, 1940 Still Living

Hank Allen comes from a baseball family, with brothers Ron and Dick also having played in the major leagues. Dick AKA Richie is the most well known of the three, having played in the majors for 15 years. Ron had a 7 game stint with the 1972 St. Louis Cardinals.

Hank Allen was first signed by the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 1960 season. He was purchased by the Washington Senators prior to the 1965 season and made his first major league appearance in September of 1966.

Playing for the Senators through May of 1970, his best season would be 1969 when he hit .277 in 109 games. Originally an outfielder, he was also pressed into service at second and third base by the Senators.

In mid-May of 1970, he was traded by the Senators, along with Ron Theobald to the newly relocated Milwaukee Brewers for Wayne Comer. Allen would play in 44 games for the Senators and 68 games for the Brewers in 1970.

He was traded in the off-season to the Atlanta Braves but was released in April of 1971.

Allen would not play in the majors in 1971 but was signed as a free agent by the Chicago White Sox in September of 1972. He'd appear in 21 games for the White Sox in '72 and return for another 40 games in 1973, his major league career ending at the end of the 1973 season.

Hank Allen career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=allenha02)

Frank Donald Croucher B Jul. 23, 1914 D May 21, 1980

Frank Croucher began his major league playing days with the Detroit Tigers in 1939. A 2nd baseman/shortstop, Croucher would remain in a Tigers uniform from 1939-1941, appearing in 1 game of the 1940 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds.

In December of 1941 Croucher would be traded, along with Bruce Campbell to the Senators for Jimmy Bloodworth and Doc Cramer.

1942 would see Croucher appearing in only 26 games for the Senators but he would have his best year at the plate, hitting .277. His last major league game would come in late September of that season.

Frank Croucher career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=croucfr01)

John Thomas Groth B Jul. 23, 1926 Still Living

Johnny Groth played in the American League from 1946 through 1960, appearing in 1248 games. However, he'd only spend a part of 1 season, 63 games, in a Senators uniform.

Getting his start with the 1946 Tigers, he'd only appear in a handfull of games from 1946 through 1948. 1949 would be the year when he truly "arrived", playing in 103 games in a Tigers uniform, hitting .293 with 19 doubles, 5 triples, 11 homers and 73 RBIs.

Groth would stay with the Tigers through 1952, putting up some good numbers.

Traded to the St. Louis Browns, he'd spend 1953 in St. Louis as that struggling franchise played their last season in Missouri.

In February of 1954, the franchise now known as the Baltimore Orioles traded Groth to the Chicago White Sox. Groth would play for the White Sox in 1954 and be traded to the Washington Senators in June of 1955, along with Bob Chakales and Clint Courtney in exchange for Jim Busby.

As has already been mentioned, Groth would only play in 63 games for the Senators, hitting a disappointing .219, especially when he'd hit .338 for Chicago in the first part of the season.

Groth would be purchased by the Kansas City Athletics in April of 1956 and play for the relocated A's in 1956 and a portion of 1957. In August of '57, he was purchased again, this time by the team who first brought him to the majors, the Detroit Tigers. He'd remain a Tiger through 1960 when his major league journey would end.

Johnny Groth career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=grothjo01)

Ray Wilson Scarborough (born "Rae" Wilson Scarborough) B Jul. 23, 1917 D Jul. 1, 1982

Pitcher Ray Scarborough began his 10 year major league career with the 1942 Senators, pitching in 17 games and posting a 2-1 record. He'd go 4-4 in 24 games in 1943, and wouldn't return to the Senators roster until 1946. Scarborough would remain a Senator through June of 1950, his best season being 1948, when he'd earn a 15-8 record in 31 games.

In late May of 1950 Scarborough would be traded to the White Sox, along with Al Kozar and Eddie Robinson in exchange for Bob Kuzava, Cass Michaels and Johnny Ostrowski.

He'd only remain in Chicago through the end of the 1950 season when he'd be traded again, this time to the Boston Red Sox where he'd play in 1951 and part of 1952, when he'd be purchased by the New York Yankees. He'd remain with the Yankees until being released in August of 1953.

Scarborough would be picked up by the Detroit Tigers a week later and finish his career with the 1953 Tigers.

Ray Scarborough career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=scarbra01)

Steve Jeltz

07-23-2008, 10:15 PM

1921 3 doubles from the stick of Detroit's Harry Heilmann off the Big Train is not nearly enough as the Sens rough up the Tigers, 14-6. The win at Navin Field commences an 11 game winning streak for Washington.

1934 The mercury hits 105 degrees, a record high temperature in Chicago. The Sens bats are cold, as Washington melts in defeat to the White Sox, 4-1. OF Johnny Gill's home run is the only offense for Joe Cronin's squad.

1937 Wes Ferrell's 2-pinch hit RBI's enables the Nats to take both ends of a twinbill at St. Louis, both by the score of 6-5. Ferrell's heroics include a sac fly that wins the first game and a RBI single in the nitecap.

1946 The road Senators, behind the pitching of number 00, Bobo Newsom, squeeze by the Tigers, 1-0. For Detroit's Dizzy Trout, it is his 5th shutout loss of this season. Stan Spence, 4-for-4 on the day, scores the only run when he crosses the plate on a Cecil Travis single.

1966 In the first of two in D.C., Bob Saverine, Don Lock, Ken McMullen and Fred Valentine all homer in a 6-2 victory over the A's. Pete Richert fans 8 and walks none in the complete game. Youngster Catfish Hunter absorbs the defeat. In the finale, Ken Harrelson's pinch hit home run with two Senators on base propels Washington to the sweep, a 7-4 win. Former Senator Jim Duckworth is the loser for Kansas City in game two.

Senators Birthdays

Alejandro Eloy (Alex) Carrasquel B Jul. 24, 1912 D Aug. 19, 1969

Venezualian Alex Carrasquel, uncle of Chico Carrasquel, pitched 7 seasons for the Senators, from 1939 through 1945 and only had 1 losing season. His debut year would see him finish with a 5-9 record, pitching 159.3 innings.

Quite possibly his most productive season would be 1943 when he finished with a 11-7 record, pitching 144.3 innings with a 3.68 ERA.

Carrasquel would finish his days in Washington with a 50-39 record. Purchased by the Chicago White Sox prior to the 1946 season, he would return to the majors in 1949, appearing in 3 games for the White Sox, leaving with no decisions.

"Alex" Carrasquel career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=carraal01)

Richard Frederick (Dick) Hahn B Jul. 24, 1916 D Nov. 5, 1992

One Game Wonder Dick Hahn would taste his cup of major league coffee on September 7th, 1940. A catcher, Hahn would go 0-3 at the plate.

Dick Hahn career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hahndi01)

James Charles Lyle B Jul. 24, 1900 D Oct. 10, 1977

Another One Game Wonder, Jim Lyle would make his only major league appearance on October 2nd of 1925. Pitching for 3 innings, Lyle would give up 5 hits and 2 runs and depart the Senators, and the major leagues, with no decisions and a 6.00 ERA.

Jim Lyle career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lyleji01)

Steve Jeltz

07-24-2008, 10:12 PM

1913 The Senators and Browns battle to a 15-inning, 8-8 deadlock that is called on the account of darkness. In the top of the 4th inning, Clark Griffith calls upon Walter Johnson to relieve for ineffective Nats hurlers Joe Engel and Tom Hughes. Barney sets a ML record for strikeouts by a relief pitcher by fanning 15 in the last 11 innings. Another ML record is set, albeit, a dubious one when St. Louis P Carl Weiman strikes out 6 straight times. Weilman's record will be tied by 6 other players, including one Frank Howard in 1970.

1918 The Big Train is masterful yet again. Johnson allows only a single hit, a triple from George Sisler, in the first 11 frames of a 1-0, Nats win in 15 innings. In all, Johnson gives up only 4 hits to St. Louis.

1937 Browns skipper Jim Bottomley is feted with gifts and flowers by St. Louis fans in the first game of a doubleheader. The Sens crash the lovefest by knocking out the Browns, 15-10, in the opener. Buddy Lewis rips 5 hits, with Senator teammate Mel Almada tying an AL record with 5 runs scored. Lewis and Almada remain hot in the nitecap, a 15-5 Washington rout. Lewis adds 3 more safeties for a total of 8 in the DH. Almada touches the plate 4 more times, setting a ML record for runs scored in an 18 inning span.

1970 Howard goes deep for the 27th time this year in a 5-0 Senator whitewashing at California. Sens P Jim Shellenback holds the Halos to 2 scratch singles in the complete game shutout.

Senators Birthdays

William Morgan Andrus B Jul. 25, 1907 D Mar. 12, 1982

Bill Andrus played in 6 major league games at 3rd base. First appearing with the 1931 Senators in mid-September, Andrus would play in 3 games, and go 0-7 at bat.

Andrus would not return to the majors until 1937, when he'd appear in another 3 games for the Philadelphia Phillies. He'd go 0-2 at bat and play in his final major league game on May 11th.

Bill Andrus career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=andrubi01)

Frank Carl (Doc) Reisling B Jul. 25, 1874 D Mar. 4, 1955

Doc Reisling broke into the major leagues in 1904 with the Brooklyn franchise, then known as the "Superbas". A pitcher, he'd post a 3-4 record with a 2.12 ERA in his rookie season. In 1905, he'd only appear in 2 games, pitching in 3 inninngs and finishing the season with an 0-1 record.

After a 3 year hiatus, Reisling would return to the majors in 1909 with the Washington Senators where he'd manage a 2-4 record with a 2.43 ERA. His last year in the majors was 1910, also with the Senators, was also his most active, when he'd appear in 30 games, pitching 191 innings, leaving with a 10-10 record and an ERA of 2.54.

"Doc" Reisling career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=reisldo01)

Carlos Santiago (Sandy) Ullrich B Jul. 25, 1921 D Apr. 21, 2001

Another member of the oft-mentioned "Cuban Connection", Sandy Ullrich made his major league debut in May of 1944 with the Senators. Pitching in 3 games that season, he'd finish the season with no record and a 9.31 ERA.

Returning to Washington in 1945, he'd be somewhat more successful, pitching in 28 games, posting a 3-3 record in 81.3 innings pitched, finishing the season with a 4.54 ERA. Ullrich's last game for the Senators, and in the majors, would be in mid-September of 1945.

"Sandy" Ullrich career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ullrisa01)

Steve Jeltz

07-25-2008, 11:07 PM

1916 Tiger Harry Heilmann receives an ovation from the Detroit faithful for saving a drowning woman in the Detroit River last night. Heilmann and the Cats go out and defeat the Nats, 6-5, for the second consecutive day.

1918 Time is quickly becoming the enemy of Washington with the last day of September 2 approaching. The Nats slow start to this season is coming back to haunt them, despite their 2 month run of hot play. The 3rd place Nats edge the Browns at Sportsman Park on this day, 3-2, to gain a game on front running Boston. Washington is 5.5 back at the end of play today.

1935 Washington reliever Ed Linke is hospitalized for 2 days after getting hit in the head by a line drive from New York's Jesse Hill. After striking Linke, the ball is caught on the fly by C Jack Redmond, who quickly fires to second to nab Ben Chapman for a painful 1-2-4 double play. With Heinie Manush clubbing 2 homers, one a slam, the Senators beat the Yankees, 9-3, at Yankee Stadium. The righthander Linke will get released from the hospital and come back to pitch again this season, posting an 11-7 record, with a high ERA of 5.01.

1959 It's losses 7 and 8 of a 19 game losing streak for the Senators. In Cleveland, the Tribe brooms the Sens in two, 9-0 and 4-3 in 12 innings. Jim Perry stifles the Senators on 2 hits in the first affair. The young Senators show character in the second match by bouncing back from a 3-0 hole to tie.

As often befits a young team, especially one that is in a slump, mistakes are made that prevents victories. The second game clearly illustrates this. Washington squanders a golden opportunity to go ahead in the 8th when Bob Allison becomes too aggressive on the base paths. With 1 out and Killebrew on first, Allison smacks a Bob Locke offering to left center for a hit. Killebrew easily makes it to third, but Allison is thrown out at second attempting to stretch a single into a double. Instead of a first and third, 1 out situation, there are now 2 outs with a man on third. Faye Thorneberry grounds out to end the threat. In the 10th, the Sens fail to convert again. Ken Aspromonte draws a leadoff walk and is sacrificed to second base. With the heart of the order, Killebrew, Roy Sievers and Allison, due up, the prospect of taking the lead looks promising. But Killebrew strikes out and Allison, after Sievers is intentionally walked, grounds out. The inevitable loss occurs when the Indians push across a run in the 12th, making Mudcat Grant the winner.

Senators Birthdays

James Henry Bloodworth B Jul. 26, 1917 D Aug. 17, 2002

Jimmy Bloodworth first played for the Senators in 1937 as a 19 year old rookie. Spending most of his time as a second baseman, Bloodworth would play in 15 games and hit .220.

He wouldn't appear in the majors in 1938, but would return to the Senators in 1939 and stay through the 1941 season. He'd hit .289 in 1939 and stroke 11 homers in 1940. Traded to the Detroit Tigers, along with Doc Cramer in exchange for Frank Croucher and Bruce Campbell, he'd play for the Tigers through 1946, although he would not play in 1944 or 1945.

Bloodworth would be traded again to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he'd play in 88 games in 1947. After the season, he'd be traded again, this time to the Brooklyn Dodger organization but would not play in the majors in 1948.

He'd be traded again in late September of 1948 to the Cincinnati Reds where he'd spend the 1949 season.

After 4 games with the Reds in 1950, Bloodworth would be purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies. He'd appear in 1 game of the 1950 World Series, as the "Whiz Kid" Phillies were swept by the New York Yankees. Bloodworth would only play in 21 games with the Phillies in 1951 and would be given his release at the end of the season.

Jimmy Bloodworth career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bloodji01)

Richard Stanley Brodowski B Jul. 26, 1932 Still Living

Dick Brodowski started his career as a 19 year old rookie with the Boston Red Sox in 1952. Going 5-5 with a 4.40 ERA, Brodowski wouldn't return to the Red Sox until 1955 when he appeared in 16 games.

Traded by the Red Sox, along with Neil Chrisley, Tex Clevenger, Karl Olson and minor leaguer Al Curtis for Mickey Vernon, Bob Porterfield, Johnny Schmitz and Tom Umphlett, Brodowski would be on the Senators roster in 1956 & 1957.

He'd only play in 7 games in 1956, going 0-3, and 6 games in 1957 where he'd go 0-1.

In May of 1957, Brodowski was traded again, this time to the Cleveland Indians, along with Dick Tettelbach in exchange for Bob Usher.

Brodowski would appear on the Cleveland roster in 1958 & 1959, his career ending in early July of '59.

Dick Brodowski career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brododi01)

Thomas Aloysius Crooke B Jul. 26, 1884 D Apr. 5, 1929

First baseman Tom Crooke appeared in a grand total of 11 games for the Senators, 3 games in 1909 and 8 games in 1910. He'd post a composite record of 6 hits in 28 at bats, with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs.

Tom Crooke career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=crookto01)

Samuel Pond (Sad Sam) Jones B Jul. 26, 1892 D Jul. 6, 1966

Sam Jones spent 22 years in the majors, from 1914 through 1935. During the course of those 22 seasons, he'd play for 6 of the 8 teams then in the American League.

Making his debut in 1914 with the Cleveland Indians, appearing in just 1 game, Jones would return with the Indians in 1915.

Traded to the Red Sox he'd spend 1916 through 1921 pitching in Boston.

Traded again, this time to the New York Yankees, Jones would spend 1922 through 1926 in New York.

Prior to the 1927 season, Jones would be traded again, this time to the St. Louis Browns. He'd play 1 season (1927) in St. Louis and then be traded again, this time with Milt Gaston, to the Washington Senators for Dick Coffman and Earl McNeely.

Jones would be a Senator from 1928 through 1931, posting records of 17-7 in 1928 and 15-7 in 1930.

After the 1930 season, he was traded one last time, this time to the Chicago White Sox, along with Bump Hadley and Jackie Hayes in exchange for Carl Reynolds and John Kerr.

Jones would remain with the White Sox through 1935, finishing the season, and his career, at age 43.

Jones would appear in 4 World Series: with the 1918 Red Sox and with the Yankees in 1922, 1923 & 1926.

"Sad Sam" Jones career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=jonessa01)

Foster Leroy Witherup B Jul. 26, 1886 D Dec. 23, 1941

Roy Witherup made his major league debut with the 1906 Boston Braves, appearing in 8 games, posting an 0-3 record.

Witherup would not play in the majors in 1907 but would return, this time in the American League, with the Washington Senators in 1908. He'd go 2-4 in 1908 and 1-5 in 1909, his major league career ending after 1909.

Roy Witherup career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=withero01)

Steve Jeltz

07-27-2008, 08:22 AM

1915 Rip Hagerman of the Indians and the Sens Bert Gallia lock horns in a pitchers duel, with Gallia allowing only a single hit in a 1-0 Washington victory. Clyde Milan steals home in the top of the 1st for the game's only score.

1920 Four spectacular grabs by Tribe LF Charley Jamison helps Cleveland to hold off the Nats, 5-4, in the first of two at League Park. Washington, thanks to a 9 run 2nd inning, explode in game two , a 19-6 win. Joe Judge and Braggio Roth cross the plate 4 times each.

1921 Nats manager George McBride is knocked unconscious by a thrown ball prior to today's 5-4 win over the White Sox in D.C. McBride suffers a concussion and begins to experience vertigo. Unable to pilot the Nationals on a full time basis, McBride is sent home and replaced by captain Clyde Milan. Milan will guide Washington to a 30-25 mark over the remainder of the year and will officially be named the Nats for 1922.

1962 At D.C. Stadium, the weak Senator offense springs to life in a doubleheader sweep of the Red Sox. 6 different Senator players homer in today's pair with Boston. Bob Johnson, Harry Bright, Chuck Cottier and Johnny Schaive homer in the lidlifter, giving Dave Stenhouse his 10th win of the year, a 11-2 rout. In the nitecap, Ken Hamlin belts a grand slam, while Johnson and Don Lock also go deep in a 14-1 stomping. It is the first, and only time, this year that the Sens score in double digits.

Senators Birthdays

Lawrence David Biittner B Jul. 27, 1945 Still Living

Larry Biittner was drafted by Washington in the 1968 amateur draft and first appeared in 2 games during the 1970 season. Brought up from Pittsfield (Eastern League) on July 10th, he'd be sent back down on July 22nd.

Starting the 1971 season with AAA Denver, Biittner would be brought up again in mid-May, and appear in 66 games, playing the outfield and also being tapped to play 1st base for a handful of games. Biittner would go 44 for 171 at the plate, good for a .257 BA with 4 doubles and 1 triple.

Moving to Texas with the franchise prior to the 1972 season, Biittner would remain a Ranger through 1973.

Traded to the Montreal Expos prior to the 1974 season, Biittner would remain in Montreal through mid-May of 1976. He'd hit a career high of .315 in 1975.

Traded again, this time to the Chicago Cubs, he'd remain a Cub through 1980. Granted free agency, Biittner would sign on with the Cincinnatti Reds where he would play in 1981 and 1982. Released by the Reds, Biittner would sign on with the Texas Rangers once more, appearing in 66 games during the 1983 season, ending his major league career at the end of the year.

Larry Biittner career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=biittla01)

Richard Lewis Kimble B Jul. 27, 1915 D May 7, 2001

Shortstop Dick Kimble joins the list of "Single Season Senators", appearing in 20 games in 1945. He'd hit .245 with 1 double and 1 triple.

Dick Kimble career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kimbldi01)

Don Wilson Lock B Jul. 27, 1936 Still Living

Fans of the early expansion Senators remember Don Lock as another of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal lineup of has beens and never weres. Lock homered in his debut game on July 17, 1962 and he would finish the 1962 season with 12 round trippers.

Originally in the New York Yankee organization, Lock would be traded to the Senators for Dale Long in mid-July and get his call to the big club just one week later.

Lock would remain a Senator through 1966 and hit a grand total of 99 home runs as a Senator, second only to Frank Howard. An outfielder, Lock would hit 27 homers in 1963, 28 in 1964 and in 1965 & 1966 would hit 16 each season.

Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies after the 1966 campaign, Lock would play in Philadelphia in 1967 and 1968. After only 4 games with Philadelphia in 1969, Lock would be traded again, this time to the Boston Red Sox where he'd finish the season, and his career.

Don Lock career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lockdo01)

Steve Jeltz

07-27-2008, 09:07 PM

1908 Walter Johnson fans 15 Browns, a career best, as Washington upends St. Louis, 2-1, in 16 innings. Johnson, now at 1-5 on the season as he still recovers from an operation to remove an ear abscess, will go on to win 13 of his final 17 decisions.

1925 The Senators suffer a temporary setback in their quest to repeat as AL Champs, dropping two to visiting Chicago, 10-5 and 6-2. The Sox rough up Walter Johnson in the first game, as Ted Lyons gets the win. In the finale, Chicago's Spencer Harris hits his first big league homer, a grand slam off Curly Ogden. While Harris will only hit two more ML homers, he will wind up as the all time minor league leader in runs, hits, doubles and total bases.

1927 For the final time in his illustrious career, Walter Johnson finds his name in the win column. Johnson wins his 417th game in a 12-2 Nats bouncing of Chicago. With the Nats sitting 14 back of the rapidly disappearing Yankees, manager Bucky Harris decides to go with younger pitchers for the rest of the season.

1939 Washington starting P Ken Chase gets the best of Bob Feller in a 2-0 Senator home victory. Chase has a no-hitter for 8 innings before Cleveland's Skeeter Weeb breaks it up. Chase will give up another hit before escaping with the shutout win.

1956 P Paul Foytack fans 15 Senators, a Tiger club record for strikeouts, but a 3-run, top of the 8th inning rally is enough for Washington to subdue Detroit, 6-5. Chuck Stobbs, in relief of starter Pedro Ramos, receives credit for the win to even his season log to 8-8.

1964 Chuck Hinton's 3-run home run in the bottom of the 5th stands in the Nats 4-3 win over the Tribe. Sens P Claude Osteen walks none and strikes out 8 for his 9th victory of the year. For Cleveland starter Luis Tiant, it is his first ML loss after tossing complete game victories in his first two major league appearances.

1971 In the Twin Cities, Del Unser, Bernie Allen, Don Billings and Dave Nelson lead the hit parade in a 7-1 Nats rout of Minnesota. Frank Howard collects his 51st and 52nd RBI's with a 3rd inning double of loser Jim Perry. Nats pitchers Bill Gogolewski and Joe Grzenda combine to hold the Twins to 4 hits and 8 strikeouts.

Senators Birthdays

Constantine Nicholas (Gus) Keriazkos B Jul. 28, 1931 D May 4, 1996

Gus Keriazkos played for 3 different teams, with a grand total of 28 games appeared in over that span.

Originally signed by the White Sox, Keriazkos would appear in 1 game in 1950, pitching for 2.1 innings and giving up 7 hits and 5 runs, being charged with the loss.

Traded to the Senators in June of 1954 for Sonny Dixon, Keriazkos would pitch in 22 games, finishing the season with a 2-3 record and an ERA of 3.77.

Traded once again, this time to the Kansas City Athletics for Al Sima in early 1955, Keriazkos would play in 5 games for the Athletics, leaving Kansas City, and the majors, in September of 1955.

"Gus" Keriazkos career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=keriagu01)

Paul Willard McCullough B July 28, 1898 D Nov. 7, 1970

Paul McCullough spent 1 week and 1 day on the Senators roster in July of 1929. During that brief span he pitched in 3 games, leaving with no offical W/L record in 7.1 innings pitched, giving up 7 hits and 7 runs and an ERA of 8.59.

Paul McCullough career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcculpa01)

Steve Jeltz

07-28-2008, 09:14 PM

1915 After whiffing in his first 3 AB's, Walter Johnson wins his own game with a deep hit to CF in the bottom of the 10th. Washington defeats Cleveland, 2-1. The Nats move above the .500 mark for good.

1931 The Nats are allergic to home plate as they tie another record of dubious distinction. Washington strands a record tying 15 men on base in a 6-0 home loss to the Tribe. This record will stand until 1994. The Indian's Wes Ferrell is credited with the victory, even though he gives up 10 hits.

1942 The Sens mash 20 hits off 6 different St. Louis pitchers in an 11-10 slugfest victory at Sportsman's Park. The Browns Vern Stephens nearly wins the tilt for St. Louis by himself by collecting 5 safeties, including a homer and a pair of doubles.

1946 Getting a measure of revenge after enduring a sweep in Cleveland yesterday, the Nats return the favor today, winning both ends, 2-1 and 8-4. Batting as a pinch hitter, Indians P Bob Lemon hits his first ML home run of Early Wynn in the second game. Lemon will hit 37 home runs in his career, second all time among pitchers, behind the 38 from former Indian and Senator P Wes Ferrell. Walt Masterton is the game one victor, while Wynn gets the decision in the nitecap.

1963 This is why it has been said that baseball was designed to break your heart. P Joel Horlen of Chicago goes from the precipice of making history to a loss with two swings of the bat. Horlen carries a 1-0 lead and no-hitter into the bottom of the 9th. Horlen retires Jim King on a ground ball for out number one. Chuck Hinton steps into the box and hits a seeing eye single up the middle to break Horlen's no hit bid. With the no hitter gone, Borlen bears down and gets Bobo Osborne to ground out for the second out. One out away from sending the Senators home with their 67th defeat of the year, Horlen makes his only mistake of the game to Don Lock. Lock gives himself a belated birthday present by blasting a game winning, 2-run homer for the stunning 2-1, Senator victory.

1969 At last, the Senators are able to do what every other American League team has done so far this year: Win at Seattle's Sick's Stadium. With the contest knotted at 2-2 in the the top of the 8th, Ken McMullen and Bernie Allen homer back-to-back off Gene Brabender to put away the pesky Pilots, 4-2. Joe Coleman walks 5, but strikes out 8 in a gutty, complete game effort.

Senators Birthdays

Today we have a trio of birthdays of players who all began playing in other organizations and ended their major league careers as "Single Season Senators". As usual, in alphabetical order, the birthday boys are...

Walter Easu Beall B Jul. 29, 1899 D Jan. 28, 1959

Washington, DC native Walter Beall first played in the majors with the New York Yankees in 1924. Pitching in parts of the 1924 through 1927 seasons in New York, his most active year would be 1926 when he'd play in 20 games and finish the season with a 2-4 record.

He'd return to the majors in 1929 with the Washington Senators, appearing in 3 games, pitching 7 innings, departing with a 1-0 record and an ERA of 3.86 to mark the end of his major league career.

Walter Beall career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=beallwa01)

Samuel Morrison Dungan B Jul. 29, 1866 D Mar. 16, 1939

Born just 1 year after the end of the Civil War, Sam Dungan would first play in what we now know as the National League in 1892 with the Chicago Colts. Playing in Chicago in 1892, 1893 and a portion of 1894, he'd be traded to the Louisville Colonels where he'd finish the 1894 season.

Dungan wouldn't play again in the majors until 1900 when he played in 6 games for the Chicago Orphans.

In 1901, the inaugural season of the rival American League, Dungan would play for the Washington Senators. Primarily an outfielder, but also filling in at 1st base, Dungan would play in 138 games and hit .320 in his final season.

Sam Dungan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dungasa01)

Donald Ralph Wert B Jul. 29, 1938 Still Living

Don Wert was originally signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1958. Primarily a 3rd baseman, Wert would appear in a Tigers uniform from 1964 through 1970. He'd be named to the 1968 All Star team and play in 6 games of the 1968 World Series that saw the Tigers defeat the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wert was a part of the infamous trade, made after the 1970 season, that brought him along with Elliott Maddox, Denny McLain and Norm McRae to the Senators in exchange for Ed Brinkman, Joe Coleman, Jim Hannan and Aurelio Rodriguez.

Beset with back problems, Wert was placed on the disabled list due to a back strain on March 30th, and would not be activated until April 20th. Wert would appear in only 20 games for the Senators and go 2 for 40 at bat. Assigned to AAA Denver on June 15th, Wert refused the assignment and was released by Washington on June 18th of 1971. He'd never appear in another major league game.

Don Wert career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wertdo01)

Steve Jeltz

07-29-2008, 09:07 PM

1903 The A's sweep a pair from the 8th place Nationals, 12-1 and 6-5. In the afternoon tilt, Philadelphia's Rube Waddell is chased in the top of the 6th after spotting the Nats a 5-3 lead. Connie McGeehan relieves for Waddell and slams the door on Washington, as Philly plates 1 in the 7th and 2 in the 8th for the victory.

1910 At Shibe Park, the Nats fall to the A's, 7-5. Eddie Collins' 8th inning home run with 2 aboard off Walter Johnson is the difference maker. For Johnson, this is the first, and last, home run he will surrender in 1910.

1917 The Senators modest 3 game winning streak comes to a crashing halt in a 16-4 annihilation by the Tigers in D.C. Ty Cobb, future Nat Bobby Veach and Ossie Vitt each go 5-for 5, while the "Georgia Peach", Cobb, scores 5 runs for the first time in his career. Three players collecting 5 hits in the same game ties a ML record for the 20th century. As if that was not enough for Clark Griffith's beleaguered pitching staff, Detroit's starting outfield belts 12 hits, tying an AL record.

1918 Engaged in a scoreless deadlock after 8 innings, Washington puts 3 across in the top of the 9th to shutout the White Sox, 3-0. "Grunting" Jim Shaw of the Nats shuts down the defending World Champions on 3 hits.

1925 Dipping 2.5 games behind league leading Philadelphia, the Senators are hammered at home by Chicago, 11-1. The personal 13 game win streak of Stan Coveleski comes to an end.

1958 An 8 run, 3rd inning by Chicago is all she wrote for the guest Nats. Jim Lemon's homer in the 2nd with two on is his 20th on the year. Eddie Yost cranks a grand slam in the 4th to shave the Pale Hose lead to 8-6, but Luis Aparicio hits a 2-run inside-the-park home run in the home 5th to extend Chicago's lead to 11-6. The White Sox hold on for the 11-9 victory.

1968 For the first time in 41 years, an unassisted triple play is recorded. With Indian runners on first and second in the bottom of the 1st, the Tribe's Joe Azcue lines out to SS Ron Hansen. Hansen steps on second base to double up Cleveland's Dave Nelson and tags a sliding Russ Snyder for the third out. Frank Howard supplies the offense for the Senators with his 30th home run, but the other Howard, Bruce Howard, cannot supply the pitching in a 10-1 Sens defeat.

Senators Birthdays

The stork takes a well deserved break, as there were no Senators ever born on July 30th.

Steve Jeltz

07-30-2008, 09:14 PM

1909 Once again, the Nats offense fails to score a run for Walter Johnson in a home 1-0 defeat to the White Sox in the first of two. The Nats narrowly avoid being no-hit by Sox P Bill Burns when Otis Clymer singles with 2 outs in the 9th. Washington cannot find home plate in game two either, this time being whitewashed, 4-0.

1918 Johnson's bat contributes 2 hits, including a triple, and his arm produces 11 strike outs in a 3-2 win at Chicago. Nonetheless, Washington cannot make any headway in the standings as first place Boston wins their game today to remain 6.5 games ahead.

1926 The Nats offense scores early and often for the Big Train in a 9-0 victory at St. Louis. It is Johnson's 112th career shutout. Goose Goslin homers in the 5th inning.

1952 As July comes to a close, the Senators find themselves in a tight pennant race. The Sens sit in 4th place, but just 5.5 games back of the league leading Yankees, who are "struggling" with a 59-41 record. Today, Washington defeats the Browns in Sportsman Park, 10-5. Cuban Connection member Sandy Consuegra collects his 5th win of the year in relief.

1962 Mickey Mantle sits this one out with a bum knee, but the Bombers do not need him. Bill "Moose" Skowron powers New York past the Senators, 9-5, in new D.C Stadium. Claude Osteen serves up a grand slam to the Moose and falls to 5-8.

Senators Birthdays

After a lull in Senators births yesterday, we resume with a quartet of birthdays to report this last day of July...

William Clyde Hitchcock B Jul. 31, 1916 D Apr. 9, 2006

Infielder Billy Hitchcock managed to make the rounds during his 9 year major league career, playing for 4 different teams, one of them on 2 separate stints.

Originally signed by the New York Yankees in 1939, Hitchcock would be purchased by the Detroit Tigers in September of 1941 and make his major league debut in 1942, appearing in 85 games as a Tiger.

From 1943 through 1945 Hitchcock would not play in the majors, but would return in 1946. After just 3 games with the Tigers, he'd be sold to the Washington Senators where he'd play in 98 games at shortstop and 3rd base, hitting .212 with 8 doubles and 3 triples.

Prior to the 1947 season, Hitchcock would be sold again, this time to the St. Louis Browns.
After the 1947 season, Hitchcock would be traded to the Boston Red Sox where he'd play in 1948 and 1949.

Prior to the 1950 season, Hitchcock would be traded again, this time to the Philadelphia Athletics. Playing for the Athletics from 1950 through 1952, he'd have his best season at the plate in 1951 when he'd hit .306.

In January of 1953, Hitchcock would be traded one last time, back to the Detroit Tigers, where he'd appear in just 22 games of the 1953 season and would be released by the Tigers in October of that year, ending his major league career.

Billy Hitchcock career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hitchbi01)

Allen E. Russell B Jul. 31, 1893 D Oct. 20, 1972

Baltimore native Allen Russell pitched for the Yankees, Red Sox and Senators in an 11 year career that spanned from 1915 through 1925.

Originally appearing in September of 1915 with the Yankees, Russell would remain in pinstripes through July of 1918 when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox.

Russell would remain in Boston through 1922. After the 1922 season, Russell was traded, along with Muddy Ruel, to the Senators for Val Picinich, Howie Shanks and Ed Goebel.

Playing for the Senators from 1923-1925, Russell would post a 10-7 record with a 3.78 ERA in 1923. He appeared in 1 game of the 1924 World Series when the Senators captured their only World Series crown.

Russell's career would end in mid-September of 1925.

Allen Russell career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=russeal01)

Robert Alexander Unglaub B Jul. 31, 1881 D Nov. 29, 1916

Another Baltimore native, who would coincidentally play for the New York, Boston and Washington, Bob Unglaub began his major league career in April of 1904 when the New York franchise was still known as the "Highlanders".

After playing in only 6 games for New York, Unglaub would be traded to Boston. He'd play for Boston in 1904, 1905, 1907 and a part of 1908, Unglaub would also be tapped to be a player/manager for a portion of the 1907 season. The Red Sox, then known as the "Americans", would go 9-20 with Unglaub at the helm on their way to a 7th place finish.

Purchased by the Washington Senators in July of 1908, Unglaub would split the season between Boston and Washington, playing in 72 games for each team that year. The change of scenery must have done Unglaub some good as he would hit .308 in a Washington uniform.

He'd finish his major league journey with the 1910 Senators, appearing in 124 games and hitting .234.

Bob Unglaub career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=unglabo01)

David Carter (Mutt) Williams B Jul. 31, 1982 D Mar. 30, 1962

Mutt Williams ranks as a "Senators Short Timer", appearing in just 6 games in a Washington uniform over the course of 2 seasons.

Pitching in just 1 game for the 1913 Senators, Williams came away with the win. He'd return to the Washington roster in 1914, pitch 7 innings in 5 games and depart with no decisions and an ERA of 5.14.

"Mutt" Williams career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=willimu01)

Steve Jeltz

07-31-2008, 09:18 PM

1902 The umpire must have had a tight strike zone. Washington right hander John "Happy" Townsend is all frowns as he walks 12 batters in a 13-0 loss at Detroit.

1912 In the bottom of the 6th, home plate umpire Connolly fails to see that Washington C Rip Williams drops the ball and calls Ty Cobb out attempting to steal home. Cobb and the Tigers are infuriated by the missed call and leave the field in protest. Connolly confers with the other umpire and reverses his initial call, with Cobb now being called safe. In the end, Connolly's flip flop does not matter, as the Nats win, 6-3.

1921 Interim manager Clyde Milan has two hits and provides supreme fielding in a 1-0 victory over the Bengals in Griffith. It is the 7th straight win for the Senators, who will go on to win 11 in a row.

1959 More bad news for the slumping Senators: Against the Go-Go White Sox, Camilo Pascual is splendid through 7 innings, allowing only 1 hit and no runs, but has to leave the game due to a sore elbow. With the Sens nursing a 1-0 margin, Dick Hyde relieves. After holding Chicago off the scoreboard in the 8th, Hyde gives up 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th, as the Nats lose their 14th straight, 2-1.

1968 In a battle between two future San Diego Padre pitching coaches, Joe Coleman and Detroit's Pat Dobson, the Sens roast Dobson and the Tigers, 9-3, at Tiger Stadium. Dobson is chased from the box in the 4th after SS Ron Hansen pelts a grand slam. Bernie Allen and Mike Epstein both homer for Washington with a man on base, with Coleman going the distance for his 7th win.

Senators Birthdays

Edward Haughton (Slim) Love B Aug. 1, 1890 D Nov. 30, 1942

Slim Love (Sounds like the stage name for an anorexic exotic dancer. :rolleyes: ) made his major league debut in September of 1913 with the Washington Senators. Pitching in 5 games, he'd finish the season with a 1-0 record and an ERA of 1.62.

However, even with that performance, Love would not return to the majors until 1916, spending 3 seasons with the New York Yankees. His most active season would be 1918 when he'd go 13-12, appearing in 38 games, pitching in over 228 innings.

Traded to the Red Sox after the 1918 season, he'd be traded again within a month, this time to the Detroit Tigers. He'd appear in 22 games in for the Tigers in 1919, going 6-4. 1920 would see him in just 1 game when Love would depart the Tigers, and the major leagues in mid-April.

"Slim" Love career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lovesl01)

Steve Jeltz

08-02-2008, 12:05 AM

Saluting the greatest pitcher of all time, Walter Johnson. It was 101 years ago today that the icon first stepped onto a big league mound.

1907 A new era of Washington baseball begins. More than 10,000 jam Washington's League Park to see the debut of a highly publicized and much ballyhooed pitcher by the name of Walter Johnson. The 19 year old Johnson pitches 8 effective innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, in a no-decision against Detroit. The Tigers pull it out in the 9th on Sam Crawford's inside-the-park home run for the 3-2 win. After the game, Detroit manager Bill Donavan praises Johnson, stating that Johnson will be better than Christy Mathewson within two years.

1913 Six years after his debut, Johnson wins his 24th on the season in a 3-2 victory over the Tigers on Walter Johnson Day in Washington. With President Woodrow Wilson on hand, the Big Train is presented with a silver cup that is filled with $10 dollar bills, totaling $674, as a token of appeciation from Nats fans.

1915 The Browns, to no avail, still attempt to utilize George Sisler as a pitcher. Sisler is the loser in Washington to Johnson and the Nats, 5-1.

1923 One season wonder, Monroe Mitchell, shuts out St. Louis in the first of two, 5-0. Mitchell is greated aided by the Browns inexplicibly batting out of order twice in the contest. The Senators wrap up the sweep behind the pitching of George Mogridge, winning 2-1, to send the Washington faithful home happy.

1925 Sick with the flu, the Big Train gathers enough steam to roll by the guest Tigers, 5-1. The Nats crawl to within 1 game of idle Philadelphia with the win.

1927 To commerate his debut 20 ago, Washington celebrates another Walter Johnson day. In pre-game ceremonies, Johnson is presented a silver service, a Distinguished Service Cross from the AL, and $14,764.05, topping the $674.00 in 1913. The opponent, as usual, is the Detroit Tigers. Johnson, as in 1907, does not factor into the decision of a 7-6 Senator loss. The Bengal's Harry Heilmann goes 3-for-4 against the aging Big Train, who cannot hold a 6-4, 9th inning lead.

1936 The Nationals make a stirring, 3 run comeback in the top of the 9th to best Detroit, 5-3. Washington's Jesse Hill's triple and steal of home is the icing on cake in the rally.

1950 Tribe P Bob Lemon wins his 9th in a row with a 11-0 whitewashing of the Sens in Cleveland. Larry Doby homers 3 times for the Indians and Lemon, for good measure, smacks a long ball himself.

1968 Yesterday, Ron Hansen was a hero with a grand slam in Washington's victory in Detroit. Today, Hansen is traded to the White Sox for Tim Cullen. Both players switch clubhouses and are in the lineup for tonight's Sens-Sox game in Milwaukee. The Senators drill Tommy John and the "home" White Sox, 11-6. Frank Howard finds County Stadium to his liking, with 2 hits, including a 2-run homer, and 3 RBI. Cullen, in his Nat debut, collects 3 hits, while Hansen picks up 2 against his ex-mates.

1970 The Sens split two in Oakland, winning 6-2 in the opener and dropping a 1-0 decision in the nitecap. The A's Don Mincher, a former member of the original Senators, ends game two with a 9th inning homer off Horacio Pina. Oakland's Mudcat Grant appears in 1 inning and, to prove some things never change, comes away with yet another victory against the Senators.

Senators Birthdays

Raymond William (Bill) Phebus B Aug. 2, 1909 D Oct. 11, 1989

Bill Phebus would spend small parts of 3 seasons in a Senators uniform, appearing in just 13 games. Making his debut in September of 1936, Phebus would pitch in 2 games, and finish with an ERA of 2.45. 1937 would be his most active season, when he'd pitch in 6 games, 5 of those complete games, and finish the 1937 season with a 3-2 record and a 2.21 ERA. In his final year, 1938 he'd pitch in 5 more games but his ERA would balloon to 11.37. Phebus would depart the Senators, and the major leagues, in mid-May of that year.

"Bill" Phebus career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=phebubi01)

Steve Jeltz

08-02-2008, 09:02 PM

1906 In a duel of Tom's, the National's Tom Hughes and the Brown's Tom Glade, the Nats defeat the Browns, 1-0, in 10 innings. Hughes homers in the top of the 10th for the only score of the game. In the process, Hughes becomes the first pitcher ever to win his own game in extra innings with a home run.

1930 With Joe Judge at the helm in place of mourning manager Walter Johnson, the Senators and Red Sox both share a win in a doubleheader in D.C. Washington whips the Sox, 11-2, in the opener and lose the nitecap, 7-1. Tomorrow, National players will be pall bearers at Mrs. Johnson's funeral.

1948 72‚434 are on hand in Cleveland to witness Satchel Paige in his first ever, and long overdue, starting assignment in the major leagues. Paige does not disappoint the masses‚ going 7 innings, in a 5-3 Indian victory over the Nats.

1955 Detroit pitcher and famed Yankee killer Frank Lary blanks the Nats in Washington, 3-0. The Nats offense is lulled to sleep, managing only 2 hits off the rookie righthander.

1957 Picking an opportune time to hit his 30th long ball, Roy Sievers's two out shot in the bottom of the 17th wins it over the Tigers, 4-3. It is Sievers's 6th home run in 6 games, which ties the AL record held by Lou Gehrig and Ken Williams. Senator Jim Lemon has a rough game, wearing an 0-for-8 collar, with 2 strikeouts.

1971 Jeff Burroughs receives credit for the game winning RBI in a 4-2 Sens win at Tiger Stadium. Denny McLain "improves" his record to 6-15 with the victory over his former team. The Senators tally 3 runs in the 9th inning, with former Nat 3B Aurelio Rodriguez's error on Burroughs' ground ball being the turning point. Proving that McLain is already old news among Bengal fans, only 22,171 show up to watch the former 30 game winner.

Senators Birthdays

Three pitchers and a Single Season Senator make up today's quartet of birthday boys on August 3rd. They are...

Mario Cain (Milo) Candini B Aug. 3, 1917 D Mar. 17, 1998

Making his debut with the Senators as a 25 year old in 1943, Milo Candini would have his most active and successful season in his rookie year when he'd go 11-7, pitching 166 innings with a 2.49 ERA.

Candini wasn't immune to the "Sophmore Jinx" as he'd see his record drop to 6-7 in 1944 and his ERA rise to 4.11.

Candini wouldn't play in the majors in 1945 but would return with the Senators in 1946 and remain in a Washington uniform through 1949.

Traded to the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League for Lloyd Hittle in May of 1949, Candini would be picked up by the Philadelphia Phillies where he'd win 1 game in 1950 and again in 1951 when his major league career would come to a close.

"Milo" Candini career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=candimi01)

Richard Elde Hyde B Aug. 3, 1928 Still Living

Dick Hyde pitched for 6 seasons in the major leagues, the first 5 in Washington. First arriving with the Senators as 26 year old rookie in 1955 he'd appear in 3 games, pitching 2 innings and wouldn't return to the big league roster until 1957.

1958 would see Hyde go 10-3 for a last place team, finishing with a 1.75 ERA. Hyde's performance dropped off in 1959 and he was traded along with Herb Plews to the Boston Red Sox for Billy Consolo and Murray Wall. Did you ever make a deal you wish you hadn't? Well, obviously the Senators and Red Sox had similar feelings and both Hyde and Wall were returned to their original teams just 3 days later.

In July of 1960, after appearing in 9 games for the Senators, the Baltimore Orioles would purchase Hyde. He'd pitch in just 15 games for the Orioles in 1961, posting a 1-2 record in 21 innings. His career would end in Charm City in August of that year.

Dick Hyde career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hydedi01)

Samuel Beryl (Doc) Ralston B Aug. 3, 1885 D Aug. 29, 1950

Single Season Senator Doc Ralston played in 21 games as an outfielder for the 1910 Senators, batting .205 with 1 double.

"Doc" Ralston career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ralstdo01)

Richard John Welteroth B Aug. 3, 1927 Still Living

Pitcher Dick Welteroth pitched for parts of 3 years, 1948 through 1950, for the Senators posting a collective record of 4-6 and an ERA of 6.48.

Dick Welteroth career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=weltedi01)

Steve Jeltz

08-03-2008, 08:31 PM

1908 In a 7-5 loss at Cleveland‚ the Nationals' Otis Clymer and Jim Delahanty draw suspensions for verbally abusing umpire Silk O'Loughlin. Delahanty‚ fined $50 by Ban Johnson, is banned from the Cleveland ballpark for one year for his behavior‚ though he denies that the language he used could be heard all over the park. The ban will end at the start of the 1909 season.

1911 It's twice as nice for the Nats, brooming Chicago, 1-0 in 11 innings, and 3-2. Walter Johnson, as usual, goes the distance in the overtime affair. Sox SS Lee Tannehill, in the opener, becomes the first shortstop to record two unassisted double plays in the same game.

1918 Behind a 6 run top of the 1st in Detroit, the Senators sail past the Tigers, 7-0. Ty Cobb is hitless off winning pitcher Doc Ayers. The Sens miss numerous opportunities to put away the Bengals in game two, a 7-6 loss in 18 innings. Cobb nails Clyde Milan at home in the 13th, while Tiger SS Donie Bush guns down 2 Nationals at the plate in the 14th. Cobb's double in the 18th off Johnson makes Detroit the victors. Johnson allows 16 hits and 8 walks in 17.2 innings.

1939 In Washington's 6-5 home win over the Pale Hose, Chicago's Mike Kreevich equals a ML record by bouncing into 3 consecutive double plays.

1945 In a 12 run, Boston top of the 4th, Red Sox Tom McBride drives home 6 runs in the inning, tying a ML mark. The Red Sox win, going away, 15-4. World War II hero Bert Sheppard is summoned by manager Ossie Bluege and pitches 5.1 innings, giving up 1 run and 3 hits, in his first, and final, action in the major leagues. In the opener, Washington P Wally Holborow records his 1st, and only, victory as a Nat, a 4-0 blanking.

1964 The struggling Senators score all their runs on singles in a 4-2 victory at Cleveland. The Tribe's Pedro Ramos is chased from the box after 1 plus innings. Don Blasingame has 2 RBI's, with Eddie Brinkman and Fred Valentine accounting for the other 2 Washington runs.

Senators Birthdays

August 4th's birthday boys are 3 pitchers who all spent short spans in a Senators uniform.

James Alton Coates B Aug. 4, 1932 Still Living

Jim Coates was signed by the New York Yankees in 1951 but wouldn't appear in the majors until 1956. Pitching just 2 innings, he wouldn't return to the Yankees roster until 1959.

Coates would remain with the Yankees through 1962, going 13-3 in 1960 and 11-5 in 1961. He'd also pitch in the World Series of 1960, 1961 & 1962, and be a part of the All Star teams of 1960 & 1961.

Traded by the Yankees to the Senators for Steve Hamilton, Coates would pitch in 20 games for the 1963 Senators, compiling a 2-4 record with an ERA of 5.28.

In July of '63, Coates would be purchased by the Cincinnati Reds where he'd finish the season.

Coates would not appear in the majors in 1964 and in late July of 1965 would be traded by the Reds to the California Angels. He'd play in portions of the 1965, 1966 & 1967 seasons for the Angels and would end his major league career in late September of 1967.

Jim Coates career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=coateji01)

Henry Peter Coppola B Aug. 4, 1912 D Jul. 10, 1990

Senators Short Timer Henry Coppola played for the Senators in 1935 and 1936.

First appearing for the Senators in mid-April of 1935, Coppola would pitch in 19 games, compile a 3-4 record in 59 innings and finish the season with a 5.92 ERA.

He'd return with the Senators in 1936 but would only pitch in 6 games, finishing with no official W/L record and a 4.50 ERA, playing in his last game in early May of that year.

Henry Coppola career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=coppohe01)

Dennis Dean Higgins B Aug. 4, 1939 Still Living

First signed by the Chicago White Sox in 1958, Dennis Higgins wouldn't make his major league debut until April of 1966. Pitching for the White Sox in 1966 & 1967, Higgins would be traded, along with Ron Hansen and Steve Jones to the Senators in exchange for Tim Cullen, Buster Narum and Bob Priddy.

On the Senators roster in 1968 and 1969, Higgins would have 2 of his most active seasons, going 4-4 in 1968 with a 3.25 ERA and returning in 1969, going 10-9 with a 3.48 ERA.

After the 1969 season, Higgins found himself being traded again, this time with Barry Moore, going to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Dave Nelson, Horacio Pina and Ron Law.

After 1 season in Cleveland, Higgins was purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals where he'd play in 1971 & 1972, finishing his 7 year major league career.

Dennis Higgins career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=higgide01)

Steve Jeltz

08-04-2008, 09:46 PM

1902 Rookie pitcher Otto Hess of the Bronchoes, making his second start since being signed at an open tryout, struggles his way to a 7-6, 10 inning victory in Cleveland. SS Johnny Gochnauer, who sustained a broken finger earlier in the contest, doubles in the tying run in the 8th and belts another two bagger for the win in the 10th. The Nats test Hess' mettle by dropping down 14 bunts, 3 of which are misplayed by Hess. Casey Patten of Washington absorbs the loss.

1909 With today's home doubleheader with Cleveland, the Nationals complete a ML record of playing 8 straight doubleheaders. In today's twinbill, Washington falls in the opener, 9-4 and wins the finale, 2-0. The Boston Braves will break the Nationals record in 1928.

1912 At Comiskey Park‚ the White Sox see their chance for victory go out the window when Walter Johnson comes on in relief in the 8th. With the score tied, 7-7, Johnson pitches 2 hitless frames and drives home the winning run in the 10th, for the 8-7 victory. The Big Train is now 9-1 against the Pale Hose this season.

1929 Walter Johnson's first season in the managerial seat has been trying, with the Sens sitting in 6th place, 21 games below .500. But Barney maybe smiled today with the offensive fireworks his club put on display against Detroit. Every Nat starter in the lineup collects a hit, with Sam Rice and Buddy Myer blazing the way with 4 apiece. Washington accumulates 21 hits overall in a 21-5 steamrolling of the Tigers in Griffith. Lost in this laugher is Bengal great Charlie Gehringer's 3 triples off winner Lloyd Brown.

1949 Luke Appling of the White Sox establishes the then ML record of appearing in his 2,154th game at SS, passing Rabbit Maranville's mark. Mickey Haefner, purchased by Chicago from the Senators less than a month ago, defeats his hapless former team, 4-1, in the nations capital.

1959 In the first of two against the Tribe in D.C., the Senators, losers of 17 straight, look to be on their way to a win. But Cleveland has other ideas, dropping a 6 spot on the Sens in the 7th inning of a 7-3 Sens loss. 19 year old Zoilo Versalles hits his first big league homer to deep center in the 3rd off winning pitcher Mudcat Grant. In the 2nd match, Washington finally gets off the mat and ends their losing streak at 18, winning, 9-0. Harmon Killebrew unleashes his 34th long ball of the year, a 3-run blast to left. Killebrew drives home 4 on a 2-for 4 performance at the plate. Bob Allison is also 2-of-4, with 2 RBI, while P Tex Clevenger contributes 1 RBI.

1962 Tom Cheney pitches magnificently in the first of two in Fenway, a 2-0 Senator victory. Boston batsmen cannot solve Cheney, scratching out only 4 hits and striking out 8 times against the Washington righthander. In game two, Sens 3B Bob Johnson's throwing error in the 11th inning allows the winning run to score in a 5-4 Red Sox win.

1966 The high flying Orioles are grounded by the Nats at Memorial Stadium, 4-2. Ken McMullen and Fred Valentine hit back-to-back home runs in the 1st off Eddie Watt. Sens P Bob Humphries pitches 7.1 innings of 2 hit relief to gain the win.

Senators Birthdays

Walter Howard (Slim) McGrew B Aug. 5, 1899 D Aug. 21, 1967

Slim McGrew played in parts of 3 seasons for the Senators but only appeared in a grand total of 10 games.

First taking the mound for the Senators in mid-April of 1922, McGrew would only appear in 1 game that season. He play in 3 games in 1923 and 6 games in 1924, departing the Senators, and the majors, with an 0-1 record and an ERA of 6.60.

"Slim" McGrew career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcgresl01)

Steve Jeltz

08-05-2008, 09:07 PM

1917 Eddie Plank, in the last game of his career, squares off against Walter Johnson in a fabulous, 11 inning pitching duel, won by Johnson, 1-0. The 41 year old Plank, no doubt tired of pitching for the sad Browns, will announce his retirement in a week, despite a 1.79 ERA.

1922 It took 16 years, but the Big Train surrenders his first grand slam. Brownies 3B Jack Tobin has the honor of cracking the first slam off Johnson in the bottom of the 3rd, as Urban Shocker and the Browns sink Washington, 8-4.

1924 The Senators hit the nadir of the season by getting swept in a 5 game series in St. Louis. Washington is edged by the Browns on this day, 6-5. The Sens are seemingly down and out in 3rd place, but will soon begin a 35-13 tear that will vault them to the top.

1929 In the Bronx, the Nats win a wild opener, 13-9. Buddy Myer gathers 4 hits, 3 of which are doubles, and Joe Cronin and Sammy West go yard for the Nationals. The Yanks come back to take the second game, 8-0, on Ruth's two home runs.

1933 The frontrunning Senators hit a speed bump on their way the the AL crown, dropping a 12-8 decision to guest Philadelphia. A's 3B Pinky Higgins hits for the cycle. After dropping their next 2, the Senators will win 13 in a row to increase their lead to 8.5 games.

1940 In D.C., rookie Sid Hudson records his second 1 hit shutout of this season in a 11-0 Nats bashing of the once proud Athletics. Hudson, 24-4 in 1939 with Sanford (Class D Florida), will win 17 for the Senators this season.

1970 Single runs in the the 3rd, 5th and 7th innings, and 2 in the 8th, allow the Sens to overcome an early 2-0 hole in defeating Boston, 5-2. Frank Howard's plates the go ahead run in the bottom of the 7th with an RBI single that scores Eddie Brinkman. Disappointing phenom Tom Grieve hits a homer with a man aboard in the 8th to put the finishing touches of this victory. Closer Darold Knowles, in the midst of a 2-14, 2.04 ERA season, saves his 23rd.

Senators Birthdays

Today we note a trio of birthdays, including a One Game Wonder and 2 Single Season Senators who only appeared in a collective total of 15 games in a Senators uniform.

Frank John Barron B Aug. 6, 1890 D Sep. 18, 1964

Frank Barron's cup of coffee in the majors was served on August 19th of 1914. Pitching just 1 inning in 1 game, Barron would give up 1 hit and record 1 strikeout and depart from the major league scene.

Frank Barron career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=barrofr02)

Delbert Leon Culberson B Aug. 6, 1919 D Sep. 17, 1989

Outfielder Leon Culberson first came to the majors with the Boston Red Sox in 1943. Remaining in Boston through 1947, his most active season would be 1945, when he'd hit .275 in 97 games. In 1946, he'd hit .313 and play in 5 games of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

After the 1947 season, Culberson would be traded, along with Al Kozar to the Washington Senators for Stan Spence.

Culberson would only appear in 12 games for Washington, going 5 for 29 at bat. Traded again in May of 1948 to the New York Yankees for Bud Stewart, Culberson would not play in another major league game.

Leon Culberson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=culbele01)

Robert Theodore Loane B Aug. 6, 1914 D Dec. 11, 2002

Outfielder Bob Loane played in 3 games for the 1939 Senators going 0-9 at the plate. 1940 would find Loane briefly on the roster of the Boston Braves (then known as the "Bees"), when he appeared in 12 games, this time managing 5 hits in 22 at bats. Loane would play in his last major league game in mid-May of 1940.

Bob Loane career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=loanebo01)

Steve Jeltz

08-06-2008, 08:45 PM

1907 The last place Nationals bottle up the visiting Naps, 7-2. This victory would have been uneventful if not for the fact that Walter Johnson wins his first ML game. Cleveland scatters only 4 hits off Johnson.

1918 Jim Shaw is relieved in today's 6-2 loss in Chicago by Sam Rice. Rice will take to the hill 8 more times before moving to the outfield for good. Walter Johnson is unable to pitch since he is the starting rightfielder in this contest, replacing an injured Danny Moeller.

1922 For the first time since 1894, a player hits two homers in the same inning. Unfortunately, it is not a Nat. The Brown's Ken Williams connects off George Mogridge and Eric Erickson in a 9 run, 6th inning. St. Louis smacks 7 extra base hits in the inning, a ML record, as the Browns mop up the Sens, 16-1.

1923 In the 70 year history of the Senators, the Sens all time roster is littered with "one game wonders." But, you will be hard pressed to find a worse "one game wonder" than pitcher Squire Potter. The 21 year old native of Flatwoods, KY enters today's home game against Cleveland in the 6th, with the Nats already being buried, 13-1. Unlike his famous fictional namesake, Harry, this Potter does not possess magical powers to lift the Nats out of their hole. Instead, Potter performs like a gopher, digging a deeper hole. Potter's line: 3 IP, 11 hits, 9 runs, 7 of which are earned, 4 walks, 1 strikeout, 1 wild pitch and a 21.00 ERA. The Indians pour it on and romp Washington, 22-2.

1957 The Yankees look to be off and running as usual when lead off man Hank Bauer cracks a lead off homer. But Camilo Pascual, who leaves the game due to injury, and Bob Byerly hold the Bombers off the scoreboard over the next 7 innings. Meanwhile, the Nats are unable to solve future expansion Senator, Tom Sturdivant, until the top of the 9th. With the Yanks clinging to that 1-0 lead, Roy Sievers leads off with a single. Underrated 3B Eddie Yost follows with a 2-run homer to put the Senators ahead, 2-1. The Sens plate an insurance run on a sac fly later in the inning to increase their bulge to 3-1. That insurance run turns out to be huge when Mantle homers in the bottom of the 9th to shave the Washington advantage in half. But Tex Clevenger gets the final two outs for the 3-2 Sens victory.

Senators Birthdays

Everett Lamar (Rocky) Bridges B Aug. 7, 1927 Still Living

First signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, utility infielder Rocky Bridges would debut before the Ebbets Field faithful in April of 1951 as a 23 year old rookie. Bridges would remain a Dodger through 1952 but was traded after the season to the Cincinnati Reds.

Bridges would remain a Red through early 1957 when he was put on waivers.

Selected off waivers by the Washington Senators, Bridges would have 2 of his most active seasons in Washington, appearing in 120 games in 1957 and 116 games in 1958. 1958 would be one of his best seasons at bat, when he'd hit .263, going 99 for 377 with 14 doubles, 3 triples and 5 home runs. Bridges was also selected to the 1958 All Star squad but did not appear in the game.

After the 1958 season, Bridges would be traded, along with Neil Chrisley and Eddie Yost, to the Detroit Tigers for Reno Bertoia, Ron Samford and Jim Delsing. Bridges would play 1 full season in Detroit and in 1960 would be traded again, this time to the Cleveland Indians. In September of the same year he'd be purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Released by the Cardinals at the end of 1960, Bridges would sign on with the newly formed Los Angeles Angels. He'd play in 84 games for the Angels in 1961, his major league travels coming to an end after that season.

"Rocky" Bridges career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bridgro01)

Edward James Gill B Aug. 7, 1895 D Oct. 10, 1995

Single Season Senator Ed Gill pitched in 16 games for the Senators in 1919, finishing his time in the majors with a 1-1 record and an ERA of 4.82.

Ed Gill career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gilled01)

Frederick Davis (Ted) Wingfield B Aug. 7, 1899 D Jul. 18, 1975

Ted Wingfield would make his major league debut with the Washington Senators late in the 1923 season, pitching for 1 inning in 1 game. He'd return with the Senators in 1924 but would only pitch in 8 games, where he compiled an 0-2 record with a 2.48 ERA before purchased by the Boston Red Sox.

Wingfield would remain with the Red Sox through the 1927 season, pitching in his last game in late August of that year.

"Ted" Wingfield career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wingfte01)

Steve Jeltz

08-07-2008, 08:36 PM

1904 The last place Nationals (21-69) win their 3rd straight in St. Louis, a 9-1 rout. The 3 game winning streak is a season best for woeful Washington. The Nats now sit just 34 games back of first place leaders Chicago, Boston and New York.

1920 Jack Tobin and George Sisler shine in St. Louis' doubleheader victory at Sportsman Park. Tobin is 4-for-4 in the opener, a 3-2 Browns win. In the 11-4 Browns victory in the afternoon contest, Sisler hits for the cycle and drives home 6 against Washington's Olaf Erickson.

1921 Walter Johnson and the Senators shred the Brownies, coasting home to a 16-5 win. Rookie Luke Stuart of St. Louis homers in his first major league at bat, a meaningless 2-run shot in the top of the 9th off Johnson. Stuart will only appear in 3 games in the majors, with the aforementioned home run being his lone hit.

1931 History is made at Griffith, with Nats southpaw Bobby Burke tossing a 5-0, no-hitter over Boston. Burke is a little wild, walking 5, but fans 8 Red Sox in joining Walter Johnson as the second pitcher in Senator history to throw a no-hitter. Burke, whom Bucky Harris dubbed as "the kid who got an 11 year tryout", will not win another game this season.

1969 The Pilots appear ready for takeoff after Don Mincher's homer and Tommy Davis' double hand Seattle a 2-0 lead in the 6th. The Senators storm back to score 4 in the home 6th and 6 in the 7th, to win 10-3. Joe Coleman labors 6 innings to up his record to 9-8.

Two former original Senators play key parts in this contest. As mentioned, Mincher of Seattle homers and goes 2-of-4 with 1 RBI. Zoilo Versalles, now a member of the expansion Sens, walks as pinch hitter and scores the Sens first run in the 6th.

Senators Birthdays

Frank Oliver (Hondo) Howard B Aug. 8, 1936 Still Living

Frank Howard should need no introduction. In fact, even after 37 years since the expansion Senators departed Washington, mention of the Washington Senators to even a casual baseball fan old enough to remember the team will usually elicit a response of "Oh yeah, I remember Frank Howard!" Of course, it's kind of hard to forget someone who stands 6' 7" and was the major bright spot of the expansion Senators from 1965 through 1971.

However, Frank Howard's career dates back to 1958 when he was originally signed by the newly relocated Dodger franchise, where he'd appear in 8 games in 1958 and another 9 games in 1959.

Big Frank wouldn't make a major impact until 1960 when he'd appear in 117 games for the Dodgers, hitting .268 with 120 hits including 15 doubles, 2 triples and 23 home runs with 77 RBIs. That performance would earn Howard "Rookie of the Year" honors in 1960.

Howard would remain with the LA franchise through 1964, appearing in his only World Series in 1963, going 3 for 10 at bat with 1 double and 1 homer, as the Dodgers swept the New York Yankees in 4 games.

After the 1964 season, Howard was involved in a multi-player trade that would send him, along with Ken McMullen, Phil Ortega, Pete Richert and eventually Dick Nen to the expansion Senators in exchange for Claude Osteen, John Kennedy and $100,000.

Playing for the Senators from 1965 through 1971, Howard would lead the American League in many offensive catagories including slugging percentage in 1968 (.552), total bases in 1968 & 1969 (330, 340), RBIs in 1970 (126), walks in 1970 (132), extra base hits (75) in 1968 and intentional walks (29 in 1970, 20 in 1971).

Of course, we can't forget about home runs. Howard lead the AL in 1968 and 1970 with 44 and just narrowly missed in 1969 with 48, one behind Harmon Killebrew.

There were a few lowlights as well including leading the league in strikeouts (155 in 1967) and grounding into double plays (29 in both 1969 and 1971).

Always a threat at bat, Howard appeared in the All Star game from 1968 through 1971 and was the starting left fielder from 1968 through 1970.

Howard went to Texas with the franchise in 1972, playing in 95 games as a Ranger before being purchased by the Detroit Tigers on the last day of August, 1972. Howard would remain with the Tigers through the end of the 1973 season when he was given his release.

He'd go to Japan, but only ever play in 1 game for Taiheiyo when a back injury ended his days as an active player.

Howard would stay in baseball, managing both the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets as well as holding a number of coaching positions with the Milwaukee Brewers, Mets, New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners. At age 72, Howard still remains actively involved in baseball.

Here's a link to a long running thread here in the Senators forum titled "Frank Howard was my man!" (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=4329)

Frank Howard career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=howarfr01)

James Charlie Miles B Aug. 8, 1943 Still Living

Senators Short Timer Jim Miles would appear in 13 games over 2 seasons (1968 & 1969), appearing in his last major league game on September 9th of 1969.

Miles would be called up from Savannah on Sept. 3rd of 1968 for his first major league action..

In 1969 he'd start the year on the major league roster, be sent down to AAA Buffalo on May 3rd, recalled on July 6th after Camilo Pascual was sold to the Cincinnati Reds, sent back down to Buffalo on Aug. 25th and be recalled one last time on Sep. 1st.

He was reassigned on March 28th of 1971 and would not see major league action again.

Jim Miles career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=milesji01)

Charles Emory (Red) Roberts B Aug. 8, 1918 D Dec. 2, 1998

Single Season Senator Red Roberts would be on the Senators roster for 1 month in 1943. Playing in 9 games, primarily at shortstop, he'd go 6 for 23 with 1 double and 1 home run.

"Red" Roberts career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=roberre01)

Cecil Howell Travis B Aug. 8, 1913 D Dec. 16, 2006

Another player who was a bright spot in the Senators lineup for an earlier generation, Cecil Travis is a true rarity-a player who spent his entire 12 year career in a Senators uniform. Playing for Washington from 1933 through 1947, with 1942-1944 lost due to World War II, Travis was a consistent hitter, batting over .300 in every season from 1933 through 1941, except 1939 when he "only" hit .292.

Travis was called up from the Chatanooga Lookouts, a Washington affiliate, to fill in for injured 3rd baseman Ossie Bludge in May of 1933. Making his debut on May 16th, after having arrived at Griffith Stadium just half an hour before the game began, Travis made people notice when he went 5-5 and got on base 6 times in his first appearance in a Senators uniform.

His hitting dropped after his return from the war. Some observers blamed the fact that Travis had suffered from frostbite on his feet during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. However Travis dismissed that saying that he was simply unable to get his timing back.

Named to the American League All Star teams of 1938, 1940 & 1941, Travis was the starting 3rd baseman in 1940 & '41.

He lead the American League in hits with 153 in 1941 and his .359 BA was second best in the league. After 12 seasons, Travis' final game would come in late September of 1947. He'd leave having played in 1328 games as a Senator with a career BA of .314 and 1544 hits.

Cecil Travis biography by Rob Kirkpatrick (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=597&pid=14327)

Cecil Travis thread (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=64454)

Cecil Travis career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=travice01)

Steve Jeltz

08-08-2008, 10:27 PM

1921 In the longest game in the majors this season, the Browns hang a loss on the Senators, 8-6 in 19 innings at Griffith. Brown starter Dixie Davis yields 13 hits over the first 11 frames, but allows no Washington safeties over the last 9 innings. George Sisler is 6-for-9 and the Senator's Joe Judge raps 3 triples, tying an AL record for triples in a game.

1926 Hall of Famer Tris Speaker's home run with 2 aboard in the bottom of the 4th springs the Tribe to a 7-5 win. The 1925 AL Champion Nats drop below .500, 17 games back.

1928 The rising A's cruise past Washington at Shibe Park, 8-3, before 15,000. Al Simmons crushes a grand slam in the 6th for Philly.

1956 The Sens are granted a license to sell beer at Griffith, but Sens fans soak in another dismantling at the hands of the Yankees, 15-7. Washington is never in the game, falling behind 11-0 in the 4th. The Yanks pound 20 hits off the sad Washington pitching staff, with Hank Bauer collecting 4 of those hits. Billy Martin and Mantle each wallop 2-run home runs.

1967 The Nats reach their high water mark of the year in a 9-7, 20 inning victory in the Twin Cities. Frank Howard's 3-run homer in the 7th caps a 7 run, Washington rally that ties the game. The score will remain 7-7 until the 20th, when Ken McMullen leads off with a solo homer and Dick Nen supplies a sac fly. Relievers Darold Knowles and the Twins Al Worthington perform spectacularly for their clubs. The line on Worthington: 8.2 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts in a no-decision. Knowles, also not factoring into the decision, is better: 10 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks and 10 strikeouts.

Senators Birthdays

Milton Joseph Bolling B Aug. 9, 1930 Still Living

Infielder Milt Bolling played 7 years in the majors with the Red Sox, Senators and Tigers from 1952 through 1958.

Originally signed by the Red Sox in 1948, Bolling would not make his major league debut until September of 1952 when he'd play in 11 games for the Red Sox.

Remaining on the Boston roster through early 1957, he'd hit .263 in 109 games in 1953.

After just 1 game with Boston in the 1957 season, Bolling would be traded, along with Russ Kemmerer and Faye Throneberry to the Washington Senators for Bob Chakales and Dean Stone.

Playing in 91 games for Washington, Bolling would hit .227.

Prior to the 1958 season, the Senators would trade Bolling to the Cleveland Indians for minor leaguer Pete Mesa. One month later, the Indians would trade Bolling again, this time to the Detroit Tigers.

Bolling would play in just 24 games for the 1958 Tigers, playing in his final major league game in late July.

Bolling's brother Frank would have a little more success, playing from 1954 through 1966 with the Detroit Tigers and the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves.

Milt Bolling career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bollimi01)

Paul Aaron Lindblad B Aug. 9, 1941 D Jan. 1, 2006

Originally signed by the Kansas City Athletics in 1963, Paul Lindblad would first appear in the majors in late 1965, pitching in 4 games. Lindblad would remain with the Athletics, moving with the franchise to Oakland after the 1967 season, through May of 1971.

Traded to the Washington Senators, along with Frank Fernandez and Don Mincher in exchange for Mike Epstein and Darold Knowles, Lindblad's only season in Washington would see him post a 6-4 record in 43 games with a 2.58 ERA.

Lindblad would go through a second franchise shift, this time as the Senators morphed into the Texas Rangers. Pitching in Texas in 1972, the Athletics would trade for him after the 1972 season.

Lindblad would remain with Oakland through 1976 and was purchased by, guess who, the Texas Rangers. Lindblad would pitch for Texas in 1977 and a portion of 1978 before being purchased again, this time by the New York Yankees. Lindblad would only appear in 7 games with the Bronx Bombers in his final season.

He would be purchased one more time, this time by the Seattle Mariners, but would be given his release prior to the 1979 season.

Lindblad would make World Series appearances with the Athletics in 1973 and the Yankees in 1978 and in the American League Championship Series in 1975.

Paul Lindblad career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lindbpa01)

Claude Wilson Osteen B Aug. 9, 1939 Still Living

Claude Osteen pitched for 18 years in the major leagues with 6 different teams. He is best remembered for his 9 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, however he was originally signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1957, making his major league debut with the Reds in July of 1957.

Osteen would only appear in 3 games for the Reds that season, and wouldn't return to the majors until 1959. After just 1 game with the Reds in 1961, he was traded to the expansion Senators for Dave Sisler.

He'd remain a Senator through 1964. Although on the roster of a team mired firmly in last place of the then 10 team American League, Osteen would post a 15-13 record with a 3.33 ERA in 1964.

After the season, he'd be part of the multi-player trade, noted in yesterday's writeup of Frank Howard that sent Osteen, along with John Kennedy to the Dodgers in exchange for Frank Howard, Ken McMullen, Dick Nen, Phil Ortega and Pete Richert.

Osteen would remain a Dodger from 1965 through 1973, winning 20 games in 1969 and 1972. During that span, he'd pitch in the World Series of 1965 & 1966 and would be selected for the National League All Star team in 1967, 1970 and 1973, getting the win in the 1970 contest.

After 1973 he'd be traded to the Houston Astros where he'd pitch in 23 games before being traded again in mid-August to the St. Louis Cardinals. Released by the Cardinals in April of 1975, Osteen would play one more season after being signed by the White Sox as a free agent. His career would end at the end of the 1975 season.

Claude Osteen career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=osteecl01)

John Frederick Sanford B Aug. 9, 1919 Still Living

Fred Sanford first showed up in the majors for 3 games with the 1943 St. Louis Browns. He wouldn't return to a major league roster until 1946 when he'd spend another 3 seasons with the Browns.

After the 1948 season he was traded to the New York Yankees. Sanford would spend the 1949 and 1950 seasons on the Yankees roster.

He'd start the 1951 season in New York, but after 11 games was traded to the Washington Senators along with Tom Ferrick and Bob Porterfield (who will be covered on August 10th) in exchange for Bob Kuzava.

Sanford would pitch in just 7 games for the Senators, posting a 2-3 record with a 6.57 ERA. After just a month and a half as a Senator, Sanford would be traded again, this time back to the Browns for Dick Starr. Sanford would play in 9 more games with the Browns when his major league career would end in mid September of 1951.

Fred Sanford career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sanfofr01)

Howard Paul (Highball) Wilson B Aug. 9, 1878 D Oct. 16, 1934

"Highball"-an interesting nickname. I wonder if he earned that moniker for his ability to throw the "high, hard one" or if it comes from a propensity to knock back a few after a game?

Regardless, the curiously nicknamed Highball Wilson got his start in the majors with the Cleveland National League entry, then known as the Spiders, in 1899 when he pitched in just 1 game and departed with an 0-1 record and an ERA of 9.0.

He'd return to the majors in 1902 with the Philadelphia Athletics, where he'd go 7-5 in 13 games.

1903 would find Wilson on the roster of the Washington Senators where he'd go 7-18 with a 3.31 ERA. Wilson would return with the Senators in 1904, pitching 3 complete games and posting an 0-3 record with a 4.68 ERA. He'd depart the Senators, and the majors, in mid-May of 1904, presumably to spend more time in search of the perfect highball.

"Highball" Wilson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wilsohi01)

Steve Jeltz

08-09-2008, 09:04 PM

1901 The Nationals and A's divide an eventful doubleheader in Washington. In game one, a 9-4 Washington win, Win Mercer of the Nats becomes the first AL pitcher ever to steal home. The A's Nap Lajoie collects a pair of homers before getting ejected in the 7th. In the afternoon game, Philadelphia racks up 41 total bases on 23 hits, 10 of which are for extra bases, off Dale Gear in a 13-0 smoking of the Nationals. Gear establishes an AL record by surrendering the 10 extra base hits (tied in 1969 by Luis Tiant) and the 41 total bases. Opposing moundsman Snake Wiltse puts his name in the record book by becoming the first of 3 pitchers in history to collect 4 extra bases hits in one game.

1915 Tiger 3B Ossie Vitt is knocked unconscious for 5 minutes after being hit by a wild fastball from Walter Johnson in the top of the 1st. Vitt departs the contest with a concussion. Johnson becomes unnerved and fears hitting another batter. Detroit takes advantage of Johnson's mindset by plating 4 runs in the 1st and another 4 in the 6th to win, 8-2.

1917 Johnson twirls his second straight shutout, one hitting the visiting White Sox, 4-0.

1937 The second division Nationals bag a pair from Philadelphia, 15-7 and 8-6. Nats 3B Buddy Myer ties Jimmy Burke's 1901 ML mark of committing 4 errors in the opener. Despite Myer's misadventures at the hot corner, Washington easily takes the opener, with the help of a 9 run 3rd inning. Earle Brucker homers for Philly in the finale, but the Nats hold on for the victory and the sweep.

1963 Brooks Robinson's streak of starting 463 consecutive games at 3B is halted in today's match at D.C. Stadium. Even though the slumping Robinson pinch hits in the 8th, the Senators slip by the Orioles, 6-5. Don Lock's hits his 19th and 20th home runs of the year, while Baltimore's Boog Powell clobbers 3 homers. In the 9th, RF Jim King's perfect throw to the plate with 2 outs nails the Bird's Luis Aparicio to preserve the victory for the Sens.

1969 Two run scoring triples by Earl Stroud and Paul Casanova in a 3 run 8th inning make John Gelnar and the Pilots, 7-5, losers at RFK. Nonetheless, Washington is the only AL team to have a losing record against the expansion squad, with the Pilots compiling a 7-5 record against the Senators.

1971 In Washington, the Senators drop a pair to the Royals, 9-2 and 3-1. Former Senator farmhand Lou Piniella's 3 hits pace the Royals in the opening game, with Dick Bosman being tagged with his 9th loss. In the nitecap, Piniella, Cookie Rojas and Amos Otis deposit RBI singles to lead Kansas City to the sweep. Mike Thompson of the Sens pitches 7.1 innings, but yields 6 walks to fall to 0-4. The Senators offense manages to only collect a puny 10 hits in this doubleheader.

Senators Birthdays

August 10th appears to have been a rather prolific day for Senators births as there are 7 birthdays to report today. As usual, in alphabetical order, let us present August 10th's additions to the Senators all-time roster...

Bob Chakales B Aug. 10, 1927 Still Living

Known as the "Golden Greek", Bob Chakales was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies organization in 1945. Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1948, Chakales first major league appearance would be in April of 1951 with the Indians.

Seeing limited action with the Indians from 1951 through June of 1954, Chakales would be traded to the newly relocated Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Vic Wertz.

Baltimore would make immediate use of Chakales as he would pitch in 38 games for the Orioles from June through September of 1954.

Traded again after the season's end, Chakales would begin the 1955 campaign on the roster of the Chicago White Sox. After just 7 games with the South Siders, Chakales would be traded again, this time along with Clint Courtney and Johnny Groth, to the Washington Senators in exchange for Jim Busby.

Chakales would appear in 29 games for the Senators in 1955, compiling a 2-3 record. He return with Washington in 1956, appearing in 43 games and producing a 4-4 record with a 4.03 ERA.

In 1957, Chakales would start the year with the Senators but be traded one last time after just 4 games in a Senators uniform. This trade would see Chakales and Dean Stone head to Fenway Park in exchange for one of yesterday's birthday boys, Milt Bolling, along with Russ Kemmerer and "Fabulous" Faye Throneberry.

18 games for the Red Sox, where he'd go 0-1 with an 8.16 ERA would mark the end of Chakales' major league career.

Bob Chakales career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=chakabo01)

John Kelly (Buddy) Lewis B Aug. 10, 1916 Still Living

Buddy Lewis is another of those rare players who spent his entire 11 year major league career with the Washington Senators.

First appearing with the Senators in mid-September of 1935, Lewis would patrol the "hot corner" around 3rd base for the next 4 seasons.

Lewis began playing the outfield in 1940 while still filling in at 3rd base on occasion.

Playing from 1935 through 1941 and again from 1945 through 1947 with one final season in 1949, Lewis would hit over .300 in 4 different seasons, his best year being 1945 when he hit .333. Lewis would have an additional 4 seasons where he'd hit over .290.

Lewis would lead the American League in singles with 162 in 1937 and in triples in 1939 with 16. He was the starting 3rd baseman in the 1938 All Star game and 9 years later, in 1947, he'd again be an All Star Game starter, this time in right field.

Lewis career would end after the 1949 season. As a career Senator, he would play in 1349 games and finish with 1563 hits, including 249 doubles, 93 triples and 71 home runs and a career BA of .297.

"Buddy" Lewis career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lewisbu01)

James Verlin Mertz B Aug. 10, 1916 D Feb. 4, 2003

Single Season Senator Jim Mertz pitched in 33 games for the 1943 Senators, starting 10 games and compiling a 5-7 record with an ERA of 4.63.

Jim Mertz career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mertzji01)

Erwin Coolidge (Bob) Porterfield B Aug. 10, 1923 D Apr. 28, 1980

Pitcher Bob Porterfield was first signed by the New York Yankees in 1946 and made his major league debut in early August of 1948. Remaining with the Yankees through early 1951, he'd be traded after just pitching in just 2 games in the 1951 season to the Washington Senators, along with Tom Ferrick and Fred Sanford (another one of yesterday's birthday boys) in exchange for Bob Kuzava.

Porterfield would remain a Senator through 1955, posting his best record in 1953, when he'd go 22-10, the only year where he'd have more than 13 wins in a season. Porterfield would be named to the 1954 All Star squad and pitch 3 innings in the All Star Game.

After the 1955 season, Porterfield would be traded again, this time along with Johnny Schmitz, Tom Umphlett and Mickey Vernon, to the Red Sox in exchange for Karl Olson, Dick Brodowski, Tex Clevenger, Neil Chrisley and minor leaguer Al Curtis.

Porterfield would spend 1956, 1957 and part of 1958 in Boston and was purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates in early May of 1958.

He'd remain with the Pirates for 1 year and 5 days, when he was released by the Pirates in May of 1959.

He'd be signed the next day by the Chicago Cubs, who kept him on the roster for 1 month where he'd appear in just 4 games with the Cubs. Released by the Cubs, he was resigned by the Pirates, this time staying on the Pirate roster through the end of the season when his major league journey ended.

Bob Porterfield career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=portebo01)

William Felix Trotter B Aug. 10, 1908 D Aug. 26, 1984

Bill Trotter got his major league start as a 28 year old rookie with the St. Louis Browns in 1937. Another pitcher, Trotter would pitch for the Browns through early June of 1941.

Traded to the Washington Senators along with Roy Cullenbine in exchange for Mike Chartak and Steve Sundra, Trotter would pitch in 17 games for the Senators, posting a 3-1 record with a 5.75 ERA.

Trotter would not play in the majors in 1943 but would reappear in 1944 to pitch in 2 games for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Bill Trotter career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=trottbi01)

Edward Wineapple B Aug. 10, 1905 D Jul. 23, 1996

One Game Wonder Ed Wineapple would taste his cup of major league coffee on September 15th of 1929 when he'd pitch in 4 innings for the Senators. He'd leave with no decision, having given up 7 hits, 2 earned runs, 3 walks and striking out 1 with an ERA of 4.50.

Ed Wineapple career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wineaed01)

Taft Sheldon (Taffy) Wright B Aug. 10, 1911 D Oct. 22, 1981

Outfielder Taffy Wright got his start in the majors with the 1938 Senators. Playing in 100 games, he'd hit .350 with 92 hits, 18 doubles, 10 triples, 2 homers and 37 runs scored.

After that impressive performance, he'd be back in 1939, playing in 129 games and batting .309. This time he'd score 77 runs and amass 154 hits including 29 doubles, 11 triples, 4 home runs and 93 RBIs.

Why the Senators would want to unload him is beyond me, but after the 1939 season, Wright was traded along with Pete Appleton to the Chicago White Sox for Gee Walker.

Wright would play for the South Siders from 1940 to 1948 (with a break from 1943-1945 due to WWII) and put up some pretty impressive numbers, only hitting below .300 twice in those 8 years.

After the 1948 season, Wright was purchased by the Philadelphia Athletics, where he'd play one last year. 1949 wasn't kind to the 37 year old Wright and he was released by the Athletics at the end of the season.

"Taffy" Wright career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wrighta01)

Steve Jeltz

08-10-2008, 08:30 PM

1933 Taking control of the AL race, Washington tallies 6 runs in the 9th inning to polish off Boston, 8-4, at Fenway. Both squads use a record tying 11 pitchers in the tilt. The Senators lead in the American League increases to 4 games.

1961 The M&M Boys, Mantle and Maris, continue their pursuit of Babe Ruth's single season home run record at Griffith. Maris clouts his 42nd, a solo homer off Pete Burnside, and Mantle smacks his 44th, a 2-run shot off Burnside, in New York's, 12-5, victory over the Nats. Joe McClain loses his 13th game.

Senators Birthdays

Calvin Asa Cooper B Aug. 11, 1922 D Jul. 4, 1994

One Game Wonder Cal Cooper was served a particularly bitter cup of coffee on September 14th of 1948. Pitching for 1 inning, Cooper gave up 5 hits, 5 earned runs, 1 walk and 1 wild pitch, departing the Senators, and the major leagues, with a lifetime ERA of 45.00.

Cal Cooper career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=coopeca01)

Stephen Joseph Korcheck B Aug. 11, 1932 Still Living

I would imagine that Steve Korcheck would qualify as a "Senators Short Timer", for even though he played in parts of 4 different seasons, he would only ever make it in to 58 games.

A catcher, Korcheck would first appear in 2 games in 1954, going 1 for 7 at the plate.

In 1955, Korcheck would appear in 13 games, going 10 for 36 at bat, good for a .278 BA.

He wouldn't see the major leagues again until 1958 when he'd appear in 21 games, and again in 1959 when he'd up that total by 1, putting 22 games under his belt during the 1959 season.

Unfortunately Korcheck's hitting would drop off dramatically in 1958 and 1959 and his last major league appearance would be in late September of '59.

Steve Korcheck career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=korchst01)

Conrado Eugenio Marrero B Aug. 11, 1911 Still Living

Pitcher Connie Marrero, another member of the much noted "Cuban Connection", would pitch for the Senators from 1950-1954, compiling a record of 39-40 in 118 games. He'd go 11-9 in 1951 and represent the Senators in the All Star Game, although he wasn't tapped to play.

As of this writing Connie Marrero is one of the oldest still living major league veterans, this being his 97th birthday. A thread discussing Connie Marrero can be found here: Connie Marrero thread (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=78043)

Connie Marrero career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=marreco01)

Louis Norman (Bobo) Newsom B Aug. 11, 1907 D Dec. 7, 1962

Has there ever been a more travelled player than Bobo Newsom? In a career that spanned from 1929 through 1953 (although he did not play in the majors in 1931, 1933, 1949, 1950 or 1951) Newsom played for 9 different teams and played for some of them more than once.

I hope that regular readers of this thread will forgive me, but I'm going to dispense with the usual year by year career rundown. Suffice it to say that Newsom played for the Boston Red Sox, Brooklyn Dodgers (twice, once when the franchise was known as the "Robins"), Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, New York Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Athletics (twice), St. Louis Browns (three times), and capped it off by spending 5 separate stints with the Washington Senators!

Note that Newsom makes our list of the "Fab Fourteen" who have the dubious distinction of having played for the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators. Newsom actually could make the list twice!

Newsom appeared in 2 World Series, with the Detroit Tigers in 1940 and the New York Yankees in 1947, compiling a 2-2 W/L record in World Series play.

Newsom was also selected to the All Star teams of 1938, 1939, 1940 and 1944, although he didn't play in 1938 or '39.

Bobo Newsom's stints with the Washington Senators:

Round #1 Newsom's first stint with the Senators began in May of 1935, when he was purchased from the St. Louis Browns.

He'd stay in Washington until June of 1937 when he was traded, along with Ben Chapman, to the Boston Red Sox for Mel Almada and Rick & Wes Ferrell.

Round #2 Newsom would come back to Washington in March of 1942 when he was purchased from the Detroit Tigers. In late August of that same year, the Brooklyn Dodgers would purchase Newsom from the Senators.

Round #3 In August of 1943 the Senators would purchase Newsom from the St. Louis Browns for a second time. In December of that year, he would be traded to the Philadelphia Athletics for Roger Wolff. During this brief stay in Washington, Newsom would be the first major league player to sport the number "00" on his uniform.

Round #4 The A's would release Newsom on June 3rd of 1946. He'd be signed by Washington the next day. A little over a month later, in mid-July, Newsom's services would be purchased by the New York Yankees.

Round #5 Newsom would return to the Senators for 1 last time in 1952, appear in 10 games and be released again in mid-June. He'd be picked up by the Philadelphia Athletics the same day and would finish his major league journey there in September of 1953.

"Bobo" Newsom career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=newsobo01)

Harry Glenville (Doc) Tonkin B Aug. 11, 1881 D May 30, 1959

One Game Wonder Doc Tonkin tasted his major league cup of coffee on August 19th of 1907. Another pitcher, Tonkin would give up 6 hits and 3 runs (2 earned) and depart with an ERA of 6.75.

"Doc" Tonkin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=tonkido01)

Steve Jeltz

08-11-2008, 08:32 PM

1916 In relief of starter Harry Harper, Walter Johnson allows 2 runs in the 9th for a 2-1 loss at Boston. Harper and Babe Ruth both pitch 7 innings, with Harper fanning Ruth twice.

1924 With rookie Earl McNeely making his first start in CF for the Nationals, Johnson pitches another shutout, 4-0, over visiting Cleveland. McNeely will bat .330 for the Nats for the rest of the season and contribute some key hits in the World Series.

1938 Clark Griffith hands P Wes Ferrell, the Nats leading winner at 13-8, his walking papers. Griffith, who has had disputes with Ferrell over salary, claims Ferrell was not helping the club. Two days later, Ferrell will sign with the Yankees.

1941 Senator Dutch Leonard wins his 7th in a row‚ 9-3‚ over the A's at Griffith. Philadelphia LF Wally Moses is lost for 3 weeks when he steps on a corn cob while chasing a hit. Buddy Lewis hits two taters in the contest for the Sens.

1949 The Red Sox score 28 runs on 28 hits in a twinbill sweep of the Nats at Fenway. Vern Stephens knocks in 5 in the opener, a 15-7 Sox blasting of the Nats. In the second game, the Sox outslug Washington, 13-11. The two teams play the nitecap in a marathon time of 3 hours and 14 minutes, a then ML record for a 9 inning game. The 2 losses commence an 11 game losing streak for Washington.

1953 A sprained knee prevents Mickey Mantle from playing, but Mantle's absence does not stop the Yankees from thoroughly embarrassing the Senators at home, 22-1. New York's Hank Bauer scores 5 times, Yogi Berra and Billy Martin tally 5 RBI apiece and winning pitcher Whitey Ford gets in on the fun by supplying 4 hits. The Bombers 28 hits are just 2 short of the AL record. If not for Washington's 1 run, the Sens would have been on the receiving end of the worst shutout loss in ML history (A feat that will be accomplished in 1975 with the Cubs falling to the Pirates, 22-0).

1954 In another doubleheader at Boston, the Senators take game one, 9-5. Chuck Stobbs wins his 5th straight against the Red Sox, his former club. Mickey Vernon leads the Nats attack with 4 hits. In the second game, Eddie Yost, for the 5th consecutive season, walks for the 100th time, but the Washington bats fall silent in a 5-0 loss.

1961 Washington breaks the Yanks 9 game winning streak in defeating New York, 5-1 at Griffith. The Senators also snap their own 7 game losing skid. Ace Dick Donavan is credited with the W, with the lone Yank's run being Roger Maris' 43rd home run. The pivotal hit is Gene Green's pinch grand slam off the Yankees' Luis Arroyo in the 7th that breaks a 1-1 tie.

Senators Birthdays

Thomas John McAvoy B Aug. 12, 1936 Still Living

Brooklyn-born Tom McAvoy joined the swelling ranks of Senators' "One Game Wonders" on September 27th, 1959 when he pitched in 2.2 innings, giving up 1 hit and 2 walks but no runs.

Tom McAvoy career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcavoto01)

Harlond Benton Clift B Aug. 12, 1912 D Apr. 27, 1992

Harlond Clift began his major league journey in 1934, playing 3rd base for the St. Louis Browns. Playing with the Browns through mid-August of 1943, Clift would hit .302 in 1936 and .306 with 29 home runs in 1937. In 1938 he'd hit a career high of 34 home runs for the Browns.

Clift was selected to the 1937 All Star Team but did not play.

In August of 1943, Clift was traded, along with Johnny Niggeling to the Washington Senators in exchange for Ellis Clary, Ox Miller, and that always rare commodity for the Browns, cash.

Clift would appear in just 8 games for the Senators in 1943, batting an even .300. 1944 would see him in only 12 games in a Senators uniform-unfortunately his batting average would drop by 140 points. Clift would play the better part of 1945, appearing in 119 games for Washington but the hitting prowess he displayed earlier in his career was gone-he'd only hit .211 in his final season. He was released by the Senators in February of 1946 at age 32.

Harlond Clift career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cliftha01)

Anthony Spencer Harris B Aug. 12, 1900 D Jul. 3, 1982

Spencer Harris began his brief major league career with the White Sox in 1925. Patrolling the outfield in Comiskey Park, Harris would hit .283 in 56 games in 1925 and .252 in 80 games in 1926.

Harris would not make another major league appearance until 1929, when he played in 6 games for the Senators, going 3 for 14 (.214 BA) at the plate.

22 games for the 1930 Philadelphia Athletics would mark the end of Harris' career.

Spencer Harris career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=harrisp01)

Wyatt Arnold (Watty) Lee B Aug. 12, 1879 D Mar. 6, 1936

Watty Lee was an original Senator, appearing with the Washington team in their inaugural season in 1901. A pitcher and outfielder, Lee would have his most successful season on the mound, pitching in 36 games and going 16-16 with a 4.40 ERA. He'd also play in 7 games in the outfield and hit .256.

Lee would remain on the Senators roster in 1902 & 1903, posting records of 5-7 and 8-12 but would find himself spending more time in the field, playing 96 games as a fielder in 1902 and 47 more in 1903.

Briefly on the roster of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1904, Lee would make his last major league appearance in late May of that year.

"Watty" Lee career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=leewa01)

Steve Jeltz

08-12-2008, 09:38 PM

1926 In the only game played today in baseball, Lou Gehrig's two home runs help lead New York over Washington, 7-5. It is only the second time in Walter Johnson's 20 year career that he has allowed two homers in the same game to one player.

1932 Yanks hurler Red Ruffing hits a game winning homer in the top of the 10th to give New York their 6th straight win, 1-0. Ruffing joins former Senator Tom Hughes as the only other pitcher in ML history to hit an extra inning, game winning home run. Hughes initially accomplished the feat on August 3, 1906 at St. Louis.

1944 The Nats take the broom to the Tribe in Washington, 2-1 and 4-1. P Mickey Haeffner wins the opener. Behind Stan Spence's 3 run homer in the 1st, Early Wynn is the victor of the second game. Nats SS John Sullivan starts an AL record 5 double plays and goes 3-for-3 in the finale.

1954 The A's, in their final season in Philadelphia, best the Senators, 3-2 at Griffith. Jim Finigan's swipe of home in the 8th snaps Philadelphia's 8 game losing streak.

1968 At Metropolitan Stadium, the Twins pin the Nats, 8-4. Tom Hall of Minnesota goes 7.2 innings, surrenders 11 hits, but is bailed out by 3 double plays in earning his first big league win. Jim Hannan drops to 7-3 and strikes out for the 13th straight time, dating to July 24, in his only plate appearance.

1970 In the rubber match of a 3 game series with the visiting Twins, Cesar Tovar leads off the game with a single off Dick Bosman. Bosman settles in and holds Minnesota to that lone safety in a 1-0 Washington victory and a 3 game series sweep. Jim Kaat also pitches the distance, but is saddled with the hard luck loss.

Senators Birthdays

Richard James French B Aug. 13, 1941 Still Living

Jim French was signed by the Senators in 1963 and made his major league debut in September of 1965. Appearing in 13 games in his first season, French would hit .297. Unfortunately, that would be the highwater mark as far as French's hitting was concerned.

A catcher, French would only play in 234 games over a span of 7 seasons, averaging 33 games per year. His most active season would be 1970 when he appeared in 69 games. French spent a lot of time on the AAA roster of whoever was Washington's affiilate that year, including Hawaii, Syracuse, Buffalo, Denver and Richmond. French always seemed to do fairly well in the minors but just couldn't hit major league pitching.

His final game would be in mid-May of 1971, although he would be recalled for 5 days in early September of the Senators last season.

French was always of my favorite Senators, although I can't offer an explanation as to why. Every year when he was called up, I always hoped this would be his "breakout" season and that he'd stay with the big club. Every year, he'd end up going back to AAA.

Jim French career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=frencji01)

Carlos Whitman Moore B Aug. 13, 1906 D Jul. 2, 1958

Senators Short Timer Carlos Moore would appear in 4 games for the 1930 Senators. A pitcher, Moore would only work in 11.2 innings, giving up 9 hits and 3 runs, departing the Senators in late May with an ERA of 2.31.

Carlos Moore career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mooreca01)

Charles Arthur Shires B Aug. 13, 1907 D Jul. 13, 1967

The man from Italy-Italy, Texas that is, Art Shires began his 4 year major league career with the Chicago White Sox in 1928. Playing 1st base, Shires would hit .341 in 33 games in his debut season. In 1929 he appeared in an even 100 games, hitting .312.

Shires would start the 1930 season with the White Sox, playing 37 games there, but be traded to the Senators for Garland Braxton and Bennie Tate. Appearing in another 38 games for the Senators, he'd hit .369 with 31 hits and 19 RBI.

Strangely, Shires wouldn't play in the majors in 1931 but would return for 82 games with the Boston Braves in 1932. He'd only hit .238 and disappeared from the major league scene on July 31st of that year.

EDIT: Thanks to a tip from Senators history maven Steve Jeltz, I was advised that Shires was quite a self-promoter and in addition to playing baseball, Shires also found employ as both a professional boxer and wrestler. A couple of articles that lend more insight to the career of Art (known as "Art The Great") Shires can be found in these links:

Art Shires writeup at "The Baseball Page" (http://www.thebaseballpage.com/players/shirear01.php)

Art Shires writeup at Slam Wrestling (includes a photo of Shires in a Boston Braves uniform) (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/04/04/5193906.html)

Art Shires career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shirear01)

Robert George Wiesler B Aug. 13, 1930 Still Living

Originally signed by the New York Yankees in 1949, Bob Wiesler would first show up in a Yankee uniform in 1951 for 4 games. He'd finish the season with an 0-2 record in 4 games with an ERA of 13.50.

Wiesler would return to the Yankees in 1954 and would have short stints with the Yankees in 1954 & 1955.

In early 1956, Wiesler would be part of a multi-player trade that would see Wiesler, along with Lou Berberet, Herb Plews, Dick Tettlebach and eventually Whitey Herzog, sent to Washington in exchange for Mickey McDermott and Bobby Kline.

Wiesler would have his most active season in 1956, pitching in 37 games and posting a 3-12 record with a 6.44 ERA.

Wiesler would only pitch in 7 more games in 1957 and 1958 and would be gone from the Senators, and the majors, in early May of '58.

Bob Wiesler career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wieslbo01)

Steve Jeltz

08-13-2008, 08:36 PM

1908 Walter Johnson fires a 2 hitter over Chicago, 1-0. Johnson's no hit bid is foiled by Pale Hose P Doc White in the top of the 9th.

1915 The Babe and the Big Train square off for the first time as opposing pitchers. Ruth and the hometown Red Sox come from behind to win, 4-3. The Bambino collects the win and goes 2-for-3 with a run scored.

1935 In the Motor City, Bobo Newsom is silenced, at least for today. P Schoolboy Rowe's 5-for-5, 3 RBI performance at the dish, as well as his pitching, leads the Tigers to an 18-2 battering of the Senators. Detroit knocks Newsom around to the tune of 12 runs over 4 innings.

1960 The Nats pull out a sweep of a doubleheader in Yankee Stadium, winning by the scores of 5-4 and 6-3 in 15 innings. Camilo Pasqual connects for a grand slam in a 5 run National 6th that is the difference in the opener. The second game highlight is Mickey Mantle's failure to run out a double play ball that results in Roger Maris injuring himself attempting to break it up. Maris will miss the next 18 games. The Yankee faithful boo Mantle, while Casey Stengel benches the icon. The Senators plate 3 in the 15th off Ralph Terry courtesy of a bases loaded walk to Billy Consolo and 2-run single from Lenny Green.

Senators Birthdays

James Percy Mason B Aug. 14, 1950 Still Living

Shortstop Jim Mason makes the list of "Senators Short Timers" by virtue of the fact that he made his major league debut on September 26th of 1971, just 4 days prior to the expansion Senators playing their last game in Washington.

Mason would go 3 for 9, good for a .333 BA in 3 games as the curtain was falling on the Washington team.

Heading southwest with the franchise to be rebranded as a Texas Ranger in 1972, Mason wouldn't be nearly as successful at the plate as he was in that Senators debut.

After 2 years in Texas, Mason would be purchased by the New York Yankees where he'd play in 1975 & 1976, appearing in his only League Championship and World Series in 1976.

In 1977, Mason was selected in the expansion draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. He'd play just 22 games for Toronto in their inaugural season before being traded back to Texas where he'd spend the remainder of 1977 and 1978.

Mason would be traded one last time after the 1978 season to the Montreal Expos where he'd play in 78 games in 1979, finishing his career.

Jim Mason career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=masonji01)

Steve Jeltz

08-14-2008, 09:12 PM

1916 His record falling to 0-3 against Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson does not receive run support in dropping a 1-0, 13 inning decision to Boston. The Big Train gives up only 5 hits in 12 innings. Ruth allows only one hit from the 7th inning on, an infield single to the speedy Cyde Milan. Milan also robs the Bambino of a home run in the bottom of the 12th inning.

1923 Against Chicago, Nat P George Mogridge becomes the only pitcher to steal home in extra innings when he scores in the top of the 12th in the Senators 5-1 victory.

1941 In "The case of the missing groundskeeper", Washington devises a unique way to lose a game. The Nats seemingly defeat the Red Sox at Griffith, 6-3, in a 8 inning, rain shortened contest. But Clark Griffith's son-in-law and Boston manager Joe Cronin protests the game because Washington did not cover the field in case the game is resumed. The protest is upheld by AL President Will Harridge on August 28th and Harridge awards Boston the game via forfeit.

1965 Capping a 9-8 road trip, the Senators complete a rare sweep of the Orioles, 4-2. Senator scoring consists of RBI singles from Mike Brumley, Willie Kirkland and winning pitcher Pete Richert. Woodie Held adds insurance with his 13th long ball in the 9th to stake Washington to a 4-0 lead. Richert runs into trouble in the bottom of the 9th, but Ron Kline induces Boog Powell to line to right for the game's final out.

Senators Birthdays

Joseph Felix Casey B Aug. 15, 1887 D Jun. 2, 1966

Catcher Joe Casey would only ever appear in 50 major league games over the span of 4 seasons. Only 9 of those games were with the Senators.

Making his major league debut with the 1909 Detroit Tigers, Casey played in 3 games in 1909, 23 games in 1910 and 15 games in 1911.

Casey would then take a 6 year hiatus from the major leagues, returning for 9 games with the 1918 Washington Senators. He'd go 4 for 17 at the plate, a .235 BA, with 2 RBIs and play in his last game in late August.

Joe Casey career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=caseyjo01)

Charles Edward Moyer B Aug. 15, 1885 D Nov. 18, 1962

Senators Short Timer Ed Moyer pitched in 6 games during the 1910 season. In 25 IP, he'd give up 22 hits, 15 runs (9 earned) and depart with an 0-3 record and an ERA of 3.24.

Ed Moyer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=moyered01)

Charles Andrew (Cap) Peterson B Aug. 15, 1942 D May 16, 1980

Utility man Cap Peterson first appeared in the majors with the 1962 San Francisco Giants, playing in 4 games in September. He'd stay with the Giants through 1966, playing all infield positions except catcher and in the outfield.

Traded to the Washington Senators, along with Bob Priddy for Mike McCormick after the 1966 season, Peterson would find his niche as an outfielder and enjoy his most active season in 1967, playing in 122 games and hitting .240 with 17 doubles, 2 triples 8 homers and 46 RBI.

Staying with the Senators in 1968, he'd only hit .204 and his playing time would decrease to 94 games.

Prior to the start of the 1969 season, Peterson would be traded to the Cleveland Indians for minor leaguer George Woodson. He'd play in 76 games for the Indians, his major league career ending at the end of the '69 season.

"Cap" Peterson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=peterca01)

John Joseph (Jack) Warner B Aug. 15, 1872 D Dec. 21, 1943

Jack Warner began his 14 year major league career way back in 1895 with the Boston National League franchise, then known as the "Beaneaters". Prior to the end of the season, he'd be on the roster of the Louisville Colonels when that Kentucky city was a major league outpost.

Beginning the 1896 season in Louisville, Warner would be back on the eastern seaboard with the New York Giants after 33 games in a Louisville uniform.

Warner would stay with the Giants through the 1901 season, but in 1902 would jump to the Boston American League franchise.

In an example of the "grass being greener on the other side of the fence", Warner would jump back to the Giants for the 1903 season and stay there through 1904.

Purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals, Warner would start the 1905 season in St. Louis but would be purchased again in early August, this time by the Detroit Tigers.

Warner would stay on the Detroit roster for just over 1 year, when he'd be purchased one last time, this time by the Washington Senators in mid-August of 1906. A catcher, Warner would finish his major league career in Washington, playing in 32 games in 1906, 72 games in 1907 and 51 games in 1908.

Warner's best year in Washington was in 1907 when he went 53 for 207, good for a .256 BA with 5 doubles and 17 RBIs.

Jack Warner career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=warnejo01)

Steve Jeltz

08-15-2008, 10:39 PM

1909 The A's storm Walter Johnson for 6 runs in 5 innings of a 6-1 Nats loss. Johnson accounts for the Nats lone run with his first big league homer. Johnson's blast, only the 3rd homer that clears the Washington LF fence, goes through a window of an adjacent building.

1912 With Rube Marquard holding the record for the longest winning streak by a pitcher(19), Johnson moves to within 5 games of Marquard's record by winning his 14th straight. The Big Train two hits Chicago, 2-0.

1915 The Nationals, seeking their first win in Fenway this year, are shutout by Joe Wood, 1-0. The Nats record at Boston falls to 0-11.

1933 Joe Cronin's team is victorious for the 8th consecutive game, taking care of the White Sox at Commiskey, 5-1. With the second place Yankees losing again, Washington pushes their lead to 6.5 games.

1943 A good news, bad news day for the Senators. The good news: The visiting Senators roll past Cleveland, 6-3, behind southpaw Bill "Lefty" Lefebvre. The Senators remain in 2nd place with the victory. The bad news: The Sens are 9.5 games behind New York, who are running away with the AL flag.

1957 The Red Sox continue to be haunted by their former mate, Chuck Stobbs. Stobbs, 5-15 heading into tonight's match at Griffith, blanks Boston on 5 hits, 5-0.

1963 See if this refrain sounds familiar. A lifeless Nationals offense comes to life, but the pitching collapses for another loss. The pitching is great, but the offense is moribund for yet another defeat. Sounds like the 2008 edition of the Washington Nationals, but the 1963 version fit this mold as well, if not "better", than the present team. While the 2008 Nationals have some talent, the 1963 team was trotting out the likes of Ken Retzer, Don Zimmer, Dick Phillips and Don Blasingame. As for the game on this date in 1963, Washington fans, needing another reminder of the original Senators, lose to Camilio Pasqual and the Twins in the Twin Cites, 7-5.

Senators Birthdays

Lewis Emmett Carpenter B Aug. 16, 1913 D Apr. 25, 1979

Senators Short Timer Lew Carpenter appeared in 4 games, pitching just over 3 innings with the 1943 team. He surrendered 1 hit, 4 walks, was charged with 1 wild pitch and 1 hit batter, striking out 1.

Lew Carpenter career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=carpele01)

Noble Jan Dukes B Aug. 16, 1945 Still Living

Another Short Timer, Jan Dukes pitched in 13 games with the Senators in 1969 and 1970 and returned for 3 more games with the 1972 Texas Rangers. His career record: an 0-2 W/L record with a 2.70 ERA.

Jan Dukes career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dukesja01)

Joseph Hovlik (born Havlik) B Aug. 16, 1884 D Nov. 3, 1951

Joe Hovlik continues todays theme of Senators Short Timers by appearing in just 4 games during the 1909 and 1910 seasons with the Senators. He'd move to the Chicago White Sox for the 1911 campaign and pitch in 12 games, compiling a 2-0 record.

Joe Hovlik career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hovlijo01)

Frederick Donald Rudolph B Aug. 16, 1931 D Sep. 12, 1968

Baltimore native Don Rudolph got his major league start with the Chicago White Sox in 1957. Another sparingly used pitcher, Rudolph would only play in 16 games in a White Sox uniform between 1957 and 1959 before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in early May of 1959.

After another 5 games with the Reds that season, Rudolph would not resurface in the majors until 1962 when he returned as a Cleveland Indian.

Rudolph would only pitch in 1 game for Cleveland before being traded to the Washington Senators, along with Steve Hamilton, in exchange for Willie Tasby. In Washington Rudolph would finally get some playing time, appearing in 37 games in both 1962 & 1963 and 28 games in 1964. Rudolph would post a record of 8-10 in 1962, 7-19 in 1963 and 1-3 in 1964, pitching for the early expansion Senators.

His major league career would end with the close of the 1964 season.

Don Rudolph career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rudoldo01)

Eugene Richard Woodling B Aug. 16, 1922 D Jun. 2, 2001

Outfielder Gene Woodling played 17 seasons for 6 different major league teams, including 2 separate stints with 2 of those teams, but suffered the cruel fate of ending his playing days with the 1961 Senators and the 1962 Mets.

Woodling's first major league appearance came in 1943 with the Cleveland Indians. He wouldn't return to the majors until 1946 when he'd again play for Cleveland in 61 games.

Traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Woodling would play in 22 games in 1947. At the end of the 1947 season, the Pirates sent Woodling to the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League, where he'd play in 1948.

Starting in 1949, Woodling would spend 6 seasons on the roster of the New York Yankees, hitting over .300 in 1952 & 1953 and would play in the World Series every year from 1949 through 1953 as the Yankees won an unprecedented 5 straight World Series. He'd hit a collective .318 in World Series play, including 5 doubles, 2 triples and 3 home runs in 85 AB.

Traded to the Baltimore Orioles after the 1954 season, Woodling would only play in 47 games as an Oriole in 1955 before he'd be traded once again, this time for a second stint in Cleveland.

Woodling would remain with the Tribe through mid-June of 1958 when he'd be traded back to Baltimore where he'd remain through the end of 1960. During his second stop in Baltimore, Woodling would be selected to the 1959 All Star Team.

Selected by the "new" Senators in the expansion draft, Woodling would spend 1961 in Washington, playing in 110 games and hitting .313 with 10 home runs. Returning with the Senators in 1962, he'd play in 44 games before being purchased by the New York Mets in mid-June.

Woodling would play in 81 games for the Mets in 1962, but would be given his release prior to the start of the 1963 season, marking the end of his major league journey.

Gene Woodling career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=woodlge01)

Steve Jeltz

08-16-2008, 09:53 PM

1909 Starting for the second day in a row, Walter Johnson yields 4 hits in 12 innings of a 1-0 Nationals victory over Philadelphia.

1919 A then Tiger record crowd of 31,500 descend upon Navin Field to witness Detroit's, 4-2, 11 inning loss to the Nats. Both teams combine to hit 10 ground rule doubles into the overflow crowd lining the outfield.

1924 Beginning to heat up, the 3rd place Senators paste the Tigers at home, 8-1. The Big Train is masterful in going the distance, allowing 4 hits and no walks, for his 15th victory. Johnson retires the side in order in 7 of the 9 innings and punctuates the win with a strikeout of Ty Cobb for the final out.

1940 Double X, Jimmie Foxx, sets a Red Sox club record with 5 home runs in 5 straight games of a 12-9, Sox victory in Beantown.

1961 Better complete games have been pitched, but Nat's hurler Bennie Daniels will take this one. Daniels compiles an unusual pitching line (9 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 10 SO) in a 4-3, Griffith Stadium victory over the Angels. Bud Zipfel gathers 2 RBI, with Chuck Hinton and Pete Daly collecting the other 2. Commencing tomorrow, the Senators will go on to drop their next 14 games to start a horrendous 2-26 stretch.

1967 In another marathon game that has highlighted this season, Cleveland scores 5 runs in the 16th for an 8-3 win in D.C. The game appears promising for the Senators when Tribe starter Luis Tiant is chased after the 4th. Tim Cullen's run scoring single and a Frank Howard 2-run longball stake the Nats to 3-0, 4th inning lead. The Indians will knot the tilt in the 8th with 2 runs off Bob Humphreys, including an RBI triple from former Nat Chuck Hinton. Over the ensuing 8 innings, 5 different Indian pitchers blank the Nats on just 4 hits until Cleveland breaks the game open in the 16th.

Senators Birthdays

William Hoffman Keister B Aug. 17, 1871 D Aug. 19, 1924

Baltimore native Bill Keister began his major league days way back in 1896 with the National League version of the Baltimore Orioles. After 15 games in Baltimore during the 1896 season, Keister wouldn't return to the majors until 1898, playing in just 10 games for the National League Boston Beaneaters.

Keister would make it back into the Baltimore lineup in 1899, playing in 136 games, batting .329.

Purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals, Keister play in 126 games for the 1900 Cardinals, hitting an even .300.

After the formation of the rival American League in 1901, Keister would jump to the hometown Baltimore Orioles (the franchise that would shift to New York in 1903 to become the Highlanders and eventually the Yankees) starting the new century by hitting .328 in 115 games.

Purchased by the Washington Senators, Keister would play in 119 games, spending 65 games in the outfield and another 56 as a shortstop, 2nd & 3rd baseman, and once again hit an even .300.

1903 would find Keister jumping again, this time to the Philadelphia Phillies. Keister would play in an even 100 games, strictly as an outfielder in 1903, hitting .320.

An impressive hitter with a .312 career BA, Keister would be purchased by Jersey City of the Eastern League prior to the 1904 season and would not appear in another major league game, his major league career ending at the ripe old age of 31.

Bill Keister career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=keistbi01)

Richard George Lines B Aug. 17, 1938 Still Living

Canadian born Dick Lines started his baseball career in 1957, being signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Acquired by the Washington Senators in 1965, Lines would pitch for the Senators in 1966 and 1967.

Lines would appear in 53 games in 1966, posting a 5-2 record with an ERA of 2.28. 1967 would see Lines in 54 games, and in a strange coincidence, would post a record of 2-5 with an ERA of 3.36.

Lines last major league game would be October 1st of 1967.

Dick Lines career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=linesdi01)

Glen Gann (Buck) Varner B Aug. 17, 1930 D Apr. 29, 2000

Senators Short Timer Buck Varner would appear in 2 games for the 1952 Senators in late September, going 0-4 at the plate with 1 walk.

"Buck" Varner career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=varnebu01)

Steve Jeltz

08-17-2008, 08:50 PM

1918 The Senators defeat the Browns for the first time at home this year, 2-1. Winner Jim Shaw pitches a 4 hitter. Washington, for all intents and purposes, is eliminated from pennant contention, remaining 5.5 games back with 14 games left in the war shortened season.

1938 New Yankee pitcher Wes Ferrell gets the win over his ex-mates, 6-5 in 11 innings, in the opener in Griffith. Ferrell, recently released by Clark Griffith despite a 13-8 record, will win only 4 more games in his career. The Nats earn the split in game two, winning 6-3.

1945 The shocking Senators continue to defy all odds by taking 3 of 4 in Detroit. Today's 11-5 Washington win pulls the Sens to within 1.5 games of the AL leading Bengals.

1962 Don Rudolph pitches a strong 8 plus innings, and Claude Osteen picks up his 1st save in a 2-0 shutout of the Angels in L.A. A Bob Schmidt solo homer in the 3rd and an Eddie Brinkman sacrifice fly in the 6th account for the Nats runs.

Senators Birthdays

William Angelo Consolo B Aug. 18, 1934 D Mar. 27, 2008

Signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1953 as a "bonus baby", Billy Colsolo would debut in April of 1953 as an 18 year old.

A light hitting infielder, Consolo's best season in Boston was 1957 when he'd appear in 68 games and hit a surprising .270.

Appearing in just 10 games through mid-June of 1959, Consolo would be traded, along with Murray Wall to the Washington Senators for Herb Plews and Dick Hyde. (Hyde and Wall would be returned to their original teams just 3 days later.)

After joining the Senators, Consolo would appear in 79 games, hitting .213.

In 1960, Consolo would have his most active season, appearing in an even 100 games, hitting .207 for the original Senators as they played their last season in DC.

Moving with the franchise to Minnesota in 1961, Consolo would only play in 11 games as a Minnesota Twin before being traded to the Milwaukee Braves for the always firey Billy Martin. Consolo would not make the major league roster in Milwaukee, and after the 1961 season he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies.

After playing in 13 games for the 1962 Phillies, Consolo would be purchased by the Los Angeles Angels, where he'd hit just .100 in 28 games. Released by the Angels in late June, he'd be picked up by the Kansas City Athletics where he'd play in 54 games, bringing his major league career to a close.

Billy Consolo career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=consobi01)

Robert William Humphreys B Aug. 18, 1935 Still Living

Pitcher Bob Humphreys was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1958, making his major league debut with the Tigers in September of 1962.

After just 4 games in a Tigers uniform, Humphreys would be purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals. Playing for the Cardinals in 1963 & 1964, Humphreys would be traded to the Chicago Cubs where he'd spend the 1965 season.

In early April of 1966, Humphreys would be traded again, this time to the Senators in exchange for Ken Hunt.

Humphreys would remain in a Washington uniform through mid-June of 1970. He'd have his 2 most active seasons in 1966 and 1967, pitching in over 100 innings each season, going 7-3 in 1966 and 5-7 in 1967.

Released by the Senators, Humphreys would be picked up by the newly relocated Milwaukee Brewers, where he'd pitch in 23 games, going 2-4 and finishing his career at the end of the 1970 season.

Bob Humphreys career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=humphbo01)

Steve Jeltz

08-18-2008, 08:50 PM

1907 Washington pitcher Sam Lanford makes his ML debut a memorable one for all the wrong reasons. The righthander makes the start at Chicago and allows 4 runs, 2 walks, plunks 2 batsmen, tosses a wild pitch and balks-all in the 1st inning. Lanford pitches until the 3rd inning, during which he gives up 7 more runs in a 16-2 Nats loss. The 21 year old will appear in 1 more game before disappearing from the majors.

1924 Gearing up for the final stretch, Washington reclaims second place by taking 4 out of 5 against visiting Detroit. Today, the Senators culminate the series by sweeping a pair, 4-3 and 5-3. George Modridge and Tom Zachary are the winning hurlers.

1936 Joe DiMaggio bags 3 hits, including a home run in the top of the 5th that breaks a 2-2 tie, to pace the Yanks to a 7-4 win. Senator John Stone homers off winning pitcher Red Ruffing, who hurls the complete game.

1939 In a Saturday doubleheader in Washington, Ted Williams' first major league grand slam lifts Boston to an 8-6 victory in the opener. The Nationals are 1 run better in the nitecap, a 2-1 win behind southpaw Ken Chase.

1958 The Senators bounce Detroit, 3-1. Roy Sievers deposits his 34th homer in the bottom of the first, a solo shot, and posts his 88th and 89th RBI's on the year. Tiger 2B Billy Martin sac fly off Camilo Pascual is Detroit's only run. Dick Hyde pitches 2 innings of scoreless relief for his 17th save.

1969 The Nats move above .500 for good with a 3-1 win over the Pale Hose at RFK. Ken McMullen's RBI single off Joe Horlen with 2 aboard in the 8th snaps a 1-1 deadlock. Sens starter Casey Cox goes 8.1 innings for his 8th win of the season.

Senators Birthdays

Robert Brown (Speed) Kelly B Aug. 19, 1884 D May 6, 1949

Senators Short Timer Speed Kelly sped onto the Washington roster in mid-July of 1909. Appearing in a grand total of 17 games, he'd go 6 for 42 at the plate with 2 doubles and 1 triple and zipped off the roster at the end of the season.

"Speed" Kelly career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kellysp01)

James Aloysius Shaw B Aug. 19, 1893 D Jan. 27, 1962

Pitcher Jim Shaw is another of those rare examples of someone who spent his entire career with the Senators. Pitching 9 years, from 1913 through 1921, Shaw would post a career record of 84-98 in 287 games, all while wearing a Washington uniform.

Arguably his best season came in 1918 when he went 16-12 with a 2.42 ERA.

Known as "Grunting Jim", Shaw lead the American League in batters faced in 1919 with 1229 and games played at 45, when he'd pitch in over 306 innings.

A couple of dubious honors Shaw garnered included leading the league in walks in 1914 with 137 and again in 1917 with 123. He also threw the most wild pitches in both 1919 (10) and 1920 (13).

Shaw posted an ERA of less than 3 every season from 1913 through 1919 except for 1917, when it was 3.17.

After only 15 games in 1921, his career would come to an end in mid-July.

Jim Shaw career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shawji01)

Steve Jeltz

08-19-2008, 08:34 PM

1912 Walter Johnson and Jay Cashion give Washington fans plenty of cheer in a twinbill. In the opener, the Big Train sets the AL record with his 15th consecutive win, a 4-2 victory over Cleveland. Johnson is upstaged in the second game by Cashion, who fashions a 2-0, 6 inning, no-hitter. The only Cleveland baserunners against Cashion come on 2 errors by SS George McBride. The second game is called due to Cleveland having to catch a train to Boston.

1925 In Cleveland, Tom Zachary and Firpo Marberry slam the door on the Indians in a 1-0, 12 inning win for the Nationals. The win moves Washington back on top of the AL to stay.

1945 The Senators blank the Tribe in a doubleheader in Cleveland. Marino Pieretti whitewashes Cleveland in game one, 7-0, while Alex Carrasquel has the honors in game two, 6-0. The two victories put the Sens 1.5 games back of frontrunning Detroit.

1946 An army clocking device, a prelude to the radar gun, times Bob Feller's fastball at 98.6 mph in a pre-game exhibition that draws 30,051 at Griffith. In the real game, Feller, thanks to 4 Cleveland errors, is edged by Nats knuckleballer Mickey Haefner, 5-4.

1957 Following a 5-4 victory in Comiskey in the first of two, the Senators are no-hit by Chicago righty Bob Keegan in the nitecap, 6-0. Keegan, a 35 year old former All Star, walks 2 and strikes out 1. Keegan's opposing number, Chuck Stobbs, falls to 6-16, getting pounded for 12 hits and 6 runs in 5 innings of work.

1963 The Nats are nearly victims of another no-hitter, this time to Moe Drabowsky of the A's. Don Blasingame's 4th inning single is Washington's lone safety in a 9-0 A's rout in game one. The Senators tally 5 runs in the finale, but Jerry Lumpe's 2-run, game ending, home run in the bottom of the 14th gives Kansas City a 7-5 victory.

Senators Birthdays

Edgar Jewel Crowley B Aug. 20, 1906 D Apr. 14, 1970

Senators Short Timer Ed Crowley appeared in just 2 games with the 1928 Senators, going 0-1 at the plate and committing 1 error while playing 3rd base.

Ed Crowley career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=crowled01)

Earl Harrist B Aug. 20, 1919 D Sep. 7, 1998

Pitcher Earl Harrist was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1938 but didn't make his major league debut until 1945. Pitching in 14 games, he'd post a 2-4 record with a 3.61 ERA.

Harrist wouldn't play in the majors in 1946 but would be drafted by the Chicago White Sox after the 1946 season.

Returning to the majors in 1948 with the White Sox, Harrist would only pitch in 11 games for Chicago before being traded in early June to the Washington Senators for Marino Pieretti.

He'd pitch in 23 games for the Senators, posting a 3-3 record with a 4.60 ERA.

Harrist would be purchased by the New York Yankees in mid-September of 1948, would spend some time with Oakland of the Pacific Coast League and be brought back to the majors in 1952 when he appeared in 36 games for the St. Louis Browns.

After the 1952 season, he'd be purchased again, this time by the White Sox, for his second stint in Chicago. However, he'd be released after just 7 games in Chicago and picked up by the Detroit Tigers, where he'd pitch in 8 more games, last appearing in the majors in June of 1953.

Harrist would remain in the Tigers organization though and in August of 1954 he'd be traded to Seattle of the PCL where his trail runs cold.

Ed Harrist career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=harriea01)

Edward Charles Hovlik B Aug. 20, 1891 D Mar. 19, 1955

No relation to August 16th birthday boy Joe Hovlik that I can determine, Ed Hovlik is another Senators Short Timer whose time with the team spanned 2 seasons. Debuting with Washington in mid-July of 1918, Ed Hovlik would pitch in 8 games, posting a 2-1 record with a superb 1.29 ERA.

Back for a second season in 1919, Hovlik would pitch in less than 6 innings over the course of 3 games. His ERA would balloon to 12.71 and he'd depart the Senators, and the major leagues, in early May.

Ed Hovlik career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hovlied01)

Lewis Oscar (Bull) Smith B Aug. 20, 1880 D May 1, 1928

Bull Smith played in only 15 games in his major league career, appearing with 3 different teams over the span of 8 years.

Smith would first show up on a major league roster in late August of 1904 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he'd play 13 of those 15 games, hitting .143 while patrolling the outfield.

After that less than stellar performance, Smith wouldn't return to the majors until 1906, when he'd play in 1 game for the Chicago Cubs, going hitless in 1 plate appearance.

If you've done the math thus far, you know that Smith appeared in 1 more game, this time for the 1911 Senators where he wouldn't even make a plate appearance. Smith bulled his way out of the majors after that last game with Washington.

"Bull" Smith career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=smithbu01)

Steve Jeltz

08-20-2008, 08:56 PM

1908 Today marks the 100th anniversary of Gabby Street's famed Washington Monument catch. Two Nats fans by the names of Preston Gibson and John Biddle make a $500 wager on whether a ball that is dropped from the top of the Washington Monument can be caught on the fly. Gibson and Biddle convince Street to settle their bet. Gibson and Biddle climb to the top of the 555 foot monument with a basket of baseballs. After the first 14 balls miss Street, on the 15th attempt, Street makes his famous catch and pockets the $500. In the afternoon, Street catches Walter Johnson's 3-1 triumph over Detroit.

1912 Washington part owner and team president Thomas C. Noyes passes away at age 44 after a four day illness. Nats team attorney, Ben Minor‚ succeeds Noyes as club president.

1932 The Tribe's Wes Ferrell becomes the first pitcher of the 20th century to win 20 or more in his first 4 seasons with a 11-5 victory over the home Senators. The wild righthander and future National will post two more 20 plus win seasons in Boston.

1966 Against the Angels in RFK, Frank Howard and Ken McMullen homer successively in the 3rd in a 7-4 Sens win. Nat starter Phil Ortega walks 3 and allows 2 homers, to Jim Fregosi and Bob Knoop, but manages to hang on for his 9th win. Ortega's battery mate, Paul Casanova has a big day, going 4-for-4 with a double and a two-run home run.

1970 RBI's from Ed Stroud, Paul Casanova and Aurelio Rodriguez stake Casey Cox to an early 3-0 lead at Minnesota. Cox cannot stave off a Twins rally, as the Washington falls, 4-3. Light hitting Twins C Tom Tischinski's solo homer in the home 7th off Cox wins it for AL West leading Minnesota.

Senators Birthdays

Just one birthday to report on August 21st...

Wallace Luther (Lou) Knerr B Aug. 21, 1921 D Mar. 23, 1980

Lou Knerr began his short major league career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1945. Pitching for the A's in 1945 and 1946, Knerr would post records of 5-11 & 3-16 in those bleak years before the Athletics headed west.

Traded in early 1947 to the Washington Senators for George (Bingo) Binks, Knerr would join the ranks of "Single Season Senators" by pitching in just 9 innings in 6 games. He wouldn't compile a W/L record, but would depart the Senators, and the major leagues, in early June of 1947 with an ERA of 11.00, having surrendered 17 hits and 11 runs during those 9 innings in a Senators uniform.

Lou Knerr career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=knerrlo01)

Steve Jeltz

08-21-2008, 08:54 PM

1905 The Nationals will take a win anyway they can. At Detroit, umpire John Sheridan awards a forfeit win to the Nationals when Detroit refuses to begin play after an argument. Washington is leading in the 11th, 2-1, when Sheridan awards the forfeit.

1915 Seeing their 9 game win streak fall by the wayside, the Tigers are defeated by the Nats and Walter Johnson, 8-1, in game one. The Nats acheive a rare feat in the top of the 2nd when they score a run with no official at bats. Chick Gandil and Merito Acosta walk, a sacrifice bunt by Buff Williams moves Gandil and Acosta into scoring position, and a George McBride sac fly plates Gandil. Detroit earns a split of the twinbill, 1-0, in the finale.

1918 Sens 3B Eddie Foster 4-for-4 day bolts Washington past the Tribe, 7-1. The Nats do all their scoring in the bottom of the 1st, chasing starter Jim Bagby from the box. Jim Shaw grunts his way to another win.

1925 After being shutout yesterday, the league leading Nats erupt for 20 runs in a 20-5 destruction at Detroit. The Big Train walks 7 over 5.1 innings, but collects 2 hits, one of which is a home run. Bengal pitchers donate to the Washington cause by surrendering 19 hits and issuing 10 bases on balls.

1927 The Tigers sweep two over the Senators in Motown, 4-2 and 7-3. Harry Heilmann and Marty McNanus each homer in the 4th inning of game two off an increasingly ineffective Walter Johnson. It is the first time in Barney's stellar career that he has given up 2 home runs in the same inning and, also, the last homers he allows in his career. Johnson absorbs his final loss. With the sweep, the rampaging Cats (13 consecutive wins) overtake Washington for 2nd place.

1928 Ossie Bluege's 2-run single in the home 1st off the White Sox's Ed Walsh is all she wrote in a 2-0 Senators victory. Bump Hadley gobbles up the shutout.

1933 The good times had to come to an end sometime. Washington, riding high on a 13 game win streak, fall, 10-8, at Detroit on a 2-run, 9th inning home run from rookie Hank Greenberg. Despite the defeat, the frontrunning Senators are still ahead by a comfortable margin of 7.5 games.

1936 Three consecutive home runs from Red Kress, Joe Kuhel and Carl Reynolds in the 4th sparks Washington to a 12-8 win in the opener at Shibe Park. The A's Gordon Rhodes takes the loss, as the Nats collect 20 hits. Philadelphia comes back to take game two, 7-6.

1961 In loss number 4 of a 14 game losing streak, Boston's Jackie Jensen's bases loaded walk in the bottom of the 11th sinks the stumbling Senators, 3-2. Bennie Daniels goes the distance for Washington in taking the defeat.

1970 In the Twin Cities, Frank Howard and Harmon Killebrew trade home runs in regulation time, as the Sens and Twins head to extra innings, tied at 4. In the 10th, Howard trumps Killebrew with a game winning home run, Hondo's 35th, for a 5-4 Washington victory.

1971 The DC Armory Board, overseers of RFK Stadium, offers Washington owner Bob Short a compromise that would save the "financially strapped" owner $125,000 a year. In short, the proposal would allow Short to receive all food and beverage profits during the baseball season. But the proposal would not give Short parking revenues or forgive the $178,407.66 Short owed in back rent on RFK. Short replied, "It's a step in the right direction, but kind of late. If I can't use it this season (1971), it won't help much." Translation: "I'm moving the team to Texas." (Information courtesy of James R. Hartley's excellent book "Washington's Expansion Senators".)

Senators Birthdays

The stork is relegated to bench duty today as there were no future Senators players ever born on August 22nd in any year.

Steve Jeltz

08-22-2008, 09:06 PM

1906 The "Hitless Wonders", the White Sox, earn their 19th straight victory, defeating Washington, 4-1, in D.C. Chicago's 19 game win streak will be an AL record until it is duplicated by the Yankees in 1947.

1912 The Big Train reels of his 16th consecutive victory, rolling past the Tigers in Washington, 8-1. Johnson is now 29-7 on the season. The 16 straight victories is still an AL record, shared by Johnson, "Smokey" Joe Wood and Lefty Grove.

1953 The Senators are nipped by visiting Boston, 5-4. Batting in the 6th spot, Red Sox starting pitcher Mel Parnell collects 2 hits before departing. Ted Williams' homer in the top of the 7th ties the game and future Nat, Karl Olson, wins it for Boston with a 9th inning double.

1963 Firmly embedded in 10th place, the Nats return home from a 9 game road trip and are flattened by the Angels, 17-0. Two ML records are tied in the contest. The first is Los Angeles 1B Lee Thomas taking part in a ML tying 6 double plays. The second is Angels 3B Felix Torres starting 4 of those DP's, a ML tying mark for 3B. The Angels place 19 hits, with only 5 of those hits being for extra bases. The Sens meager offense can only dig up 3 harmless hits of Halos' starter Ken McBride.

Senators Birthdays

Don Gilberto Torres B Aug. 23, 1915 D Jan. 10, 1983

Here's an interesting career: Gil Torres first appeared with the Washington Senators as a pitcher for 2 games in 1940. He wouldn't return to the Senators until 1944, playing 3 seasons as an infielder.

Another member of the oft referred to Cuban Connection, Gil Torres is the son of Ricardo Torres, who played 22 games as a catcher/1st baseman for the Senators from 1920-1922.

Gil Torres would make his major league debut in late April of 1940, pitching in 2 games, giving up 3 hits and 1 run (unearned) with 1 strikeout and leaving with an ERA of 0.00.

Torres would reappear in 1944, playing primarily at 3rd base. He made appearances in 134 games and hit 140 for 524, good for a .267 BA with 20 doubles and 6 triples.

In 1945, Torres would find a home at shortstop, play in 147 games and hit .237 with 12 doubles and 5 triples.

Torres would return for 1 last season in 1946. His playing time would be reduced to 63 games but he'd raise his BA to .254. He'd also pitch in 3 games, pitching in 7 innings but his ERA would swell to 7.71. Torres would play in his last game for the Senators, and in the majors, in mid-September of 1946.

Gil Torres career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=torregi01)

Steve Jeltz

08-23-2008, 09:01 PM

1913 With the Senators ahead, 2-1, in the bottom of the 9th, two Chicago baserunners reach base off Walter Johnson. With two on and two outs, Johnson's 13 game winning streak looks to be in peril with Eddie Collins strolling to the plate. The Big Train is up to the task and strikes out Collins for the final out, securing Washington's 66th victory and running his own win streak to 14.

1914 Following the Tigers 3-1 victory in the opener, both teams combine to hit 7 batters, a then ML record, in the second contest. Jim Shaw, Al Bentley, Harry Harper and Jim Stevens plunk 4 Tigers. The Tiger's Hook Dauss answers by hitting 3 Nats. Nonetheless, the game is never in question with guest Detroit winning an 11-0 laugher to finish off the sweep.

1923 The Nats, avenging a 22-2 loss two weeks prior to Cleveland, pour it on and gallop to a 20-8 win in Cleveland. Sam Rice scores 5 runs for Washington.

1952 Hoping to get back in the pennant chase, the Nats best the 2nd place Tribe, 9-8, in 16 innings. Cleveland can only thank themselves for the defeat, as all 9 of Washington's runs are unearned. Early Wynn fails to retire a single Senator batter in the bottom of the 16th, absorbing the loss in relief. On the outskirts of the race, 4th place Washington creeps to within 7.5 games back of leading New York.

1966 Rallying for 2 runs in the bottom of the 11th, the Senators defeat Minnesota, 6-5. Ken McMullen's run scoring single off Twins reliever Dwight Siebler seals the come from behind victory.

1969 The Nats take the rubber match of a 3 games series at Kansas City, routing the Royals, 10-3. The Nats erase a 3-2, 1st inning deficit by scoring 8 unanswered runs. The big blow is Bernie Allen's two run double in the 3rd, which puts Washington in the lead for good. Casey Cox, after a shaky 1st inning, settles in and collects the complete game victory.

Senators Birthdays

Albert Bool B Aug. 24, 1897 D Sep. 27, 1981

Al Bool began his brief major league career as a "Senators Short Timer" in 1928, when he appeared in 2 games. A catcher, Bool would go for 1 for 7 at the plate with 1 RBI.

Returning to the majors in 1930, Bool would have his most active season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, playing in 78 games and hitting .259.

Waived by the Pirates after the season, he'd be picked up by the Boston Braves, playing in just 49 games, his last major league appearance coming in late September of 1931.

Al Bool career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=boolal01)

Harold Lloyd Griggs B Aug. 24, 1928 D May 10, 2005

Hal Griggs spent his 4 year major league career in a Washington Senators uniform, from 1956 through 1959. He'd compile a collective 6-26 record with a 5.50 career ERA. Griggs' last major league game would be in late September of 1959.

Hal Griggs career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=griggha01)

Luis Abelardo Suarez B Aug. 24, 1916 D June 5, 1991

Luis Suarez, another member of the Senators' Cuban Connection, also gets tagged with the label of "One Game Wonder" having been served his major league cup of coffee on May 28th of 1944 when he played 3rd base and made 2 plate appearances, going hitless.

Luis Suarez career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=suarelu01)

Harold Joseph Woodeshick B Aug. 24, 1932 Still Living

Hal Woodeshick is 1 of 9 major leaguers to have played for both the original and expansion Senators franchises.

Originally signed by the Phillies organization in 1950 when he was 18 years old, Woodeshick would bounce around the minors, becoming property of the New York Giants and would eventually be drafted by the Detroit Tigers after the 1955 season.

Making his major league debut in late September of 1956, Woodeshick would go 0-2 for Detroit.

He wouldn't make it back to the majors in 1957, but would be back in a big league uniform in 1958 on the roster of the Cleveland Indians.

After 1 season in Cleveland, Woodeshick would be traded to the original Senators franchise, along with Hal Naragon, for Ed Fitz Gerald.

In 1959, Woodeshick would appear in 31 games, posting a 2-4 record with a 3.69 ERA. Back in Washington for the 1960 season, Woodeshick would go 4-5 in 41 games with a 4.70 ERA in 115 innings.

After the original Senators headed northwest to Minnesota, Woodeshick was selected in the expansion draft by the "new" Senators.

Woodeshick would only pitch in 7 games for the expansion club, going 3-2 with a 4.02 ERA when he'd be traded again, this time back to Detroit in exchange for Chuck Cottier. He'd go 1-1 in 12 games for the Tigers and would be purchased at season's end by the expansion Houston Colt 45's.

Woodeshick would enjoy some success in Houston, pitching in 139 innings in 1962. In 1963, he'd go 11-9 for the 45's and be selected to the National League All Star squad. In 1964, he'd lead the National League with 21 saves for a team that finished 66-96.

Traded one last time in early June of 1965, Woodeshick would end up on the roster of the St. Louis Cardinals where he'd remain through 1967.

In 1967, Woodeshick's final season, he'd pitch in 36 games, posting a 2-1 record. He'd appear in 1 game of the '67 World Series for the World Champion Cardinals when they defeated the Boston Red Sox 4 games to 3. Not a bad way to end a career. :)

Hal Woodeshick career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=woodeha01)

Steve Jeltz

08-24-2008, 09:07 PM

1906 At Washington, the Nats sweep a pair from the White Sox‚ 5-4 and 4-3. The Nats plate 3 runs in the 9th off Ed Walsh in game one to snap the the White Sox's, AL record, 19 game winning streak.

1911 In the first of two at Detroit, the Senators mop up the Tigers, 16-2. Detroit, attempting to change their luck in the nitecap, elects to bat first and edges Washington, 7-6.

1924 Remaining in a tie atop the AL standings with New York, the Senators blank the Browns at Griffith, 2-0, in tilt that is called after 7 innings due to rain. Walter Johnson picks up his 6th shutout of the year, pitching 7 innings of no-hit ball.

1934 Rookie Schoolboy Rowe of Detroit writes his name into the AL record books by winning his 16th straight, beating the Nats, 4-2. The Tigers trail, 2-1, in the top of the 9th, when Rowe, a good hitting pitcher, singles for the game-winning RBI. The 16 consecutive wins ties the AL mark held by Walter Johnson, Joe Wood and Lefty Grove.

1961 Now losers of 7 straight, Washington is whitewashed at home by the Tigers, 6-0, in an 8 inning, rain shortened affair. Jim Bunning pitches a 2-hitter, upping his ledger to 15-9.

1964 In Yankee Stadium, Whitey Ford gets his first victory in nearly 6 weeks, defeating the Senators, 4-1. Yankee Al Downing, more known for surrendering Hank Aaron's 715th career home run, strikes out the side in the 9th.

1965 The Sens collect solo home runs from Frank Howard, Ken McMullen and Jim King at Fenway, but Boston's Earl Wilson strikes out 13, as Washington falls, 8-3. 1966 NL Cy Young winner, Mike McCormick (6-7), is the losing pitcher.

1971 Thanks to a 4 spot in the 6th inning, the Senators escape Anaheim with a 5-4 victory over the Angels. Joe Grzenda pitches 4 innings of scoreless relief to pick up the save for Denny McLain. Howard, Del Unser, Dave Nelson and Jeff Burroughs each rack up 2 hits to lead the 11 hit Senators attack. SS Toby Harrah's 2-run single in the 6th proves to be the decisive blow.

Senators Birthdays

Richard Kelley Smith B Aug. 25, 1944 Still Living

Dick Smith joins the ranks of Single Season Senators thanks to the 21 games he appeared in during the 1969 season. Playing in left field, Smith would only manage to hit .107 (3 for 28) with 3 walks in just over a month with the Senators in August and September of '69.

Dick Smith career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=smithdi03)

James Arthur Stevens B Aug. 25, 1889 D Sep. 25, 1966

Jim Stevens makes the all-time Senators roster having appeared in just 2 games during the 1914 season. Stevens would pitch in a total of 3 innings, giving up 4 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, 1 hit batsman and departing with a lifetime ERA of 9.00.

Jim Stevens career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=steveji01)

Steve Jeltz

08-25-2008, 09:03 PM

1902 This would constitute a low scoring tilt if this was played in 2008. In a slugfest, the Nationals outlast Detroit, 8-7. The Nationals spot the Tigers a 3-0, 1st inning lead. Washington pushes single runs across in the bottom of the 3rd and 4th, and put 3 on the board in the 5th and 6th for an 8-3 lead. The lowly Bengals make a game of it by pulling to within a run in the 8th, but Case Patten gets the final 3 outs for the Nats victory and a 4 game series sweep.

1912 The 16 game winning streak of Walter Johnson comes to an end due to the AL rules at the time. Johnson loses to the Browns, 4-3, when he relieves Tom Hughes in the top of the 7th with two Brown baserunners on base. The inherited runners score on an ensuing single by Pete Compton, which breaks a 2-2 tie. The runs are charged to Johnson, which hands him the defeat.

1933 Another streak is halted when the Nats Heinie Manush's goes hitless against the Tribe's Wes Ferrell. Manush's 33 game hit streak is history and the Nats are tripped in 11 innings at Cleveland, 5-4.

1955 If only the Senators played like this all year. At Comiskey, Chicago starter Dick Donavan cannot get out of the 1st, with the Sens pinning 6 runs on the future expansion Nat. Every Washington batsmen collects at least 1 hit in a 10-0 pummeling of Chicago. Jose Valdivielso hits a big 3-run triple, to compliment Eddie Yost's home run and RBI singles from Carlos Paula and Clint Courtney, in the 6-run 1st. Roy Sievers adds a 2-run homer in the 2nd and Mickey Vernon contributes a 2-run single in the 3rd to round out the Nats scoring. Pedro Ramos tosses a nifty 2-hit complete game to earn his 4th win of the year.

Senators Birthdays

Thomas F. Drohan B Aug. 26, 1887 D Sep. 17, 1926

Senators Short Timer Tom Drohan sipped on his cup of big league coffee on May 1, 1913. Appearing in 2 games, Drohan pitched 2 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs, striking out 2 and departing the Senators and the major leagues, with a lifetime ERA of 9.00.

Tom Drohan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=drohato01)

William Booth Hopper B Aug. 26, 1891 D Jan. 14, 1965

Another pitcher, Bill Hopper began his brief major league career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1913. Pitching in just 3 games in both 1913 & 1914 for St. Louis, Hopper would depart the Cardinals with an 0-3 record.

On the roster of the 1915 Washington Senators, Hopper would see a little more action, making his way into 13 games. He'd leave Washington with a record of 0-1 and an ERA of 4.60, concluding his major league career.

Bill Hopper career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hoppebi01)

Elmer Edward Klumpp B Aug. 26, 1906 D Oct. 18, 1996

Catcher Elmer Klumpp is another addition to the Senators Short Timer club, appearing in 12 games during the 1934 season. Klumpp would go 2 for 15 (.133 BA) before leaving the Senators.

In 1937, Klumpp would get another brief shot in the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers where he'd only go 1 for 11 at the plate, playing his last big league game in early May.

Elmer Klumpp career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=klumpel01)

Eugene Moore Jr. B Aug. 26, 1909 D Mar. 12, 1978

Outfielder Gene Moore spent 14 major league seasons being shuttled between 6 different franchises, with 2 separate stints in a Boston Bees uniform.

Starting his major league career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1931, where he played in just 4 games, Moore would return to the majors in 1933, appearing in just a few games for the St. Louis Cardinals each year from 1933 to 1935.

Returning with the Boston Bees in 1936, Moore would have his most active season, appearing in 151 games where he'd hit .290. Moore would remain in Boston in 1937, hit .283 in 148 games and would be selected to the National League All Star roster, although he wouldn't play in the mid-summer classic.

Moore would remain in Boston through 1938 and then be traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers where he'd play in 1939. After just 10 games with the Dodgers in 1940, the Bees would think better of Moore's departure and purchase him back from Brooklyn. He'd stay in Boston for the 1941 season, when the franchise renamed the team the Braves.

1942 would find Moore in the uniform of the Washington Senators but he'd only play in 1 game that season. Returning with the Senators in 1943, Moore would appear in 92 games, hitting .268 with 39 RBI's.

Prior to the 1944 season, Moore would be traded one last time, this time to the St. Louis Browns, in exchange for Rick Ferrell. Actually the trade for Ferrell was for a player named Tony Giuliani, but Giuliani refused the trade so Moore was sent to St. Louis to complete the deal.

Moore would make his only World Series appearance in 1944 with the St. Louis Browns, where he'd hit a disappointing .182 in 22 AB. He'd finish his major league career in 1945 with the Browns.

Gene Moore career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=moorege03)

Steve Jeltz

08-26-2008, 09:00 PM

1927 The Senators are unable to muster up much offense against White Sox hurler Ted Lyons, dropping a 6-1 decision at Chicago. Lyons yields 4 hits and an unearned run and helps himself at the dish with 2 doubles, a walk and 3 runs scored. Washington SS Bobby Reeves records 13 assists, an AL record that will be tied by Alex Rodriguez in 1996, and one short of the ML record held by Tommy Corcoran of the 1903 Reds.

1933 Joe Kuhel and Bob Boken team for 7 RBI's in 14-1 Nats romp at Cleveland. The Tribe make 9 errors in the contest, led by SS Bill Cissell and 3B Johnny Burnett with 3 miscues each. In the afternoon game, the Indians, behind the pitching of Bob Brown, double up the Nats, 6-3, to send the 60,000 plus in attendance home happy.

1935 In two at Sportsman Park, St. Louis dusts the Nats, 10-6 and 11-1. Bobo Newsom is unable to find the strike zone in the second game, walking 12, throwing a wild pitch and hitting one, while allowing 9 hits to the Browns.

1958 Foreshadowing events to come, Senators owner Calvin Griffith states that he will move the club to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area if an acceptable offer is made. President Dwight D. Eisenhower suggests that Griffith should improve the team and stay in Washington.

1961 With 1 home run in the opener and 3 in the nitecap, Detroit's Rocky Colavito curses the Senators with an AL record 4 home runs in a doubleheader. The Bengals bag a pair, 7-4 and 10-1, in Washington. The Nats have now dropped 9 in a row.

Senators Birthdays

August 27th is a record setting day thus far-8 Senators were born on this date.

John Henne Berger B Aug. 27, 1901 D May 7, 1979

Philadelphia born Johnny Berger had 2 brief appearances in the major leagues. His big league debut came in April of 1920 when he'd appear in 2 games for the hometown Philadelphia Athletics. Berger would go 1 for 1 at the plate and steal a base during his brief stint with the A's.

Berger would return to the majors in 1927, playing in 7 games for the Senators. A catcher, Berger would go 4 for 15 at bat and play in his last game in early September.

Johnny Berger career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bergejo02)

Joseph Robert Cunningham, Jr. B Aug. 27, 1931 Still Living

Outfielder/1st baseman Joe Cunningham got his start with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954, playing in 85 games and hitting .284.

Cunningham wouldn't play in the majors in 1955 but would return for 4 games with the Cardinals in 1956. He'd remain with the Cardinals through 1961, being named to the 1959 National League All Star team. 1959 was Cunningham's best season in the majors, when he hit .345 in 144 games, with 28 doubles, 6 triples and 7 homers.

After the 1961 season, Cunningham would be traded to the Chicago White Sox for Minnie Minoso. Playing in Chicago in 1962, 1963 and the start of 1964, he'd be traded to the Washington Senators in mid-July for Bill Skowron and Carl Bouldin.

Cunningham would play in 49 games for the Senators in 1964, 95 games in 1965 and just 3 games in 1966. He was given his release by the Senators in late April, marking the end of his major league career.

John Cunningham career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cunnijo01)

Carlton William East B Aug. 27, 1894 D Jan. 15, 1953

Another player who had "broken service" in the major leagues was Carl East. East would begin as a "One Game Wonder", pitching for the St. Louis Browns in 1915. In just over 3 innings of work, he would surrender 6 hits, 6 runs and 2 walks while striking out only 1 and would depart with an ERA of 16.20.

Perhaps East realized that pitching wasn't his strong point, for he'd return to the majors in 1924 with the Senators as an outfielder. The One Game Wonder with the Browns also earned the title of "Senators Short Timer" as he'd play in just 2 games in a Washington uniform, going 2 for 6 at the plate with 2 walks. He'd leave the Senators in early May with a .333 BA and an On Base Percentage of .500.

Carl East career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=eastca01)

Clarence Henry Fisher B Aug. 27, 1898 D Nov. 2, 1965

Pitcher Clarence Fisher pitched in just 4 games for the Senators-2 games in 1919, 2 games in 1920. He'd make his last appearance in a Washington uniform in October of 1920, leaving with a career record of 0-1 with a 11.74 ERA.

Clarence Fisher career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fishecl01)

Harold Chandler Janvrin B Aug. 27, 1892 D Mar. 1, 1962

Hal Janvrin spent 10 seasons in the majors playing in a grand total of 759 games, however only 61 of those games would be in the uniform of the Washington Senators.

Starting in 1911, Janvrin made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox, where he'd play in 9 games. He'd not play in the majors in 1912 but would return with the Red Sox in 1913 and remain in a Boston uniform through 1917.

Traded by Boston to the Senators in exchange for Eddie Ainsmith and George Dumont, Janvrin would play at both 2nd base and shortstop and hit .178 in 61 games. In late August of 1919, Janvrin would be traded to Buffalo of the International League for Bucky Harris.

A little over 2 weeks later, Janvrin would be purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals where he'd finish the 1919 season. Janvrin would remain on the roster of the Cardinals in 1920. In 1921, he'd start the year in St. Louis but would be traded to the Brooklyn Robins in mid-June. Janvrin would appear in 44 games for the Robins in 1921 and be sparingly used in 1922, only playing in 30 games, his last season in the majors.

Hal Janvrin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=janvrha01)

James Hubert King B Aug. 27, 1932 Still Living

Outfielder Jim King started his major league career with the Chicago Cubs in 1955, playing in 113 games and hitting .256 in his rookie season. He'd return with the Cubs in 1956 and play in 118 games, batting .249.

Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for the 1957 season, he'd only play in 22 games for St. Louis. Prior to the 1958 season, he'd be traded again this time to the San Francisco Giants, where he'd play in 44 games, only hitting .214 before being sent to Toronto of the International League in mid-July.

King wouldn't see the majors again until 1961 when he was drafted by the expansion Senators. King would remain in a Senators uniform through mid-June of 1967. He'd have some active seasons in Washington playing in 110 games or more each season from 1961 through 1966. King is 3rd on the expansion Senators home run list with 89, behind Frank Howard (237) and Don Lock (99). King is also the only expansion Senator to have hit for the cycle, a feat he accomplished on May 26, 1964 at Boston.

After 47 games in 1967, King was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Ed Stroud. After 23 games in a White Sox uniform, he'd be traded one last time to the Cleveland Indians in late July. He appear in 19 games in an Indians uniform and be released at the end of the season, ending his major league career.

Jim King career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kingji01)

Joseph Robert McCabe B Aug. 27, 1938 Still Living

Joe McCabe began his career in the organization of the original Senators franchise in 1960. He wouldn't debut in the majors until 1964 with the Minnesota Twins, 4 years after the original franchise had packed up for the Land of 10,000 Lakes. A catcher, McCabe would appear in 14 games for the Twins where he'd hit .158.

After the 1964 season, McCabe was traded to the expansion Senators for Ken Retzer. In 1965 McCabe would play in another 14 games, batting .185, going 5 for 27 with 4 walks and hitting his only major league home run. His last major league game would come in late May of 1965 when he'd be optioned to Hawaii (Pacific Coast League) and would not return to the majors.

Joe McCabe career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mccabjo01)

Herbert Ewald Pyle B Aug. 27, 1910 D Jan. 10, 2004

Ewald Pyle first made it to the majors as a 28 year old rookie in 1939 with the St. Louis Browns. Appearing in 6 games, posting an 0-2 record with a 12.96 ERA, Pyle wouldn't return to the big leagues until 1942 when he'd pitch in 2 more games for the Browns.

In 1943, Pyle would be on the roster of the Washington Senators, where he'd post a 4-8 record in 13 games with a 4.09 ERA.

1944 would find Pyle further up the East Coast, in the employ of the New York Giants where he'd post a 7-10 record with a 4.34 ERA.

Pyle would start 1945 with the Giants but after just 6 games, where he'd compile no W/L record but see his ERA inflate to 17.05, Pyle would be traded to the Boston Braves where he'd pitch in just 4 more games before his major league journey ended.

Ewald Pyle career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pyleew01)

Steve Jeltz

08-27-2008, 09:58 PM

1909 William "Dolly" Gray of Washington enters the record book by walking 8 White Sox in the bottom of the 2nd inning‚ with 7 free passes in a row (both ML records). The Sox score 6 runs, on 1 hit, in the inning for the 6-4 win.

1913 The 14 game win streak of Walter Johnson comes to a close at Boston. Steve Yerkes of Boston singles in the 11th and reaches third base when CF Clyde Milan allows the ball to skip through his legs. Yerkes scores on a single for the 1-0 Red Sox victory. Johnson walks none and fans 10.

1924 A mere half game separates the 1st place Yanks and the 2nd place Nats with the opening of a crucial four game series in the Bronx. The New Yorkers, with the help of 2 home runs from Babe Ruth, take a 6-4 lead into the 8th inning. Washington erupts for 8 unanswered runs in the 8th, to take the match, 11-6. Goose Goslin hits for the cycle for the Nats.

1954 Mickey Vernon's 3-for-4 day, including a double and a triple, is not enough for home Washington. The Sens cough up a 2-1, 8th inning lead, to lose to the Indians, 5-2. A rare error from Vernon on a sacrifice bunt and a Vic Wetz single enable the Tribe to take the lead for good in the 8th. Eddie Yost and Jim Busby knock in the Nats 2 runs off winner Mike Garcia.

1959 Yankees P Art Ditmar has as many hits as the entire Senators lineup on this night. Ditmar homers and drives home 3 and smothers the Sens on a 2-hitter, a 5-0 Bombers win in D.C. Nat killer, Mickey Mantle, goes 0-for-5, with 2 punch outs.

1962 For the second consecutive night, the Senators blank the Orioles at D.C. Stadium, 4-0. Don Rudolph of the Sens collects the shutout and his 8th win. Ken Hamlin and former O's farmhand, Chuck Hinton, drive in 1 RBI apiece. Harry Bright scoops up the other 2 RBI's when he homers with a man aboard off reliever Milt Pappas in the 8th.

1965 Looking dead in the water after Baltimore scores 3 times in the top of the 9th, the Nats answer back with a 3 spot of their own to claim a 5-4 victory. The Nats load the bases with none out when Jim King's pinch hit, 2-run single off Harvey Haddix cops the come from behind win.

1968 Bernie Allen's RBI single and Frank Howard's 2-run homer is just enough for a Nats win in Baltimore, 3-2. Jim Hannan allows 8 hits in 8 plus innings, but is able to escape numerous jams thanks to 2 double plays and 3 strikeouts. After Hannan walks the leadoff hitter in the 9th, Dennis Higgins comes on and retires Elrod Hendricks, Dave May and Don Buford for his 9th save.

Senators Birthdays

Ronald Arthur Miller B Aug. 28, 1918 D Jan. 6, 1998

One Game Wonder Ronnie Miller was served his cup of major league coffee on September 10th of 1941. Pitching 2 innings for the Senators, Miller would give up 2 hits, 1 walk and 1 run, departing the Senators, and the majors, with a 4.50 ERA.

Ronnie Miller career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=millero02)

Robert Frank (Braggo) Roth B Aug. 28, 1892 D Sep. 11, 1936

Braggo Roth's other nickname was "The Globetrotter". While he may not have spanned the globe, Roth did manage to show up on the rosters of 6 of the then 8 existing American League teams in an 8 year career that started in 1914 and ended in 1921.

First appearing with the Chicago White Sox in September of 1914, Roth would hit .294 in 34 games. Roth would return with the White Sox in 1915, playing in 70 games in a Chicago uniform before being traded to the Cleveland Indians in late August.

Roth lead the American League in home runs in 1915 with 7 during the "deadball" era.

Prior to the start of the 1919 season, Roth would be traded again, this time to the Philadelphia Athletics. After only 48 games with the A's, Roth would be traded again, this time to the Boston Red Sox where he'd finish the 1919 season, playing in 63 games.

On the move again after 1919, Roth would be traded to the Senators along with Red Shannon, in exchange for Mike Menosky, Harry Harper and Eddie Foster.

Spending 1920 in Washington, Roth would play in 138 games, patrolling the outfield and hitting .291 with 23 doubles, 8 triples and 9 home runs.

Traded one last time after the season, Roth would play for the New York Yankees in 1921, appearing in 43 games, hitting .283. His major league career would end after the 1921 season.

An insightful article on Braggo Roth from the SABR:

"Braggo" Roth biography from SABR (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1733&pid=12258)

"Braggo" Roth career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rothbr01)

Donald Snyder Savidge B Aug. 28, 1908 D Mar. 22, 1983

Senators Short Timer Don Savidge would pitch for 6 innings in 3 games during August of 1929. The official line on Savidge: 12 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), 2 walks, 2 strike outs and 1 wild pitch.

Don Savidge career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=saviddo01)

Steve Jeltz

08-28-2008, 09:06 PM

1907 The Nationals take a doubleheader in D.C. from Boston, winning 2-1 and 3-2. Walter Johnson gets credit for the W in the morning contest, the third straight game that Johnson does not issue a walk.

1915 Two Hall of Famers square off on the mound in St. Louis: Walter Johnson and George Sisler. Sisler wins the battle, 2-1. St. Louis 2B Del Pratt assists Sisler in the 8th when Pratt nabs Horace Milan, Clyde's brother, with the old hidden ball trick.

1922 Solo home runs from Wally Pipp in the 3rd and Babe Ruth in the 4th lift the Yankees to a 3-1 victory in Washington. Sam Jones out duels Johnson for the win.

1924 Fans of the Yankees throw in the towel on their team and begin to cheer on the Senators. Goose Goslin, after cycling yesterday, bangs 3 more hits and scores 3 runs, as Washington defeats the Yanks, 5-1. The Big Train handcuffs the Yanks for 7 scoreless frames, before being taken out in the 8th after a batted ball clips his right hand. Washington extends their lead over New York to 1.5 games.

1925 With the 2nd place A's dropping their 5th in a row at Detroit, the Sens take care of business in Chicago, blasting the White Sox, 12-1. The Senators increase their bulge over fading Philadelphia to 8.5 games.

1943 Despite sweeping visiting Philadelphia in two, 5-4 in 11, and 2-1, 2nd place Washington continues to watch the leading Yankees slowly disappearing over the horizon. Mickey Haefner and Dutch Leonard are the winning hurlers for the Nats, who trail the Yanks by 9.5 games.

1963 Roll call for the Twin players that all homered off the hapless Nats pitching staff: Vic Power (2), Bob Allison (1), Harmon Killebrew (2), Jimmie Hall (1), Bernie Allen (1) and Rich Rollins (1). In all, six different players combined to equal the AL record with 8 home runs in a game. Minnesota is a rude guest and smashes the abysmal Senators, 14-2. Unfortunately for the Senators, that is only the 1st game of a doubleheader. In the nitecap, Nats pitching holds the Twins to only 4 homers and a meager 10 runs. Somehow, Washington still come up short, 10-1. It must have been the umpiring. If you are keeping track, Minnesota scores 24 runs and 35 hits to Washington's 3 runs and 11 hits in this doubleheader to forget.

Senators Birthdays

Today we note the birthdays of 2 Senators Short Timers, both pitchers, who have a grand total of 6 major league games combined.

Adlai Wendell (Gus) Bono B Aug. 29, 1894 D Dec. 3, 1948

Gus Bono first showed up on the 1920 Senators roster in mid-September. Appearing in 4 games, with 1 start, Bono pitched in just a little over 12 innings, giving up 17 hits, 12 earned runs, 6 walks and only struck out 4. He'd finish his career at the end of the season with an 8.76 ERA.

"Gus" Bono career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bonogu01)

Gilbert Eugene (Lefty) Schegg (born Gilbert Eugene Price) B Aug. 29, 1889 D Feb. 27, 1963

Lefty Schegg spent 1 week on the Senators roster in August of 1912, appearing in 2 games. Schegg would start 1 game, finish the other, giving up 7 hits, 4 walks, striking out 3 and would be charged with 1 wild pitch in just over 5 innings of work. His last game would come 2 days before his 23rd birthday.

"Lefty" Schegg career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schegle01)

Steve Jeltz

08-29-2008, 08:59 PM

1906 "Slow" Joe Doyle of New York becomes the first pitcher of the 1900's to start a career with two straight shutouts when he whitewashes the Nats, 5-0, in the Big Apple. Despite the rousing start, Doyle will only win 22 games in a 4 year career. In game 2, the Highlanders, behind the hitting of Hal Chase, defeat Washington, 9-8 in 10 innings. "Prince" Hal collects a double and a ML tying 3 triples.

1950 The Senators knock the Tigers out of 1st place with an 11 inning, 3-2, win in the opener of two. Detroit scores 3 runs in the top of the 9th in the finale to salvage a split, a 10-8 Bengals victory. Detroit's split enables the Yankees, who sweep a pair from Cleveland today, to take over 1st.

1952 On Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium, Mickey Mantle homers off the Nats Randy Gumbert to lead the Yanks to a 6-4 win. Allie Reynolds records the victory for the Bombers.

1957 Mantle blasts his 34th home run of the year off Chuck Stobbs, but the Senators take a bite out of the Yanks in New York, 4-2. Stobbs 5.2 innings of work is enough for his 7th win. Roy Sievers' 90th RBI puts him in a tie with Mantle for the AL RBI lead. With the score, 1-1, in the top of the 5th, the Nats Milt Bolling, Rocky Bridges and Eddie Yost each hit RBI doubles to help put the Nats in the win column.

1963 Following last night's doubleheader debacle against Minnesota, the Senators travel to Fenway and shutout the Red Sox, 7-0. The 6,973 in attendance watch Don Zimmer belt a grand slam in the 4th and witness Claude Osteen firing a masterful complete game for Washington.

1969 2B Tim Cullen blows Washington's chance for a shutout when he commits a ML record 3 consecutive errors in the 8th inning of the Sens 11-3 romp over Oakland. Frank Howard lights the offense with his 41st homer and thrills the RFK gathering with his 1st stolen base in 3 years. In all, the Senators rack up 17 hits. Howard slams 4 hits, Lee Maye churns out 3 and Bernie Allen and Zoilio Versalles pound 2 safeties apiece. Dick Bosman and Bob Humphreys, disregarding Cullen's 3 hiccups, mow down the A's lineup, giving up 5 Oakland hits.

Senators Birthdays

Edward Perks (Davey) Dunkle B Aug. 30, 1872 D Nov. 19, 1941

Pitcher Davey Dunkle began his major league career way back in 1897 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Playing in Philadelphia for the 1897 & 1898 seasons, Dunkle would appear in 2 games for the Washington National League entry in 1899 before the National League contracted from 12 to 8 teams.

Dunkle wouldn't return to the majors until 1903 with the Chicago White Sox, when the American League was in its third year of play.

After 12 games with Chicago, where he posted a 4-4 record, Dunkle would be traded to the Washington Senators, appearing in 14 games posting a 5-9 record, with a 4.24 ERA.

In 1904, Dunkle would appear in 12 more games with the Senators, posting a 2-9 record before his major league career came to an end in mid-July of that year.

"Davey" Dunkle career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dunklda01)

Samuel Sherwood Edmonston B Aug. 30, 1883 D Apr. 12, 1979

Washington native Big Sam Sherwood would join the ranks of One Game Wonders on June 24th of 1907, when he'd pitch in 3 innings, giving up 8 hits, 1 walk, 1 wild pitch and 3 runs and would depart the Senators roster as quickly as he appeared, with no W/L record and a 9.00 ERA.

Sam Edmonston career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=edmonsa01)

Robert George Friedrichs B Aug. 30, 1906 D Apr. 15, 1997

Bob Friedrichs is another member of the pitching rich Senators Short Timer club. On the Senators roster for just 5 days in May of 1932, Friedrichs would appear in 2 games, pitching in 4 innings, giving up 4 hits, 7 walks, 1 wild pitch, hitting 1 batter and 5 runs. He'd leave the Senators roster with an ERA of 11.25.

Bob Friedrichs career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=friedbo01)

Edmund John (Bing) Miller B Aug. 30, 1894 D May 7, 1966

Bing Miller is another on our list of 14 players who spent time with the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators. However, Miller had a very good 16 year career and appeared in 3 World Series while playing for Philadelphia.

Miller's major league odessy began in 1921 when, as a 26 year old rookie outfielder, he played in 114 games for the Washington Senators, hitting .288.

After the 1921 season, Miller was part of a complex 3 team trade. Suffice it to say that the Senators sent Miller and Jose Acosta to the Philadelphia Athletics, getting Roger Peckinpaugh from the Boston Red Sox with Philadelphia sending Joe Dugan to Boston.

In 1922, Miller was a stranger to the sophmore jinx, as he hit .335 with 29 doubles, 12 triples and 21 home runs for the Athletics. In 1924 Miller would hit .342. Despite his outstanding hitting, Miller was traded to the St. Louis Browns in mid-June of 1926.

After a season and a half in St. Louis, Miller would be traded back to Philadelphia.

Miller would remain in a Philadelphia A's uniform from 1928 through 1934. He'd play in 18 games for the Athletics in the World Series of 1929, 1930 & 1931, hitting a collective .258. His best series would be the first, 1929, when he went 7 for 19 in 5 games.

Released by Philadelphia after the 1934 season, Miller would be signed by the Boston Red Sox where he'd play 2 more years. He'd have the distinction of being the oldest player in the league (41) during his last season in Boston.

Miller's final numbers would show him playing in 1820 games with a lifetime BA of .311.

"Bing" Miller career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=millebi02)

Frank Sacka B Aug. 30, 1924 D Dec. 7, 1994

Originally signed by the St. Louis Browns in 1946, Frank Sacka would bounce around the minors, become a part of the Cleveland Indians organization, and eventually be drafted by the Washington Senators in 1950.

Sacka would only ever appear in 14 games for the Senators, 7 games in 1951, the other 7 games coming in 1953. A catcher, Sacka would leave the Senators in mid-September of 1953 with a career BA of .265 (9 for 34) with no extra base hits, 3 runs scored and 6 RBI.

Frank Sacka career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sackafr01)

Theodore Samuel Williams B Aug. 30, 1918 D Jul. 5, 2002

Even a casual student of the game of baseball should need no introduction to Hall Of Famer Ted Williams-however, should you need a reminder: 19 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, 2292 games, 2654 hits in 7706 at bats, good for a lifetime batting average of .344, with 525 doubles, 71 triples and 521 home runs. All this despite losing 1943-1945 due to World War II service and a goodly portion of 1952 when he served in the Korean War.

Awards he garnered include American League Most Valuable Player in 1946 and 1949, Triple Crown winner in 1947, named to the All Star team in 17 years, lead the American League in batting average in 1941, 1942, 1947, 1948, 1957 & 1958. The last man to hit over .400 in the major leagues with a .406 BA in 1941. Elected to the Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1966.

Those of you who have been following this thread have undoubtedly read how Williams seemingly feasted on Senators pitching when he was active as a player.

Having ended his playing career at the end of the 1960 season, Williams was lured out of retirement at age 50 in 1969 to manage the expansion Senators.

Williams met with immediate success, at least by expansion Senators standards, as the team went 86-76, their only finish above .500, and garnered Williams "Manager Of The Year" honors.

Unfortunately even with that modest success, the Senators would only manage a 4th place finish, 23 games behind, as the Baltimore Orioles ran away with the American League East in that first year of divisional play.

Some questionable moves by the front office saw the on-field talent depleted in 1970, when the Senators finished 70-92 and 63-96 in 1971. Moving with the franchise to Texas to be rechristened as the "Texas Rangers", Williams, who had a 5 year contract, would only manage 1 more season, as the Rangers would finish 54-100.

Perhaps tired of losing, Williams would return to retired life.

Expansion Senators (1961-1971) Manager's Records (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/mgrtmtr2.shtml)

Steve Jeltz

08-30-2008, 09:18 PM

1905 The only person standing in the way of Chicago's Frank Smith and the record books is Jake Stahl. Stahl's single spoils Smith's perfect game bid in the Sox, 2-0, shutout in Chicago.

1906 Frank Delahanty of the Highlanders drills 2 homers, a triple, a single and drives home 7 RBI. The Nationals are destroyed in New York, 20-5, in a game called after 6 innings due to darkness. Jack Chesbro of New York wins the opener of this twinbill, 7-5.

1914 After a 3-for-3 day yesterday against Walter Johnson, Jack Fournier hits the game-tying and game-winning home runs off Johnson today, as the Nats fall, 4-3 in 10 innings, at Chicago. Johnson is the loser in relief of Jim Shaw. Fournier becomes the first of two players (Lou Gehrig is the other) to hit 2 homers in the same game off the Big Train.

1931 Gehrig bops his second grand slam in three days, but the Nats are victorious, 6-5 , in New York. Lloyd Brown posts the victory, as Washington retains its hold of 2nd place.

1942 Clark Griffith, in a deal that has been rumored for weeks, sells Bobo Newsom to Brooklyn for $25,000. Bobo announces that the Dodgers have won themselves the pennant now that he is pitching for them. Unfortunately, Bobo's proclamation fails to come to fruition, when the Dodgers finish 2 games back of the Cardinals for the NL flag.

1943 Packing the suitcase again, Bobo Newsom begins his 3rd tour of duty in Washington when he is purchased from the Browns. Bobo will go 3-3 down the stretch drive for the 2nd place Nats.

1945 Washington fumbles a chance to move into 1st place in the AL by losing a home doubleheader to the Yankees, 3-2 and 3-1. Between games, Bert Shepard receives the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in World War II.

1960 The Senators move to a game over .500 with a 2-1 win over the White Sox. Washington's Jack Kralick strikes out 9 over 9 innings for the victory. A sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 9th from C Earl Battey sends the Nats home as winners.

1967 Behind Frank Bertiaina's complete game gem at Yankee Stadium, the Senators mash the Yanks, 6-0. Paul Casanova deposits 3 hits and an RBI. Eddie Brinkman drives in a pair with a 2-run single in the 8th.

Senators Birthdays

We end the month of August with just one birthday to report, another pitcher who joins the ranks of Senators Short Timers...

William Joseph (Buzz) Dozier B Aug. 31, 1928 D Nov. 24, 2005

Buzz Dozier made his debut with the Washington Senators in September of 1947 as a 19 year old rookie. Pitching in 2 games, Dozier would appear for 2 & 2/3rds innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 walk, ending the season with an ERA of 0.00.

In 1949, Dozier would return for 2 more games, with not nearly as much success. Pitching in 6 & 1/3rd innings, again in September, Dozier would surrender 8 hits, 6 walks and 8 runs, working out to an ERA of 11.37.

The final line on Dozier: 4 games, 11 innings, 14 hits, 7 walks, 8 runs and a career ERA of 6.55.

"Buzz" Dozier career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=doziebu01)

Steve Jeltz

08-31-2008, 09:34 PM

1919 In the opener of a Labor Day twinbill‚ Babe Ruth surrenders 10 Nats hits, but still earns the victory, 2-1. It is the Bambino's final win in a Red Sox uniform. Ruth's 7th inning homer in game two breaks a 1 all tie, as the Red Sox broom the Nats, 4-1.

1925 Philadelphia, riding a 6 game losing skid, arrive in the capital city hoping to close the gap with league leading Washington. The 2nd place A's are promptly dismantled, 7-3. Senator SS Roger Peckinpaugh drives home 3 as the Nats extend their hold to 4.5 games.

1928 The New York Times reports on the spectators taking in today's game at Griffith versus the Yankees: "Approximately 99 percent of the spectators wore their straw hats‚ hoping the Senators would give them a chance to get excited and hurl them away". Among the attendees is Republican presidential candidate Herbert Hoover. The Senators do not hurl the fans or Hoover away, with the Yanks winning, 8-3. Bob Meusel is 4-for-4, with 3 RBI for New York.

1935 With rain pouring the entire 14 innings in Griffith, the Nats douse the Red Sox and Lefty Grove, 2-1. Washington has now defeated Grove 4 out of 5 times this year.

1949 13 walks in 9 innings from Sens P Dick Weik does the Senators in at Chicago. The White Sox takes advantage of Weik's wildness to win, 3-0.

1962 On a hot and sticky night in Washington, Bob Schmidt's 11th inning home run hands the Senators a 3-2 victory over the Angels. Tom Cheney, in a preview of his history making outing at Baltimore later this month, strikes out 10 Angels in 10 innings, but gets a no-decision.

Senators Birthdays

We enter a new month with 3 birthdays to report this September 1st.

Wilbur Edwin Goebel B Sep. 1, 1898 D Aug. 12, 1959

Brooklyn native Ed Goebel joins the ranks of Senators Short Timers by virtue of his 4 month stay on the Senators roster in 1922.

An outfielder, Goebel would hit 16 for 59 in 37 games with 1 double and 1 home run, compiling a .271 BA.

Ed Goebel career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=goebeed01)

James Baugh Mallory B Sep. 1, 1918 D Aug. 6, 2001

Another Senators Short Timer, Jim Mallory would play in just 4 games for the 1940 version of the Senators, where he'd hit .167.

Returning to the majors in 1945, Mallory would play in 13 games for the St. Louis Cardinals and another 37 games for the New York Giants in his only other major league season.

Jim Mallory career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=malloji01)

Darrah Dean Stone B Sep. 1, 1930 Still Living

Originally signed by the Chicago Cubs, pitcher Dean Stone would spend a brief time in the Cubs organization before being released and signed by the Washington Senators in June of 1949.

Stone would make his first major league appearance in September of 1953, when he'd pitch in 3 games for Washington, compiling an 0-1 record.

Back for the 1954 season with the Senators, Stone would pitch in 31 games posting a 12-10 record with a 3.22 ERA and appear in the 1954 All-Star Game.

Stone would remain with the Senators through late April of 1957 but would never be able to match the success he enjoyed during that first full season.

After pitching in 3 games for the Senators in 1957, Stone, along Bob Chakales, was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Milt Bolling, Russ Kemmerer and Faye Throneberry.

Stone would pitch in 17 games for the Red Sox the remainder of the 1957 season going 1-3 with a 5.08 ERA.

Stone would not appear in the majors in 1958 but would return in 1959 for 18 games with the St. Louis Cardinals.

After his short stint with the Cards, Stone would not return to the majors until 1962 when he'd split the 1962 season between the freshly minted Houston Colt 45's and the Chicago White Sox.

Drafted by Houston in the expansion draft, Stone would pitch in 17 games for Houston when he'd be traded to the White Sox, once again for Russ Kemmerer.

Purchased by Baltimore after the season, he'd appear in 17 games for the Orioles in 1963 closing his major league career.

Dean Stone career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stonede01)

Steve Jeltz

09-01-2008, 09:08 PM

1928 P Firpo Marberry gets the win and drives in both of Washington's runs in a 2-0 home shutout of the Yankees. The loss shrinks New York's lead over the A's to 1.5 games.

1929 The Senators divide a pair at Fenway. The two Joes do the BoSox in during the opener. Joe Judge cracks a 3-run homer and Joe Cronin hits for the cycle for a Washington, 10-7, victory. The Red Sox, behind the pitching of Milt Gaston, thump the Sens, 7-2, in game two.

1952 Just called up from Havana of the Florida International League, Washington's Mike Fornieles pitches a 1-hitter in his ML debut, a 5-0 Sens win over visiting Philadelphia in the nightcap. Fornieles is nicked for a 2nd inning single by the A's Joe Astroth. The Senators take the AM tilt, 3-2, in 10 innings.

1954 Two team records are established in today's 16-6 home demolishing of Detroit. Mickey Vernon poles his 19th home run, a new record for left handed batters in a season. Vernon also collects his 2,000th hit, on a 3-for-4, 3 RBI performance. Roy Sievers belts his 23rd homer, another new team record, and drives in 7 RBI. The Senators pelt 18 hits with every Senator starter, except for pitcher Bob Porterfield, collecting at least 1 hit and 1 RBI

1955 Mickey Mantle's home run with 2 aboard in the 6th breaks a 0-0 tie and sends New York on to a 4-2 win in the Bronx. Whitey Ford's no-hit bid is foiled by a Carlos Paula RBI single in the 7th, the only hit yielded by Ford. Billy Martin, in his first game back from the Army, scratches out 2 hits off losing pitcher Bob Porterfield.

1958 Minneapolis city alderman Byron Nelson states that it's a "dead cinch" that the Senators will move to Minneapolis after a $9 million bond issue is approved to expand the seating capacity of Metropolitan Stadium.

1960 Like father, like son. P Don Lee of Washington surrenders a home run to Ted Williams, 20 years after Lee's father, Thornton, had given up a long ball to "Teddy Ballgame". Williams 8th inning homer is the only damage done by Boston, as the Nats take game one, 5-1, in Beantown. Former Nat Mike Fornieles celebrates his 8th anniversary of his ML debut by watching Jim Lemon go yard with a man on in the 8th for a, 3-2, Nats win.

1963 In an otherwise insignificant, 8-7, win at Cleveland, a Senator player makes history. Nat P Ed Hobaugh joins Buster Narum, a future Senator, as the first pitchers to have more home runs than victories in a season. Hobaugh takes the Tribe's Jerry Walker deep in the 4th. Dave Eiland will eventually become the third member of this exclusive club in 1992 with the Padres.

1967 Even with bad knees and his career winding down, Mickey Mantle continues to wear out Washington pitchers. Mantle does his work this time as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the 8th. With Bob Priddy and the Sens clinging to a 1-0 lead, the Mick powers a 2-run home run to hand the Senators a tough, 2-1, loss.

1970 Was Tony LaRussa watching or listening to this game? At RFK, Cleveland manager Alvin Dark orders starter Sam McDowell (19-8) to intentionally walk Frank Howard, when Hondo leads off the 3rd and 5th innings. The strategy pays off in the 3rd, but backfires in the 5th after McDowell throws a wild pitch allowing Howard to score. Dark employs more unusual strategy in the 6th. With 2 Senators on and 1 out, the Tribe skipper moves McDowell to 1B and brings in Dean Chance to pitch to Howard. Howard greets Chance with a single to load the bases, as the Senators go on to score 2 in the inning. McDowell is reinstated to the mound in the 7th, but the Sens come away with the 4-1 decison after all of Dark's maneuverings. Dick Bosman strikes out 8 for his 15th victory.

1971 The Senators play their final game ever at Yankee Stadium. Fittingly, Washington is drubbed, 11-1, by the Yankees. Jeff Burroughs drives in the final Nats run at the Stadium, scoring Bernie Allen, on an RBI single. With the present day Nationals having never played there, this game represents the final time that a ballclub representing the nations capital has played in the "House that Ruth Built".

Senators Birthdays

William Clyde Yohe B Sep. 2, 1878 D Dec. 24, 1938

Bill Yohe joined the ranks of Single Season Senators by appearing in 21 games during the 1909 season. Playing 3rd base, Yohe would go 15 for 72 at the plate with 2 doubles during his late-season stay with the Senators.

Bill Yohe career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=yohebi01)

TallIndian

09-01-2008, 10:59 PM

I remember listening to the game on radio when Hondo received his IBBs. I thought the announcers made some kind of mistake.

Not sure if the 'storing' the starting pitcher in the outfield has been tried since.

September 1970 was a miserable time for us Senator fans. They started the month a few games under .500 and the proceeded to lose 15 straight or something.

Never read as to why the team quit like that on Ted Williams.

In retrospect, given that disatorous finish, perhaps I can see why Short would make those infamous October 1970 trades out of desperation.

Steve Jeltz

09-02-2008, 09:05 PM

1910 A triple steal nets Philadelphia's lone run in a 3-1 Nats home victory. Walter Johnson, in a battle of Hall of Famers, bests Chief Bender.

1921 The Yankees wrap up a 6 game, road and home sweep of the Senators at the Polo Grounds, 9-3. Carl Mays gets the win and Babe Ruth launches his 50th home run off Harry Courtney.

1928 In their quest for the pennant, 2nd place Philadelphia is set back twice at Griffith, 6-1 and 5-4. Of historical note, Ty Cobb collects his final hit, 4,191, a double off game one winner, Bump Hadley. Hadley strikes out 8 and allows 6 hits. Garland Braxton tops George Earnshaw in the finale.

1934 The dreariness of this disappointing season continues for the 1933 AL Champs. Manager-SS Joe Cronin fractures a bone in his arm during a collision with Boston P Wes Ferrell and is finished for the year. It will also be Cronin's final game played as a Senator, as he will be sold to Boston in the offseason. Ferrell and the Red Sox are the victors in D.C., 6-3.

1948 It's the same old song and dance for the Sens at Yankee Stadium. Joe DiMaggio hits 2 home runs in the opener to lead the Yanks past the Senators, 6-2. DiMaggio legs out a 3-run inside-the-park homer off Early Wynn in the nightcap, a 5-2 New York victory. DiMaggio, who came into this doubleheader tied for the RBI lead with Boston's Vern Stephens at 118, drives in 7 during this twinbill.

1967 In a 6-3 victory over the Yankees, Frank Howard and Dick Nen homer back-to-back in the top of the 4th to give the Sens the lead. Washington is never headed, as rookie Dick Bosman furnishes a complete game. Tom Tresh is the only Yank that gives Bosman trouble by knocking in 2 runs on 2 hits. Mickey Mantle is limited to one home run, a harmless solo job in the 8th.

1968 Tim Cullen is the man of the hour in the Nats, 2-1, win over the White Sox in RFK. Cullen's 2 out, 2-run, pinch single in the 6th is all Joe Coleman needs to tally his 11th victory.

Senators Birthdays

Today the Senators go 3 for 3 with 3 birthdays to note on September 3rd.

Sandalio Simeon Consuegra B Sep. 3, 1920 D Nov. 16, 2005

Another member of the Cuban Connection, Sandy Consuegra made his debut with the 1950 Senators as a 29 year old rookie pitcher. With the Senators through May of 1953, Consuegra's best season in Washington would be 1952 when he went 6-0 in 30 games with a 3.05 ERA.

Purchased by the Chicago White Sox in 1953, Consuegra would remain on the White Sox roster through mid-May of 1956. Going 16-3 for the 1954 White Sox, he'd be named to the All Star Team that season.

In May of 1956 Cousuegra would be purchased by the Baltimore Orioles. He'd only appear in 4 more games the rest of the season.

Exactly 1 year after being purchased by Baltimore, he'd be released in May of 1957 after only pitching in 5 games. He'd be picked up by the New York Giants, ending his career after 4 games in a Giants uniform.

Sandy Consuegra career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=consusa01)

Michael Joseph Kahoe B Sep. 3, 1873 D May 14, 1949

First appearing in in 3 games with the 1895 version of the Cincinnati Reds, Mike Kahoe wouldn't return to the majors until 1899, again with Cincinnati.

He'd remain a Red through May of 1901 when he was released and later in the month, picked up by the Chicago National League franchise, then known as the Orphans. Kahoe would finish the 1901 season in Chicago, appear in 4 games for Chicago in 1902 and then jump to the St. Louis Browns.

Kahoe would remain a Brown through the end of 1904 when he was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies. After spending 1905 in Philadelphia, Kahoe wouldn't appear on a major league roster in 1906.

He'd start the 1907 season in Chicago again, with the National League franchise now known as the Cubs, play only 4 games and be released.

Picked up by the Washington Senators, Kahoe would play in just 17 games in both 1907 and 1908. A light hitting catcher, Kahoe wouldn't hit above .200 in a Senators uniform. His career ended with the Senators after 4 games in 1909.

Mike Kahoe career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kahoemi01)

John McKittrick Redmond B Sep. 3, 1910 D Jul. 27, 1968

Single Season Senator Jack Redmond was another light hitting catcher who'd play in 22 games, hitting 6 for 34 with 1 double and 1 home run, during the 1935 season.

Jack Redmond career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=redmoja01)

Steve Jeltz

09-03-2008, 09:05 PM

1908 Cellar dwellers collide as 7th place Washington pays a visit to last place New York. The Nationals look like a first division team, with Walter Johnson coming away with a 3-0 victory over the Highlanders.

1925 Steamrolling the guest Red Sox, 9-3, the Senators increase their grip on 1st place to 6 games. Roger Pekinpaugh paces the offense with a 3-for-4 day, allowing Alex Ferguson to snatch up the win.

1955 In the Bronx, Mickey Mantle decks a 3-run home run in the 1st and Irv Noren follows with a solo shot in the 2nd, to lead the Yanks to an 8-3 win. Pete Runnels 2-run single and Mickey Vernon's home run account for the Nats 3 runs.

Senators Birthdays

And today we go 3 for 4, with another 3 birthdays on September 4th...

Kenneth Smith (Hawk) Harrelson B Sep. 4, 1941 Still Living

Hawk Harrelson began his baseball career in 1959 when he was signed by the Kansas City Athletics. Making his major league debut in June of 1963, Harrelson would play in 79 games as a 1st baseman/outfielder. Harrelson would have some struggles at the plate, his best season in Kansas City being 1965 when he'd play in 150 games and hit .238.

In late June of 1966, Harrelson would be traded to the expansion Senators for Jim Duckworth.
Hawk's stay in Washington would be short-he'd appear in 71 games in 1966, hitting .248 with 8 doubles, 1 triple and 7 home runs.

Returning with the Senators for the start of the 1967 season, Harrelson would hit just .203 in 26 games before being purchased by Kansas City in early June. Harrelson's return with the Athletics would be short as well-he'd be released in late August after 61 games, although he did hit a career best .305 during that stint in Kansas City.

Harrelson would be picked up by the Red Sox, finishing the 1967 season in Boston, where he'd hit .200 in 23 games. He'd appear in his only World Series with the Red Sox but hit a very disappointing .077, going 1 for 13 in 4 games against the St. Louis Cardinals.

1968 would be a banner year for Harrelson in Boston. He'd play in 150 games, batting .275 with 147 hits including 17 doubles, 4 triples and 35 home runs. He'd be named to the 1968 All Star Team and come in 3rd in MVP voting that season.

In 1969, Harrelson would play in just 10 games in a Red Sox uniform before he was traded to the Cleveland Indians. Harrelson would play in 149 games in Cleveland that season, however his playing time was severely curtailed in 1970 and 1971, his playing days ending in late June of 1971 after 52 games.

Ken Harrelson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=harreke01)

Harry Malcom Hedgpeth B Sep. 4, 1888 D Jul. 30, 1966

One Game Wonder Harry Hedgpeth made his only major league appearance on October 3rd of 1913. Pitching just 1 inning, he gave up 1 hit, no runs and was credited with the save.

Harry Hedgpeth career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hedgpha01)

Clarence William (Tilly) Walker B Sep. 4, 1887 D Sep. 20, 1959

Another member of the group of 14 who have the "distinction" of having played for the St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Athletics and Washington Senators, Tilly Walker began his major league career with the Washington Senators in 1911. A 23 year old rookie, Walker played in Washington for 2 seasons, patrolling the outfield and batting .278 in 1911, .273 in 1912.

Traded with Hippo Vaughn to Kansas City of the American Association for Bert Gallia and Bill Kenworthy in late August of 1912, Walker would be traded again, just 2 days later to the St. Louis Browns.

Walker wouldn't appear on the Browns roster until 1913 when he'd play in just 23 games, hitting .294. Walker would remain in St. Louis through the 1915 season.

Purchased by the Boston Red Sox at the start of the 1916 campaign, Walker would remain in Boston for 2 years, making his only World Series appearance in 1916, going 3 for 11 in 3 games against Brooklyn.

Traded to the Philadelphia Athletics prior to the start of play in 1918, Walker would finish his career in Philadelphia, playing through 1923 in an Athletics uniform. In 1921, Walker would have one of his best seasons, hitting .304, with 32 doubles, 5 triples and 23 home runs, with 101 RBI and 111 runs scored. In 1922 he'd stroke 37 homers.

The final line on Walker: 1421 games, 5067 AB, 1423 hits, 118 homers, BA .281.

"Tilly" Walker career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=walketi01)

Calif_Eagle

09-04-2008, 07:52 PM

1968 would be a banner year for Harrelson in Boston. He'd play in 150 games, batting .275 with 147 hits including 17 doubles, 4 triples and 35 home runs. He'd be named to the 1968 All Star Team and come in 3rd in MVP voting that season.

In 1969, Harrelson would play in just 10 games in a Red Sox uniform before he was traded to the Cleveland Indians. Harrelson would play in 149 games in Cleveland that season, however his playing time was severely curtailed in 1970 and 1971, his playing days ending in late June of 1971 after 52 games.

Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson broke an ankle in spring training in 1970 with the Tribe and never was the same player again. The injury was tragic to a young Tribe fan (me!) who liked the flashy Hawk & his home run bat. Once he recovered very late in the 1970 season, he played sparingly and poorly, and struggled again the next spring training, quitting early in the season to try his luck on the PGA tour. The Hawk loved golf, presumably still does, and I believe he got his players card, but never did too much out on tour. I had a Hawk Harrelson model Louisville Slugger bat. I told all my friends I had the only bat signed by a PGA golfer instead of an MLB player, after he retired, lol.

Steve Jeltz

09-04-2008, 08:49 PM

1908 Walter Johnson blanks New York for the second consecutive day, 6-0, at New York.

1921 The all time career strikeout record, held by Cy Young, is eclipsed by the Big Train. Johnson strikes out 7 A's in a losing cause to run his total to 2,287. In the opener, Philadelphia gets a run across in the bottom of the 11th to prevail, 4-3. The Senators, with George Mogridge on the hill, coast by the A's in the nightcap, 7-1.

1943 Washington puts a stop to the Yankee's aspirations of reaching another ML record. By sweeping New York, 3-2 and 5-1, the Yankees fall one series short of tying the 1912 Giants record of winning 14 consecutive series. The Senators snatch game one when rookie Charlie Roberts ropes an inside-the-park homer in the top of the 8th to snap a 2-2 tie. In the finale, Sherry Robertson's 3-run home run leads the Sens, and Bobo Newsom, to a 5-1 victory.

1952 For the second time in four days, another Nat hurls a shutout in his ML debut. On September 2, it was Mike Fornieles blanking Philadelphia. Today, it is Raul Sanchez's turn. Sanchez, called up from Havana, shutouts visiting Boston, 2-0.

1959 Jim Lemon clobbers 2 home runs and 6 RBI in a 10 run, 3rd inning. The Nats torch the Red Sox in Washington, 14-2. Lemon's 2 long balls come off Bill Monbouquette and Earl Wilson. Jackie Jensen's home run with 2 on gives Boston their runs.

1961 At New York, the Yankees whip Washington, 6-1. For the expansion Senators, it is their 20th loss in their last 21 games. Mickey Mantle goes yard for the 51st time this season off Joe McClain.

Senators Birthdays

The torrid pace in the Senators delivery room continues as we go 5 for 5-5 Senators born on the 5th of September. In alphabetical order, we present our latest additions....

Henry Eugene Bearden B Sep. 5, 1920 D Mar. 18, 2004

Pitcher Gene Bearden started his major league journey by signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1939. Passing from the Phillies to the New York Yankees and eventually the Cleveland Indians, Bearden would make his major league debut with the Indians in May of 1947.

His debut was probably one Bearden would like to have forgotten-1/3rd of an inning pitched, 2 hits, 1 walk, 1 wild pitch and 3 runs surrendered, working out to an ERA of 81.00.

That would be Bearden's extent of major league experience in 1947, however he'd return in 1948 with much more success, appearing in 37 games, posting a 20-7 record with a 2.43 ERA.

Bearden would play in his only World Series that year, as the Indians defeated the Boston Braves. Pitching in 2 games, Bearden would be credited with 1 win, a complete game no less, and 1 save, giving up just 6 hits and 1 walk in 10+ innings pitched.

Bearden would remain on the Cleveland roster through early August of 1950 but never matched his initial success.

Released by the Indians, Bearden would be claimed by the Senators in August of 1950. Finishing the season in Washington, Bearden would go 3-5 in 12 games with a 4.21 ERA.

Returning with the Senators in 1951, Bearden only appeared in 1 game for Washington before he was released again, this time claimed by the Detroit Tigers where he'd finish the 1951 season.

Traded to the St. Louis Browns prior to the 1952 campaign, Bearden would go 7-8 for the Browns.

Waived one last time prior to the 1953 season, Bearden would be picked up by the Chicago White Sox where he'd go 3-3 in 58 & 1/3rd innings, pitching in his last game on his 33rd birthday in 1953.

Gene Bearden career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=beardge01)

William Martin Carrick B Sep. 5, 1873 D Mar. 7, 1932

Bill Carrick began his major league career with the New York Giants way back in 1898, going 3-1 with a 3.40 ERA in his rookie season. Remaining with the Giants through 1900, Carrick was heavily used, appearing in 44 games in 1899, where he'd post a 16-27 record, and 45 games in 1900, when he'd go 19-22.

Jumping to the Washington Senators in their inaugural season of 1901, Carrick would post a 14-22 record with a 3.75 ERA in 42 games. He'd return with the Senators in 1902, post an 11-17 record with a 4.86 ERA and be released at the end of the season where his major league career would also end.

Bill Carrick career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=carribi01)

Raymond Daniel Goolsby B Sep. 5, 1919 D Nov. 13, 1999

Senators Short Timer Ray Goolsby would spend 5 days on the Senators roster in 1946, appearing in left field in 1 game and would go 0-4 at the plate with 1 walk.

Ray Goolsby career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=goolsra01)

William Daniel Musser B Sep. 5, 1905 D Mar. 2, 2000

One Game Wonder Danny Musser was served in the Senators coffee shop on September 18th, 1932. Musser would play at 3rd base and go 1 for 2 at the plate with a single.

Danny Musser career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=musseda01)

Albert Lewis Orth B Sep. 5, 1872 D Oct. 8, 1948

Al Orth pitched 15 years for the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Senators and New York Highlanders in a career the spanned from 1895 through 1909.

Orth started with the Phillies way back in 1895, debuting in mid-August and posting an 8-1 record in his inaugural season. His best season with Philadelphia was his last, 1901, when he pitched to a 20-12 record with a 2.27 ERA.

Jumping to the Senators prior to the 1902 season, Orth, who would also make spot starts at both infield and outfield positions, would pitch in 38 games, posting a 19-18 record.

Orth would stay with the Senators through mid-July of 1904 when he was traded to the New York Highlanders (later Yankees) for Tom Hughes and Barney Wolfe.

In 1906, Orth would post a 27-17 record in 43 games. In 1908 his record would drop to 2-13 in just 21 games. His final appearance would come in 1909, when he'd pitch in just 1 game.

Al Orth career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=orthal01)

Steve Jeltz

09-05-2008, 09:05 PM

1904 The Nationals lose for the 16th consecutive time this season to Boston, 4-1. Dating back to last season, Washington has lost 22 straight times to the Americans. In the PM game, the visiting Nats finally break the streak, doubling the Americans, 6-3.

1912 An overflow crowd jams Fenway for the heavily anticipated matchup of Walter Johnson versus Joe Wood. After winning 16 straight, the Big Train has lost his last 2 decisions. Wood is in pursuit of his 14th consecutive win and 30th win overall. The matchup lives up to the hype, with Wood and the Red Sox scraping by Johnson and the Nats, 1-0. Boston's Duffy Lewis drives home Tris Speaker for the Sox's only run in the 6th.

1954 In his ML debut, Carlos Paula's 2-for-4, 2 RBI performance sparks the Senators to an 8-1 victory over Philly in the first of two in Griffith. Mickey Vernon supplies 5 RBI with a 2-run homer and 3-run triple. Vernon is benched for the finale and Paula cannot duplicate his game one performance, going hitless, as the A's take game two, 3-2.

1963 The 100,000th game in ML history is played tonight at D.C. Stadium between the Senators and Indians. The game belongs to the Senators by a 7-2 score. Bennie Daniels wins his 5th of the year, defeating former expansion Nat, Dick Donavan.

Senators Birthdays

William Allenwood Murray B Sep. 6, 1893 D Sep. 14, 1943

Single Season Senator Bill Murray played in 8 games for the 1917 team. Playing 2nd base and shortstop, Murray would go 3 for 21 with 1 triple.

Bill Murray career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=murrabi01)

Michael Wayne Thompson B Sep. 6, 1949 Still Living

Mike Thompson pitched for 4 seasons with 3 major league teams, making his debut in mid-May of 1971 with the Senators during their last season in Washington. Pitching in 16 games, Thompson would finish the year with a 1-6 record and an ERA of 4.86.

Thompson would remain with the franchise as they headed southwest but would not appear in the majors in 1972.

Prior to the start of the 1973 season, Thompson was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He'd pitch for St. Louis in 1973 and a goodly portion of the 1974 season before being purchased by the Atlanta Braves in September.

Thompson would only appear in 1 game for the Braves in 1974 but would return for 16 games in 1975, appearing in his last game on September 5th, 1 day before his 26th birthday.

Thompson's final record: 54 games, 164.2 IP, 1 win, 15 losses and a career ERA identical to that of his first season-4.86.

Mike Thompson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thompmi01)

Paul Vernon Zahniser B Sep. 6, 1896 D Sep. 26, 1964

Paul Zahniser debuted with the Washington Senators as a 26 year old rookie in 1923. Appearing in 33 games, Zahniser would post a 9-10 record with an ERA of 3.86.

For the 1924 Senators, Zahniser would go 5-7 in 24 games with a 4.40 ERA. He would not appear in the post season for the World Champion Senators.

At the start of the 1925 season, Zahniser would be traded, along with Roy Carlyle to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Joe Harris.

Zahniser would pitch in Boston for the 1925 & 1926 seasons, posting records of 5-12 and 6-18.

Appearing in one last game with the Cincinnati Reds in 1929, Zahniser would mark the end of his major league career with that outing.

Paul Zahniser career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=zahnipa01)

Steve Jeltz

09-06-2008, 09:59 PM

1907 After getting swept yesterday at Boston, Washington turns the tables on the Red Sox today. Walter Johnson outduels Boston's Cy Morgan, 1-0, the first of the Big Train's 38 career 1-0 wins. Washington wins the second game, 4-1.

1908 Carrying only 3 pitchers on the trip to New York, Nationals manager Joe Cantillion once again turns to his young phenom, Walter Johnson. Barney, despite getting struck in the ribs by a Jack Chesbro spitball, delivers again, collecting his 3rd shutout in 4 days against the Highlanders, 4-0. Johnson had blanked New York in the first two games of this series, 3-0 and 6-0. In the second game of this holiday doubleheader, the Highlanders finally score off Nats P Tom Hughes, but the Nationals coast, 9-3.

1925 Losers of 10 straight, 2nd place Philadelphia needs a sweep of a 4 game home series against the Senators to get back into the pennant chase. Frontrunning Washington promptly dashes the A's hopes by sweeping a twinbill, 2-1 and 7-6. Winner Walter Johnson strokes 3 hits off Lefty Grove in the A.M. game. In the P.M contest, 36,000 look on as the A's drop their 12th straight, falling 9 games off the pace.

1928 Now bystanders in the pennant race, the Nats bounce the Yankees in a pair in the Bronx, 11-0 and 6-1. Nats P Bump Hadley and Firpo Marberry record the victories. The Yanks, who had a 13.5 game lead on July 1, are now tied atop the standings with Philadelphia.

1941 In a Sunday doubleheader at Shibe Park, the Sens broom the A's, 3-2 and 4-2. Rookie Early Wynn collects the 1st of his 300 career victories in the nightcap, scattering 6 hits. Sadly, only 73 of those 300 wins comes in a Washington uniform.

1953 Bobo Newsom, now an Athletic and in his final season, gets roasted by the Senators in the first of two, 13-2. Eddie Yost scores 5 times in the rout. The Senators complete the job in game two, behind Bob Porterfield, winning, 6-3.

1954 A crowd of 460 gather in Griffith Stadium, the smallest attendance in Griffith Stadium history, to witness the Nats win over the A's. Washington's Ed Fitz Gerald's run scoring single in the 8th proves to be the difference in the 5-4 victory.

1969 Not known for his long ball prowess, Del Unser's 10th inning, pinch hit, home run off Jim Lonborg is the pivotal blow in the Nat's 3-2 win in Fenway. Frank Howard powers his 44th homer of the year off Lonborg in the 6th. Casey Cox (11-5) pitches 5 innings of no run relief for starter Jim Hannan, who is chased from the rubber after the 4th.

Senators Birthdays

John Anthony Flynn B 9/7/1883 D 3/23/1935

First baseman John Flynn began his 3 year major league career as a 26 year old rookie with the 1910 version of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Playing in 96 games, Flynn would hit .274 with 10 doubles, 2 triples and 6 home runs. Back with the Pirates in 1911, Flynn's BA would drop over 70 points and he'd be sold to St. Paul of the American Association in August of that year.

Drafted by Washington, Flynn would play in 20 games for the Senators in 1912 where his BA would drop another 34 points and he'd be gone from the Senators, and the major leagues, in mid-May.

John Flynn career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=flynnjo03)

Henry Edson (Eddie) Matteson B Sep. 7, 1884 D Sep. 1, 1943

Eddie Matteson spent 2 years in the majors, pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1914 and spending a portion of 1918 with the Washington Senators.

Debuting with the Phillies in late May of 1914, Matteson would post a 3-2 record with a 3.10 ERA.

Returning to the major leagues in 1918, Matteson would go 5-3 for the Senators with a respectable 1.73 ERA but would disappear from the majors after that season.

"Eddie" Matteson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=matteed01)

William Fort McAfee B Sep. 7, 1907 D Jul. 8, 1958

Bill McAfee began his 5 year major league sojurn in 1930, appearing in 2 games for the Chicago Cubs. Traded to the Boston Braves, McAfee would appear in 18 games for the Braves in 1931, posting an 0-1 record with a 6.37 ERA.

In early August of the 1931 season, McAfee was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, then of the International League.

Making his way on to the Senators roster for the 1932 season, McAfee would have his best year, going 6-1 in 8 games with a 3.92 ERA. 1933 would find McAfee still with the Senators, pitching in 27 games where he'd go 3-2 but would see his ERA rise to 6.62.

Sent to the St. Louis Cardinals after the 1933 season as the "Player to be named later" in a trade for Ed Chapman, McAfee was purchased by the St. Louis Browns prior to the start of the 1934 season.

McAfee would have his most active season with the Browns, pitching in 28 games for 61.2 innings. He'd finish the season with a 1-0 record and an ERA of 5.84, marking the end of his major league career.

Bill McAfee career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcafebi01)

TallIndian

09-07-2008, 05:52 AM

Del Unser came in as a pinch hitter and slammed a home run! Foreshadowed what he would do with the Phillies over a decade later in their World Series run.

:dance

Calif_Eagle

09-07-2008, 03:50 PM

Del Unser came in as a pinch hitter and slammed a home run! Foreshadowed what he would do with the Phillies over a decade later in their World Series run.

:dance

Del Unser had a big pinch hitting year for the 1979 Phillies too, one year before the 1980 World Series winners. He tied an MLB record by slamming pinch hit home runs in 3 consecutive PH at bats on June 30, July 5 and July 10 of 1979 for the Phillies. He also went a phenomenal 5 for 11 with 3 doubles 3 RBI and 4 runs scored for the 1980 champions in post season play. He accounted for 7 of a Phils total of 47 runs in 11 total games in the 2 series. Quite a batting performance by a PH for sure!

Steve Jeltz

09-07-2008, 09:07 PM

1917 The Nats and Yankees exchange shutouts in a pair in D.C. New York's Ray "Slim" Caldwell's 2-0, game one blanking is his first shutout of the year. In the second game, Nats P Doc Ayers whitewashes the Yanks, 5-0, the 3rd time Ayers has defeated New York in 8 days.

1924 The road to the Nats first ever AL flag will be a tough haul. Today, Washington begins a 3 week, 20 game road trip to end the season with stops in every AL city except New York. The Nats get the road trip off on the right foot in Philadelphia, winning 8-4. Walter Johnson wins his 10th straight and number 20 overall. The 2nd place Yankees keep pace with a win in Boston, remaining 2 games back of the Senators.

1945 President Harry Truman throws out the first ball and watches the 2nd place Nats, 4-1, victory over St. Louis. Former Brown Pete Appleton tosses a 5-hitter against his ex-mates. The Senators cannot make headway in the standings, staying at 1.5 games behind, thanks to league leading Detroit's victory at New York.

1951 On Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees honor former manager Joe McCarthy and defeat the Senators, 4-0. Yanks rookie Mickey Mantle snaps a scoreless tie in the 7th with an estimated 460 foot home run to right off Bob Porterfield.

1958 Fearing that a move of the Senators would result in congressional action, AL owners pressure Calvin Griffith to keep the Senators in Washington. After the special meeting of the AL owners is adjourned in Chicago, Griffith notifies Minneapolis officials that the team will be staying in Washington. For now.

Senators Birthdays

Louis Mortimer Sleater B Sep. 8, 1926 Still Living

Lou Sleater pitched for 6 teams over 7 seasons and was the property of at least 3 other organizations as he made his way through the major leagues.

Originally signed by the Boston Braves in 1946, he'd be released and sign with the Chicago Cubs in 1947. The New York Giants would purchase his contract in 1950, however he'd be waivered and selected by the St. Louis Browns.

Finally making it to the major leagues with the Browns in 1951, where he'd pitch 1 solitary inning, he'd be purchased by the New York Yankees at the end of July but returned to the Browns in mid-September.

In 1952, Sleater would finally stay in the majors, at least for a while, as he appeared in 20 games for the Browns, pitching in 81 innings, posting a 1-9 record with a 5.11 ERA.

Back with the Browns for the start of the 1952 season, Sleater would appear in 18 games, going 0-1 and then be traded in mid-May, along with Fred Marsh, to the Washington Senators for Cass Michaels. Finishing the 1952 campaign in Washington, Sleater would post a 4-2 record with the Senators.

Sold to Toronto of the International League, Sleater would not see major league action in 1953 or 1954 as his contract was once again purchased by the New York Yankees. Prior to the start of the 1955 season, Sleater would find his contract purchased again, this time by the newly-relocated Kansas City Athletics.

After going 1-1 in 16 games for Kansas City in '55, Sleater would be drafted by the organization where it all started, the Braves, now playing in Milwaukee. Sleater would appear in 25 games in a Braves uniform in 1956, posting a 3-3 record with a 3.15 ERA.

Released by the Braves at the start of 1957, he'd be picked up by the Detroit Tigers where he'd have his most active season in 1958, pitching in 41 games, going 3-3 with an ERA of 3.76.

Sleater started the 1958 season in Detroit, appearing in 4 games, pitching just 5.1 innings before being purchased one last time by the Baltimore Orioles, where he'd pitch in 6 games, post a 1-0 record but would see his ERA increase to an ugly 12.86.

Sleater wouldn't appear with the Orioles in 1959 and was given his release at the end of the 1959 season, closing the book on the "Lou Sleater Major League Travelogue".

Lou Sleater career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sleatlo01)

Valentine John Picinich B Sep. 8, 1896 D Dec. 5, 1942

September 8th must be the day of the "Travelin' Man" as our next birthday boy, catcher Val Picinich, was another wanderer who spent 18 years in the major leagues with 6 different teams.

Debuting way back in 1916 with the Philadelphia Athletics, Picinich played in 40 games in his rookie season, hitting just .195. Pichinich would play in just 2 games for the A's in 1917.

On the Senators roster from 1918 through 1922, Picinich would have his best season at the plate in 1921, hitting .277 in 45 games, going 39 for 141 with 9 doubles and 12 RBIs.

Traded to the Boston Red Sox prior to the start of the 1923 season, along with Ed Goebel and Howie Shanks for Muddy Ruel and Allen Russell, Picinich would remain in Boston through 1925.

Purchased by the Cincinnati Reds, Picinich would spend 1926 through 1928 in Cincinnati and would be traded at the start of the 1929 season to the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Picinich would remain in Brooklyn through mid-May of 1933 when he was released after appearing in just 6 games. Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Picinich would finish his career with the Pirates that season.

The final line on Picinich-1037 games, 2877 AB, 743 hits including 166 doubles, 26 triples, 26 home runs, and a career BA of .258.

Val Picinich career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=picinva01)

Steve Jeltz

09-08-2008, 09:20 PM

1914 For the 3rd time this season, New York's Jack Warhop drops a 1-0 decision to the home Senators. It is Warhop's 5th 1-0 defeat of the year, tying the AL record set by Detroit's Bill Donovan in 1903.

1916 Walter Johnson goes the distance, allowing 2 runs, but Babe Ruth surrenders only 1 run, in a, 2-1, Red Sox win in Washington. It is the 4th time this season that the Big Train has been bested by the Babe. Washington's splits the doubleheader with a 10 inning, 4-3, victory in the finale.

1938 Lou Gehrig raises his average to over .300 with 4 hits and appears in his 2,100th consecutive game. Behind the pitching of former Nat Bump Hadley, the Yanks are victorious in Washington, 3-0.

1967 The Senators tally all their runs in the 5th for a 4-0 triumph over California at D.C. Stadium. Dick Nen's 3-run triple and Cap Petersen's RBI single accounts for Washington's 4 runs. Darold Knowles (6-7) bags the win in relief of an injured Camilo Pascual.

Senators Birthdays

Luther Baxter (Bud) Thomas B Sep. 9, 1910 D May 5, 2001

Bud Thomas qualifies as a Senators Short Timer, for while he pitched in 143 games in his major league career, only 8 of those appearances were in a Senators uniform, during 2 separate stints in Washington.

Debuting with the Senators in mid-September of 1932, Thomas would appear in just 2 games, pitching 3 innings, giving up 1 hit, 2 walks and striking out 1, finishing the season with a 0.00 ERA.

In 1933, Thomas pitched in another 2 games for the Senators, with less spectacular results. In 4 innings of work, Thomas would surrender 11 hits and 7 runs, finishing his short season with an ERA of 15.75.

Thomas wouldn't find his way back to the majors until 1937 when he'd post an 8-15 record with the Philadelphia Athletics. Back with the A's in 1938, he'd go 9-14.

1939 found Thomas starting the year with the Athletics, where he'd appear in 2 games, going 0-1. Waivered by the A's on May 1st, Thomas would be picked up by the Senators again, where he'd spend just a little over 2 weeks on the roster, pitching 9 innings in 4 games, giving up 6 earned runs, for an ERA of 6.00.

Waivered again, Thomas would be picked up by the Detroit Tigers, where he'd finish the 1939 season, posting a 7-0 record while appearing in 27 games.

Thomas would remain with the Tigers in 1940 & 1941 where he'd end his major league career.

"Bud" Thomas career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thomabu01)

Harold Thompson B Sep. 9, 1889 D Feb. 14, 1951

Single Season Senator Harry Thompson pitched in 12 games for the Senators in 1919, going 0-4 with a 3.53 ERA. He'd be picked up by the Philadelphia Athletics, pitch in another 3 games, going 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA and end his career in late June of the 1919 season.

Harry Thompson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thompha01)

Steve Jeltz

09-09-2008, 09:15 PM

1935 In Griffith, the Nats thump the Tigers, 6-0. Detroit sprays 6 hits off winner Bobo Newsom. The Nats send losing pitcher Schoolboy Rowe to detention after 6 innings of work.

1940 Truly a pitchers best friend. In the 9th inning at Comiskey, with Washington leading, 5-2, Nats P Ken Chase allows the first two White Sox batters to reach base. Further trouble is avoided when Chase induces Bob Kennedy to line into a triple play to preserve the Nats win.

1950 In game one of a doubleheader, Joe DiMaggio becomes the first player ever to hit 3 home runs in one game at Griffith Stadium. DiMaggio also surpasses the 100 RBI mark for the 9th time in his storied career, as the Yankees rip the Senators, 8-1. The luckless Sens see their 6-2, 4th inning lead in the nightcap wiped out due to rain.

1964 Brooks Robinson grounds into a triple play, but visiting Baltimore throttles the Senators, 12-5. Robinson collects 4 hits and 3 RBI. O's pitcher Milt Pappas labors for his 15th win.

1970 Indians manager Alvin Dark decides to let his pitchers pitch to Frank Howard. Hondo responds with 2 home runs, his 41st and 42nd. However, the Tribe light up the Senators in Cleveland, 13-4. The Nats pitching foursome of Casey Cox, Jackie Brown, Jim Hannan and Jim Shellenback allow 17 hits with all 13 Cleveland runs being earned.

Senators Birthdays

Robert Chance B Sep. 10, 1940 Still Living

Originally signed by the San Francisco Giants prior to the 1961 season, Bob Chance was traded to the Cleveland Indians organization. Chance would make his major league debut in early September of 1963, finishing out the season playing the outfield and batting .288.

In 1964, he''d have his most active season, appearing in 120 games, primarily as a first baseman but still being utilized in the outfield and hitting .279.

Traded to the Washington Senators, along with Woodie Held in exchange for Chuck Hinton, Chance would appear in 72 games in 1965, primarily at first base, hitting .256.

Chance would be back with the Senators in 1966, but his batting average would drop to .175 and his playing time would drop accordingly as he only appeared in 37 games. He'd be optioned to Washington's AAA affiliate in Hawaii in mid-June, being recalled in early September.

In 1967 he'd hit .214 and would only appear in 27 games in a Senators uniform, being sent back to Hawaii in early May once again, where he'd spend the summer before being recalled when the roster expanded in September.

Washington would end their association with Hawaii and sign a working agreement with Buffalo prior to the 1968 season. Chance would be sent to Buffalo at the start of the 1968 season where he'd spend the entire year.

Chance would be drafted by the California Angels prior to the start of play in 1969. He'd appear in just 5 games in an Angels uniform, his final major league game coming in late April of that year.

Bob Chance career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=chancbo01)

Barney Pelty B Sep. 10, 1880 D May 24, 1939

Barney Pelty spent 10 years in the major leagues, pitching in 266 games. His entire career was spent with the St. Louis Browns, with the exception of his final 11 games, played in the uniform of the Washington Senators.

Beginning his career in 1903, when he went 3-3, Pelty had some very active, if not entirely successful years with the Browns. Probably his best year was 1906 when he went 16-11 with a 1.59 ERA, pitching in 260.2 innings. He'd post an 11-11 mark in 1909 with an ERA of 2.30.

In 1912, after pitching in 6 games, with a 1-5 record, Pelty would be purchased by the Washington Senators, where he'd finish his career. In 11 games for the Senators, he'd go 1-4 with a 3.30 ERA.

Barney Pelty career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=peltyba01)

Steve Jeltz

09-10-2008, 08:25 PM

1905 The Nationals shell the Americans at Boston, 14-0. The game is called after 7 innings due to darkness. The 14 runs is a Washington team record for a shutout that will be tied, but never broken.

1917 Shoddy Nats fielding is not enough for the Red Sox in a 4-3 Washington win. All of Boston's runs are unearned off Walter Johnson, who tosses a 2 hitter at the visitors.

1933 Continuing their march to their 3rd AL pennant, the Senators defeat the Indians in D.C., 5-1. With the Yankees losing, Washington's lead is now at 9.5 games.

1949 On their way to a 104 loss season, Washington sets two inglorious ML records. A ML record 11 Yankees are walked in the bottom of the 3rd inning, with 4 different Yanks receiving 2 walks in the inning, another ML record. New York scores 12 runs in the 3rd of a 20-5 Yanks shredding of Washington in game one. In all, Senator pitching issues 17 walks in the game, with Nats P Buzz Dozier handing out 8 in mop up duty. The finale is called after 5 innings, with the Bombers completing the sweep, 2-1.

Senator Birthdays

Ellis Clary B Sept. 11, 1916 D June 2, 2000

Infielder Ellis "Cat" Clary made his major league debut with the 1942 Senators. In 76 games that season, the Valdosta, GA native would hit .276 with 16 RBI.

Clary would appear in 73 games for the Nats the following season before being shipped to the Browns with Ox Miller for INF Harlond Clift and P Johnny Niggeling in August of 1943.

Clary would be a reserve on the Browns 1944 AL pennant winning squad, going hitless in 1 AB in the World Series against the Cardinals.

The "Cat" closed his career in 1945 with the Browns.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=claryel01

George Herbert Loepp B Sept. 11, 1901 D Sept. 4, 1967

Breaking into the majors with the Red Sox in 1928, Loepp would appear in just 15 games for Boston, hitting .176.

The outfielder would appear in a Washington uniform in 1930, batting .276 with 15 RBI in 50 games before vanishing from the big league scene.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=loeppge01

Monroe Barr Mitchell B Sept. 11, 1901 D Sept. 4, 1976

Another one year wonder, the southpaw Mitchell pitched in 10 games for the 1923 Senators, compiling a 2-3 record with a robust 6.48 ERA.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mitchmo01

Frank R. Kitson B Sept. 11, 1869 D April 14, 1930

Kitson began his 10 year journey as a 28 year old rookie in 1898 for the National League's Baltimore Orioles. Kitson would go 8-5 for the Orioles in his inaugral season.

In 1899, Kitson would win 22 games for the Orioles, his best year ever. When Baltimore was among the 4 teams that was cut by the NL after 1899, Kitson would find himself with Brooklyn for 1900. Kitson would post consecutive 19 win seasons for the Superbas in 1901 and 1902.

Jumping to Detroit at the height of the AL-NL war prior to 1903, Kitson began a slow decline. He posted 15-16, 8-13 and 12-14 W/L marks in 1903, 1904 and 1905, respectively.

After 1905, Kitson was dealt to the Nationals for P Happy Townsend and would spend a portion of two years in the nation's capital. In Washington, Kitson would fare worse than he did in Detroit, going 6-14 with a 3.65 ERA in 1906 and 0-3 with a 3.94 in 1907.

In May of 1907, the Nats sold Kitson to the Highlanders. New York would be the final destination of Kitson's career, with the righthander going 4-0 with a 3.10 ERA in 12 games.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kitsofr01

Steve Jeltz

09-11-2008, 10:33 PM

1908 Walter Johnson starts for the 5th time in 9 days, replacing a sore armed Charley Smith. The Big Train wins for the 5th time in 9 days, defeating Eddie Plank and Philadelphia, 2-1. All of the 5 victories recorded by Johnson are complete game efforts.

1916 Walter Johnson and Babe Ruth have another showdown in Washington. Ruth appears on his way to the victory heading into the 9th, with his Red Sox ahead, 2-0. Washington loads the bases in the 9th when John Henry comes to the plate. Henry promptly laces a double off Ruth to tie and sends the contest into extra innings. The Red Sox score 1 run in the 10th off Walter Johnson, but the Nats rally again in the bottom frame off Ernie Shore, scoring twice to steal a 4-3 victory.

1932 Alvin "General" Crowder win his 8th game this year against the White Sox, 9-3. The 8 wins sets the ML record for most wins against one team in a single season.

1953 Bob Porterfield becomes the AL's first 20 game winner this season, edging the guest Indians, 4-3. The last pitcher to win 20 games for Washington was Wolff in 1945.

1962 Throwing well over 200 pitches, Senators P Tom Cheney establishes the ML record for strikeouts in a single game with 21 in the Senators, 2-1, 16 inning win at Baltimore. Bud Zipfel's 16th inning homer hands Washington the win.

1965 Called up from Hawaii 7 days ago, Senator Brant Alyea debuts with a pinch home run on the first pitch he sees in his first ML at bat.. It comes off the Angel's Rudy May in the Sens, 7-1, victory, before a scant crowd of 840 at D.C. Stadium.

Senators Birthdays

Albert "Albie" Gregory Pearson B Sept. 12, 1934, Still Living

Originally signed by the Red Sox in 1953, Pearson would play four seasons in the Sox minor league chain without reaching the big league squad in Boston. With his size working against him, Boston dealt the diminutive outfielder (5'5), along with Norm Zauchin, to the Senators for Pete Runnels on January, 23 1958.

While Runnels flourished in Beantown, Pearson would debut with a bang in 1958, winning AL Rookie of the Year honors. In 146 games with the Senators, Pearson batted .275 with 3 home runs and 33 RBI.

1959 would be a completely different story. Batting .188 in his first 25 games, the Sens deemed Pearson expendable and peddled him to the Orioles for Lenny Green in May of that year.

After languishing in Baltimore for 1 and a half seasons, Pearson would be plucked in the December, 1960 expansion draft by the Angels. In California, Pearson would find his niche, as well as the final stop of his major league career. The 1963 season would be the best season of his career, with an All Star appearance and a 14th place finish in the AL MVP voting.

Injuries curtailed Pearson's career, forcing him to hang it up after only 2 games in 1966.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pearsal02

David Rotchford Stenhouse B Sept.12, 1933, Still Living

Stenhouse was the property of two teams before breaking into the majors with as a 28 year old rookie with the 1962 Senators. The Rhode Island native was initially signed by the Cubs in 1955. After the 1958 season, Cincinnati would select Stenhouse in the minor league draft.

Traded by the Reds with Bob Schmidt to Washington for Johnny Klippstein and Marty Keough on December 15, 1961, the righthander would record a 11-12 record with a 3.65 ERA in 34 games in 1962. Stenhouse would also pitch in the All Star Game, allowing 1 run in 2 IP.

Following two ineffective seasons in 1963 (3-9, 4.55 ERA) and 1964 (2-7, 4.81 ERA), Stenhouse would depart from the majors for good.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stenhda01

George Thomas Bradshaw B Sept. 12, 1934 D Nov. 4, 1994

This catcher, in his only big league games, appeared in 10 games with the 1952 Nats, batting .217 with 0 home runs and 6 RBI.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bradsge01

Soule James McLeod B Sept. 12, 1908 D Aug. 3, 1981

Another Senators short timer, Jim McLeod would spend parts of two different seasons in Washington, with both stints being very short.

McLeod made his ML debut with the Sens in 1930. In 18 games, McLeod hit .265.

Returning to the nation's capital in 1932, McLeod would not get an official at bat in 7 games, drawing 1 walk and scoring a run.

1933 would find McLeod in Philadelphia, plying his trade for the A's. In his most active year, the infielder would bat a paltry .194 in 67 games, his last year.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcleoji01

Robert Groom B Sept. 12, 1884 D Feb. 19, 1948

Bob Groom would have a 10 year career, including a 2 year stint in the Federal League. Groom's 1912 season of 24-13 with the Nats, his first team, was, by far, his best year.

Groom would jump to the St. Louis Terriers of the FL prior to 1914. He led the circuit with 20 losses in 1914.

The career of Groom would close in 1918 following stops with the Browns in 1916 and 1917 and Cleveland in 1918.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=groombo01

Steve Jeltz

09-13-2008, 08:35 AM

1924 Walter Johnson decisions Detroit's Earl Whitehill, 6-4, in the Motor City. The Yankees stay 1 GB with a win in Chicago. Later in the evening, Johnson is informed that he is the winner of the AL MVP award, gaining 55 of 64 points. The runner up for the MVP is White Sox 2B Eddie Collins.

1945 Recently discharged from the Navy, Nat P Walt Masterton makes his first start of the year. Masterton is splendid in a 2-hit, 4-0, shutout in Griffith. Again, Washington creeps to within a half game of first place Detroit, who lost in Philadelphia.

1960 A two out home run off the bat of Chicago's Nellie Fox in the 11th gives the Pale Hose a 6-5 win at Comiskey. For Fox, it is only his 2nd homer of the season. Harmon Killebrew blasts his 30th home run, a 2-run shot of former teammate Russ Kemmerer in the 7th.

1963 Jimmy Piersall is arrested for disorderly conduct for charging into the stands to chase a heckling fan prior to a game in Baltimore. The charges against the Senator OF are eventually dropped. In the game, Joe Hicks replaces Piersall in CF, but the O's run over Washington, 7-1. O's winning pitcher Chuck Estrada belts one of the three Oriole home runs in the contest.

1969 The defending World Series champion Tigers are eliminated from the AL East race with a 11-6 loss to the Nats in RFK. 3B Ken McMullen bangs out 4 hits and 5 RBI, including a 3-run homer in a 5-run Senator 6th inning. Darold Knowles goes to 7-3, hurling 3 innings of 2-hit, no run, relief.

Senators Birthdays

Morris Woodroe Aderholt B Sept. 13, 1915 D Mar. 18, 1955

Morrie Aderholt actually made his ML debut with the Senators on his 24th birthday in 1939. Aderholt appeared sparingly with Washington over 3 seasons as a 2B and 3B, getting into 7, 1 and 11 games respectively.

After a 3 year absence due to WWII, Aderholt returned in 1944 as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Aderholt would stay in Brooklyn until being placed on waivers in August of 1945.

Claimed by the Boston Braves, Aderholt would post his best numbers during the final months of that 1945 season. In his final 31 ML games, he would hit at a .333 clip, with 2 homers and 11 RBI for Boston. However, those stats were not enough to prevent Boston from selling Aderholt to Indianapolis of the American Association after the year.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=aderhmo01

John Millard Campbell B Sept. 13, 1907 D April 24, 1995

This righthander from Washington D.C. is another Senator one game wonder. Campbell entered the Senators Coffee Shop on July 23, 1933, pitching the last inning of a 12-8 Sens loss to Detroit. Campbell allowed 1 hit, 1 walk and an unearned run.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=campbjo01

Samuel Byren Crane B Sept. 13, 1894 D Nov. 12, 1955

Sam Crane would play parts of 7 seasons in the majors with A's, Senators, Reds and Brooklyn Robins. Crane compiled a lifetime .208 BA in 174 career games.

Washington purchased the INF from Philadelphia on February 3, 1917. Crane saw action in 32 games that season, hitting .179 with 4 RBI before vanishing for two years.

Crane returned to the majors with the Reds in 1920, upping his average to .215. In 1921, the light hitting infielder established a career bests of 73 games and 16 RBI with Cincinnati.

Sold to the Robins on January 24, 1922, Crane would appear in 3 games for Brooklyn before disappearing for good.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cranesa02

Walter Henry (Dutch) Ruether B Sept. 13, 1893 D May 16, 1970

Dutch Ruether had an 11 year ML career with 5 different clubs. Overall, Ruether would compile an impressive 137-95 lifetime W/L mark, but a lack of command around the strike zone resulted in more career walks than strikeouts.

Ruether commenced his 11 year journey with the Cubs in 1917. A 2-0 record with a 2.48 ERA was not enough to prevent the Cubs from placing Ruether on waivers, where the southpaw was claimed by the Reds in July of 1917.

Ruether's breakout season came in 1919 with the world champion Reds. In 29 starts, despite more walks than strikeouts, Ruether went 19-6 with a 1.82 ERA. In the infamous World Series that year against the "Black Sox", Ruether was 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in 2 games.

On December 15, 1920, Ruether was shipped to the Robins for Rube Marquard. A 10-13, 4.55 mark in 1921 did not immediately endear Ruether to the Brooklyn faithful, but he bounced back in 1922 with a 21-12, 3.53 record.

Following 2 more years as a Robin, Ruether would be sold to Washington on September 17, 1924. Even though he did not appear in any games with the world champion Senators, Ruether would make his impact for the Senators in 1925. Ruether racked up an 18-7, 3.87 ERA log for the AL champions. But, as would be the theme of his career, wildness plagued Ruether's season when he struck out 68 and issued 105 bases on balls. Ruether's lack of control was the main reason manager Bucky Harris eschewed starting Dutch in that year's World Series loss to Pittsburgh.

After starting 1926 with a 12-6 record, but with an ERA near 5, the Senators sent Ruether packing to the Yankees on August 27 for two players to be named later (Garland Braxton and Nick Cullop). The lefthander went 2-3 down the stretch for New York with a 3.50 ERA. Ruether would lose his only start of that season's World Series to the Cardinals.

In his final major league season with the famed 1927 Yankees, Dutch would post a 13-6 W/L, 3.38 ERA in 26 starts. As in 1925, Ruether would not participate in the 1927 Yankees World Series romp of the Pirates.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ruethdu01

Michael Joseph McNally B Sept. 13, 1893 D May 29, 1965

A light hitting infielder, McNally carved out a 11 year major league career with the Red Sox, Yankees and Senators.

Only 12 of McNally's 492 lifetime games came in a Senators uniform. McNally would close out his 11 year tenure with the 1925 Senators. In those 12 games, he would collect 3 hits in 21 AB, for a .143 average.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcnalmi01

Steve Jeltz

09-13-2008, 08:52 PM

1901 Cy Young of Boston scores his 30th win of the year, a 12-1 dismantling of the Nationals.

1915 The Nats George Dumont debuts with a bang, whitewashing visiting Cleveland, 3-0. Both of Dumont's 2 victories this season are shutouts.

1935 Galloping to their 5th straight win, the Senators topple the Tribe, 5-1, in Washington. Bobo Newsom goes the distance, despite 5 hits from the bat of Cleveland's Earl Averill.

1941 A 3-6 triple play (Mickey Vernon to Cecil Travis) and his own bat helps Sid Hudson to a 2-0 win over the Tigers at Griffith. Hudson scores twice for the Nats and collects his 6th win of the year over the Bengals.

1947 The Senators drop a home Sunday doubleheader to Detroit. In the opener, Tigers rookie Vic Wertz cycles and scores 5 times and George Kell pounds 4 safeties as Detroit piles up 16 runs in a 16-6 rout. Wertz crosses the plate twice in the nightcap, an 8-4 Tiger victory.

1955 Herb Score of the Indians strikes out 9 Senators to break Grover Cleveland Alexander's rookie record of 227 strikeouts, but Score does not get a decision in the Nats, 3-2, win. Washington's Ernie Oravetz's run scoring single in the bottom of the 7th is the crucial blow, which hands Cleveland reliever Ray Narleski his 1st loss of the year.

1962 Shortly after his hearing on his disorderly conduct charge, Jimmy Piersall is knocked unconscious in his Baltimore hotel by a revolving door. While Piersall nursed a headache that evening, Senator bats remained slumber in a home game with Chicago. The pop gun Sens offense musters only 3 hits off Chicago's Joel Horlen in a 2-0 loss.

Senators Birthdays

Fred Allen Green B Sept. 14, 1933 D Dec. 22, 1996

Except for a very short stint with the Senators, the lefthander was the property of Pittsburgh for the duration of his 5 partial seasons.

Green would appear on the roster of the Senators in 1962 after being claimed on waivers the previous September. In 5 games, all in relief, Green would go 0-1 with an ERA of 4.79.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=greenfr01

Steve Jeltz

09-15-2008, 04:32 AM

1911 Jimmy McAleer becomes the first Washington manager not to fired. Instead, he tenders his resignation to become a part owner of the Red Sox, effective after the season.

1917 Behind Harry Harper in game one and Walter Johnson in game two, the Nats toss aside the visiting A's, 5-0 and 4-0.

1940 7th place Washington defeats 1st place Detroit‚ 6-1‚ behind knuckleballer Dutch Leonard. Fred Hutchinson is the losing pitcher for the home team.

1945 Trailing the Tigers by a half game for 1st place, Washington begins a huge 5 game series at Griffith against Detroit. Playing two games today, the Senators miss a golden opportunity to take over the top spot. Washington chases Hal Newhouser in the opener, but the Tigers break a 6th inning tie to take the contest, 7-4. The Senators are downed again in the nightcap, 7-3, when the Bengals, again, snap a 6th inning tie. The losses drop the Sens to 2.5 games back.

1969 The Senators overcome a 2-0, 8th inning hole at RFK to rally for a 3-2 win over the Orioles. Mike Epstein's triple drives in Del Unser and Lee Maye to knot the game in the 8th. In the 9th, with starter Jim Palmer still on the hill, Ed Brinkman's single brings home Toby Harrah for the victory.

Senators Birthdays

Nicholas Altrock B Sept. 15, 1876 D Jan. 20, 1965

Altrock is probably most renowned for his comedy duo with Senator teammates Gemany Schaefer and Al Schacht. Despite winning only 2 games in his Senator career, Altrock provided needed comedy relief for some bad to mediocre Washington teams in the 1910's. Along with Schaefer and, later, Schacht, the duo would don clown makeup for games and develop about 150 pantomime routines to entertain fans. One of Altrock's more popular gimmicks was to mimic umpires from the coaches box during games, which did not endear Altrock to the arbiters.

It is easy to forget that this lefthander was, prior to his arrival in D.C. in 1909, one of the better pitchers in the AL. After debuting with the NL's Louisville Colonels in 1898 and a short stint with the Boston Americans, Altrock found his niche with the White Sox. From 1904-1906, Altrock won 19, 23 and 20 games for the White Sox. In the 1906 World Series against the cross town Cubs, the southpaw went 1-1 with a 1.00 ERA in the "Hitless Wonders" upset of the favored Cubs. Altrock was also a fine fielding pitcher and still holds some fielding records for pitchers.

On the last day of the 1933 season, Altrock, 57 years old, entered the record books by becoming the oldest player, at the time, to appear in a major league game. As well, he also became the first to play in 5 different decades. He would stay on the Washington baseball scene as a Senator's coach until 1959.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=altroni01

Link to an article on the SABR website

http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1724&pid=214

Steve Jeltz

09-15-2008, 09:05 PM

1945 At Washington, the Nats, after 10 straight losses to Hal Newhouser, finally defeat the Detroit ace, 3-2. Roger Wolff of the Nats gets his 19th win. The Tigers maintain their 2.5 game lead by trimming the Senators, 5-4, in the nightcap.

1961 In a deal that will pay dividends for Washington, the Senators deal 1B Dave Sisler and cash to Cincinnati for P Claude Osteen.

1971 Bill Veeck and Hank Greenberg enter into the bidding to purchase the Senators from Bob Short. Today, Veeck met with Short concerning the purchase of the franchise. Both sides reported progress in their negotiations and agreed to meet at a later date.

On the field, Dick Bosman goes the route, but the Sens drop their 8th straight contest, losing in Detroit, 3-1.

Senators Birthdays

Vito John Valentinetti B Sept. 16, 1928, Still Living

Before arriving in Washington, Vito Valentinetti pitched in five different organizations. Among the teams that Valentinetti pitched for were the White Sox, with whom he made his debut in 1954, Cubs, Indians and Tigers. He also toiled in Brooklyn's farm system in 1957 after being traded by the Cubs.

The Senators acquired the righthander from Detroit on June 23, 1958 for Al Cicotte. Valentinetti appeared in 23 games that year, posting a 4-6 record with a hefty 5.08 ERA, mostly as a reliever.

Valentinetti was dealt to the Orioles for Billy Loes on April 1, 1959. When the trade was voided, Valentinetti returned to the Sens bullpen and promptly gave up 12 runs in 10.2 IP in his final big league action.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=valenvi01

Preston James (Dick) Robertson B Sept. 16, 1891 D Oct. 2, 1944

The Rockville, MD native came onto the scene in 1913 with Cincinnati. In 2 games with the Reds, Robertson went 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA.

Five years would separate Robertson's next major league stint, this time in Brooklyn in 1918. For the Robins, the righthander logged a 3-6 mark in 13 appearances.

Robertson would make his cameo Senators appearance in 1919, going 0-1 with a 2.28 ERA in 7 contests.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=roberdi01

Steve Jeltz

09-16-2008, 09:04 PM

1916 The Browns George Sisler wins his final game as a pitcher, besting Walter Johnson, 1-0, in St. Louis. Sisler will become St. Louis' regular first sacker in 1917.

1923 It's two wins in a single day for the Big Train. In home twinbill against St. Louis, Johnson relieves in the opener of the 5-4, 10 inning Nats victory. As the starter in game two, Johnson receives ample run support in a 12-2 win that is called after 7 innings.

1924 The Senators now find themselves in dead heat with New York atop the AL. Even though Washington wins in Cleveland, 3-2, the Yanks sweep a doubleheader in St. Louis, which enables the New Yorkers to climb into a tie for 1st.

1934 The Nats sock it to the Tribe at Cleveland, 13-6. Washington torches Cleveland pitching for 21 hits, with Pete Sosko leading the parade with 5 hits. 18 year old Reese Diggs pitches the complete game for the Nats, his only major league win.

1953 Bob Porterfield records his 21st victory, downing Chicago, 3-2, in D.C. Porterfield's 21 wins are the most for a Washington hurler since Alvin Crowder (24) and Earl Whitehill (22) in 1933.

1955 Brooks Robinson makes a 2-for-4 debut, as the hometown O's stop the Senators, 3-1.

1960 Falling to a game above .500, Washington loses at home to Boston, 2-1. Ted Williams' 2-run home run off Pedro Ramos in the 6th is the key blow. For Washington, Jim Lemon clouts his 38th of the year. The Senators will go on to lose 15 of their final 18 contests before departing for Minnesota.

1970 Dick Bosman fires a 5 hitter over Baltimore at RFK, winning 2-0. Nonetheless, the Orioles clinch the AL East with the Yankees loss to Boston. For Washington, this is their final win of 1970, as they will lose their final 14 decisions.

1971 American League owners announce that a special meeting will be held on September 21 to discuss the financial state of Bob Short. When Short is asked whether he will seek permission from the AL owners to move the team to Texas, Short replies, "I'm trying to work this thing out and keep the team in Washington."

Senators Birthdays

7 Senator birthdays to note on this September 17.

Cisco Carlos B Sept. 17, 1940, Still Living

Cisco Carlos was purchased from the White Sox, his original team, in August of 1969. In 6 games, Carlos would go 1-1 for the Nats during the latter part of 1969.

The righthander would begin 1970 in Denver, Washington's triple A affiliate. Recalled in September, Carlos posted a 1.50 ERA in 5 relief appearances before leaving the majors.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=carloci01

Carl Edward Bouldin B Sept. 17, 1939, Still Living

Another righthanded pitcher, Bouldin pitched his entire big league career with the expansion Senators. Unfortunately, Bouldin appeared in only 27 games from 1961 to 1964, earning a lifetime mark of 3-8 and an ERA of 6.15.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bouldca01

Leslie Earl Peden B Sept. 17, 1923 D Feb. 11, 2002

Peden, a catcher, appeared in 9 games for the 1953 Senators. The Rule 5 draftee from the Cubs organization hit for a .250 average with 1 HR and 1 RBI in his short major league journey.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pedenle01

Allen Jones Gettel B Sept. 17, 1947 D Apr. 8, 2005

The definition of a journeyman, this pitcher hurled for the Yankees, Cleveland, White Sox, Senators, NY Giants and Cardinals over a 10 year career spanning from 1945-1955.

Gettel's stay as a Senator would be for 1 month and 3 days in 1949. Purchased from the White Sox on July 12, the native of Norfolk, VA chalked up an 0-2 mark with a 5.45 ERA in 16 games. On August 15, the Senators sold Gettel to Oakland of the PCL.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=getteal01

Thomas Livingstone Carlton Taylor B Sept. 17, 1892 D Apr. 5, 1956

Unlike other short time Senators, Tommy Taylor's short stay was unique. Taylor's moment in the sun was starting game 7 of the 1924 World Series at 3B, when Ossie Bluege was forced to play SS in place of an injured Roger Peckinpaugh. Coincidentially, that would also be Taylor's final major league game. Taylor went hitless in 2 AB in that World Series, but was a member of the only Senators world championship.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=tayloto01

Roy Ellis Moran B Sept 17, 1884 D July 18, 1966

Moran appeared in 7 games for the 1912 version of the Senators, his only major league appearances. His line: A .154 BA, 0 HR, 0 RBI and 2 hits in 13 at bats.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=moranro01

Frank M. Schulte B Sept. 17, 1882 D Oct. 2, 1949

Needless to say, by the time Frank "Wildfire" Schulte came to the nation's capital to complete his career, his best years were behind him.

Schulte made his mark for the Cubs from 1904 to 1916. A member of the Cubs last world championship team in 1908, Schulte was also the 1911 winner of the Chalmers Award (NL Most Valuable Player). "Wildfire" blazed to a .300 average that season with 21 HR and 107 RBI.

After stops with the Pirates and Phillies, Schulte became a Nat in 1918. In 93 games during the war shortened year, the outfielder hit .288 with 44 RBI.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schulfr01

Steve Jeltz

09-17-2008, 09:14 PM

1908 Chicago musters only 3 hits off Walter Johnson, but the Pale Hose edge the Nationals, 1-0, on the South Side. "Big" Ed Walsh is the winner for Chicago.

1916 One month wonder Claude Thomas makes his first ML start in St. Louis and grounds the Browns, 1-0. It is the portsider's only major league win.

1929 It's two pitching efforts that manager Walter Johnson appreciates. In Detroit, Bump Hadley and Lloyd Brown team up to hold Detroit scoreless, 2-0 and 1-0, in a twinbill.

1945 In the rubber match of their 5 game showdown with Detroit, the Senators erupt for 12 runs in a 12-5 victory over the Tigers. Dizzy Trout, worn down from pitching 6 games in 10 days, absorbs the loss. Both teams combine to use 35 players in the game, equaling a ML record. The 1st place Bengals, who came into this series with a half game lead, depart Washington with a 1.5 game margin.

1946 Sherry Robertson of Washington becomes the first player since the Red Sox's Harry Hopper in 1913 to leadoff consecutive games with a home run. After leading off yesterday's game at Detroit with a homer, Robertson accomplishes the trick again at Cleveland in today's, 8-1, victory for the Sens. Robertson ropes 3 hits and scores 3 runs.

1966 When Ken Harrelson scores on a Fred Valentine triple in the bottom of the 9th, not only do the Sens win, but Washington denies the A's a place in the record books. Coming into this game, Kansas City pitchers had a string of 36.2 shutout innings. "Blue Moon" Odom pitches 8.1 innings of 5 hit, shutout ball, extending the string to 45.1, before Valentine's game winner. The AL record for shutout innings is held by the 1948 Indians with 47. While Odom pitched valiantly in a losing cause, his opposite, Phil Ortega, was masterful, limiting the A's to 2 hits in a complete game.

Senators Birthdays

There are no Senators birthdays to report on this day.

Steve Jeltz

09-18-2008, 09:03 PM

1904 Possibly the worst baseball team to represent Washington in its history, the Nationals lose their 100th game of the year, 4-3, to the Highlanders. Washington will complete their season on October 10th at 38-113, 55.5 games out of first.

1924 Washington moves a game in front of New York with a 15-9 win in St. Louis, while the Yanks lose in Detroit.

1925 Looking like a last place team mailing it in, the Nats are shellacked in Griffith by Chicago, 17-0, in a game called after 6 and a half innings. The Pale Hose outhit the Nats 26-1, with the lone Washington safety collected by Bobby Veach. Sam Rice's streak of 9 straight hits is halted by winner Ted Lyons. Despite the wretched performance, the Senators are firmly entrenched in 1st place by 7.5 games.

1926 Ty Cobb comes off the bench and laces a pinch single in the bottom of the 9th to give the Tigers an 8-7 victory. Walter Johnson gets the loss, giving up 2 runs in the 9th.

1944 The Nats go winless at Comiskey this season (0-11) after the White Sox take a doubleheader. Behind the pitching of Thorton Lee and Eddie Lopat, Chicago snuffs out the Nats, 9-3 and 2-0.

1956 On a rainy, cold day by the lake, Cleveland walks all over Washington, 6-0, in a game that is called in the 7th. Tribe hurler Bob Lemon wins his 20th, the 7th season that he has recorded 20 or more wins. A sparse gathering of 365 fans show up for the game.

1970 The brothers Conigliaro, Tony and Billy of Boston, homer in the same game. Billy socks a 4th inning homer of Jim Hannan and Tony blasts a home run of Joe Grzenda in the 7th, as the Red Sox pummel the Senators, 11-3, in the nightcap at Fenway. In Washington's game one, 7-3, loss, Frank Howard strikes out 5 times, 4 against starter Ken Brett and 1 against reliever Gary Wagner.

Senators Birthdays

Murray Wesley Wall B Sept 19, 1926 D Oct 8, 1971

A strapping righthander, Wall was signed originally by the Boston Braves in 1950 and appeared in 1 game that year. After that lone outing, the Braves sent Wall to the minors, not to be seen for 7 years.

Wall reemerged with the Red Sox in 1957, seeing action in 11 relief outings, posting a 3-0, 3.33 ERA. The next season, the Dallas native became a workhorse out of the Sox bullpen. In 52 games, Wall would go 8-9 with an ERA of 3.62.

A bad start to 1959 would find Wall on the move. On June, 11 the Nats acquired Wall and Billy Consolo from the Sox for Herb Plews and Dick Hyde. Wall would only appear in 1 game for Washington, giving up 3 hits and 1 run in 1.1 innings, for a 6.75 ERA. That lone appearance was enough for the Senators to return Wall to the Red Sox on June 14. He would pitch his last game in the majors in July of that year.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wallmu01

Harry Felton (Larry) Schlafly B Sept 19, 1878 D June 27, 1919

Larry Schlafly burst onto the scene in 1902 with the Cubs. In 10 games, Schlafly batted at a healthy .323 clip, with 5 RBI. Chicago must not have been that impressed since he would not see a major league diamond again until 1906.

Selected by Washington from Portland of the PCL in Rule 5 major league draft prior to 1906, Schlafly would become the Nats regular 2B that year. In 123 games, Schafly hit .246 with 2 HR and 30 RBI, while leading the AL in hit by pitches with 14.

In June of 1907, Schlafly was put on waivers by the Nationals, thanks to a .135 average. Claimed by the Boston Americans, Schafly would promptly be dealt by Boston to Toronto of the Eastern League.

Seven years later, Schlafly would have his swan song with the Federal League's Buffalo Buffeds as a player/manager. Inserting himself into 52 games, the skipper batted .260 with 19 RBI, before devoting his concertration to managing only for 1915. Schlafly directed the Buffeds to an 80-71, 4th place finish in 1914 and a 13-28 mark before being let go in June of 1915.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schlala01

Steve Jeltz

09-19-2008, 09:20 PM

1908 17 Nationals strike out in St. Louis at the hands of the Brown's Rube Waddell. Walter Johnson is gallant as he tries to keep the Nats close, but the Browns win in 10 innings, 2-1.

1924 Had the Senators lost out on the 1924 AL pennant, manager Bucky Harris would have looked upon this game as the turning point. In one of the worst starts of his career, the Big Train, pitching on 2 days rest, is chased by the Browns after only 1 inning. Nevertheless, Washington takes a 14-13 lead in the top of the 10th courtesy of a Goose Goslin home run. With dependable reliever Firpo Marberry on the mound, the game appears in the bag for the Nats. The Browns have other ideas. St. Louis scores 2 in their half of the 10th, to steal a 15-14 victory. An errant Marberry throw to second base is the culprit for Washington's potentially deflating defeat.

1933 Washington clinches, at the very least, a tie for the AL crown in Washington. A 7 run outburst in the 3rd inning lifts the Senators to a 13-5 rout of the Browns. The official coronation of the Senators as AL champions will take place tomorrow.

1941 Dutch Leonard's knuckleball stymies visiting Philadelphia in a 1-0 Sens victory. 30 year old rookie and future Nat 20 game winner Roger Wolff makes his ML debut for the A's, scattering 3 hits in a losing cause.

1952 For the first time since May 28, 1948, the Senators defeat Boston's Mel Parnell, 10-6. Parnell is pounded out of the box in the bottom of the 4th. Prior to this game, the Red Sox's southpaw had won 17 consecutive against Washington.

1971 Unbenownst at the time, the Senators win their final road game at RFK. That is not a typo. The "road" Senators outlast the "home" Tribe in 20 innings, 8-6, in a completion of a suspended game from September 14th in Cleveland. 30 walks are issued by both squads, an AL record for an extra inning affair. Both teams combine to leave 42 runners on base, another AL record, and combine to score 4 runs in the 20th inning, a record for most runs scored in the 20th frame. In the regularly scheduled home contest, the Indians serve Denny McLain his 21st loss, a 3-1 Tribe win.

Senators Birthdays

Albert Eldon McLean B Sept. 20, 1912 D Sept. 29, 1990

Appearing in 4 games in July of 1935 with the Nats, McLean would post a 7.27 ERA in his only major league action.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcleaal01

Henry John (Zeke) Bonura B Sept. 20, 1918 D March 9, 1987

In today's game, Zeke "What a Physique" Bonura would be a designated hitter in all probability. The prototypical good hit, no field first baseman, Bonura would serve two tours of duty with the Senators. Annual holdouts and a lack of range on defense would contribute to Bonura's banishment from the majors after 7 years.

A rare slugger who had more walks than strikeouts in his career, Bonura began his career in 1934 with the White Sox. The righthanded slugger damaged AL pitching to the tune of 27 HR and 110 RBI, with a .302 BA. While his numbers dipped in 1935 (.295, 21, 92), Bonura finished 15th in the AL MVP voting.

Over the next two seasons, Bonura would post some gaudy stats at the plate. In 1936, Zeke batted .330, with 12 HR and 138 RBI to garner a 19th place finish in the MVP balloting. Bonura hiked his average to .345 in 1937, while belting 19 HR and 100 RBI. Despite his hitting exploits, Pale Hose manager Jimmy Dykes fumed about Bonura's lack of range and perceived indifference to fielding.

In spring training of 1938, Clark Griffith thrilled Dykes by trading Joe Kuhel to Chicago for Bonura. After a slow start, the New Orleans product did not disappoint, hitting .289 with 22 HR and 114 RBI in his maiden season in D.C. After the season, Griffith, in need of cash, would peddle the first sacker to the Giants for 2 minor leagues and the important $20,000.

After one season in New York, Bonura would return to Washington in 1940. However, the magic in his bat had slowly vanished. In 79 games before being sold to the Cubs, Bonura would hit only 3 HR and 45 RBI. With the Cubs, Bonura would play 49 more games before being set sold out of the majors for good to Minneapolis of the American Association.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bonurze01

Steve Jeltz

09-20-2008, 09:03 PM

1901 The Nationals and Blues combine to commit 22 errors in a doubleheader, an AL record that still stands. Washington sweeps Cleveland by the one sided scores of 18-7 and 11-3.

1909 Taking the mound for the first time since August 29th due to a sore arm, Walter Johnson shuts out Detroit, 2-0, in Washington. It is just the Big Train's 13th victory of the year. The pack leading Tigers gain a 2.5 game lead over Philadelphia with a game one, 3-1, win over the Nationals.

1914 Johnson fans 12 in 13 innings at Chicago in the Nats 6-1 defeat of the White Sox. Johnson is a bit wild this afternoon, uncorking 4 wild pitches. With the Big Train and Chicago P Red Faber locked in a stalemate through 12 frames, the Nats explode for 5 runs in the 13th, to win going away.

1916 Cleveland bests visiting Washington, 3-2. Rookie Tris Speaker is 4-for-6 with a run batted in off Walter Johnson.

1926 At Sportsman Park, the Senators light up St. Louis pitching like a Christmas tree for 17 hits and 11 runs. Washington wins handily, 11-6. Goose Goslin cracks 4 hits, including his 17th HR. All 17 of Goslin's homers have come away from the spacious Griffith Stadium, the highest home run total for a player who has hit none at home.

1933 It's time to pop the corks! The Senators are AL champions by virtue of a 2-1 win over the Browns. The partisan Washington crowd enthusiastically cheers on Lefty Stewart to the victory and the Senators first AL flag in 8 seasons.

1937 The Indian's Hal Trosky chugs to an inside-the-park grand slam and P Johnny Allen wins his 13th straight, as the Tribe bounce the Nats, 6-3. Former Indian Wes Ferrell is the loser for Washington.

1958 At Fenway‚ Ted Williams doubles home a run, in the Red Sox, 2-0, shutout. However, Williams flings a bat into the crowd after being called out on strikes in the 3rd. The flying bat strikes Gladys Heffernan, Joe Cronin's housekeeper, in the face. Fortunately, Hefferman is not seriously hurt and Williams is extremely apologetic. AL President Will Harridge fines Williams for the incident.

1971 Bob Short's dirty deed is now officially done. At the special AL owners meeting in Chicago, Joseph Danzansky, president of Giant Food Inc., makes an 11th hour bid to purchase the franchise. The AL owners reject his bid, citing Danzansky's financing as "thin". After Danzansky's presentation was turned down, Short adressed the owners and stated, "You know what I want. I want to move to Texas." At 11:30 p.m., the AL owners grant Short's wish by a 10-2 vote. Major League Baseball will not return to the capital for 34 years. (Source: Washington's Expansion Senators, by James R. Hartley)

Senators Birthdays

James Clark (born James Petrosky) B Sep. 21, 1927 D Oct. 24, 1990

One Season Wonder Jim Clark spent 3 weeks on the Senators roster in 1948, batting .250 in 12 at bats, playing in 1 game each at shortstop and third base.

Jim Clark career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=clarkji02)

Joseph Walton Haynes B Sep. 21, 1917 D Jan. 6, 1967

Pitcher Joe Haynes spent 14 years in the major leagues beginning in 1939 with the Washington Senators. Purchased by the Chicago White Sox after the 1940 season, his most successful year would be 1947, when he posted a 14-6 record. He'd be named to the 1948 All Star Team but would not play in the game.

After 8 seasons in a White Sox uniform, he was traded after the 1948 season to the Cleveland Indians. However he'd be traded again, just 3 weeks later, back to the Washington Senators, along with Ed Klierman and Eddie Robinson in exchange for Mickey Vernon amd Early Wynn.

Haynes would spend 4 more years with the Senators, his best year in a Washington uniform would be 1950 when he'd go 7-5. Haynes would be released by Washington after the 1952 season, bringing his major league career to a close.

Joe Haynes career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=haynejo01)

Elmer John Smith B Sep. 21, 1892 D Aug. 3, 1984

Outfielder Elmer Smith debuted with the Cleveland Indians as a 21 year old rookie in 1914, one day before his 22nd birthday. Traded to the Washington Senators along with Joe Leonard for Joe Boehling and Danny Moeller, Smith would appear in 45 games with Washington in 1916, hitting .298. Starting the 1917 season in Washington, Smith would play in 35 games for the Senators before the Indians thought better of the trade and purchased him back from Washington.

Smith would stay in Cleveland through 1921, although he wouldn't play during the 1918 season, appearing in the 1920 World Series with the Indians against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Traded to the Boston Red Sox, Smith would play in 73 games for Boston before being traded again, this time to the New York Yankees. Smith would appear in 2 games for the Yankees in the 1922 World Series against the New York Giants.

Traded to Louisville of the American Association prior to the 1924 season, Smith would end his major league career in 1925, playing in 96 games for the Cincinnati Reds.

Elmer Smith career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=smithel02)

Steve Jeltz

09-21-2008, 09:12 PM

1917 Do not laugh at Ty Cobb, even if you are the greatest pitcher of all time. When Walter Johnson strikes the Peach out in the 1st, Johnson laughs about it. A motivated Cobb comes to the plate in the top of the 3rd, with 2 Tigers aboard. Cobb gets his revenge by lacing an inside-the-park home run, the only homer Johnson allows to Cobb in his career. Detroit wins, 4-3.

1924 For his 13th straight win, the Big Train rolls over Chicago, 8-3, at Comiskey. It is the Big Train's 23rd victory of the season. Meanwhile, the Yankees win in Cleveland to remain 2 games out of 1st place.

1935 In D.C. the Nats bash Philadelphia in two, 10-2 and 11-1. Winner Bobo Newsom falls a home run short of cycling in the opener. One year wonder Sammy Holbrook triples and knocks in 3 in the finale.

1945 Roger Wolff's 20th win keeps the Senators faint pennant hopes alive. Wolff blanks the A's in Philadelphia, 2-0, to keep the Sens 1.5 games back with 2 games left on the schedule.

1951 Irv Noren has a busy day in CF, recording an AL tying 11 putouts. Noren's Nats clouts the home Athletics, 9-1.

1954 Trailing 1-0 to the Yankees in the top of the 6th, the Senators first two hitters reach base. With runners stationed at 1st and 2nd, Mickey Vernon lines into a 3-6 triple play to douse the Nats threat. Behind the batting of Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra and the pitching of Tommy Byrne, the Yankees come out on top, 3-0.

Senators Birthdays

Kenneth Joseph Aspromonte B Sep. 22, 1931 Still Living

Brooklyn born Ken Aspromonte spent 7 seasons in the major leagues, playing for 6 different teams, including 2 separate stints in a Cleveland uniform.

Originally signed by the Boston Red Sox, Aspromonte wouldn't debut in the majors until 1957, when he'd play in 24 games for Boston. Returning with the Red Sox in 1958, he'd be traded to Washington after just 6 games for Lou Berberet.

Aspromonte would hit .225 in 92 games with Washington in 1958, and .244 in 1959, appearing in 70 games.

After just 4 games in 1960, Aspromonte would be traded to the Cleveland Indians for Pete Whisenant. Finishing the year in Clevelend, Aspromonte would have his best year at the plate, hitting .290 in 117 games with 20 doubles and 10 home runs.

Selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the expansion draft, Aspromonte would play in 66 games for the fledgling Angels, being waived in early July. He'd be picked up by the Indians where he'd finish the 1961 season. After 20 games with Cleveland in 1962, he'd be traded to the Milwaukee Braves where he'd finish the season.

Traded to the Chicago Cubs prior to the 1963 campaign, Aspromonte would play in just 20 games for the Cubs, hitting just .147. He'd be given his release at the start of the 1964 season, ending his major league career.

Ken Aspromonte career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=asproke01)

Harry James Bright B Sep. 22, 1929 D Mar. 13, 2000

Originally signed by the New York Yankees in 1946, Harry Bright would finally make it to the majors in 1958 as a 3rd baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Appearing in just 15 games where he'd hit an even .250, Bright would make it into 40 games with the Pirates in 1959. Bright would play in just 4 games with the Pirates in 1960.

Traded to the expansion Senators prior to their inaugural season, along with Bennie Daniels and R. C. Stevens in exchange for Bobby Shantz, Bright would be tapped to play 1st, 2nd & 3rd base as well as catcher during his 2 seasons in Washington. In 1962 he'd appear in 113 games, hitting .273 with 15 doubles and 17 home runs among his 107 hits.

Traded to the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 1963 season for Rogelio Alvarez, Bright would only play in 4 games for the Reds before being purchased by the New York Yankees where he'd finish the season. Appearing in just 4 games with the Yankees in 1964, Birght would be released and signed by the Chicago Cubs for the 1965 season, where he'd play in just 27 games to end his major league career.

Harry Bright career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brighha01)

Douglas Joseph Camilli B Sep. 22, 1936 Still Living

Catcher Doug Camilli, son of major leaguer Dolph Camilli, was originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957. However, he wouldn't get his first taste of the major leagues until 1960, when he appeared in 6 games for the Dodgers, then in their third year of playing on the west coast. Sparingly used, Camilli's most active season as a Dodger would be 1964 when he appeared in 50 games.

Purchased by the Senators after the 1964 season, Camilli would appear in 75 games with Washington in 1965 but would only hit .179. He'd spend parts of 1966 and 1967 with the Senators before being released before the start of the 1968 season. Camilli would be resigned by the Senators in mid-September of 1969, appear in just 1 game, and be released again at the end of the season, ending his major league career.

Doug Camilli career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=camildo02)

Reese Wilson Diggs B Sep. 22, 1915 D Oct. 30, 1978

Senators Short Timer would appear in 4 games over the span of 2 weeks with the 1934 Senators. A pitcher, Diggs would post a 1-2 record, giving up 26 hits and 16 earned runs in 21.1 innings.

Reese Diggs career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=diggsre01)

Ira James (Pete) Flagstead B Sep. 22, 1893 D Mar. 13, 1940

Pete Flagstead would play in 1218 games in the major leagues in a career that spanned from 1917 through 1930. However only 18 of those games would come in a Senators uniform. An outfielder, Flagstead began his major league journey in 1917, appearing in 4 games with the Detroit Tigers. Flagstead wouldn't be on a major league roster in 1918 but would return with the Tigers in 1919, hitting .331 in 97 games. He'd remain with the Tigers through the start of the 1923 season, when after just 1 game, he'd be purchased by the Boston Red Sox.

Playing with the Red Sox through the start of the 1923 season, he'd be claimed off waivers in late May by the Washington Senators. Playing in the aforementioned 18 games, where he'd hit just .179, Flagstead would be released again in mid-July and picked up by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Flagstead would appear in 26 games with the Pirates in 1929 and 44 games in 1930 when he'd be released 1 last time, ending his major league career.

Ira "Pete" Flagstead career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=flagsir01)

Thomas Everette Wright B Sep. 22, 1923 Still Living

Tom Wright is another outfielder who got around, playing for 4 American League teams in 7 years. Debuting with the Boston Red Sox in 1948, Wright would make brief appearances with the Red Sox each season through 1951. Traded to the St. Louis Browns, Wright would play in just 29 games with St. Louis in 1952 before being traded again to the Chicago White Sox. He'd stay in Chicago through 1953 when he was traded one last time, this time to the Washington Senators for Kite Thomas.

Wright would play in 76 games for the Senators in 1954, hitting .246. 7 games in 1955 and 2 games in 1956 would mark the end of his career.

Tom Wright career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wrighto01)

Steve Jeltz

09-22-2008, 08:56 PM

1905 The first major league home run of Ty Cobb's career comes at the expense of Washington. Cobb connects for an inside-the-parker of Cy Falkenberg in the Nationals, 8-5, victory at home.

1911 "Shoeless" Joe Jackson cracks a 2-run home run off Walter Johnson in the 6th inning of Cleveland's 6-1 win. After yielding only 2 homers in the previous 4 seasons, Johnson has surrendered 8 this year.

1925 Senators SS Roger Pekinpaugh is named the American League MVP. Philadelphia's Al Simmons is the runner up.

1945 Thanks to Clark Griffith's ill advised decision to make Griffith Stadium available for the NFL's Redskins, his Senators have to complete their season early. In Philadelphia, Washington finishes their season by splitting two with the A's. The Senators lose a heart breaker in the opener when OF Bingo Binks, neglecting to wear sunglasses, loses a fly ball in the sun that falls for a double. George Kell promptly makes the Nats pay for Bink's mistake by singling home the game winner for the Mackmen, a 4-3 loss in 12 innings. The Nats take the second game, 4-3. 2nd place Washington now must await its fate for a nearly week while Detroit plays its final 4 games.

1957 Going 1-for-1, with 3 walks and a hit by pitch extends Ted Williams' consecutive on base to streak to a record 16. Former Nat Mike Fornieles allows 10 hits and 4 runs in a sloppy complete game victory for Boston, 9-4. Harmon Killebrew, recently recalled from the minors, whacks his 1st homer of the year in the bottom of the 5th.

1960 Casting their final victory before departing to Minnesota, the Senators apply the whitewash to Baltimore, 4-0. The last winning pitcher of record for the original version of the Senators belongs to the late Chuck Stobbs, who goes the route in Griffith.

1964 Introducing Nats newcomer Don Loun. Loun is a 23 year old, righthanded pitcher from Frederick, MD who is making his major league debut today against the Red Sox. The youngster's debut is storybook, pitching a complete game 5-hitter, for an 1-0, Nat's win. Loun loses his next start and disappears from the show.

Senators Birthdays

Horace Milton (Hod) Lisenbee B Sep. 23, 1898 D Nov. 14, 1987

Hod Lisenbee made his major league debut as a 28 year old rookie with the 1927 Washington Senators. His rookie season would also be his most active and successful. He'd pitch in 242 innings and post an 18-9 record with a 3.57 ERA. Back with the Senators in 1928, Lisenbee would only work in 77 innings and post a 2-6 record, with his ERA swelling to 6.08.

Traded with Elliot Bigelow, Milt Gaston, Grant Gillis and Bobby Reeves to the Boston Red Sox for Buddy Myer, Lisenbee would stay on the Boston roster through 1932.

After a 3 year hiatus from the major leagues, Lisenbee would show up again in 1936 pitching in 19 games for the Philadelphia Athletics, posting a 1-7 record with a 5.09 ERA.

As they say on those television infomercials, "But wait! There's more!" After another 9 year break, Lisenbee would show up on the roster of the Cincinnati Reds in 1945, at age 46, pitch in 31 games, posting a 1-3 record with 1 save, pitching in 80.1 innings. Then the story FINALLY ends on Hod Lisenbee.

"Hod" Lisenbee career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lisenho01)

George King Murray B Sep. 23, 1898 D Oct. 18, 1955

George Murray is another pitcher who had some "broken service" in his career. Originally appearing with the 1922 New York Yankees, where he'd post a 4-2 record in 22 games, Murray would be traded to the Boston Red Sox where he'd pitch in 1923 & 1924, posting records of 7-11 & 2-9.

Out of the major leagues in 1925, Murray would be on the roster of the Washington Senators in 1926, going 6-3 and 1927 where he'd post a 1-1 record in just 7 games.

Murray would drop off the major league radar after those 7 games in 1927, reappearing in 1933 to pitch in 2 games for the Chicago White Sox where his career ended.

George Murray career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=murrage01)

Marino Paul Pieretti B Sep. 23, 1920 D Jan. 30, 1981

Italian born Marino Pieretti debuted with the Washington Senators in 1945, pitching in 44 games, posting a 14-13 record over 233.1 innings.

Returning with the Senators in 1946, Pieretti's ERA would rise and his innings pitched would drop, ending the season with a 2-2 record.

1947 would see him earning a 2-4 record in 23 games.

After 8 games with the Senators in 1948, Pieretti was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Earl Harrist. Pieretti would remain with the White Sox through 1949, be released and picked up by the Cleveland Indians for the 1950 season, where his career would end after appearing in 29 games where he posted an 0-1 record.

Marino Pieretti career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pierema01)

Walter Cleveland (Lefty) Stewart B Sep. 23, 1900 D Sep. 26, 1974

Lefty Stewart made his major league debut in 1921, pitching in 5 games for the Detroit Tigers.

He wouldn't see the majors again until 1927 when he found himself on the roster of the St. Louis Browns. In 1930 Stewart would post a 20-12 record, pitching in 35 games.

After the 1932 season, Stewart was a part of the trade that sent Goose Goslin, Fred Schulte and Stewart to Washington in exchange for Lloyd Brown, Carl Reynolds, Sam West and that always desireable commodity, ca$h.

Stewart would post a 15-9 record with the 1933 Senators and be charged with a loss in the World Series, as the Senators lost to the New York Giants in 5 games.

With the Senators in 1934 where he'd post a 7-11 record, Stewart would be traded one last time in 1935, after appearing in just 1 game for Washington.

Sent to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Belve Bean, Stewart would post a 6-6 record in 24 games, his career ending with the end of the 1935 season.

"Lefty" Stewart career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stewale01)

Steve Jeltz

09-23-2008, 09:36 PM

1903 The Cleveland Naps take it to the Nationals in D.C., 12-2. Bill Bradley of Cleveland hits for the cycle and accumulates 12 total bases.

1908 Red hot Cleveland is cooled off by Walter Johnson. The Naps 10 game win streak falls by the wayside in Johnson's 3-hit, 2-1, victory at Cleveland.

1920 At the Polo Grounds, Babe Ruth decks his 50th home run in the 1st inning off Jose Acosta. Nevertheless that is the only damage done, as the Senators are victorious, 3-1. In the nightcap, the Babe adds number 51 in a 4-for-4 game of the Yanks 2-1 win.

1921 The big story is not Walter Johnson's, 5-1, victory over Detroit. It is Tiger's player/manager Ty Cobb and umpire Billy Evans' fistfight under the stands at Griffith following the game. Cobb, enraged by Evan's umpiring, challenges the arbiter to a fight during the game. Evans declines, but mentions he will gladly take the Peach up on his offer after the game. With both teams and some fans surrounding the two combatants, Cobb and Evans duke it out, with a few of Cobb's teammates cheering on Evans. Cobb eventually gets the best of Evans. When Ban Johnson fails to discipline Cobb, Commissioner Landis steps in and slaps Cobb with a 10 game, non-playing, suspension. As for Evans, he receives no disciplinary action and returns to umpire tomorrow heavily bruised and bandaged.

1925 The Senators clinch their second consecutive American League crown by copping a pair from the Tribe, 4-3 and 6-2, at Washington. Unlike last season, the Sens will have over a week to get ready for the World Series against the National League champion Pirates.

1932 Double X, Jimmie Foxx, blasts his 2nd grand slam in 3 days, but Washington scores in the top of 10th to win, 8-7. It is the A's slugger 57th homer of the year.

1950 Camilo Pascual's older brother, Carlos, debuts with his only major league win, defeating visiting Philadelphia, 3-1.

1954 September 22 birthday man, Tom Wright, singles in the go ahead run in the 11th to give the Nats the win over Boston, 1-0. Chuck Stobbs surrenders 7 hits, 3 to Ted Williams, in 11 innings. Washington completes the Fenway sweep by beating old nemesis Mel Parnell, 6-4, in game two.

1957 A ground out to second base in the top of the 1st by Ted Williams ends the Splendid Splinter's streak of reaching base 16 straight times. Senators starter Hal Griggs, who ended Williams' skein, is victimized by Williams' 38th home run in the 4th, as Boston trims Washington, 2-1.

1961 Fans of the expansion Nats have had very few highlights during the dismal second half of an once promising season. Dick Donovan provides one today. Donovan pitches a gem, a 1-hitter in the Twin Cites, to defeat the Twins, 4-1. Joe Altobelli is the lone Twin to get to Donovan when he homers in the 7th with none on.

Senators Birthdays

Richard Le Roy Nen B Sep. 24, 1939 Still Living

Dick Nen was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1961. He'd make it to the big club for 7 games at the end of the 1963 season. He'd only have 1 hit in 8 AB, but that 1 hit was a home run.

Nen wouldn't appear in the majors in 1964, and would be traded during the off season. Nen was the "player to be named later" in the trade that sent Frank Howard, Ken McMullen, Phil Ortega and Pete Richert to Washington in exchange for John Kennedy, Claude Osteen and an even $100,000.

Nen would be on the Senators roster as a first baseman from 1965 through 1967. His best season at the plate would be '65, when he'd hit .260 with 7 doubles, 1 triple and 6 home runs. His average would drop about 50 points the next season. In 1967, he'd have his most active season, playing in 110 games but still hitting just .218.

Sold to the Chicago Cubs at the start of the 1968 season, Nen would only appear in 81 games and see his BA drop to .181. Purchased back by the Senators at the end of the 1968 season, Nen wouldn't see any major league playing time in 1969 but would a final appearance with the Senators for 5 games in 1970.

Dick Nen career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=nendi01)

Clyde Frederick Vollmer B Sep. 24, 1921 D Oct. 2, 2006

Clyde Vollmer is another player who the Senators would deal away and then pick up again later in his career. An outfielder, Vollmer began his career in the Cincinnati Reds organization in 1939. He'd make it to the Reds for 12 games in 1942 but would hit just .093 and wouldn't be back until 1946.

Vollmer would play in 9 games in 1946, 78 in 1947 and 7 games in 1948 before being traded to the Washington Senators for Carden Gillenwater. Vollmer would play in just 1 game for the Senators in 1948, but would go 2 for 5 at the plate. Finally getting a chance to play regularly in 1949, Vollmer would hit .253 in 129 games with the Senators.

After 6 games in 1950, Vollmer would be traded to the Boston Red Sox for Tommy O'Brien and Merl Combs. Vollmer would be with the Red Sox for the remainder of the 1950 season and all of 1952 & 1953.

Once again, after a single game with the Red Sox at the start of the 1953 season, Vollmer would be purchased by the Senators where he'd play in 118 games in 1953, hitting .260 and would end his career in 1954, being released in mid-September after appearing in 62 games with the Senators.

Clyde Vollmer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=vollmcl01)

Steve Jeltz

09-24-2008, 08:33 PM

1908 With Cleveland and Detroit neck and neck in a fierce battle for the pennant, the 7th place Nationals upset the 1st place Naps at Cleveland, 6-1. Washington plates 5 in the 9th off Charlie Chench. Naps owner Frank DeHass Robison collapses from a heart attack while listening on a telephone to the play by play of the Nat's rally. Robison will die hours later.

1910 Playing out the string, the Nationals divide a pair at St. Louis. The Browns take the opener, 2-1, courtesy of a 2-run 7th inning. In the second game, Walter Johnson strikes out 11 and 1-hits the Browns, 3-0. The 303 strikeouts from Johnson this season bests Rube Waddell's record of 301 in 1903.

1932 90 wins is enough to win the National League pennant. In the American League, 93 wins is enough for a 3rd place finish, where the Senators find themselves on this season's final day. Washington holds off Philadelphia in Griffith, 2-1. Jimmie Foxx belts his 58th homer, 2 short of Babe Ruth's 60 in 1927, and wins the AL RBI crown with 169. General Crowder of Washington wins his 15th straight, 1 short of the AL record, and 26th overall. Perhaps, these Senators could have given the Yankees a better run in the World Series than the Cubs did.

1933 Holding a closed practice in preparation for the upcoming World Series, Washington tests the NL's less lively ball. After clouting 3 of the first 4 balls into the empty stands, Joe Cronin remarks that the ball "rides plenty" and also states "I'm in the wrong league."

1953 The Sporting News pitcher of the year, Bob Porterfield, wins number 22 of the season in hurling his 9th shutout, blanking the A's, 1-0. Three singles in the 9th win it for the Senators.

1962 Ho-hum. The Yankees capture the AL pennant with an 8-3 victory at Yankee Stadium. Mickey Mantle, what else, is 4-for-4 with 2 RBI. Yanks skipper Ralph Houk becomes the 5th manager to win pennants in his first two seasons, joining, among others, Washington's own Bucky Harris.

1965 Nat killer Mudcat Grant bewilders Washington batsmen yet again. Grant wins his 20th for the Twins, one-hitting the Senators, 5-0, in game one. Don Blasingame's 3rd inning double is Washington's only hit. Soon to be AL MVP Zoilo Versalles deposits 4 hits and 2 RBI to pace the Twins. Minnesota scores 3 in the top of the 8th of the nightcap to erase a 1 run Senators lead to win, 5-3.

Senators Birthdays

Paul Henry Hopkins B Sep. 25, 1904 D Jan. 2, 2004

Pitcher Paul Hopkins made his major league debut with the 1927 Senators in late September. Appearing in just 2 games, Hopkins would compile a 1-0 record in 9 IP, with a 5.00 ERA.

Returning to the Senators in 1929, Hopkins would pitch in 7 games, earning an 0-1 record with a 2.20 ERA.

Purchased by the St. Louis Browns in late June, Hopkins would pitch in just 2 more games and depart the major league scene.

Paul Hopkins career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hopkipa01)

Steve Jeltz

09-25-2008, 09:03 PM

1924 Their lead now trimmed to 1 game, Washington falls at Boston, 2-1. Two personal streaks of Senator players are halted. Walter Johnson's 13 game win streak and Sam Rice's 31 game hitting streak

1940 Stringing together 3 straight hits, the Nats rally for 2 in the 9th to defeat the Red Sox, 6-5, at Boston. Cecil Travis drives home the go-ahead run for Washington. Sox losing pitcher Jim Bagby Jr. records all 3 putouts in the 4th inning, a ML record that will not be equaled until 1963.

1956 Washington's Jim Lemon establishes a ML record, since surpassed, by striking out 138 times this season. The Red Sox coast to an 8-4 victory at Fenway.

1958 Former Senator Pete Runnels is tied for the AL batting lead with teammate Ted Williams following Boston's sweep of two at Griffith. Williams is 2-for-3 in the opener, a Sox win, 6-4. While Williams sits in the nightcap, Runnels goes 2-for 4 in Boston's game two victory, 3-1. Williams and Runnels are hitting at precisely.32258. For the lackluster Senators, their losing streak is extended to 11.

1965 Calvin Griffith must have been crowing. Not only does his Twins clinch the AL crown, but they do it in Washington. Jim Kaat strikes out 10 in the 2-1 clincher to sew up the Washington/Minnesota franchise's 4th pennant. Pete Richert allows 3 hits in 9 innings in a losing cause for the expansion Nats.

1969 The Nats win their 82nd game of the year, guaranteeing an above .500 finish for the first time in their short expansion existence. Lee Maye pops a grand slam in the Senators, 4-1, win over Cleveland in RFK.

Senators Birthdays

Walter John Chipple (born Walter John Chlipala) B Sep. 26, 1918 D Jun. 8, 1988

Single Season Senator Walt Chipple began his baseball career in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. Drafted by the Senators in November of 1944, Chipple, an outfielder, would appear in 18 games in the 1945 season, going 6 for 44. Chipple would leave Washington, and the majors, in late June of that year with a career BA of .136, 5 walks, 4 runs scored and 6 strikeouts.

Walt Chipple career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=chippwa01)

Steve Jeltz

09-26-2008, 08:53 PM

1905 Tom Hughes shutouts Cleveland for the 5th time this season, a ML record, 5-0, in Washington. Hughes record will be tied by Grover Alexander of the Phillies in 1916 and Larry Jaster with the Cardinals in 1966.

1912 Eddie Collins would comment that he had never known the Big Train to throw harder than he did on this day. Walter Johnson, in relief of starter Bob Groom, fires 10 shutout innings in a 19 inning, 5-4 Nationals win over the A's. It is an errant throw from Collins that allows the Nats to plate the winner in the top of the 19th. Johnson pockets his 32nd victory. Philadelphia's Eddie Plank, pitching all 19 frames, is charged with the loss.

1919 In Washington, Boston finds themselves on the losing end of a Nat's twinbill sweep, 7-3 and 4-1. Boston hurler Reb Russell drops both games. Babe Ruth blasts his first home run of the year in Washington, becoming the first player to homer in every park in a season. Ruth's game one home run is his 29th of the year and his last in a Boston uniform. Ruth's titanic shot off Rip Jordan clears the 45 foot RF wall, the longest home run witnessed to date in Washington's League Park.

1924 Disaster looms as the Red Sox score 4 in the 1st to take a 4-0 lead. However, the relief trio of Firpo Marberry, Allan Russell and Tom Zachary hold the fort, allowing the Senator offense to get into gear. Washington, with the Fenway faithful cheering them on, come back to score a 7-5 victory. Pinch hitter Wade Lefler delivers the key blow for the Sens, a 3-run, bases loaded double. In Philadelphia, the Yankees lose to the A's, 4-3, courtesy of a "Bullet" Joe Bush wild pitch. Washington's lead is now 2 games with 2 to play.

1938 Dutch Leonard heads into the record books as the pitcher who surrendered Lou Gehrig's final home run. The Iron Horse, on the 15th anniversary of his first home run, clouts his 493rd in a 5-2 Yanks win in the Bronx.

1940 Judging from the final score, it is understandable to believe the Red Sox were hitting off a batting tee. But, the record show that Washington did actually use pitchers in this, 24-4 humiliation in Fenway. Dom DiMaggio may have been worn out from running the bases in scoring 5 runs. Ted Williams must have disappointed himself by bringing home only 4 RBI.

1953 The late Mickey Vernon secures the AL batting title with a .337 clip. Near the conclusion of Washington's 9-2 Griffith Stadium loss to Philadelphia, the news arrives that Rosen's game has ended with Mick ahead by .0011 points. Shamefully, Vernon's teammates intentionally make the last 6 outs of the game to prevent Vernon from batting again and, possibly, losing the batting title. The Senators conclude their season at an even 76-76, good for 5th place.

1954 Urged by his nephew Calvin, Clark Griffith reluctantly fires manager Bucky Harris after a 66-88 season. Harris managed the Nats for 3 separate stints spanning 18 years, guiding Washington to its only World Series championship in 1924. Harris will land in Detroit as the Tigers pilot for 2 season before retiring after 1956.

1968 Opening their final series of the year at Detroit, the Senators double up the Bengals, 3-1. Frank Howard breaks a 1-all deadlock with his 44th home run in the 7th. Joe Coleman scatters 6 hits over 9 innings to net his 12th win.

Senators Birthdays

Harold Dennis (Chick) Gagnon B Sep. 27, 1897 D Apr. 30, 1970

Chick Gagnon made his major league debut in late June of 1922 with the Detroit Tigers. Playing shortstop and 3rd base, Gagnon would only make 5 plate appearances, going 1 for 4 with a walk.

Returning to the major leagues in 1924 with the Washington Senators, Gagnon would make it in to 4 games, hitting an even .200 and would leave the Senators, and the majors, in mid-May.

"Chick" Gagnon career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gagnoch01)

Richard Anthony Lanahan B Sep. 27, 1911 D Mar. 12, 1975

Washington, DC native Dick Lanahan made his major league debut with the 1935 version of the Senators, going 0-3 in 3 games with a 5.66 ERA. Returning with the Senators in 1937, Lanahan would pitch in 6 games, post an 0-1 record and see his ERA swell to 12.71.

Lanahan would make it back to the majors with the 1940 Pittsburgh Pirates where he'd go 6-8 in 40 games. His career ended in mid-May of 1941 after going 0-1 in 7 games for the Pirates.

Dick Lanahan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lanahdi01)

John Michael Pesky (born John Michael Paveskovich) B Sep. 27, 1919 Still Living

Johnny Pesky is best known for the many years he spent in Boston as a shortstop and 3rd baseman. Making his debut in 1942, Pesky would hit .331 in 147 games. His career interrupted by World War II, Pesky would pick up where he left off, hitting .335 in 153 games and being named to the 1946 All Star squad. Playing in Boston through early June of 1952, Pesky would lead the American League in hits in 1942, 1946 & 1947. He'd play in all 7 games of the 1946 World Series, hitting .233 as the Red Sox lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in 7 games.

Traded to the Detroit Tigers in June of 1952, Pesky would remain in a Tigers uniform through mid-June of 1954 when he'd be traded to the Washington Senators for Mel Hoderlein. He'd finish his career in Washington, playing in 49 games, going 40 for 158, good for a .253 BA.

Pesky would return to the Red Sox organization managing the team in 1963 & 1964 and again briefly in 1980. He remains a coach and consultant and finally got that coveted World Series ring in 2004.

Johnny Pesky career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=peskyjo01)

Steve Jeltz

09-27-2008, 09:24 PM

1949 Clinging to 1st place, the Red Sox head into the 9th in Washington nursing a 1-0 edge. Red Sox manager Joe McCarthy, taking no chances, summons Nat killer Mel Parnell to close it. With nothing to play for, the Nats rally to hand the Red Sox a crushing loss, 2-1. Parnell's wild pitch scores the winning run for Washington. Boston drops into a tie for 1st with the Yankees.

1954 Going outside the organization for a manager, the Senators tap former Cincinnati and Brooklyn pilot, Charlie Dressen. Dressen, in three seasons in Brooklyn, had led the Dodgers to 2 pennants, but was fired by Walter O'Malley for asking for an extension and a hefty salary raise after the 1953 season. The last manager that was hired from outside the franchise was none other than the "Silver Fox" himself, Clark Griffith, in 1912.

1968 Scoring twice in the top of the 9th, the Senators deny Detroit's Denny McLain of his 32nd win. Down 1-0 in the 9th and facing reliever Don McMahon‚ Del Unser sparks the rally with a leadoff single. After Unser is forced at second on a fielders choice, McMahon uncorks a wild pitch, moving Ed Stroud to second. With one out, Mike Epstein triples home Stroud to knot the game. Frank Howard is walked intentionally and the following batter, Ken McMullen, goes down on strikes for the second out. Whatever hope that the Tigers have of escaping the inning tied is squelched by pinch hitter Hank Allen's RBI single, which gives the Sens a 2-1 win.

1971 The Yankees bow to the Nats at RFK, 4-2. For the Nats, it is their final victory ever. As noted on other threads, Joe Grzenda is the last winning pitcher for Washington, going 3 innings of relief for Bill Gogolewski. Don Billings RBI double, followed by a Jeff Borroughs run scoring single, breaks a 2-2 tie in the 7th.

Senators Birthdays

James Benson Brillheart B Sep. 28, 1903 D Sep. 2, 1972

Pitcher Jim Brillheart would debut with the 1922 Washington Senators as an 18 year old rookie. Appearing in 31 games, he'd post a 4-6 record with a 3.61 ERA. Returning with the Senators in 1923, he'd go 0-1 and see his ERA almost double, to 7.00 in just 18 IP.

Brillheart would depart the major league scene after those 12 games in 1923 for a time, until he returned with the 1927 Chicago Cubs in 1927, going 4-2 in 32 games.

He'd take another leave of absence, only to return one last time for 11 games with the 1931 Boston Red Sox.

Jim Brillheart career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brillji01)

Alfred Hubert Evans B Sep. 28, 1916 D Apr. 6, 1979

Catcher Al Evans would spend 12 years in the major leagues, 11 of those seasons with the Washington Senators. Evans would play for the Senators from 1939 through 1950, although he wouldn't appear on the roster in 1943.

Making his debut in September of 1939, Evans would go 7 for 21 in 7 games, working out to .333. Sparingly used, Evans most active season would be 1949 when he'd appear in 109 games, hitting .271.

Waived by the Senators prior to the start of the 1951 season, Evans would be signed by the Boston Red Sox but would only appear in 12 games, hitting just .125 and would see his last major league action in early August of 1951.

Al Evans career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=evansal01)

Wenceslao (Vince) Gonzales B Sep. 28, 1925 D Mar. 11, 1981

Vince Gonzales, another member of the Cuban Connection, also gets tagged with the label "One Game Wonder" for his performance on April 13th of 1955, when he pitched in 2 innings, giving up 6 hits and 6 runs while walking 3, departing with an ERA of 27.00.

Vince Gonzales career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gonzavi01)

Raymond Willis (Rip) Jordan B Sep. 28, 1889 D Jun. 5, 1960

Rip Jordan made his major league debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1912, pitching in 12.1 innings over 4 games.

Jordan would return as a One Game Wonder with the 1919 Senators in late September, when he'd surrender 6 hits and 5 runs over 4 innings, earning a 11.25 ERA for that singular performance.

"Rip" Jordan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=jordari01)

Dennis William Sullivan B Sep. 28, 1882 D Jun. 2, 1956

Outfielder Denny Sullivan began his major league career with the Senators in 1905, appearing in 3 games, going 0-11 at the plate.

He'd return to the majors in 1907 with the Boston franchise, then known as the "Americans", where he'd play in 144 games and hit .245. After 101 games with the 1908 team, now known as the "Red Sox" he was purchased by the Cleveland franchise, then known as the Naps. 4 games with Cleveland in 1908 and another 3 in 1909 would mark the end of his career.

Denny Sullivan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sullide02)

Steve Jeltz

09-28-2008, 08:23 PM

1913 On George McBride Day, honoring the Nats SS, Walter Johnson collects his 36th victory of the year, beating the A's, 1-0.

1924 Babe Ruth wakes his slumbering teammates to deliver the bad news: The Senators are the American League champions. With the Yankees rained out in Philadelphia, Washington clinches their first pennant in Boston by a 4-2 score. Wade Lefler is the offensive hero again for the Senators, delivering another key 3-run double, before vanishing to obscurity.

1933 In front of their upcoming World Series opponents, the Giants, the Senators roll to an early 5-0 advantage over the Yankees to win in the Bronx, 8-5. Heinie Manush doubles and homers for 3 RBI. Lou Gehrig consecutive game streak remains intact after getting married at noon before today's game.

1963 Mercifully, the season comes to a close for the Sens in Chicago. Washington avoids loss number 107 by whipping the White Sox, 9-2. Claude Osteen strikes out 9 in the complete game. Osteen is backed by 13 hits, with Minnie Minoso leading the way with 3. Ken Hunt, purchased earlier in the month from the Dodgers, hits his 1st HR as a Nat. Dave Nicholson of the Pale Hose strikes out for a ML record 175th time in 126 games!

Senators Birthdays

Michael Francis McCormick B Sep. 29, 1938 Still Living

There have been 3 players known as "Mike McCormick" in major league history.

The first spent the 1904 season as a 3rd baseman with the Brooklyn Superbas.

The second was an outfielder who played from 1940 through 1951, finishing his career with the original Senators and was covered on May 6th.

The Mike McCormick of note on today's Senators birthday list began his career in 1956 with the New York Giants. A pitcher, Mike McCormick #3 would remain with the franchise as it shifted to San Francisco after the 1957 season and would have some active seasons in the "City by the Bay", posting records of 11-8 in 1956, 12-16 in 1959, 15-12 in 1960 and 13-16 in 1961, making the All Star team in 1960 and 1961.

After the 1962 season, McCormick would be traded to the Baltimore Orioles. After 2 years in Baltimore, McCormick was traded again, this time to the expansion Senators for minor leaguer Steve Herman and $20,000.

Pitching in Washington for the 1965 and 1966 seasons, McCormick would post records of 8-8 and 11-14.

Traded again after the 1966 season, back to the franchise where it started, the Giants for Bob Priddy and Cap Peterson, McCormick would have the best season in his career, going 22-10 with a 2.85 ERA and winning the Cy Young Award.

McCormick would stay in San Francisco through mid-July of 1970 when he was traded to the New York Yankees.

Released by the Yankees prior to the start of the 1971 season, he'd be signed by the Kansas City Royals. After just 4 games in Kansas City, he'd be released again in early June, ending his major league career.

Mike McCormick career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mccormi03)

TallIndian

09-28-2008, 09:29 PM

Aa3rt

09-29-2008, 04:14 PM

41 years ago today, the White Sox came to town. By sweeping the Nats, the could have won the AL crown and trip to the World Series.

The Nats, however, swept the Sox. They still talk about this series in Chicago. I moved to Chicago in the late 1980s and have heard the series mentioned as among Chicago's greatest sporting disasters (and there have been quite a few!).

Anytime a Sox fan mentions the collapse of the '69 Cubs, Cubs fans are quick to bring up this series.

I would say that this was the close as the expansion Senators ever came to playing in a playoff series. They altered the course of baseball history. Their performance in this three game set may have clinched the deal for the Mets to go after Gil Hodges.

Anyway, 41 years ago today, Phil Ortega hurled a four hit shutout as the Nats beat Tommy John, 1-0. The Nats run was unearned due to an error by Tom McCraw (who would become a Nat himself).

TallIndian-You, sir, have an excellent memory! Thanks for bringing this up!

The 10 team league was quite a horse race during the 1967 season, with the Red Sox finishing in 1st place at 92-70, the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers in a tie for 2nd at 91-71 and the White Sox finishing in 3rd, with a 89-73 record.

The White Sox had dropped a double-header to the Kansas City A's prior to being swept at home by the Senators.

The California Angels finished in 4th place and the Senators would finish in a tie for 5th with the Baltimore Orioles, both teams finishing with identical 76-85 records. The Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and KC A's would complete the field.

While the Senators slowly improved every year under Gil Hodges' managerial term (1963-1967), they would fall back to 10th in 1968 after Gil's departure.

Steve Jeltz

09-29-2008, 09:03 PM

1924 48 year old Washington coach Nick Altrock pitches two innings and becomes the oldest player to hit a triple. Altrock's RBI triple is greatly aided by the Red Sox outfielders casually strolling after the ball. Nonetheless, the AL champs are decked in Fenway, 13-1, in the regular season finale.

1927 The Babe launches his historic 60th home run. Ruth's 60th, a 2-run bomb, comes off Tom Zachary in the 8th inning of the Yankees 4-2 win. As Ruth takes his position in right, he is greeted by a handkerchief salute from an adoring New York crowd. Overshadowed by the Bambino's home run is Walter Johnson's final appearance. The Big Train pinch hits for Zachary in the 9th and makes the final out by flying out to Ruth.

1928 7 hits in his last 15 AB's earns Goose Goslin his only batting title. Goslin's .379 edges the Brown's Heinie Manush's .378 mark.Goslin raps 2 hits, including a homer, in the Nats 9-1 victory at St. Louis. Goslin would traded to the Browns for Manush in 1930 and they would later be teammates on the 1933 Senators.

1934 Griffith Stadium is the scene of the final game in Yankee pinstripes for Babe Ruth. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Ruth is presented with a scroll of appreciation from Senator fans. Also on hand is the band from St. Mary's Industrial School, where the Babe was raised. Ruth goes 0-for-3 in Washington's, 5-3 victory. The Sultan of Swat flies out to CF for the final out of the game and leaves the field crying. Lou Gehrig's 3-for-4 afternoon locks up the Triple Crown.

1945 The Nats, not having played in a week due the Redskins use of Griffith, have their bags packed and ready to go to Detroit for a possible playoff to determine the AL champion. That is if St. Louis can knock off Detroit in a doubleheader at Sportsman. Hank Greenberg makes a playoff unnecessary by belting a grand slam in the 9th inning of the opener to clinch the pennant for the Bengals, 6-3.

September 30, 1971: The Final Game

The Washington Evening Star proclaimed it "The Wildest Funeral Ever". "The evening was a bitter wake, a joyous circus, a shouting match with an absentee offender named Bob Short", the Evening Star reported. It was 38 years ago on this day that 14,460 paid their final respects to the Senators at RFK on a cool, Thursday evening.

Drawing first blood, the Yankees score twice in the 1st and 2nd innings, with the Sens plating a run in their half of the 2nd, for a 4-1, New York lead. In the 3rd inning, the crowd applauds a sign that is unfurled reading "Short Stinks". To the chagrin of the crowd, security confiscates the sign. But another banner is quickly made, stating that "Short Still Stinks", which draws louder cheers.

The loudest ovation, however, belongs to Frank Howard. Leading off the 6th, with the Sens trailing, 5-1, Hondo draws a standing ovation as he steps to the plate. Howard gets the crowd in a frenzy by cracking his 26th home run off Mike Kekich. After the homer, Howard emerges twice from the dugout to give two curtain calls and tosses his helmet into the stands for a souvenir. With the raucous crowd still excited, the Senators score 3 more runs in the inning to tie the game at 5. In the bottom of the 7th, in his final Washington at bat, Hondo fouls out to catcher Thurman Munson. Howard receives another standing ovation on his way back to the dugout, tempering the "We want Short!" chant.

The start of the 8th inning is delayed by fans running onto the field. After the fans depart, the Nats take their positions and reliever Paul Lindblad allows a bunt single to Munson. Lindblad induces a double play grounder from former Senator Ron Hansen and a ground out from Gene Michael to retire the Yanks. The Senators take a 7-5 lead in their portion of the 8th, courtesy of a Tom McGraw bloop single and an Elliot Maddox sacrifice fly.

Joe Grzenda of Washington takes the mound for the infamous 9th inning. The chant of "We want Short!" resonates throughout RFK as the inning is delayed once again by groups of fans running on the field. Order is temporarily restored with an announcement that the Senators would forfeit the contest unless the field was cleared. Play resumes with New York's Felipe Alou grounding out to SS Toby Harrah for the first out. When Bobby Murcer bounces out to Grzenda for out number two, hundreds of fans begin to swarm the field. Even with extra police on duty, they are unable to contain the hordes of people grabbing grass, dirt and the numbers from the scoreboard. With no alternative, umpire crew chief Jim Honochick awards the Yankees a forfeit win, 9-0. Thus, an unusual and painful end to 71 years of baseball in the nations capital.

Senators Birthdays

Edward Aloysius Kenna B Sep. 30, 1897 D Aug. 21, 1972

One Season Wonder Eddie Kenna played in just 41 games with the 1928 Senators. A catcher, he'd hit .297, going 35 for 118, with 4 doubles, 2 triples 1 homer and 20 RBI.

Eddie Kenna career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kennaed02)

Charles Evard (Gabby) Street B Sep. 30, 1882 D Feb. 6, 1951

Gabby Street was a light hitting second string catcher through most of his active career that spanned from 1904 through 1912, although he'd appear in 1 last game with the 1931 Cardinals at 48 years of age. He'd find more success as a manager and broadcaster after his playing days were over.

First appearing in 1904 with the Cincinnati Reds, Street would make it in to just 11 games and hit a paltry .121.

In 1905, he'd appear in 2 games for the Reds, be purchased by the Boston National League franchise, then known as the "Beaneaters" where he'd appear in just 3 games, and be bought back by the Reds less than 2 months later.

Street wouldn't appear in the majors in 1906 or 1907, but would return in 1908 with the Washington Senators. 1908 & 1909 were Street's most active seasons when he appeared in 131 and 137 games respectively. Street would remain with the Senators through 1911 although his playing time would be cut in the last 2 seasons.

While in Washington, Street was part of a stunt where he caught a baseball dropped from the Washington Monument. (See August 21st's entry.)

Prior to the 1912 season, Street was traded to the New York Highlanders for Rip Williams. After 98 games in New York, Street's playing career was over.

Street would remain in baseball, managing the St. Louis Cardinals from 1929 through 1933. The Street managed Cardinals would finish 1st in both 1930 and 1931, losing the 1930 World Series to the Philadelphia Athletics 4 games to 2, but would get their revenge the following year, defeating the Athletics in 1931, 4 games to 3.

Street would also manage the St. Louis Browns in 1938.

After his managing days were over, Street would find his way to the broadcast booth for the Cardinals as a color commentator after World War II, working with a young announcer named Harry Caray.

Street would succumb to heart failure in February of 1951 at age 68.

"Gabby" Street career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=streega01)

Herny Bert (Cy) Voorhees B Sep. 30, 1874 D Feb. 8, 1910

Cy Voorhees began his career with the 1902 Philadelphia Phillies, pitching in 10 games, posting a 3-3 record with a 3.86 ERA. Voorhees would earn the label "One Game Wonder" when he'd jump from the Phillies to the Senators late in the season.

For Washington, Voorhees would pitch in 1 game, going 8 innings, giving up 10 hits, 2 walks and 6 runs (4 earned) while striking out just 1. He'd depart the Senators, and the major leagues, after that final game in a Washington uniform.

"Cy" Vorhees career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=vorhecy01)

TallIndian

09-29-2008, 09:19 PM

I remember listening to the broadcast of that game by Ron Menchine and Tony Roberts. Both got emotional as did I.

After 37 years, I can still remember Ron Menchine, saying , on the cheers Hondo received after his home run, "I wish the American League owners, the ones who voted 10-2 to, could see this crowd"

People were pretty sure that the Padres or a National League expansion team would be playing at RFK and good riddance to Short.

If I can meander back, on Sep 30 1967, Frank Bertaina shut out the Sox in that crucial series.

Aa3rt

09-30-2008, 07:24 AM

I remember listening to the broadcast of that game by Ron Menchine and Tony Roberts. Both got emotional as did I.

I was away at my first semester of college, a little too far away (and broke) to think about attending the final game. I recall watching the 11PM newscast (in glorious black and white) not wanting to bring myself to believe that the Senators were really leaving and apalled at how badly it ended, a forefeit to the Yankees. :dismay:

People were pretty sure that the Padres or a National League expansion team would be playing at RFK and good riddance to Short.

As a naive and optimistic 18 year old, I was sure that the lords of baseball wouldn't leave Washington without a team. How wrong I was, and how painful was the wait. Over the years, after Ray Kroc bought the Padres, there were rumors of the San Francisco Giants and later the Houston Astros relocating to Washington. There was even talk of the Pittsburgh Pirates moving their AAA franchise, then playing in Charleston, West Virginia, to DC.

We were teased with some exhibition games at RFK with the Baltimore Orioles and in the early 1980's, Cracker Jack sponsored games played by old timers (still have the pennants and scorecards) but it was a LONG wait before baseball returned.

TallIndian

09-30-2008, 06:35 PM

After the Senators, left I lost my passion for major league baseball. I did, however, follow ex-Nats. Darold Knowles pitching in 7 world series games. Del Unsers heroics with Phillies. Dick Bosman's no hitter. Jeff Burroughs with the Braves (always on cable back in the early '80s).

I believe that Toby Harrah may have been the last Nat to play in the majors. And Wayne Terwilliger was still a coach with the Twins when they won their world series in 91.

Steve Jeltz

09-30-2008, 09:08 PM

Jeff Burroughs turned out be a good slugger for a number of years with Texas and Atlanta. Won the AL MVP in 1974. Looking at his games played stats, I would imagine injuries curtailed his career. Jeff's son, Sean, was a much ballyhooed prospect like his father, but unlike Jeff, Sean never panned out.

Harrah was the interim manager for Texas after Bobby Valentine was fired in 1992. He last coached, at least at the major league level, with Colorado in 2002.

I remember Knowles most prominently as the Phillies pitching coach in 1989 and 1990. Ironically, he succeeded Claude Osteen in that role. I never knew until I started doing this thread what a tremendous reliever Knowles was. Imagine a closer going 3-4 innings in the modern game of specialists and pitch counts. Knowles did that consistently.

Steve Jeltz

09-30-2008, 09:17 PM

1913 The paths of Jack Bentley and the Washington Senators will cross on a bigger stage 11 years from now. But, on this day, Bentley makes his ML debut for Washington, blanking Philadelphia, 1-0. Bentley will compile a 5-7 mark in 1914 for the Nats before being shuffled off to Baltimore of the International League. Bentley will resurface in the majors in 1923 with the Giants.

1924 An estimated crowd of 100,000 lines Pennsylvania Avenue to greet the new American League champions in a victory parade. The Senators are welcomed at the White House by President Calvin Coolidge, who is not a baseball fan. Nonetheless, the President promises to be on hand for the first World Series game against the Giants.

1928 Clark Griffith announces the dismissal of player/manager Bucky Harris, ending Harris' first managerial tenure in Washington. Griffith arranges for Harris to become the manager of Detroit, whose owner, Frank Navin, is an old friend of Griffith. Sam Rice, Joe Judge and Walter Johnson are all rumored as possible successors to Harris.

1933 Nick Altrock makes another, season ending, appearance as a player. The 57 year old Altrock pinch hits and becomes the oldest player, at the time, to participate in a ML game. Altrock is the Nats last hope as he faces Rube Walberg of the A's, with Washington down, 3-0, in the bottom of the 11th with 2 outs. The Washington Post reported what followed:

"Amid such absurdities as Cliff Bolton playing right field‚ and Nick Altrock pinch hitting as the Nats' dying gesture‚ the American League season came to a close at Griffith Stadium yesterday‚ with the Athletics winning‚ 3 to 0‚ in the eleventh inning of a ball game that had no more bearing on the baseball situation than the NRA code of the buttonhole workers. Three runs behind and two out going into the last of the eleventh‚ the Nats went down fighting‚ leastwise‚ Nick Altrock did. Uncle Nick was the Nats' last hope. Walberg showed his contempt by calling in all his outfielders. His infielders surrounded the pitching box. Walberg dared Nick to hit the ball‚ and Nick hit it. He hit it back to Walberg and then went down fighting. Walberg fielded the ball‚ ran to the baseline and waited for Nick‚ but he reckoned without the 'inside' baseball of the Nats' clown. Altrock sidestepped Walberg via the dugout and reached first safely. When he was called out for running out of bounds‚ he pleaded in vain with the official scorer to overrule umpire Summers' decision."

1946 Maybe it wasn't Johnny Pesky holding the ball for too long or a "curse" that prevented the Red Sox from winning the 1946 World Series. Perhaps it was Washington P Mickey Haefner. While the Cardinals and Dodgers duke it out in a 3 game playoff, the waiting AL champion Red Sox play a team comprised of AL All Stars in an exhibition to keep focus. In the 5th inning, Nat P Mickey Haefner's pitch gets away from him and drills Ted Williams in the elbow. The elbow injury will effect Williams in the World Series loss to St. Louis.

1969 Ending the season on a high note by winning 8 of their last 9 games, the Nats wrap up their most successful year with a 3-2 win over Boston. Mike Epstein's home run with two on in the bottom of the 1st is all the offense Joe Coleman needs to pick up his 12th win. An 86-76 record has Washington fans hopeful of a run at the AL East title in 1970.

1970 Washington fans are disappointed to say the least. The Sens are never in contention and, in stark contrast to 1969, Washington loses their final 14 games of the year. The high flying Orioles send the Senators packing with a 3-2 defeat in Memorial Stadium. Frank Robinson bashes his 475th career home run, tying him for 12th on the all time list with Stan Musial. Robinson's shot comes off Dick Bosman in the 2nd inning.

Senators Birthdays

Harold Richard Naragon B Oct. 1, 1928 Still Living

Catcher Hal Naragon was originally signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1947. He'd get his first taste of major league action in late September of 1951, appearing in 3 games for the Indians, going 2 for 8 at bat.

Naragon wouldn't return to the majors until 1954 when he appeared in 46 games with the Indians that season. He'd appear in 1 World Series game, with no at-bats, in the post season as the Indians were swept by the New York Giants.

Naragon would remain on the Indians roster, sparingly used, until late May of 1959 when he'd be traded, along with Hal Woodeshick, to the Washington Senators for Ed Fitz Gerald. Naragon would have his most active season as a player after the trade, appearing in 71 games for the Senators, hitting .241.

Naragon would remain with the Senators in 1960 and would stay with the franchise as they transformed into the Minnesota Twins after the end of the season.

Playing for the Twins in 1961 & 1962, Naragon would be released at the end of 1962, ending his major league stint, after playing in just 24 games that year.

Hal Nanagon career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=naragha01)

TallIndian

09-30-2008, 09:25 PM

I agree Knowles was a unique relief pitcher. He was both set-up man and closer.

A few other random notes on Nat alums:

During in his playing days, Hank Allen was a horse racing trainer in the offseason. There was a Hank Allen with a horse in the Kentuck Derby in 1989, not sure if it was same Hank.

Ed Brinkman and Dick Bosman were both involved with the White Sox.

Sadly, Aurelio Rodriguez, the "Senor from Senora", was killed in bizzare car accident in 2000.

In terms of broadcasters, Tony Roberts did Notre Dame football games on radio until a few years ago.

I got a copy of Johnny Holliday's book where he discusses the career of Shelby Whitfield. Shelby became a big wig at ABC Sports where he was Howard Cossell's boss!

Not sure what happened to Ron Menchine.

TallIndian

09-30-2008, 09:34 PM

In the remarkable conclusion to their series with the White Sox, Dick Bosman is winner as the Nats stymie the Sox 4-3.

The game meant so much to the Sox, they had their starter/ace Tommy John pitch in relief and he wound up taking the loss.

The Nat pitchers Ortega, Bertaina, and Bosman pitched extremely well. One can only imagine the Nats rotation if Ortega and Bertaina were able to maintain their consistency.

A small of measure of 'revenge' tonight as the White Sox beat the Twins in a playoff game to win the AL Central. Not the expansion Nats, to be sure, but the Nats at one point!

Steve, thanks so much for these posts! They bought back a ton of memories!

Steve Jeltz

10-01-2008, 09:02 PM

1908 Washington OF Otis Clymer leads the batting barrage with a cycle, as the Nationals stomp New York, 12-2.

1909 Applying the finishing touches to a 110 loss season, the Nationals drop two in Philly, 6-5 and 7-2. The 1909 team still holds the team records for fewest runs scored (380) and most shutout losses (29). Game one loser Walter Johnson suffers 10 shutout defeats, including 5 in the month of July alone. The 42-110 debacle costs manager "Pongo" Joe Cantillion his job. At the behest of AL president Ban Johnson, Nationals club president Frank Noyes names former Browns pilot Jimmy McAleer as the new manager.

1917 Pitching like it is the 7th game of the World Series, Washington's Doc Ayers and Boston's Carl Mays lock horns in an inconsequential game at Fenway. With bonus money at stake for the two hurlers, Ayers and Mays battle for 8 innings before darkness sets in. Mays collects the greenbacks in winning over Ayers, 2-1.

1927 Probably in their haste to quickly finish the season, the A's make 5 errors in giving the Senators a 9-5 victory. Philadelphia 3B Jimmy Dykes makes a pitching appearance in the bottom of the 8th, allowing an unearned tally. September call up Babe Ganzel of Washington ropes a double and triple for 4 hits. Ganzel finishes his brief season with a .438 batting average in 13 games.

1960 No fans storming the field. No angry chants or "Griffith stinks!" banners. No forfeit. While rumors have been swirling of an impending franchise move for 4 years, the original version of the Senators quietly exit with a 2-1 loss to Baltimore in front of 4,768 at Griffith. Some lasts: Bob Allison's has the last Senator hit, a 7th inning single. Hal Naragon scores the final run. Billy Consolo's RBI triple is the final Senator RBI. Allison makes the final out. The last losing pitcher of record is Pedro Ramos. On October 26, the announcement comes from the AL meetings that Calvin Griffith is moving the franchise to Minnesota. The team is renamed the Twins, while Washington is granted an expansion team.

Senators Birthdays

John Richard (Gabe) Gabler B Oct. 2, 1930 Still Living

Signed by the New York Yankees in 1949, it would take pitcher Gabe Gabler 10 years to reach the major leagues. First appearing for the Yankees in mid-September of 1959, Gabler would go 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA. Returning with the Yankees in 1960, Gabler would post a 3-3 record with a 4.15 ERA.

Drafted by the expansion Senators after the 1960 season, Gabler would appear in 29 games during the inaugural season of the "new" Senators, posting a 3-8 record with a 4.86 ERA. He'd be optioned to Syracuse (AAA, International League) prior to the start of the 1962 season and would not play in the major leagues again.

"Gabe" Gabler career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gablega02)

James Edward Heise B Oct. 2, 1932 Still Living

Single Season Senator Jim Heise pitched in 8 games for the 1957 team, posting an 0-3 record with an 8.05 ERA.

Jim Heise career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=heiseji01)

Francis Joseph (Spec) Shea B Oct. 2, 1920 D Jul. 19, 2002

Spec Shea arrived on the major league scene with the 1947 New York Yankees. Pitching in 27 games, Shea would post a record of 14-5 with a 3.07 ERA, leading the league in win/loss percentage at .737%. He'd appear in the 1947 All Star Game, pitching in 3 innings and collecting the win and would make it into 3 games of the 1947 World Series against Brooklyn, posting a 2-0 record.

Shea was never able to repeat the magic of that rookie season. In 1948 he'd go 9-10 for the Yankees and in 1949 he only appeared in 20 games, going 1-1 as his ERA rose to 5.33.

Shea would not appear in a major league uniform in 1950 but would return to the Yankees in 1951, going 5-5 with a 4.33 ERA.

Early in the 1952 season, Shea was traded by the Yankees, along with Jackie Jensen, Jerry Snyder and Archie Wilson to the Washington Senators for Irv Noren and Tom Upton.

Shea posted an 11-7 record in 1952 with a 2.93 ERA and in 1953 would go 12-7 although his ERA would increase to 3.94. Shea's innings pitched were drastically reduced in 1954 as he'd end the season with a 2-9 record, his ERA swelling to 6.18. 1955 would prove to be his final season when he'd post a 2-2 record, being released by the Senators prior to the start of the 1956 campaign.

"Spec" Shea career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sheasp01)

Ralph Richard Weigel B Oct. 2, 1921 D Apr. 15, 1992

Catcher Ralph Weigel played in 3 seasons with 3 different teams. Beginning his stint in the major leagues with the 1946 Cleveland Indians, Weigel would appear in just 6 games, going 2 for 12 at bat and stealing 1 base.

Weigel would not make it back to the majors in 1947 and would be traded to the White Sox before the start of the 1948 season. Weigel would have his most active season as a player in 1948, appearing in 66 games and hitting .233 with 7 doubles and 3 triples.

Purchased by the Senators at the start of the 1949 season, Weigel would play in just 34 games, posting an identical .233 BA and would leave the major leagues in early July of 1949.

Ralph Weigel career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=weigera01)

Steve Jeltz

10-02-2008, 08:50 PM

1933 World Series
Washington at NY Giants, Game 1
Giants 4 Senators 2
Giants lead series 1-0

The pre-Series talk centered on the "boy managers" for the two teams, Joe Cronin of Washington and Bill Terry of the Giants. While the press concerns itself with the "youth" of the two skippers, Cronin refrains from naming his opening game starting pitcher until the last minute. Instead of starting 22 game winner Earl Whitehill, Cronin plays a hunch and taps Lefty Stewart. To counter Washington's predominantly left handed lineup, Terry chooses his ace, screwball specialist Carl Hubbell. Terry boldly predicts that Hubbell will win the first and fourth games of this series.

A bad omen for the Senators occurs before the game. On his way to the park, 2B Buddy Myer is a witness to a traffic accident that kills one person. Emotionally shaken, Myer strikes out to lead off the game. Hubbell also wiffs Goose Goslin and Heinie Manush to strike out the side. In the bottom of the 1st, Myer boots a grounder of the bat of New York's Jo-Jo Moore. Two outs later, Mel Ott makes the Nats pay by launching a 2-run homer to right to put the G-Men on top, 2-0.

Terry's boys strike again in the 3rd inning. Stewart allows consecutive singles to Hughie Critz and Terry. Ott steps to the dish and strokes a RBI single. Cronin, his hunch incorrect, lifts Stewart after 2 plus innings. Jack Russell relieves for Washington and gives up an inherited run on a Travis Jackson ground ball that scores Terry. At the end of 3, it is 4-0 Giants.

The Sens miss a golden chance in the 4th. Myer starts things off with a single. After Myer advances to second on a Goslin ground out, Manush reaches on an error by Giants 2B Critz. With runners at the corners, with one out, the best hitting SS in the AL comes to the plate in the person of Cronin. Hubbell gets Cronin to tap into a fielders choice that scores Myer to cut into New York's lead. Fred Schulte follows Cronin with another single to put Senators on first and second. Hubbell escapes the inning by getting Joe Kuhel to harmlessly ground out to second.

No scoring occurs for either squad until the top of the 9th. Trailing 4-1, Washington loads the bases with nobody out. 1 run crosses the plate on Kuhel's ground out to halve the Giants lead to 4-2. With the tying run in scoring position, Hubbell bears down to strike out Ossie Bluege for the second out. The Sens last hope, Luke Sewell, ends the game on yet another ground ball. Final score: Giants 4 Senators 2.

For the winning National Leaguers, Hubbell strikes out 10, allows 5 hits and generally bewilders Washington's lefty hitters with his screwball. Mel Ott goes a then World Series record 4-for-4 with 3 RBI. On the Nats ledger, starter Lefty Stewart surrenders 4 runs on 6 hits in 2 plus innings. Myer commits a World Series record tying 3 errors in this contest. Fred Schulte and Joe Cronin lead the punchless offense with 2 hits each.

Other Senator events on this day:

1912 Their highest finish to date, Washington clinches 2nd place with a 3-2 victory in New York. Walter Johnson wins his 33rd.

1965 Rookie Joe Coleman 5-hits Detroit in the final game of the season, winning 3-2, at D.C. Stadium. Willie Kirland, Eddie Brinkman and Jim French supply the Nats 3 RBI. The expansion Senators compile their best season record to date with a 70-92 mark under Gil Hodges.

Senators Birthdays

Charlie Letchas B Oct. 3, 1915 D Mar. 14, 1995

Charlie Letchas played in just 136 major league games in 4 seasons. A utility infielder, Letchas arrived on the major league scene with the Philadelphia Phillies in mid-September of 1939. He'd play in 12 games, hitting .227.

Letchas would return to the majors with the Washington Senators in 1941 playing in just 2 games at second base, going 1 for 8 at bat.

After that short stint in 1941, Letchas wouldn't find himself back in the majors until 1944, when he returned again with the Phillies.
Letchas would play in 116 of those 136 games during the 1944 season, hitting .237 with 8 doubles.

Another 6 games in a Phillies uniform in 1946 would mark the end of Letchas' career.

Charlie Letchas career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=letchch01)

John Ludy Riddle B Oct. 3, 1905 D Dec. 15, 1998

Catcher John Riddle played in just 98 games, during parts of 7 seasons in the major leagues, which spanned 19 years. First appearing with the Chicago White Sox in 1930 as a 24 year old rookie, Riddle would appear in just 25 games for the Pale Hose. That would turn out to be the most active season in his career.

Riddle would not appear in a major league uniform again until 1937 when he played in 8 games for the Washington Senators, going 7 for 26 at the plate.

Traded to Indianapolis of the American Association, Riddle would be picked up by the National League Boston Bees, appearing in 2 games late in the 1937 season.

Returning with the Bees in 1938, Riddle would play in just 19 games before being traded again, this time to the New York Yankee organization in mid-August.

Purchased by the Cincinnati Reds from the Yankees in 1941, Riddle would see his next major league action in 1941, playing in 10 games for the Reds. Riddle would play in just 1 game for the Reds in 1944 and another 23 in 1945 before being released in mid-September.

Picked up by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Riddle would play in 10 last games with the Pirates in 1948, at 42 years of age, before being released at the end of the season.

Johnny Riddle career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=riddljo02)

Steve Jeltz

10-03-2008, 10:04 PM

1924 World Series
NY Giants at Washington, Game 1
Giants 4 Senators 3 (12)
Giants lead series 1-0

A World Series is never a walk in the park for the winners. But for the Senators, they face a tougher task since their opponents, the John McGraw led Giants, feature six future Hall of Famers. On paper, the Giants, in their 4th consecutive Series appearance, have the edge offensively and defensively. Ross Youngs, one of the Hall members, led the NL with a .356 BA in 1924. Another Hall of Famer, George Kelly led the majors in RBI with 136. Frank Frisch was acknowledged as the best defensive 2B in both leagues and carried pop in his bat. Among the reserves are rookies Hack Wilson and Bill Terry, both to become Cooperstown bound. Rounding out the Gotham's Hall class is SS Travis Jackson.

While the Giants have the advantage in offense, defense, experience and Hall of Famers, the Nats have the advantage in the all important pitching column. While New York's staff is nothing to sneeze at, the Giants do not have a relief ace to match the Nat's Firpo Marberry. Nor do they have Walter Johnson, the greatest pitcher in history, who led the AL in strikeouts with 158, while winning 23 games in the regular season.

The Senators, with an overflow crowd of 35,760 in Griffith Stadium, drop a heartbreaker to the Giants in 12 innings, 4-3. Despite pre-game nervousness, the Big Train pitches well, going 12 innings and striking out 12. Johnson would have won his World Series debut if not for two cheap Giant home runs from George Kelly and Bill Terry into the temporary bleachers in left field in the 2nd and 4th innings. Washington fights back and ties the game at 2-2 in the 9th on a Roger Peckinpaugh RBI double. In the 12th, Ross Youngs' single and and Kelly's sacrifice fly give the Giants a 4-2 lead. Bucky Harris' run scoring single drives home a run in the bottom of the 12th to cut New York's lead to 4-3. The Nats rally falls short when Goose Goslin grounds out to strand Harris at third base to end the contest. New York starting pitcher Art Nehf records the victory, while also helping himself with 3 hits.

1933 World Series
Washington at NY Giants, Game 2
Giants 6 Senators 1
Giants lead series 2-0

Favorites to win this series, the overconfident Senators find themselves in a 2-0 hole with today's meltdown at the Polo Grounds. A 6-run, sixth inning for New York does Washington in.

Scoring begins in the top of the 3rd when Goose Goslin's home run gives the Nats an early 1-0 lead. The Nats have a chance to break the game open in their half of the 6th. Goslin singles and Heinie Manush works a walk to put the first two men on base. Joe Cronin, for the second day in the row, fails in a clutch spot, fouling out to the catcher. With one away, Giants starter Hal Schumacher uncorks a wild pitch, moving Goslin to third and Manush to second. However, another opportunity slips away when Goslin is tagged out in a rundown on a Fred Schulte grounder to third base. Seeing his way out of the inning unscathed, Schumacher makes things difficult for himself by walking the next Senator batter, Joe Kuhel, to load the bases. With no room for error, Schumacher strikes out Ossie Bluege to end the Washington threat.

With the momentum shifted, the Giants send 12 men to the plate in the bottom of the 6th. Prior to this inning, Nats starting pitcher Alvin "General" Crowder had been sailing along, allowing only 2 hits. Crowder would allow 7 hits in the 6th inning, all singles, before reliever Tommy Thomas stopped the bleeding. Scoring all 6 of their runs on singles, the big blows for New York are Lefty O' Doul's 2-run single, and RBI singles from Travis Jackson, Gus Mancuso, Schumacher and Jo-Jo Moore.

More Senator news from October 4:

1907 Youngster Walter Johnson ends his rookie year at 5-9 with a 2-1, opening game, win over Eddie Plank and Philadelphia. The Nationals lose their 100th of the season in the nightcap, 8-0.

1932 Clark Griffith announces that Walter Johnson will not return as the Senators manager for 1933. Rumors spread that Griffith is looking to purchase Al Simmons from Philadelphia to make Simmons the next Nats manager. Owner Griffith hints that he may name himself the skipper.

1958 OF Albie Pearson of the Senators and P Ryne Duren of the Yankees are named The Sporting News AL rookies of the year. The National League's rookie winners are Giants 1B Orlando Cepeada and Milwaukee Braves P Carl Willey.

Senators Birthdays

James Harold (Hal) Quick B Oct. 4, 1917 D Mar. 9, 1974

Single Season Senator Hal Quick spent just 3 weeks in September of 1939 with the team.

A shortstop, Quick would appear in 12 games going 10 for 41 at bat with one double.

Hal quickly departed the major league scene after his short time in a Washington uniform.

Hal Quick career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=quickha01)

Clarence Fletcher (Lefty) Thomas B Oct. 4, 1903 D Mar. 21, 1952

Another Senators Short Timer, Lefty Thomas would pitch in a grand total of 8 games during the 1925 and 1926 seasons.

First arriving with the Senators in late September of 1925, Thomas would pitch in just 2 games compiling an 0-2 record with a 2.08 ERA.

Returning in 1926, Thomas would pitch in 6 games and see his ERA more than double to 5.19.

Thomas would play in his last game on Sep. 26, 1926, exactly 1 year to the day after making his major league debut.

"Lefty" Thomas career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thomale01)

Steve Jeltz

10-04-2008, 09:04 PM

1924 World Series

NY Giants at Washington, Game 2

Senators 4 Giants 3

Series tied 1-1

Washington bolts out of the gate in the 1st off former Senator southpaw Jack Bentley. Sam Rice delivers a 2 out single to center and promptly steals second base. Goose Goslin, atoning for his poor performance yesterday, drills a Bentley offering for a 2- run home run to give the Nats an early 2-0 edge.

Senators starting pitcher Tom Zachary is superb through six innings, allowing just 3 hits. Bentley of the Giants is shaky after his rocky first inning. Bentley escapes a jam in the 3rd when, with Bucky Harris on third base, Joe Judge is nabbed attempting to steal second for the 3rd out. The score is unchanged in the bottom of the 5th, when Harris lifts a solo homer to left to increase the Washington advantage to 3-0.

The Giants get on the scoreboard in the 7th. Leadoff man George Kelly induces a walk from Zachary. Irish Meusel follows with a single through short to advance Kelly to third. With Giant runners at the corners, Hack Wilson bounces into a double play that plates Kelly for New York's first run.

Zachary is three outs away from securing Washington's first ever World Series win, but John McGraw's team will not be denied. Zachary issues a leadoff walk to Frank Frisch. Ross Youngs pops out to SS for the first out of the 9th inning. Kelly ropes a single to right that scores Frisch from first when Sam Rice's relay throw is bobbled. Kelly advances to second on the play. The next Giant batter, Irish Meusel, is thrown out on a fine fielding play from Nats manager/2B Harris. With two outs, Hack Wilson deflates the Griffith crowd with a game tying, RBI single. Zachary gets the hook and is replaced by Firpo Marberry. Marberry strikes out Travis Jackson to end the inning with the score tied at 3-3.

With new life, McGraw opts to keep Bentley in the contest for the bottom of the 9th. Bentley, like Zachary, runs into immediate trouble by walking the first Washington batter Joe Judge on four pitches. Ossie Bluege moves Judge along into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. SS Roger Peckinpaugh doubles to left to win it for the Nats.

1933 World Series

NY Giants at Washington, Game 3

Senators 4 Giants 0

Giants lead series 2-1

The Fall Classic moves to the nation's capital for the critical game 3. Down 2 games to none, Nats manager Joe Cronin lights into his team before the game, telling his troops that they should be ashamed of their performance in the first two contests and that they are a superior team to the Giants. Only 26,000, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, are in the stands on a dreary, rainy day. Today's pitching matchup is Earl Whitehill for Washington versus "Fat" Freddy Fitzsimmons of New York.

Cronin's pre-game speech arouses his team as the Senators jump on the National Leaguers quickly. Cronin's RBI ground out and Fred Schulte's run scoring double stakes Washington to a 2-0, 1st inning lead. In the home 2nd, Buddy Myer doubles to right to score Ossie Bluege for a 3-0 lead. Buddy Myer caps the scoring with a 7th inning RBI single for the 4-0 Washington victory.

The New Yorker's stood no chance today against the lefthanded Whitehill. The 22-game winner kept the potent Giant bats in check, surrendering 5 hits, with only one going for extra bases, in the complete game effort. After tagging 8 hits in the first two games, the Giant's trio of Jo-Jo Moore, Bill Terry and Mel Ott are held to no hits and two strikeouts by Whitehill. Why, Nats fans second guess, was Whitehill bypassed for Lefty Stewart for the game one start?

More Senator news on October 5:

1912 On the strength of a "Prince" Hal Chase 3-run, 8th inning homer, the Yankees win their last game at Hilltop Park, 8-6. Nonetheless, the Nats complete their best season to date, finishing over .500 for the first time at 91-61, under first year manager Clark Griffith.

1956 In a prelude of things to come, Sens owner Clavin Griffith states that he is considering moving the franchise to the West Coast due to the delay in building a new stadium in Washington.

1961 In search of some punch to an anemic offense, Senators GM Ed Doherty trades P Dick Donovan, OF Gene Green and INF Jim Mahoney to Cleveland for CF Jimmy Piersall. Donovan, the AL leader in ERA in 1961 at 2.40, will win 20 for the Tribe in 1962.

Senators Birthdays

Daniel James Silva B Oct. 5, 1896 D Apr. 4, 1974

One Game Wonder Danny Silva made his visit to the Senators Coffee Shop on August 11th of 1919. Playing 3rd base, Silva would go 1 for 4 at bat.

Danny Silva career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=silvada01)

Samuel Filmore West B Oct. 5, 1904 D Nov. 23, 1985

Texan Sam West would make his debut with the Washington Senators in mid-April of 1927 as a 22 year old rookie outfielder. Playing in just 38 games that first season, West would hit .239, but would make marked improvements in the following years.

Returning with the Senators in 1928, West would play in 125 games and hit .302 with 30 doubles, 7 triples and 3 home runs. West would remain with the Senators through 1932, hitting .328 in 1930 and .333 in 1931, his best year at the plate.

Traded to the St. Louis Browns before the 1932 season, along with Lloyd Brown, Carl Reynolds and $20,000 for Goose Goslin, Fred Schulte and Lefty Stewart, West would be a standout with the Browns from 1933 through mid-June of 1938, being named to the American League All Star Team in 1933, 1934, 1935 and 1937.

In mid-June of 1938, West was traded back to the Senators for Mel Almada. West would hit .302 the rest of the 1938 season with Washington and .282 in 1939, playing in 115 games.

West's playing time would be reduced in 1940, when he'd play in just 57 games. His last year in Washington, 1941, would see him on the field for just 26 contests.

Released by the Senators after the 1941 season, West would have one last gasp with the 1942 Chicago White Sox where he'd play in just 49 games and see his batting average drop to .232. West would be released by the White Sox in late June of 1942, marking the end of his major league career.

Sam West career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=westsa01)

Steve Jeltz

10-05-2008, 09:24 PM

1924 World Series

Washington at NY Giants, Game 3

Giants 6 Senators 4

Giants lead series 2-1

With the first two hotly contested games in the books, the World Series moves to the Polo Grounds for the third game. John McGraw summons "Handsome" Hugh McQuillan, a 14 game winner, as his starter. Bucky Harris taps Firpo Marberry as a surprise starter. Neither starter would factor into the decision.

Marberry runs into some bad luck in the 2nd. Bill Terry ropes a single to lead off. After Marberry fans Hack Wilson, Travis Jackson hits what appears to be an inning ending double play. 3B Ossie Bluege's relay throw to 2B Harris is dropped for a crucial error. New York C Hank Gowdy brings Terry home with a sharp hit to left. When Gowdy is thrown out in a rundown between first and second, Marberry has a chance to escape the inning with just 1 Giant run. With P McQuillan at the bat, Marberry unleashes a wild pitch that scores Jackson for a 2-0 New York lead, both runs unearned. Sens SS Roger Peckinpaugh departs in the 3rd inning with a charley horse, while New York makes it 3-0 when Terry gallops home on a Wilson double play.

In the top of the 4th, McQuillan would promptly give two of those runs back. Sam Rice opens the frame with a walk. Rice reaches third on a Joe Judge double and, after Bluege receives another walk, Rice comes home on Ralph Miller's sacrifice fly. Muddy Ruel earns the third free pass of the inning to load the bases. John McGraw has enough of "Handsome" Hugh and brings in righthander Rosy Ryan. With Marberry's spot due up, Harris elects to pinch hit untested rookie Bennie Tate for Marberry. The youngster gets the job done by working the fourth Giant walk of the inning to move to the Sens to within one run at 3-2.

The Giants regain the momentum from the most unlikely source in their half of the 4th. Facing new Washington pitcher Allan Russell, Rosy Ryan, a career .190 hitter, picks the best time to hit his first big league home run. Ryan's right field upper deck shot makes it 4-2 for the home team. It becomes 5-2 in the 6th when Nats 3B Ralph Miller, subbing for the the new SS Bluege, muffs a Gowdy grounder. One out later, 18 year old Fred Lindstrom doubles Gowdy in.

The two teams exchange runs in the 8th on Washington's Mule Shirley's pinch, RBI single and Ryan's RBI groundout. The Senators try to rally in the 9th. One run is bought home on a bases loaded walk to Bluege. With 1 out and the bases still loaded, Miller fouls out to 3B Lindstrom and Ruel taps into a fielders choice to give the Giants a 6-4 win and a 2-1 lead in the series.

1933 World Series

NY Giants at Washington, Game 4

Giants 2 Senators 1 (11)

Giants lead series 3-1

The Senators face a difficult task in their quest to tie this series. As manager Bill Terry stated before the World Series. Carl Hubbell would get the nod for the fourth game. Opposing "King" Carl is Monte Weaver, winner of only 10 games this year due to arm woes.

No Senator reaches bases through the first three innings off Hubbell. Weaver matches the Giant's ace by yielding only one baserunner, a leadoff walk to New York's Jo-Jo Moore to start the game. In the top of the 4th, Terry rockets a long home run to the center field bleachers to stake the Giants to a 1-0 edge.

Offensively, the Senators cannot get untracked against Hubbell. In the 4th, the Nats allow Hubbell to wiggle out of a jam. Goose Goslin and Heinie Manush bunch together back-to-back singles with one out. The inning ends on a Joe Cronin fly out to right and Fred Schulte's fielder's choice that forces Manush.

It's more of the same in the Senator 6th. Buddy Myer starts the inning with a single. Goslin advances Myer to second on a sacrifice bunt. Manush smashes a screaming grounder in the hole that 2B Howie Critz makes a sensational grab on and nabs Manush on a bang-bang play. When National League umpire Charley Moran indicates that Manush was out, the entire Senators bench comes charging onto the field to dispute the call. Manush brushes Moran on his way back to the dugout and gets ejected. Instead of first and third with one out, it is now only Myer at third with two away. Cronin, much like in the first two games in New York, fails to deliver when Hubbell strikes him out.

Thanks to Hubbell, the Nats even the score in the 7th. Hubbell commits an error on a Joe Kuhel bunt attempt with one down. Ossie Bluege sacrifices Kuhel into scoring position and Kuhel comes home on a game-tying single from C Luke Sewell.

Weaver, pitching gallantly, is still on the mound as the 11th inning begins. Travis Jackson stuns the Nats by bunting for a base hit to open the inning. A sacrifice bunt and one out later, another Ryan, this time Blondy, scores Jackson with a single to left to break the deadlock. After Hubbell singles, Weaver departs after 10.1 innings. While Jack Russell gets Moore and Critz for the last two outs, the Giants have the all important 2-1 lead needing only three outs for a commanding 3 games to 1 advantage.

The bottom of the 11th would leave Cronin open to more second guessing from his critics. The Washington crowd comes alive when Schulte and Kuhel lead off with singles off the tiring Hubbell. Schulte and Kuhel are quickly moved into scoring position on Bluege's 2nd sacrifice bunt of the day. Hubbell walks Sewell intentionally to create a force at every base. With Russell set to be pinch hit for, it would make sense for Cronin to send a righthanded bat in to face the lefthanded Hubbell. Cronin seems to have forgot that Sam Rice is still on the team and chooses to pinch hit Cliff Bolton, a left handed batter. With the one out and the bases juiced, Bolton laces a Hubbell pitch right to SS Ryan, to start a game-ending, 6-4-3 double play. Giants win, 2-1, and now have a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 lead in this World Series . :ughh

Senators Birthdays

Paul Leo Emile Calvert B Oct. 6, 1917 D Feb. 1, 1999

Originally signed by the Cleveland Indians, pitcher Paul Calvert would appear in 1 game with the Indians in late September of 1942. After another 5 games in 1943, Calvert would stay with Indians for a full season in 1944, pitching in 35 games, working 77 innings, and posting a 1-3 record with a 4.56 ERA.

After another solitary appearance with the Indians in 1945, where his ERA swelled to 13.50 in just 1.1 IP, Calvert would not return to the majors until 1949 when he was signed as a free agent by the Washington Senators.

With the Senators in 1949, Calvert would have his most active season, appearing in 34 games, pitching in 160.2 innings, posting a 6-17 record with a 5.43 ERA.

Released by the Senators, Calvert would be signed by the Detroit Tigers for the 1950 campaign. Calvert would go 2-2 in 32 games with a 6.31 ERA that year. He'd pitch in one last game for the Tigers in 1951, pitching in 1 inning in early May to end his carer.

Paul Calvert career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=calvepa01)

Kendall Fay Chase B Oct. 6, 1913 D Jan. 16, 1985

Ken Chase, another pitcher, began his major league career with the Senators in 1936. He'd make his debut in late April, appearing in just 1 game, pitching 2.1 innings, surrendering 2 hits and 4 walks while striking out 1, departing with an ERA of 11.57.

Chase would not return to the Senators roster until 1937. For the next 5 years, 1937 through 1941, Chase would be used regularly. Perhaps his "best" season was 1940 when he went 15-17 with a 3.23 ERA in 35 games.

After the 1941 season, Chase and Johnny Welaj would find themselves headed to Boston, traded for the Red Sox Stan Spence and Jack Wilson.

Chase would earn a 5-1 record in 13 games with the 1942 Red Sox.

1943 would be Chase's last year in the majors. After 7 games with the Red Sox, where he'd go 0-4 with a 6.91 ERA, Chase would finish his final season with the New York Giants, going 4-12 in 21 games.

Ken Chase career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=chaseke01)

John Wesley Knight B Oct. 6, 1885 D Dec. 19, 1965

Philadelphia native John Knight began his major league journey with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1905. A utility infielder, the light hitting Knight would play for the A's in 1905, 1906 and a portion of 1907 before being traded to the Boston Americans, later known as the Red Sox.

Knight would spend the 1908 season with the Baltimore Orioles, then of the International League.

Purchased by the New York Highlanders, later known as the Yankees, Knight would spend 1909 through 1911 in a New York uniform. The normally light hitting Knight would see his BA jump to .312 in 117 games during the 1910 season, his best career year at the plate.

Traded to the Senators in 1912 for Gabby Street, Knight's BA would decrease dramatically. He'd play in just 32 games for Washington, hitting a mere .161.

One last season, 1913, where he'd play in 70 games back in a New York uniform would round out Knight's career.

John Knight career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=knighjo02)

Thomas Francis Padden B Oct. 6, 1908 D Jun. 10, 1973

Tom Padden qualifies as another "Senators Short Timer" for although he played in 399 games during his 7 year career, only 3 of those games were in a Senators uniform.

Starting his playing days with the 1932 Pittsburgh Pirates, Padden was a member of the Steel City's team from 1932 to 1937. He'd hit .321 in 82 games in 1934. 1935 would be his most active season, when he'd play in 97 games, hitting .272.

Padden would disappear from the major league scene after the 1937 season, being shuffled through the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants and New York Yankees organizations, before reappearing in the majors in 1943 with the Philadelphia Phillies, playing in 17 games.

Padden would move from Philadelphia to Washington during the 1943 season, appearing in 3 final games with the Senators that year, where he'd go 0-3 at the plate, his last major league game coming in mid-July.

Tom Padden career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=paddeto01)

Steve Jeltz

10-06-2008, 09:36 PM

1924 World Series

Washington at NY Giants, Game 4

Senators 7 Giants 4

Series tied 2-2

In baseball lore, this contest became known as the "Goslin Game". A Polo Grounds record crowd of 49,243 witness Goslin's 4-for-4, 4 RBI day that leads the Senators to a 7-4 win to deadlock the series. With Bucky Harris giving Walter Johnson an extra days rest, George Mogridge picks up the win. Firpo Marberry, following his subpar start in game 3, gets the save.

The Giants tally once in the 1st, but Goslin replies with a bang in the 3rd. With Earl McNeely at third and Harris at second with two down, Goslin nails a Virgil Barnes pitch to right for a 3-run home run and a 3-1 Nats lead. In the 5th, McNeely punches a single to left. Harris follows with a single of his own that moves McNeely to third. Barnes, facing Sam Rice, throws a wild pitch, scoring McNeely for Washington's 4th run. One out later, Goslin continues to torment Barnes, a 16 game winner in 1924, with a RBI single for his 3rd hit and 4th RBI of the game.

In the top half of the 8th, the Sens put New York away. Goslin picks up his 4th hit, a single, to lead off. Joe Judge singles sharply to left. When Giants LF Irish Meusel errors attempting to field the ball, Goslin scampers to third and Judge head to second. Ossie Bluege singles, bringing in Goslin and Judge for a 7-2 lead, on the way to an eventual 7-4 Senators win.

1925 World Series

Washington at Pittsburgh, Game 1

Senators 4 Pirates 1

Senators lead series 1-0

Oddsmakers label the veteran laden Nats as the favorites to win this year's World Series. And why not? The Sens had surpassed their 1924 regular season record by 5.5 games and handily won the 1925 AL pennant by 8.5 games. Regulars Muddy Ruel, Joe Judge, Goose Goslin and Sam Rice all have batting averages of well over .300, with Rice's .350 clip leading the team. New addition Stan Coveleski led the AL with a 2.84 ERA, while recording a 20-5 W/L mark. Walter Johnson, while not as dominating as 10 years ago, still notched a 20-7 mark. Washington can also boast of having the premier relief pitcher in the AL, if not the majors, in Firpo Marberry.

To overlook Pittsburgh, in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1909, as a walkover to the Senators second straight world championship would be foolish. Much like their American League counterparts, the Pirates lapped the senior circuit by 8.5 games. Four regulars, 3B Pie Traynor, SS Glenn Wright, LF Clyde Barnhardt, and RF Kiki Cuyler, each drove in 100 or more RBI. Every starting position player, sans 2B Eddie Moore, hit over .300. And, in CF Max Carey, the Bucs have the NL stolen base king. Pittsburgh may not have a star in the pitching department, but 5 pitchers won 15 or more, led by Lee "Spec" Meadows 19.

With the Big Train's fastball blazing, this game would belong to the Nats. Washington LF Joe "Moon" Harris pops a solo HR to right in the 2nd to spot the Sens a 1-0 margin. In the 5th, Sam Rice 2-run single extends the Washington lead to 3-0.

Johnson surrenders a run in the bottom half of the 5th, when Traynor goes deep to shave the lead to 3-1. But that would all the Pirates would get off the dominant Johnson. The Big Train strikes out 10, allows 5 hits and smothers the powerful Pittsburgh offense in Washington's 4-1 win. Rice, Moon Harris and Ossie Bluege are the hitting stars, each collecting 2 hits each.

1933 World Series

NY Giants at Washington, Game 5

Giants 4 Senators 3 (10)

Giants win World Series 4-1

Facing elimination and with their backs against the wall, the Nats come out lifeless in a do or die contest. The Giants plate 2 in the 2nd on starting pitcher Hal Schumacher's 2-run single off Alvin Crowder. Another New York run in the 6th pads the Giant lead to 3-0.

The Senators appear dead in the water when Heinie Manush singles with two outs in the 6th. The quiet Griffith Stadium crowd stirs after Joe Cronin follows Manush with another single. With two on and two out, it is reasonable to suggest that quite a few Nats fans were pessimistic about their team's chances of scoring. Hadn't the Senators consistently failed in situations like this during the whole series? The pessimism fades when Fred Schulte crashes a liner into the right field pavilion for a game-tying, home run. Suddenly, the score is now 3-3.

Staggering from the swift change in momentum, Schumacher allows a Joe Kuhel single and a rocket from Ossie Bluege that 3B Travis Jackson knocks down. Jackson hurries a wild throw to first that pulls Bill Terry off the bag for an error. Running aggressively, Kuhel makes it to third. Having given up 5 straight hits, Terry removes Schumacher in favor of 43 year old Dolf Luque. Luque, "The Pride of Havana", cleans up the mess by getting Luke Sewell on a ground ball to end the inning.

Neither club threatens for runs in the ensuing three innings. In the top of 10th, with two away and nobody on, Mel Ott skys a fly ball to CF that carries. CF Shulte gets his glove on the ball, but when he collides with the wall, the ball pops out and lands in the stands. Umpire Charles Pfirman initially rules it a ground rule double, believing the ball hit the ground before going into the stands. When Terry explodes out of the dugout protesting, Pfirman confers with crew chief Charley Moran. Pfirman reverses his original call and awards Ott with a home run. Now, the Senators find themselves 3 outs away from elimination.

Goose Goslin taps out to Loque for out number one. Manush hits a laser, but 2B Howie Critz snags it for the second out. Down to their last hope to keep their season alive, Cronin pumps a single to left. Former hero, and now goat, Schulte walks on four straight pitches. Up next is Kuhel, who drove in 107 RBI in the regular season, who needs desperately to drive in another one. Instead, Kuhel will go down as the last Washington hitter in a postseason game when he strikes out. The 4-3 New York victory makes the Giants the World Series champion for the 4th time in their history.

Senators Birthdays

Charles Elmer (Punch) Knoll B Oct. 7, 1881 D Feb. 8, 1960

Single Season Senator Punch Knoll was an outfielder who could also fill in as a catcher and 1st baseman. Playing in 79 games for the 1905 Senators, Knoll would go 52 for 244 including 10 doubles and 5 triples with 29 RBI.

"Punch" Knoll career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=knollpu01)

Filomeno Coronada (Phil) Ortega B Oct. 7, 1939 Still Living

Signed by the LA Dodgers in 1959, pitcher Phil Ortega would make his major league debut in September of 1960. Making brief appearances in 1960 and 1961, Ortega would pitch in 24 games with the Dodgers in 1962, posting an 0-2 record with a 6.88 ERA.

Ortega would see action in only 1 major league game in 1963 but would have a much more active season in 1964, pitching in 34 games, posting a 7-9 record with a 4.00 ERA.

After the 1964 season, Ortega was a part of the famous trade that sent Frank Howard, Ken McMullen, Pete Richert (and later Dick Nen) along with Ortega to the expansion Senators in exchange for Claude Osteen, John Kennedy and $100,000.

Ortega would have some active, if not entirely successful seasons with the Senators from 1965 through 1968, going 12-15 in '65, 12-12 in '66, 10-10 in '67 and 5-12 in 1968, when after a couple of years of slow improvement, the Senators crashed back to last place in the 10-team league.

Purchased by the California Angels at the start of the 1969 season, Ortega would pitch in just 5 games, his ERA swelling to 10.13, and he'd play in his final major league game in early May of '69.

"Phil" Ortega career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ortegph01)

Albert Sima B Oct. 7, 1921 D Aug. 17, 1993

Originally signed by the New York Giants in 1942, pitcher Al Sima would spend 8 years in the Giants organization before being purchased by the Washington Senators.

Making his major league debut with the Senators in late June of 1950, Sima would post a 4-5 record in 17 games that season with a 4.79 ERA. 1951 would see Sima go 3-7 in 18 games with an identical ERA of 4.79.

Sima would not make an appearance in the majors in 1952 but would return to the Senators in 1953 when he'd go 2-6 in 34 games, his most active season.

Sima would be drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the off-season. He'd pitch in just 5 games for the White Sox in 1954, posting an 0-1 record, before he was traded in mid-June to the Philadelphia Athletics.

29 games with the Athletics, where he'd go 2-5, would mark the end of Sima's major league experience, his last game coming in mid-September of '54.

Al Sima career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=simaal01)

Steve Jeltz

10-07-2008, 10:29 PM

1924 World Series

Washington at NY Giants, Game 5

Giants 6 Senators 2

Giants lead series 3-2

The good news: Goose Goslin sets a still standing World Series record by hitting safely in six consecutive at bats. Goslin establishes the mark with a 2nd inning, infield hit off Jack Bentley. The bad news: Not only do the Sens lose, but are now on the precipice of elimination. Compounding the gloom is that the Nats best pitcher Walter Johnson gets hammered for 13 hits and 6 runs in 8 innings worked.

Nevertheless, the contest is competitive through the first 7 and a half innings. In the home 3rd, the Giants score first. Travis Jackson, Bentley and Fred Lindstrom all single, with Lindstrom's hit knocking in Jackson. New York would have had additional runs if not for RF Sam Rice's nice grab of a Ross Youngs line drive that started an inning ending double play, Rice to Johnson to C Muddy Ruel to nab the slow footed Bentley at the plate.

The Sens quickly reply with a run of their own. Joe Judge singles to right to start the 4th. Two outs later, Judge trots home on an RBI single from 3B Ralph Miller. Miller is starting his second straight game at 3B in place of Ossie Bluege, who is playing SS in place of Roger Peckinpaugh, still hampered by a charley horse. After four frames, it is 1-1.

A former Senator comes back to haunt his old mates in the 5th. P Jack Bentley, who played parts of 3 seasons with the Nats from 1913 to 1916, towers a home run with a man on that falls just fair to give himself, and his team, a 3-1 lead. A native of Sandy Spring, MD, Bentley had been with Baltimore of the International Association from 1917-1922 before the Giants purchased him for $72,000. A good hitting pitcher, Bentley's 16-5, 3.78 ERA mark in 1924 was by far the best season of his career and this game would be the highwater mark of his 9 year major league stint.

New York is never headed after Bentley's home run. After a Goslin home run pulls the Nats to within a run in the 8th, the Giants put the game out of reach of a laboring Johnson in the bottom half. Travis Jackson's sacrifice fly, reliever Hugh McQuillan and Fred Lindstrom's RBI singles cap the Giants scoring for the New York 6-2 win.

Despite being one win away from the championship, Giants fans were pulling for the iconic Johnson to bring home his first World Series win. As the Giants pulled away in the 8th, the Polo Grounds became shockingly silent. As a discouraged Big Train made his journey to the CF clubhouse following the game, the question on Giants fans, and the baseball world's, mind can be summed up as "Is this the final shot at glory for a hero?"

1925 World Series

Washington at Pittsburgh, Game 2

Pirates 3 Senators 2

Series tied 1-1

Serving notice that this World Series will not be a walk in the park, Pittsburgh evens the series with a hard fought, 3-2 victory. A scary moment occurs in the top of the 6th when 3B Ossie Bluege is beaned in the head from a pitch from Pirates starter Vic Aldridge. Fortunately, Bluege would be alright and will miss only 2 games. Bluege's replacement is 21 year old rookie Buddy Myer.

The Nats get on the board first. Joe Judge, with only 7 home runs in the regular season, hits one into the temporary bleachers in RF for a Washington, 1-0, lead in the 2nd. The crowd in Forbes Field comes alive in the 4th as SS Glenn Wright answers with a solo homer of his own to the tilt at 1-1.

It remains tied at 1 until the 8th. Leading off, Pirates 2B Eddie Moore hits a routine grounder to SS Roger Peckinpaugh. The ball rolls up Peckinpaugh's sleeve for his 2nd error of the series. Kiki Cuyler makes Washington pay as he rockets a Stan Coveleski pitch into the RF bleachers for a 3-1 Pittsburgh lead. Later in the inning, Peckinpaugh makes his 3rd error in the series by botching a Pie Traynor ground ball, but Coveleski works his way out of the jam without further damage.

Former Tiger star Bobby Veach, pinch hitting, gets one Senators run back in the 9th by hitting a sacrifice fly. With Buddy Myer at second and one out, pinch hitter Dutch Ruether strikes out and Sam Rice taps out to second to end the ballgame.

Other Senator news on this day:

1932 Clark Griffith stuns the baseball world by naming 25 year old SS Joe Cronin as Washington manager. Cronin is the second youngest man to be a major league manager, behind 23 year old Roger Peckinpaugh, who piloted the Yankees for the last 17 games in 1914. The third youngest? Bucky Harris at 27 years old in 1924.

Senators Birthdays

Owen Joseph (Donie) Bush B Oct. 8, 1887 B Mar. 28, 1972

Donie Bush is recognized as one of the greatest defensive shortstops in the early days of the American League.

Bush would arrive on the major league scene in September of 1908 with the Detroit Tigers, when veteran Tigers shortstop Charley O'Leary was out of the lineup due to injury. Bush would remain a regular in the Tigers lineup from 1908 through 1921 and would play in the 1909 World Series when the Tigers lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 games.

Although he had the label of a "light hitter", Bush would lead the American League in a number of catagories during his career including runs scored in 1917, walks in 1909 through 1912 and again in 1914, and sacrifice hits in 1909 and again in 1921.

One of Bush's best years at the plate came in 1920, his last full season with the Tigers when he'd hit .263 with 18 doubles, 5 triples and 1 homer among his 133 hits.

Released by the Tigers in mid-August of 1921, Bush would be claimed by the Washington Senators where he'd finish the 1921 season. In 1922 he'd appear in just 41 games for Washington.

The 1923 season found Bush in a new role, that of player-manager. Bush would play in just 10 games, hitting .409 and guide the Senators to a 4th place finish with a 75-78 record.

Surprisingly, Bush did not remain in Washington for the 1924 season-he was replaced at the managerial reins by Bucky Harris who guided the Senators to their only World's Championship.

Bush returned to his hometown of Indianapolis and took over the helm of the Indianapolis club in the American Association, guiding that team to 3 successive 2nd place finishes.

That performance was good enough to return Bush to the major leagues, as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, beginning in 1927. Bush had some immediate success as the '27 Pirates would finish in 1st place with a 94-60 record. Unfortunately they'd meet the New York Yankees with their famed "Murderer's Row" in the World Series and be swept in 4 games.

Bush would remain at the helm of the Pirates for 1928 and 1929, the Buccos finishing in 4th and 2nd places respectively.

Bush would manage the Chicago White Sox in 1930 & 1931 and the Cincinnati Reds in 1933.

After his major league terms came to an end, Bush would pilot the Louisville Colonels and the Minneapolis Millers, both of the American Association. In fact, Bush would manage a youngster named Ted Williams in Minneapolis.

A good writeup on Bush at the SABR website can be found here:

Donie Bush SABR biography by Jim Moyes (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1759&pid=1908)

"Donie" Bush career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bushdo01)

Douglas William Neff B Oct. 8, 1891 D May 23, 1932

Infielder Doug Neff qualifies as a Senators Short Timer for playing in just 33 games during the 1914 and 1915 seasons.

Neff debuted with the Senators in late June of 1914, playing in just 3 games, going 0-2 at bat. In 1915 Neff would return, playing in 30 games going 10 for 60 with 1 double and 4 RBI's, appearing in his last major league game in October of 1915.

Doug Neff career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=neffdo01)

Richard Francis Stelmaszek B Oct. 8, 1948 Still Living

Catcher Rick Stelmaszek makes the list of Senators Short Timers for appearing in 6 games with the 1971 version of the Washington team.

Drafted by the Senators in the amateur draft of 1967, Stelmaszek would make his debut with Washington in late June of 1971, going 0-9 in plate appearances.

Moving with the franchise to Texas, Stelmaszek would not appear in the majors in 1972, but would make it into 7 games for the Rangers in 1973 before being traded to the California Angels in late May. He'd appear in 22 games with the Angels, going 4 for 26 with 6 walks.

Traded to the Chicago Cubs, Stelmaszek would play in 25 games for the Cubs in 1974, hitting .227, his final major league game coming in late September of that year.

Rick Stelmaszek career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stelmri01)

William Harrel (Hal) Toenes B Oct. 8, 1917 D Jun. 28, 2004

Another Senators Short Timer, pitcher Hal Toenes would appear in 3 games for the 1947 Senators as a 29 year old rookie. He'd post an 0-1 record with a 6.75 ERA.

"Hal" Toenes career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=toeneha01)

Steve Jeltz

10-08-2008, 08:37 PM

1924 World Series

NY Giants at Washington, Game 6

Senators 2 Giants 1

Series tied 3-3

Nearly 5,000 fans greet the downcast Senators upon their arrival home at the train station following yesterday's loss. 34,254 click the turnstiles for game 6 in Griffith, including Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace. While "Silent" Cal couldn't care less about baseball, the First Lady loves the game and adores the Senators. Bucky Harris hopes Tom Zachary is the Nats saving grace for this contest. John McGraw enlists game one winner, Art Nehf, to sew up the world title for New York.

Zachary gets off to a rocky start in the 1st. After retiring leadoff hitter Fred Lindstrom, Frank Frisch doubles down the line in right. The three hole batter, Ross Youngs, hits a dribbler back to Zachary, who catches an over aggressive Frisch trying for third. Frisch is tagged out in the ensuing rundown, with Youngs taking second on the play. The partisan crowd falls quiet when George Kelly singles to score Youngs to put the Giants in front, 1-0. RF Sam Rice bails Zachary out by making a nice running grab of an Irish Meusel liner to close the inning.

Washington, in their half of the 1st, manage to get four baserunners on base without scoring. Harris is the main culprit by getting picked off at first by Nehf. In the 5th, the returning Roger Peckinpaugh, his left thigh bandaged, touches Nehf for a leadoff single. Peckinpaugh proceeds to third, via the anticipated sacrifice bunt and a groundout. Earl McNeely draws a base on balls and immediately steals second to put runners into scoring position. Bucky Harris redeems himself with 2-run single to right to move the Nats on top, 2-1. Presumably, the First Lady joins the crowd in the excitement, while "Silent" Cal remains mute and politely applauds as though he was at an opera.

After his shaky 1st, Zachary finds his groove. From the 2nd inning on, the Giants net only 5 hits and only one New York runner reaches second base. Zachary issues no walks and fans 3. When Hack Wilson strikes out in the 9th, the Senators pocket the 2-1 win and a game 7 date set for tomorrow.

1925 World Series

Game 3 in Washington is postponed due to rain.

More Nat news from today:

1970 Upon hearing of the news, Senator fans probably thought it was a joke. Who would trade the entire left side of their infield and two starting pitchers for a previously suspended pitcher with a 3-5 mark and a 4.63 ERA, a 3B with a bad back, a prospect and a guy who will never play in the big leagues again? Come on, name one person who would do that trade? Why, Bob Short, of course.

Short gift wraps fan favorite SS Ed Brinkman, 3B Aureilo Rodriguez, P Joe Coleman and P Jim Hannan to Detroit for 3B Don Wert, OF prospect Elliott Maddox, minor league P Norm McRae and, the big fish, the infamous Denny McLain. Short expects the former 31 game winner to be a box office smash at RFK. Instead, McLain would bomb miserably, losing 22 in 1971 for Washington. Wert, with a bad back, would get 2 hits in 40 AB in a Senator uniform before being released in June of 1971. Maddox would carve out a 10 year career as a reserve, while McRae would never appear on the Senators roster. Hands down, the worst trade in the 71 year history of the Senators. :dismay:

Senators Birthdays

Harry Lee Biemiller B Oct. 9, 1897 D May 25, 1965

Another Senators Short Timer, Harry Biemiller would debut with the Senators in late August of 1920. Playing in 5 games, Biemiller would post a record of 1-0, pitching in 17 innings, giving up 21 hits, 13 walks and 13 runs, 9 of which were earned. Biemiller would depart the Senators with an ERA of 4.76.

Biemiller would resurface in the majors 5 years later with the 1925 Cincinnati Reds. Appearing in 23 games, he'd post an 0-1 record with a 4.02 ERA.

Harry Biemiller career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=biemiha01)

Milton Arnold (Mickey) Haefner B Oct. 9, 1912 D Jan. 3, 1995

30 year old rookie Mickey Haefner made his debut with the 1943 Washington Senators. Pitching in 36 games, Haefner would post an 11-5 record with a 2.29 ERA. Never able to match the success of his rookie year, Haefner would have some decent seasons in Washington with some mediocre teams, including going 16-14 in 1945 and 14-11 in 1946.

After 19 games with Washington in the 1949 season, where he'd go 5-5, Haefner would be purchased by the Chicago White Sox in mid-July.

Finishing the 1949 season going 4-6 for Chicago, Haefner would return with the White Sox in 1950. He'd post a 1-6 record in 24 games with a 5.73 ERA before being purchased by the Boston Braves. Haefner would finish the season in a Braves uniform, going 0-2 in 8 games. His major league career ended with the close of the 1950 season.

"Mickey" Haefner career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=haefnmi01)

Steve Jeltz

10-09-2008, 10:51 PM

1924 World Series

NY Giants at Washington, Game 7

Senators 4 Giants 3 (12)

Senators win World Series 4-3

1924 World Series Champions!

October 10, 1924. The day the Washington Senators won the World Series for the only time in their 71 year existence. The pitching matchup for this 7th game is Virgil Barnes for the National League champions and, curiously, sore armed Curly Ogden for Washington. Is Bucky Harris crazy? John McGraw, expecting Harris to name a lefthander, now can start Bill Terry against the righthander Ogden. The lefty hitting Terry is 6-for12 in this series, with most of his damage inflicted on Washington's righthanders. But, McGraw only starts the rookie against righthanders.

Ogden strikes out Fred Lindstrom to start the game. Frank Frisch follows with a walk. At this point, Harris pulls the righthanded Ogden in favor of southpaw George Mogridge. It appears the "Boy Wonder" has outfoxed the legendary McGraw. Now, Terry would have to hit a lefthander. Mogridge retires the final two batters of the 1st, George Kelly and Ross Youngs. Terry grounds out in the 2nd and Harris' strategy pays off when McGraw removes Terry from the contest in the 6th inning.

Meanwhile, Barnes mows down the first 10 Nats batsmen he faces. With one out in the 4th, Harris collects the first Washington hit that sends the crowd into a frenzy. The manager/2B belts his 2nd home run of the series off the screwballing Barnes to put the Nats in front, 1-0.

Trouble erupts in the top of the 6th. Mogridge walks the leadoff man, Youngs. When Kelly ropes a single to left, Youngs races to third. Irish Meusel, pinch hitting for Terry, lifts a sacrifice fly off Mogridge's replacement, Firpo Marberry, to knot the score. After a Hack Wilson single places runners at the corners with one away, the Senators self destruct. 1B Joe Judge, in a hurry to get Kelly out at the plate, bobbles a Travis Jackson grounder for an error and a Giants, 2-1 lead. It becomes 3-1 as SS Ossie Bluege commits the second Senators error of the inning, letting a Hank Gowdy ground ball to slip right through his legs. You could have probably heard a pin drop in Griffith Stadium with the Giants up by 2.

The screwball of Barnes continues to befuddle the Senators, who go down 1-2-3 in the 6th and 7th. Going into the 8th, Barnes has retired 19 straight hitters since the Harris home run. It soon becomes number 20 when Bluege fouls out to start the 8th. Next up is Nemo Leibold, pinch hitting for 3B Tommy Taylor. Leibold doubles to left and Muddy Ruel, author of an 0-for-18 series, picks a good time to get his first hit. Ruel hits a liner that tips 1B Kelly's glove to move Leibold to third. Benny Tate, hitting for Marberry, works out a walk to load the bases. The Washington crowd sags as Earl McNeely hits a shallow fly that is not deep enough to score Leibold for the second out. Bucky Harris, in the biggest at bat of his career, comes through with a clutch double over 3B that scores Leibold and Ruel to tie the game at 3-3. Barnes is sent to the showers in favor of Art Nehf. Nehf induces Sam Rice to ground to second for the third out.

Lets see, who shall replace Marberry on the mound? For Bucky Harris, and baseball fans for that matter, the choice is Walter Johnson. It is only fitting that the Big Train should be the one to win or lose this franchise's biggest game in their history. Besides being the best pitcher in history, Johnson is synonymous with Washington baseball. Ask a baseball fan to name a player who played on the Washington Senators and Walter Johnson is usually named.

Lindstrom, 4-for-5 off Johnson in game 5, pops out to 3rd to start the 9th. But, Frank Frisch comes up and smokes a triple to center to silence the Sens fans. Youngs is intentionally walked to force a possible inning ending double play. Facing a situation with Frisch 90 feet away from scoring the go-ahead run, Johnson overpowers George Kelly for a strikeout for the second out. Johnson gets Meusel on a grounder to end the tense half inning.

In the last of the 9th, Judge singles with one out. Bluege hits what appears to be a double play ball to SS Jackson, but Jackson errors, allowing the World Series winning run to make it to second. With a chance to be a hero, Ralph Miller grounds to Jackson to start a 6-4-3 double play to end the threat.

The Giants get runners on base in the 10th and 11th frames, but Johnson escapes and bears down to get Gowdy on a double play in to end 10th and strikes out Kelly again to close the 11th. The Nats, now facing game 5 winner, Jack Bentley, almost pull it out in their half of the 11th. Goose Goslin doubles with two outs, but Bluege taps into a fielders choice to force Judge, who had been intentionally walked, at second.

Little did anybody know as the bottom of the 12th began what a memorable and strange half inning it would be. Ralph Miller, in his last ML at bat, grounds out for the first out. Bentley believes the second out is bagged when Ruel hits a pop foul to Giants catcher Gowdy. As Gowdy gets under the ball, his foot gets caught in his own mask. Attempting to shake the mask off, the ball drops harmlessly foul. With a second chance, Ruel doubles down the left field line. Johnson, hitting for himself, smacks a grounder to Jackson, who promptly muffs it for his second error of the afternoon. Late season spark plug Earl McNeely next steps to the dish. McNeely solidly makes contact on Bentley's pitch and hits a sharp grounder down the third base line. With Lindstrom guarding the line, however, he is in position to field the ball and, at least, step on third for a force out. But, McNeely's batted ball strikes a pebble in front of Lindstrom, caroming the ball into left field. With Ruel chugging to home, LF Meusel was playing on his heels and was surprised when he spotted the ball coming toward him. So surprised, in fact, Meusel doesn't even bother throwing home, where he could have had a play. Ruel scores the winning run to send Griffith Stadium into bedlam. The Washington Senators are the world champions!

1925 World Series

Pittsburgh at Washington, Game 3

Senators 4 Pirates 3

Senators lead series 2-1

The World Series resumes following yesterday's rainout. On a clear, but cold afternoon, mid-season acquisition Alex Ferguson gets the starting nod for the Nats opposed by Pittsburgh's sophomore 17 game winner, Ray Kremer.

Bill McKechnie's crew takes a 2nd inning lead when Glenn Wright brings in Pie Traynor on a sacrifice fly. Joe Judge's 3rd inning RBI single ties it at 1.

Pittsburgh reclaims the advantage in the 4th. Kiki Cuyler scoots home on a Clyde Barnhardt's run scoring single. The Bucs squander an opportunity to seize control during the same inning with George Gratham popping out with men on second and third and one out. Ferguson issues an intentional pass to Earl Smith and Kremer strikes out to leave the bases loaded. In the top of the 6th, SS Roger Peckinpaugh commits another error, his 4th of the series, on a Wright ground ball. Kremer singles one out later to extend the Pirates margin to 3-1.

Goose Goslin gets one run back in the bottom half of the 6th with a solo home run. The Senators tally two runs in the 7th. Judge's bases loaded sacrifice fly knots the game at 3. Moon Harris sends Bucky Harris motoring home on a RBI single to give Washington a 4-3 lead and the eventual win.

The highlight of this contest is Sam Rice's controversial catch while falling into the right center field stands. In the 8th, Earl Smith gets a hold of a Firpo Marberry offering, launching a deep fly to right center. Rice sped to the spot and stretched his glove as far as he could and appeared to snag the ball. Rice's momentum sent him tumbling into the stands behind the fence. Rice appeared again about 15 seconds later with the ball. Whether Rice lost the ball in those ensuing 15 seconds is still a cause for debate today. Without evidence that Rice lost the ball, the umpire ruled Smith out for the last out of the inning. When McKechnie's protestations fell on deaf ears with the umpiring crew, McKechnie walked over to Commissioner Landis' box and asked the judge if he could appeal the play. Landis barked no and the case was closed.

Ferguson pitches 7 innings of 6 hit ball, striking out 5 and walking 4 for the win. Marberry gets his 2nd save of the series, despite getting into a bases loaded jam in the 9th, in which he came out unscathed to wrap up the Nats win.

Also on this day:

1933 As a reward for leading the Nats back into the World Series, Clark Griffith generously signs Joe Cronin to a raise and 3 year contract as the Senators player/manager.

Senators Birthdays

Floyd Wilson Baker B Oct. 10, 1916 D Nov. 17, 2004

Infielder Floyd Baker was signed by the St. Louis Browns in 1938, finally making it to the majors in early May of 1943. Sparingly used by the Browns, Baker would only make it into 22 games in his rookie season, hitting just .174. In 1944, the number of games Baker appeared in would double to 44, however his BA would increase by just 1 point to .175.
(Baker did make it into 2 games of the 1944 World Series with the Browns, going 0-2 at bat.)

Purchased by the Chicago White Sox after the 1944 season, the change of scenery seemed to have done Baker some good-he'd appear in over 100 games in the 1947, '48 and '49 seasons, and his BA would increase significantly. Although his playing time would decrease in 1950 to 83 games, he'd have his best career year at the plate, hitting .317.

After 7 years of toiling for the White Sox, Baker would be traded after the 1951 season to the Washington Senators for Willy Miranda.

Baker would play in 79 games for the 1952 Senators, hitting .262.

After just 9 games in a Washington uniform in 1953, Baker would be purchased by the Boston Red Sox, where he'd appear in 81 games, hitting .273.

After a slow start in 1954, Baker would be waived and picked up by the Philadelphia Phillies.

He'd play in 23 games for the 1954 Phillies and 5 in 1955 before being released in mid-May, his major league career coming to an end.

Floyd Baker career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bakerfl01)

William Orange Forman B Oct. 10, 1886 D Oct. 2, 1958

Senators Short Timer Bill Forman pitched in 2 games for the 1909 Washington team, posting an 0-2 record with a 4.91 ERA.

In 1910, he'd appear in 1 last game, pitching in just 2/3 rds of an inninng, giving up 1 hit and 1 run. He'd be released by the Senators in mid-July.

Bill Forman career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=formabi01)

John Thomas Stone B Oct. 10, 1905 D Nov. 30, 1955

John Stone would first make it to the majors with the Detroit Tigers in late August of 1928. An outfielder, Stone would bat .354 with 10 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs and 21 RBI in 26 games. Stone would remain a mainstay in the Tigers outfield from 1930 through 1933, hitting .311 in 1930 and .327 in 1931.

Traded to the Washington Senators after the 1933 season for Goose Goslin, Stone would have 4 excellent seasons in Washington from 1934 through 1937, hitting over .300 each year, the highest .341 in 1936 with 22 doubles, 11 triples, 15 homers and 90 RBI.

In 1938, Stone's BA would drop markedly and he'd play in his last game in mid-June. Stone had contracted tuberuculosis and would never be able to return to the major leagues.

He did remain active in baseball, serving as a Detroit Tigers scout in his native Tennessee until his early death at age 50 in 1955.

John Stone writeup at Baseball Library (http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=John_Stone_1905)

John Stone career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stonejo01)

Steve Jeltz

10-10-2008, 09:13 PM

1925 World Series

Pittsburgh at Washington, Game 4

Senators 4 Pirates 0

Senators lead series 3-1

Proving that good pitching will almost always shut down a high octane offense, Washington puts a stranglehold on this series with today's 4-0 blanking of the Pirates. The Bucs led the majors in runs scored in 1925 with 912. From July 4, 1924 to June 30, 1925, Pittsburgh established a since broken ML record by going 153 consecutive games without being shutout. But, Walter Johnson, with a 17 year track record of stopping powerful offensive teams, is hardly intimated. While not as overpowering as he was in game 1, striking out only 2 today, the Big Train scatters 6 hits in winning his second game of this Fall Classic. In the process, Johnson adds his name to another record by becoming the oldest pitcher to hurl a World Series complete game shutout at 37 years old, a still standing record.

Through the first 2 and half innings, the game is scoreless. The only scoring threat by Pittsburgh comes in the top of the 2nd. Two hits had Buc runners on second and third with two outs. Johnson puts out the fire by getting Pirates starting pitcher Emil Yde to ground out. The Senators collect two walks in the first, but Moon Harris hits into a twin killing to end the frame. In the 3rd, the Senators bunch together all 4 of their runs.

Johnson, the first batter of the 3rd, is gunned down by Pirates LF Clyde Barnhardt trying to stretch a single into a double. On the play, Walter strains a leg muscle sliding and hobbles back to the bench. Sam Rice comes up and legs out an infield hit. With one out and a man on first, Bucky Harris slices a sharp grounder to 1B George Grantham for what could have been a double play. Grantham cleanly fields the ball and fires a fine relay to SS Glenn Wright, who drops Granham's throw. With the Bucs handing the Nats the extra out, Goose Goslin deposits a Yde pitch 420 feet to left center for a 3-run home run. The 38,000 plus on hand hardly have time to settle back into their seats when Moon Harris delivers a solo blast into the left field bleachers. The Goslin and Harris blows are the first back-to-back home runs in World Series history. Just like that, it is 4-0 Nats.

Concerns about Johnson's leg are erased, at least temporary. To compensate for his injury, Johnson's leg is bandaged and he pitches exclusively from the stretch to finish the game. Bucky Harris, while concerned about the Big Train, is confident that his team will wrap up the championship tomorrow behind Stan Coveleski. Harris has an additional reason for his confidence: No team has ever lost a World Series when leading 3 games to 1.

More Nats tidbits:

1900 Abandoned by the National League in 1899, Ban Johnson announces that his American League will place a franchise in Washington for the 1901 season.

1956 Calvin Griffith loses round one. AL President Will Harridge rules that Griffith cannot move the Senators to the West Coast unless AL owners approve the move unanimously.

1967 Two years of rumors end with Gil Hodges tendering his resignation as Senators manager to accept the Mets managerial position. Hodges move to Queens had been rumored since Casey Stengel resigned in 1965.

Senators Birthdays

William Charles Fischer B Oct. 11, 1930 Still Living

Signed by the Chicago White Sox in 1948, pitcher Bill Fischer wouldn't make it to the major leagues until April of 1956. Appearing in 3 games for the White Sox, Fischer would pitch 1.2 innings and depart with a 21.60 ERA.

Back with the White Sox in 1957, Fischer would have a better year, going 7-8 for Chicago in 33 games, trimming his ERA to 3.48.

In 1958, Fischer would start the year with the White Sox going 2-3 in 17 games. He'd be traded to the Detroit Tigers in mid-June where he'd go 2-4 in 22 games before being waived and signed by the Senators in September.

Finishing the 1958 season on the Washington roster, Fischer would suffer the fate of going 0-3 in 3 games for the basement dwelling Senators.

Fischer would spend the entire season in Washington in 1959, posting a 9-11 record.

In 1960, Fischer would pitch in 20 games for Washington, going 3-5 before being traded back to the Detroit Tigers for Tom Morgan. He'd complete the season in Detroit, reversing his record with the Tigers to 5-3.

After 26 games with the Tigers in 1961, where he'd go 3-2, Fischer was on the move again, this time traded to the Kansas City Athletics where he'd finish the season.

Fischer would remain in KC for the 1962 & 1963 seasons, and then would be drafted by the Minnesota Twins prior to the start of play in 1964. Fischer would pitch in 9 games for the Twins, going 0-1, making his last major league appearance in late May.

Bill Fischer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fischbi01)

Fermin Romero (Mike) Guerra B Oct. 11, 1912 D Oct. 9, 1992

Another member of Washington's "Cuban Connection", catcher Mike Guerra would appear in just 1 game with the Senators in 1937. He wouldn't be back in the majors until 1944 when he'd rejoin the Senators.

Guerra would spend 1944 through 1946 in a Washington uniform, playing in 75 games in 1944, hitting .281. His playing time would be reduced as his batting average dropped 71 points in 1945 but he'd recover in 1946, hitting .253.

Purchased by the Philadelphia Athletics, Guerra would spend 1947 through 1950 with the A's. After the 1950 season, he'd be purchased again, this time by the Boston Red Sox.

Guerra would play in just 10 games for Boston in 1951, hitting .156 when he was traded to Washington for Len Okrie and $25,000. Guerra would finish the 1951 season in Washington, playing in 72 games but hitting just .201, marking the end of his major league career.

"Mike" Guerra career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=guerrmi01)

Steve Jeltz

10-11-2008, 08:13 PM

1925 World Series

Pittsburgh at Washington, Game 5

Pirates 6 Senators 3

Senators lead series 3-2

Festive spirits permeates the masses at Griffith Stadium as the Nats look to seal their second straight world championship. No team in World Series history has ever blown a 3 games to 1 lead, so game 5 is expected to be a mere formality. The pitching matchup today is the same as the one in game 2. Bucky Harris inserts Stan Coveleski, loser of game 2, against game 2 winner Vic Aldridge of Pittsburgh. Returning to the Washington lineup after getting beaned in the head from Aldridge in the second game is 3B Ossie Bluege.

The Nats get into business in the 1st. Leadoff man Sam Rice singles to right and goes to second on an expected Bucky Harris sacrifice. A Texas League double down the left field line off the bat of Goose Goslin brings home Rice for the game's first run. Following a Joe Judge strikeout, Joe Harris coaxes a walk from Aldridge to put runners at first and second for AL MVP Roger Peckinpaugh. Peckinpaugh fails to sink the Pirates early, tapping to third to force Goslin.

Coveleski's wildness costs the Senators in the top of the 3rd. Max Carey and Kiki Cuyler draw consecutive walks with one out. Clyde Barnhardt ties it for the Bucs by singling to easily score the speedy Carey. With Cuyler moving to third on the single, Pie Traylor lofts a sacrifice fly to center to give Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead. Washington responds in the 4th when Joe Harris hits his 3rd series home run, a solo shot, to tie the contest at 2-2.

Putting the Senators to rest for good, Pittsburgh puts together a walk and three straight singles for a 4-2 margin in the 7th. Despite a run from the Nats in their half of the 7th, the Bucs tally runs in the 8th and 9th innings for the 6-3 win. Suddenly, with the series moving back to Pittsburgh, the Senators second world championship does not seem inevitable anymore.

Senator news from October 12:

1965 Frequent trade partners Washington and Baltimore team up for another deal. The Senators acquire C John Orsino for OF Woodie Held. In 15 games over two seasons, Orsino would hit .174 for the Sens before calling it quits. Held isn't much better in Baltimore, hitting 2 home runs in 1 and a half seasons as an Oriole reserve.

Senators Birthdays

Today we mark the birthdays of 4 players who spent time in a Senators uniform. Making October 12th notable is that 2 Hall Of Famers were born on this date.

Joseph Edward Cronin B Oct. 12, 1906 D Sep. 7, 1984

Beginning his playing career as a 19 year old infielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1926, Joe Cronin would remain an active player for 20 years. He'd also serve 2 teams as a player/manager, serving in that role for 13 years.

Cronin would be sparingly used by the Pirates, appearing in 38 games in 1926 and only 12 games in 1927.

Purchased by the Kansas City franchise of the American Association prior to the start of the 1928 season, Cronin would be sold to the Washington Senators in July.

Finding his niche at shortstop, Cronin would hit .242 in his first season in Washington when he appeared in 63 games.

Cronin would steadily improve, and in 1930 he'd hit .346 with 41 doubles, 9 triples and 13 home runs among his 203 hits, when he'd tally 126 RBI's.

Cronin would hit over .300 in Washington from 1931 through 1933.

Elevated to the role of player/manager in 1933 after Walter Johnson was relieved as manager of the Senators, Cronin would meet with immediate success, piloting the Senators to the World Series with a 99-53 record. Unfortunately the Senators would lose to the Giants in 5 games.

In 1934, the Senators made a major tumble to 7th place, and Cronin's BA would drop to .284. After the 1934 season, Cronin would be traded to the Boston Red Sox for Lyn Lary and $225,000, a princely sum in those depression years.

Cronin would serve the Red Sox as player manager from 1935 through 1947, finishing 1st in 1946 and in 2nd place 4 times.

Cronin would represent the Senators on the All Star teams of 1933 and 1934 and the Red Sox in 1935, 1937, 1938, 1939 and 1941.

Cronin would play in his last game in mid-April of 1945 although he'd continue to manage the Red Sox through 1947.

Cronin finished his career having played in 2124 games with 2285 hits including 515 doubles, 118 triples, 170 home runs and 1424 RBI's with a final BA of .301.

Joe Cronin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cronijo01)

Richard Benjamin Ferrell B Oct. 12, 1905 D Jul. 27, 1995

Our second Hall Of Famer is Rick Ferrell, a catcher who played 18 years with the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators.

Originally signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1926, Ferrell would be granted free agency in November of 1928 and almost immediately signed by the St. Louis Browns.

Making his major league debut in April of 1929, Ferrell would make it into 64 games, hitting .229. Ferrell also improved each season, hitting .268 in 101 games in 1930 and .306 in 1931. In 1932, Ferrell would hit .315 and receive MVP consideration.

Starting the 1933 season with the Browns, Ferrell would be traded to the Boston Red Sox in early May after 22 games in St. Louis. Ferrell would remain in Boston through mid-May of 1937 when he'd be traded to Washington, along with his brother Rick and Mel Almada for Ben Chapman and Bobo Newsom.

Ferrell would remain a Senator through mid-May of 1941 when he'd find himself headed to the Browns again, this time exchanged for Vern Kennedy.

After another 2 and a half seasons in St. Louis, Ferrell would find himself traded one last time, this time back to the Senators in exchange for Gene Moore. Ferrell would finish his career as a Senator in mid-September of 1947.

During his 18 seasons, Ferrell would hit .250 or above 16 times. He'd be named to the All Star teams of 1933-1936 representing the Red Sox and 1937, 1938, 1944 & 1945 as a Washington Senator.

Ferrell's 18 seasons would show a final line of 1692 hits in 6028 AB, including 324 doubles, 45 triples, 28 homers and 734 RBI with a BA of .281.

Rick Ferrell career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ferreri01)

Malachi Jeddidiah Kittridge B Oct. 12, 1869 D Jun. 23, 1928

Another catcher, Malachi Kittridge began his playing days in 1890 with the Chicago Colts. He'd remain in Chicago through 1897 and join the Louisville Colonels in 1898 when Louisville was still a major league outpost. In 1899, he split his playing time between Louisville and Washington, appearing in 44 games for the National League Washington team before the league contracted from 12 to 8 teams for the 1900 season.

Kittridge would not play in the majors in 1900 but would return in 1901 with the Boston National League franchise, when that team was known as the Beaneaters. He'd have his most active season in 1901, appearing in 114 games, the only year where he played in over 100 games.

Kittridge would be purchased by the Washington Senators in early July of 1903. He'd play in 60 games for the Senators that year, hitting .214 in 60 games.

Kittridge would play in 81 games for Washington in 1904, raising his BA to .242. In 1905 he'd play in 77 games but see his BA slip to .164.

1906 would prove to be Kittridge's last season. He start the year in Washington, hitting .191 in 22 games. Loaned to the Cleveland Naps in late July, he'd play in 5 games, going 1 for 10 and be returned to Washington in mid-August. He'd be given his release the same day, ending his major league career.

Malachi Kittridge career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kittrma01)

Lawrence Sidney (Bobo) Osborne B Oct. 12, 1935 Still Living

Signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1953, Bobo Osborne would make his major league debut with the Tigers in late June of 1957. Primarily playing at 1st and 3rd base, Osborne would only appear in 11 games for the Tigers, hitting .148.

Osborne would appear in only 2 games for the Tigers in 1958, but would make it into 86 big league contests in 1959, hitting .191.

Absent from the major leagues in 1960, Osborne would return with the Tigers in 1961, hitting .215 in 71 games. 1962 would see Osborne in 64 games hitting .230, his best career year at the plate.

Prior to the 1963 season, Osborne would be traded to the Washington Senators for Wayne Comer. Osborne would have his most active season with the Senators, playing in 125 games. However he'd only manage to hit .212 with 14 doubles and 12 home runs and his final game would be in late September.

"Bobo" Osborne career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=osborbo02)

Steve Jeltz

10-12-2008, 08:26 PM

1925 World Series

Washington at Pittsburgh, Game 6

Pirates 3 Senators 2

Series tied 3-3

Back in the Steel City for the sixth game, Sens skipper Bucky Harris finds himself in a quandary on who to select as his starter. Having used Tom Zachary in relief yesterday in a fruitless attempt to keep the Pirates from pulling away, Harris placed his rotation in disarray. With Walter Johnson being held back to pitch a possible game 7, Harris' options are lefthander Dutch Ruether or game 3 winner Alex Ferguson. Ferguson is chosen for the task, despite rumors that Ferguson himself believes he is not up to the challenge. Opposing the not so confident Ferguson is portsider Ray Kremer.

Galloping from the gate, the Senators score 2 runs in their first 2 at bats. Goose Goslin, with one down in the 1st, sends a Kremer pitch sailing into the rightfield stands for the early lead. During the 2nd inning, the much maligned Roger Peckinpaugh doubles in Ossie Bluege for a 2-0 Nats lead.

The resilient Pirates tie it up in the 3rd. Ferguson commits one of baseball's cardinal sins by walking leadoff man Johnny Moore. Peckinpaugh's 5th error of the series on a bouncer from Max Carey puts Bucs at first and second. A Clyde Barnhart ground out following a Kiki Cuyler sacrifice scores Moore for Pittsburgh's first run. The next hitter, the great Pie Traynor, laces a single up thr middle, plating Carey and creating a deadlock at 2.

Moore stings the Nats again in the 5th. Once again leading off, the 2B hits a solo home run in the temporary bleachers in left to give the Bucs a lead they would never relinquish, 3-2. The Moore round tripper is the 11th home run of this series for both squads. Meanwhile, Kremer settles down after the first two innings and allows 3 hits the rest of the way to force a game 7.

Senators Birthdays

Claude Boucher Davidson B Oct. 13, 1896 D Apr. 18, 1956

Utility man Claude Davidson would make his major league debut with the 1918 Philadelphia Athletics. First appearing in late April, Davidson would play in 31 games, going 15 for 81, a .185 BA.

In 1919, Davidson would join the ranks of "Senators Short Timers" when he'd play 2 games at 3rd base, going 3 for 7 at bat, playing in his last major league game in early September.

Claude Davidson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=davidcl01)

Philip Frank Hensiek B Oct. 13, 1901 D Feb. 21, 1972

Single Season Senator Phil Hensiek made his debut as a 33 year old rookie in mid-August of 1935. Pitching in 6 games, Hensiek would compile an 0-3 record and depart the Senators, and the major leagues, in early September with a 9.69 ERA.

Phil Hensiek career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hensiph01)

Ronald Ralph Moeller B Oct. 13, 1938 D Nov. 2, 2009

Ron Moeller was dubbed "The Kid" by virtue of making his major league debut as a 17 year old in 1956. Signed by the Baltimore Orioles, Moeller would appear in 4 games at the end of the '56 season, with 1 start and compile an 0-1 record in 8.2 innings with a 4.15 ERA.

Moeller wouldn't return to the Orioles until 1958 when he'd appear in another 4 games with no decisions and an identical 4.15 ERA.

Drafted by the expansion Los Angeles Angels, Moeller's next major league stint would be in 1961, when he'd pitch in 33 games going 4-8 with a 5.83 ERA.

Moeller would return to the majors with the Angels in 1963 but would only appear in 3 games with no decisions before he was sold to the expansion Senators. Moeller would pitch in 8 games for Washington, compiling a 2-0 record with a 6.29 ERA in 8 games, his last major league appearance coming in late September.

Ron Moeller career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=moellro01)

Charles Harry (Dick) Spalding B Oct. 13, 1893 D Feb. 3, 1950

Outfielder Dick Spalding debuted with the Philadelphia Philles in 1927. Playing in 115 games, Spalding would go 131 for 442 at the plate, good for a .296 BA with 16 doubles, 3 triples and 25 RBI's.

1928 would find Spalding on the roster of the Washington Senators. In 16 games, Spalding would hit .348 but would be gone from the roster in mid-July, marking the end of his major league career.

"Dick" Spalding career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=spalddi01)

Edward Frederick Joseph Yost B Oct. 13, 1926 Still Living

Brooklyn born Eddie Yost, known as the "Walking Man" for most of his career, was another player to make his major league debut as a 17 year old.

Signed by the Senators in 1944, Yost would see his first major league action that season, appearing in 7 games, going 2 for 14 with 1 walk.

Yost would be back in a Senators uniform in 1946 appearing in 8 games, going 2 for 25 with 5 walks.

1947 would be the year that Yost established himself as a 3rd baseman for the Senators, playing in 115 games, hitting .238 with 45 walks. Yost would appear in 110 games or more every season with the Senators from 1947 through 1958.

Traded to the Detroit Tigers after the 1958 season, along with Rocky Bridges and Neil Chrisley for Reno Bertoia, Ron Samford and Jim Delsing, Yost would have 2 productive seasons in Detroit.

Drafted by the expansion Angels, Yost would finish his career in 1962, playing in his last game in late July.

Yost represented the Washington Senators in the 1952 All Star game and led the American League in a number of catagories during his playing years including:

On base percentage in 1959 & 1960, games played in 1951, 1952 & 1954, walks in 1950, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1959 & 1960, doubles in 1951, runs scored in 1959 and times on base in 1950, 1959 & 1960.

He'd end his career having played in 2109 games with 1863 hits including 337 doubles, 56 triples, 139 home runs with 683 RBI's and 1614 walks.

On the coaching staff of the expansion Senators, Yost filled in as interim manager for 1 game after Mickey Vernon was fired in 1963. The Senators lost 9-3 to the Chicago White Sox. The next day, Gil Hodges took over the managerial reins.

Eddie Yost career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=yosted01)

Steve Jeltz

10-13-2008, 07:25 PM

1925 No champion will be determined today. Game 7 at Pittsburgh is rained out.

1927 The 21 year ride from the Big Train comes to the end of the line. Walter Johnson announces his retirement as an active ballplayer. An AL record 802 games pitched, a ML record (until 1983) 3,509 strikeouts, 417 wins, 2nd in ML history, an AL record of 113 shutouts and the AL record of 55.2 scoreless innings pitched are just a few of Johnson's incredible feats. All the more remarkable since Walter played on mostly bad to mediocre Senator teams.

1967 Jim Lemon is named the new manager of the Nats. Lemon, a member of the "Fearsome Foursome" along with Harmon Killebrew, Bob Allison and Roy Sievers on the 1959 Senators, was a coach with Minnesota for the past two seasons. Lemon replaces Gil Hodges, who resigned to take the managerial post with the Mets.

Senators Birthdays

Charles Schlagel Becker B Oct. 14, 1890 D Jul. 30, 1928

Washington, DC native Charlie Becker would become a member of the Senators Short Timers when he appeared in a grand total of 15 games during the 1911 and 1912 seasons.

Making his pitching debut in early August of 1911, Becker would appear in 11 games that season, posting a 3-5 record with a 4.04 ERA.

Returning to the Senators roster in 1912, Becker would pitch in 4 games, finishing with no won-lost record and an even 3.00 ERA, his last appearance coming in mid-May.

Charlie Becker career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=beckech01)

Thomas Edgar Cheney B Oct. 14, 1934 D Nov. 1, 2001

Tom Cheney is probably best remembered for his 21 strikeout performance, pitching in a 2-1, 16 inning victory for the Senators over the Baltimore Orioles in September of 1962. However his journey to the major leagues began a full 10 years earlier when he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1952.

Cheney would make his major league debut with the Cardinals in April of 1957, pitching in 4 games, posting an 0-1 record with a 5.00 ERA.

Returning to the Cardinals in 1959, Cheney would pitch in 11 games, going 0-1 again, with his ERA rising to 6.94.

Plagued by wildness, Cheney would be traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 1960 season. Although he only pitched in 11 games for the Pirates during their World Championship year, where he'd post a 2-2 record, Cheney would appear in 3 World Series games and was so highly thought of by his Pirates team mates that he was voted a full World Series share.

After 1 game with the Pirates in 1961, Cheney was traded to the Washington Senators for Tom Sturdivant. Cheney would finish the 1961 season with a 1-3 record for the Senators, pitching in 10 games. In 1962, he'd post a 7-9 record with a 3.17 ERA and in 1963 he'd go 8-9, lowering his ERA to 2.71.

Cheney began to suffer arm miseries, and would only pitch in 15 games for the Senators in 1964, going 1-3. He'd miss the 1965 season and would return for 3 games in 1966, going 0-1 in just 5 & 1/3rds of an inning, his final game coming in early May.

An insightful, but sad, article about Cheney appeared earlier this (2008) year in the Washington Post. You can read more about Tom Cheney's career here:

Washington Post Tom Cheney article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/19/AR2008061902831.html)

Tom Cheney career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cheneto01)

Melvin Allys (Bert) Gallia B Oct. 14, 1891 D Mar. 19, 1976

Making his major league debut with the 1912 Washington Senators, it would take pitcher Bert Gallia a couple of seasons to establish himself in the majors. Gallia would appear in just 2 games in 1912, pitching 2 innings. In 1913 he'd pitch in 31 games posting a 1-5 record with a 4.13 ERA. In 1914, Gallia would again be limited to appearing in just 2 games.

1915 was the year that Gallia would come into his own, pitching in 43 games and going 17-11 with a 2.29 ERA. In 1916, he'd go 17-12.

In 1917, Gallia would see his record drop to 9-13, although he'd still post a respectable 2.99 ERA. After the season, Gallia would be traded to the St. Louis Browns, along with $15,000 for Burt Shotton and Doc Lavan.

Gallia would go 8-6 for the 1918 Browns and 12-14 in 1919. 1920 would be Gallia's last season-he'd start the year with the Browns but would pitch in just 2 games, posting an 0-1 record, when he was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies in mid-May. Gallia would finish the 1920 season, and his major league career, with the 1920 Phillies, going 2-6.

"Bert" Gallia career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gallibe01)

Vance Elmer McIlree B Oct. 14, 1897 D May 6, 1959

One Game Wonder Vance McIlree was served his cup of coffee on September 13th of 1921. Pitching in 1 inning, he'd give up 1 hit and 1 run, departing the Senators, and the majors, with a 9.00 ERA.

Vance McIlree career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcilrva01)

Steve Jeltz

10-14-2008, 09:30 PM

1925 World Series

Washington at Pittsburgh, Game 7

Pirates 9 Senators 7

Pirates win World Series 4-3

Reporter James R. Harrison of the New York Times would opine that it was "a perfect day for water polo". The field at Forbes Field is a muddy mess and it is still drizzling as game time approaches. From Washington's perspective, perhaps postponing the game again would be to their advantage. It would further stall the Pirates momentum and permit game 7 starter Walter Johnson one more day to rest his sore leg. And one more day for the Senators to regroup from the previous 2 losses that put them in this do or die contest in the first place. Despite the playing conditions and drizzle that will only intensify, Commissioner Landis orders the game to be played.

Amidst the soggy and cold conditions, home plate umpire Barry McCormick yells "Play ball". Facing World Series nemesis Vic Aldridge, the Nats jump from the blocks like gangbusters. Leadoff hitter Sam Rice singles up the box. After a Harris fly out and a Goose Goslin walk, an Aldridge pitch slips from his hand for a wild pitch that sends Goslin and Rice into scoring position. Aldridge loads the bases by walking Joe Harris and issues another free pass to Joe Judge that scores Rice. Following an RBI single from Ossie Bluege that gives the Nats a 2-0 lead, Pirates skipper Bill McKechnie pulls Aldridge and summons Johnny Morrison to the hill. The first batter to face Morrison, Roger Peckinpaugh, is awarded first base via catcher's interference, which scores Joe Harris for the 3rd run. With the bases still loaded and still only one out, Muddy Ruel's soft roller to Bucs 2B Johnny Moore is booted for another Senators run and a 4-0 lead. Looking for more runs with runners at all stations, Walter Johnson goes down on strikes for the second out and Rice flies out to end the inning.

Far from dead, the Pirates get 3 runs back in the third. Reliever Morrison singles off Johnson to start things off and sloshes home on a RBI double from Johnny Moore. Moore comes around for run number 2 on speedy Max Carey's single. Kiki Cuyler grounds to Peckinpaugh for the inning's first out, while Carey advances to second. Carey, who could probably steal bases if the infield were made of quicksand, swipes third. Carey walks home on Clyde Barnhardt's RBI single to cut Washington's lead to 4-3. Johnson puts out Pie Traynor and Glenn Wright to avoid further damage.

Washington answers right back in the 4th to increase their bulge to 6-3. With the drizzle now becoming a steady rain, Joe Harris knocks in Rice and Goslin on a double to center. Back-to-back doubles from Carey and Cuyler cut Pittsburgh's deficit to 6-4 in their half of the 5th.

As the 6th inning began, the rain had now evolved into a downpour. Reportedly, Landis came over to Griffith's box and informed the "Silver Fox" that he was calling the game at the end of the inning. Griffith stated to Landis that the game shouldn't be called since Landis ordered the game to be played in the first place and he should see it through. On the surface, this ancedote shows Griffith to be a true sportsman who believed in fair play. In reality, if this game was in Washington, Griffith would have kept quiet and took the championship. Since the game was in Pittsburgh, Griffith may have feared an angry mob storming the field upon the announcement of the Senators being crowned world champions after 6 innings and his team getting out of town safely.

Not knowing how close their season was to being abruptly halted, the Bucs storm back in the 7th. Peckinpaugh's drop of a Moore pop up opens the floodgates. Carey bloops a ball down the left field line that Peckinpaugh, Bluege and Goslin converge upon. Somehow, the ball drops fair between the fielders and Moore races home. Instead of two outs and nobody on, it is no outs and Carey on second with the score now 6-5 Senators. Johnson retires Cuyler on a sacrifice bunt and Barnhardt on a ground ball to second, which Bucky Harris looks Carey back to third. Seeing his way out of the inning with a slim lead intact, Johnson allows Traynor to crush a game tying triple to rightcenter. With the ball rolling to the fence, Traynor dashes toward home for the lead. 2B Bucky Harris retrieves RF Joe Harris' relay and fires a strike to C Ruel to nab Trayor for the third out. Nonetheless, the score is now tied at 6-6.

In the top of the 8th, Peckinpaugh temporarily redeems himself by connecting for a home run off Pirates hurler Ray Kremer for a 7-6 Washington advantage. The beleaguered Peckinpaugh, with 7 errors in this series, looks like the hero of Series after Johnson easily records the first two outs of the Pirates 8th. But, it is not to be. Earl Smith's double begins the trouble. Bucs P Emil Yde pinch runs and scampers home to knot the game once again on pinch hitter Carson Bigbee's double, Bigbee's only hit in the series. Johnson walks Moore and induces Carey to ground to Peckinpaugh. You can guess what happened. Peckinpaugh's relay to 2B Bucky Harris pulls Harris off the bag for Peckinpaugh's World Series record 8th error, a record that still stands today.

Bases now loaded, Cuyler works a 2-2 count on Johnson. Johnson's next offering looks like strike three and he and C Ruel begin to walk off the field. Umpire Barry McCormick disagrees and calls ball 3. Cuyler sinks the hearts of Senators fans by belting a 2-run, ground rule double to right that gives the Bucs the lead for the first time today, 9-7. Goslin would argue for years that Cuyler's double was foul. Because of fog and darkness, Goslin believed, the umpires were not able to see the ball at all.

Now trailing 9-7, with 3 outs left, the Nats go down quietly in the 9th. When Goslin is called out on strikes for the last out, Washington becomes the first team ever to cough up a 3-1 games lead in World Series history, allowing the Pirates to celebrate as the World Champions. The Big Train refuses to point fingers and blames himself for the loss, not using his sore leg or the weather as an excuse. Nor does Johnson blame Peckinpaugh, who is embraced by Johnson following the game.

Other Senator news from October 15:

1928 The prodigal son returns home. Walter Johnson returns to the Nats as manager, replacing former teammate and his own former manager Bucky Harris. Johnson signs a 3 year pact worth $25,000 to skipper the Senators.The Big Train had managed Newark of the International League in 1928 following his retirement.

Senators Birthdays

Louis Stephen Klimchock B Oct. 15, 1939 Still Living

Signed by the Kansas City Athletics in 1957, utility man Lou Klimchock would play for 5 major league teams over the course of 12 seasons from 1958 through 1970, although he wouldn't appear in a major league uniform in 1967.

Making his major league debut in 1958 with KC, Klimchock would remain with the Athletics through 1961, his most active season with the A's, when he'd appear in 57 games.

Traded to the Milwaukee Braves after the 1961 campaign ended, Klimchock would play in 8 games for the Braves in 1962.

Sent to the expansion Senators as part of a conditional deal prior to the start of the 1963 season, Klimchock would play in only 9 games at 2nd base as a Senator, going 2 for 14 at bat. Returned to the Braves in early May, Klimchock would remain in a Milwaukee uniform through 1965.

Traded to the New York Mets, Klimchock would play in just 5 games for the Mets in 1966.
After the 1966 season, Klimchock was traded one last time, going to the Cleveland Indians.

Klimchock would return to the majors in 1968, playing for 3 years in Cleveland. The most active season of his career would be 1969 when he'd play in 90 games and hit .287. He'd be released in mid-August of 1970, after making his last major league appearance on August 2nd.

Overall, Klimchock played in 318 games, averaging approximately 26.5 games per season in his 12 years in the big leagues.

Lou Klimchock career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=klimclo01)

Richard Stanley Such B Oct. 15, 1944 Still Living

Single Season Senator Dick Such was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the amateur draft of 1965 but did not sign. He'd be drafted by the Senators in 1966.

Spending the next few seasons in the Senators farm system, Such would make his major league debut in early April of 1970. He'd appear in 21 games, posting a 1-5 record with a 7.56 ERA. Sent down to Denver in mid-July, Such would not return to the majors as a player.

He'd remain in baseball, serving as the Minnesota Twins pitching coach under Tom Kelly and most recently (2008) was the pitching coach for the Camden (NJ) Riversharks of the (Independent) Atlantic League.

More on Dick Such in this thread: Dick Such thread (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=77702)

Dick Such career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=suchdi01)

Steve Jeltz

10-15-2008, 09:01 PM

Welcome to the offseason! Where, between mid-October and April, most days were filled with nothing. On these days, profiles of various Senator managers, players and other movers and shakers will be briefly covered. Noteworthy trades and events will continue to be chronicled on the days they occurred.

Senator Managers

Jimmy Manning, 1901

Record as Senators manager: 61-72, .455 PCT

Teams managed:

1901 61-72, .455 Pct. 6th place, 20.5 GB

Introducing the first ever Senators manager: Jimmy Manning. Manning had previously been the owner of the Kansas City franchise of Ban Johnson's Western League. When Johnson renamed the Western League the American League and pronounced the AL as a major league in 1901, Johnson persuaded Manning to move his Kansas City franchise to Washington.

With mostly Kansas City holdovers and a few fan favorites from Washington's ill fated National League franchise, the inaugural edition of the Nationals got off to a respectable start. On April 26, in the Nat's first ever game, Washington topped Philadelphia 5-1. On July 2, the Nationals found themselves at 26-22, before an 8 game losing streak dropped them below .500 for the rest of the season.

Manning was determined to build a winner. With the American League amassing a fund to assist owners in raiding the National League of players, Manning pirated the Phillies roster of pitchers "Happy" Jack Townsend and Al Orth, 3B Harry Wolverton and, the biggest prize of all, OF Ed Delahanty. Excitement was brewing in the Capital over the new players and the prospects for the 1902 season.

Not finished, at least in his mind, Manning targeted Brooklyn's Wee Willie Keeler in the spring of 1902. When Manning attempted to assess the fund to procure Keeler, Johnson demurred. Johnson was furious that Manning paid $4000 to sign Delahanty, with some of Delahanty's salary having to come out of Johnson's pocket since Johnson secretly controlled some shares in the Nationals. An enraged Manning, denied from getting Keeler, abruptly resigned and sold his shares of the Washington franchise, never to be heard from again.

Senators Birthdays

While the baseball season has ended for the Senators, some seasons never end ;), thus today we introduce 7 more players, including 1 Hall Of Famer, who entered the Senators delivery room on October 16th:

Garland Maiers Buckeye B Oct. 16, 1897 D Nov. 14, 1975

Garland Buckeye would join the ranks of Senators One Game Wonders on June 19th of 1918 as a 20 year old rookie, when he'd pitch in 1 game, surrendering 3 hits, 6 walks and 4 runs in 2 innings, departing Washington with an ERA of 18.00.

However, Buckeye would return to the majors 7 years later, joining the Cleveland Indians. In 1925, Buckeye would go 13-8 in 30 games for the Indians, lowering his ERA to 3.65. Buckeye would remain with the Indians through July of 1928 when he was released and signed by the New York Giants.

Buckeye would also join the ranks of One Game Wonders for the Giants, his last appearance coming in mid-July, when he'd give up 6 hits, 2 walks and 6 earned runs in 3 and 2/3rds of an inning.

Garland Buckeye career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=buckega01)

Henry Nicholas Cullop B Oct. 16, 1900 D Dec. 8, 1978

Nick Cullop made his major league debut in April of 1926 as a 26 year old rookie outfielder for the New York Yankees. Cullop would only appear in 2 games for the Bronx Bombers that season.

After the season, Cullop, along with Garland Braxton, were sent to the Washington Senators to complete a deal that sent Dutch Ruether to the Yankees.

Cullop would only appear in 15 games for the Senators in 1927, going 5 for 23 at the plate with 2 doubles and 1 RBI. He'd finish the 1927 season on the Cleveland roster, appearing in 32 games.

Cullop would play in 13 games for the 1929 Brooklyn Dodgers and would finish his playing career in Cincinnati, playing for the Reds in 1930 & 1931.

Nick Cullop career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=culloni02)

Leon Allen (Goose) Goslin B Oct. 16, 1900 D May 15, 1971

Hall Of Famer Goose Goslin played 18 seasons in the major leagues, coming up with the Washington Senators in 1921. He'd also play for the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Browns but would spend 3 different stints in Washington.

Goslin started his career as a pitcher but his impressive talent at the plate caused him to be switched to the outfield during his brief minor league stay.

Goslin would make his debut with the Senators in mid-September of 1921, hitting .260 in 14 games. During his first full season in the majors, 1922, Goslin would hit .324 with 19 doubles, 7 triples, 3 home runs and 53 RBI's.

He'd be a mainstay in the Washington outfield through mid-June of 1930, hitting .300 or better every season from 1921 through 1928, including winning the American League batting title in 1928 with a .379 BA.

In 1929, Goslin's hitting would drop off to .288 but he'd lead the Senators with 18 home runs and 91 RBI's.

After 47 games in a Senators uniform in 1930, where he was hitting .271, Goslin would be traded to the St. Louis Browns for Alvin Crowder and Heinie Manush. The change of scenery must have done the Goose some good as he'd finish the season hitting .326 in 101 games for the Browns. Goslin would remain in St. Louis through 1932, hitting .328 in 1931 and .299 in 1932.

In December of 1932, Goslin would find himself headed back east as he, along with Fred Schulte and Lefty Stewart were traded to the Senators for Lloyd Brown, Carl Reynolds, Sam West and $20,000.

With the Senators in 1933 Goslin would hit .297. After the season, he'd be traded again, this time to the Detroit Tigers for John Stone. Goslin would remain in Detroit from 1934 through 1937. In his final season his BA would drop markedly, from .315 in 1936 to .238 in 1937 and he'd be given his release after the season.

Goslin would be signed one last time by the Senators for the 1938 season, but the hitting prowess he possessed as a younger man was gone-he'd only hit .158 in 38 games, playing in his last major league game in late September of 1938.

Goslin was named to the 1936 All Star Team as a member of the Tigers. He had a knack for being on the right team at the right time-he'd play in all 3 of the Senator's World Series-1924, 1925 and 1933 and would also play in the World Series of 1934 & 1935 for the Tigers.

Goslin would lead the American League in triples with 18 in 1923 and 20 in 1925 and RBIs in 1924 when he drove in 129 runs.

An excellent writeup on Goose Goslin can be found at the SABR website: SABR Goose Goslin biography by Cort Vitty (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1213&pid=5326)

"Goose" Goslin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gosligo01)

Mark Garfield (Moxie) Manuel B Oct. 16, 1881 D Apr. 26, 1924

Another addition to the list of Senators Short Timers, 23 year old Moxie Manuel would pitch in 3 games for the 1905 Senators, leaving with no W/L record and an ERA of 5.40.

Manuel would return to the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 1908, pitching in 18 games, compiling a 3-4 record and a 3.28 ERA.

"Moxie" Manuel career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=manuemo01)

Michael William Menosky B Oct. 16, 1894 D Apr. 11, 1983

Outfielder Mike Menosky began his major league career in the short-lived Federal League, playing for the Pittsburgh Rebels in 1914 and 1915.

Purchased by the Washington Senators before the start of the 1916 season, Menosky would make it into just 11 games in 1916 when he'd hit .162.

Given a chance to play regularly in 1917, Menosky would respond by hitting .258 in 114 games. He'd not play in 1918, presumably due to World War 1, but would return to the Senators roster in 1919, hitting .287 in 116 games.

Traded to the Boston Red Sox, along with Eddie Foster and Harry Harper for Braggo Roth and Red Shannon, Menosky would play 4 years in Boston, hitting an even .300 in 1921. He'd play in his final major league game in October of 1923.

Mike Menosky career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=menosmi01)

James Henry Mullin B Oct. 16, 1883 D Jan. 24, 1925

Jim Mullin played for 2 seasons, bouncing between the Philadelphia Athletics and the Washington Senators.

Debuting in June of 1904 with the Athletics, Mullin would play in 22 games for Philadelphia before being loaned to the Senators. He'd be on the Senators roster for approximately 1 month, appearing in 27 games where he'd hit .186. Mullin would be returned to Philadelphia to finish the 1904 season.

1905 would find Mullin back in a Senators uniform where he'd play in 50 games, hitting .190, appearing in his last major league game in early July.

Jim Mullin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mulliji01)

David Michael Sisler B Oct. 16, 1931 Still Living

Dave Sisler came from a baseball family-his father George Sisler is a Hall Of Famer, who played for 15 years, including a brief stint with the Senators in 1928, and his brother Dick also played in the majors.

Dave Sisler was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1953, making his major league debut in April of 1956. He'd go 9-8 in his rookie season with a 4.62 ERA. Sisler would remain in Boston through early May of 1959 when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. He'd post a 7-5 mark with the Tigers in 1960.

Drafted by the expansion Senators, Sisler would go 2-8 with the "new" Senators in 1961, with a 4.28 ERA. After the the 1961 season, Sisler would be sent to the Cincinnati Reds as the infamous "player to be named later" when the Senators acquired Claude Osteen.

Sisler would end his major league career with the Reds going 4-3 with a 3.92 ERA in 1962.

Dave Sisler career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sisleda01)

nl1899fan

10-16-2008, 06:09 AM

"Not finished, at least in his mind, Manning targeted Brooklyn's Wee Willie Keeler in the spring of 1902. When Manning attempted to assess the fund to procure Keeler, Johnson demurred. Johnson was furious that Manning paid $4000 to sign Delahanty, with some of Delahanty's salary having to come out of Johnson's pocket since Johnson secretly controlled some shares in the Nationals. An enraged Manning, denied from getting Keeler, abruptly resigned and sold his shares of the Washington franchise, never to be heard from again".

Makes one wonder what the history of the franchise would have been like had Manning been able to stick around. He seems like the kind of guy who might have brought the Senators respectablity long before they finally achieved some. And with the Keeler affair it looks like Johnson cut off his nose to spite his face-rather odd since he wanted all the AL clubs to do well in order to outshine the NL. One would think he would have enjoyed crowing about the AL making Washington a success after years of NL failure in that city.

Steve Jeltz

10-16-2008, 08:38 PM

1956 Rumors about a possible move by the Senators are confirmed when it is revealed that Louisville, KY and San Francisco are making bids. Commissioner Happy Chandler announces at a Senators board meeting that Louisville is prepared to erect a 50,000 seat stadium with guarantees of at least a million fans a year for 3 years if Calvin Griffith moves the franchise to the Kentucky city. Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren, who played a minor role in the impending Dodgers move west, arranges for Griffith to meet San Jose businessmen about a possible relocation to San Francisco. Griffith states publicly that he will study any prospective bids from the Louisville and San Francisco interests before making a decision.

Senators Birthdays

John Calvin Klippstein B Oct. 17, 1927 D Oct. 10, 2003

Washington, DC born Johnny Klippstein would spend 18 years in the major leagues, pitching for 8 different teams including 2 separate stints on the roster of the Cincinnati Reds.

Originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1944, Klippstein would pass through the Cardinals and Brooklyn Dodger organizations before making his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs in May of 1950.

Klippstein would remain with the Cubs through 1954, being traded to the Cincinnati Reds at the end of the season. Klippstein would be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in mid-June of 1958 where he'd spend the remainder of the 1958 and 1959 seasons. He'd pitch in 1 game of the 1959 World Series as the Dodgers swept the "Go-Go White Sox" in the fall classic.

Purchased by the Cleveland Indians for the 1960 season, Klippstein would go 5-5 with a 2.91 ERA, appearing in 49 games.

Selected by the "new" Senators in the expansion draft, Klippstein would go 2-2 in 42 games for Washington in their inaugural year.

After the season, Klippstein would be traded, along with Marty Keough, to Cincinnati for Bob Schmidt and Dave Stenhouse.

Klippstein would go 7-6 for the Reds in 1962 and then be purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies for the 1963 campaign. After a season and a half in Philadelphia, Klippstein would be purchased again, this time by the Minnesota Twins, in late June of 1964.

Klippstein would spend 2 and a half seasons in Minnesota, pitching in 2 games of the 1965 World Series, as the Twins lost to the LA Dodgers in 7 games.

Released by the Twins after 1966, Klippstein would be picked up by the Detroit Tigers where he'd pitch in 5 games, being released one last time in early June of 1967, marking the end of his major league journey.

Klippstein lead the American League in saves with 14 in 1960. He'd also have a couple of league leads in less admirable catagories including wild pitches in 1952 (NL-12) and 1961 (AL-10) and hit batsmen in 1956 with 10 (NL).

Johnny Klippstein career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=klippjo01)

John Thaddeus Ostrowski B Oct. 17, 1917 D Nov. 13, 1992

Another journeyman who bounced around both the major and minor leagues was utilityman Johnny Ostrowski. Originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1939, Ostrowski would eventually be obtained by the Chicago Cubs, making his major league debut in late September of 1943.

Ostrowski would play in 10 games in 1943, 8 in 1944, 7 in 1945 and 64 in 1946. Ostrowski wouldn't see any major league action in 1947 and would be drafted by the Boston Red Sox after the season. Appearing in a solitary game with the Red Sox in 1948, Ostrowski would be returned to the Cubs. In early August of '48, Ostrowski would be traded to the Chicago White Sox, appearing in 49 games for the South Siders in 1949, going 42 for 158, with 9 doubles, 4 triples, 5 homers and 31 RBI.

Starting the 1950 season in a White Sox uniform, Ostrowski would play in 22 games before being traded to the Washington Senators, along with Bob Kuzava and Cass Michaels for Al Kozar, Ray Scarborough and Eddie Robinson.

Ostrowski would play in 55 games for the Senators, going 32 for 141 at bat, with 2 doubles 1 triple, 4 home runs and 23 RBI. Released by the Senators in September, Ostrowski would be picked up by his former team, the White Sox, where he'd appear in 1 final game, his major league career ending with the close of the 1950 season.

Johnny Ostrowski career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ostrojo01)

Daniel Edward Porter B Oct. 17, 1931 Still Living

Single Season Senator Dan Porter made his major league debut as a 19 year old rookie in mid-August of 1951. Playing in 13 games, Porter would go 4 for 19 with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts, ending his short trip to the majors with a .211 BA.

Dan Porter career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=porteda01)

Aa3rt

10-18-2008, 02:14 AM

Senators Birthdays

William Jones (Boileryard) Clarke B Oct. 18, 1868 D Jul. 29, 1959

Boileryard Clarke-one of the most interesting nicknames we've come across thus far, began his major league career way back in 1893 with the Baltimore Orioles, then playing in the National League. Primarily a catcher who would double as a first baseman, Clarke would debut with the Orioles in May of 1893 and would play 13 seasons.

Playing in Baltimore from 1893 through 1898, Clarke would have his best season at the plate in 1896, when he'd hit .297, going 89 for 300 in 80 games.

Sold to the National League Boston Beaneaters before the start of the 1899 season, Clarke would spend 1899 and 1900 in Boston, hitting .315 in 81 games in the 1900 season.

Jumping to the Washington Senators when the rival American League began play in 1901, Clarke would play in Washington from 1901 through 1904. He'd have his 2 most active seasons in 1901 & 1903, playing in over 100 games each season. He'd hit .280 in 1901 but his BA would drop each succeeding year with the Senators until he was released at the start of the 1905 season.

He'd be signed by the New York Giants the same day and would finish his major league career playing in 31 games for the Giants that year.

"Boileryard" Clarke career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=clarkbo02)

Roy Joseph Cullenbine B Oct. 18, 1913 D May 28, 1991

Outfielder and sometime 1st baseman Roy Cullenbine would play in the major leagues for 10 seasons, appearing in 1181 games. Only 64 of those games would be in a Senators uniform.

Debuting in 1938 with the Detroit Tigers, Cullenbine would play for the Tigers in 1938 and 1939.

Granted free agency in early 1940, he'd be signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers. After just 22 games with the Dodgers in 1940, Cullenbine would be traded to the St. Louis Browns.

Cullenbine would play in 86 games for the Browns in 1940. In 1941 he'd have one of his best seasons, hitting .317 and being named to the All Star Team.

Beginning the 1942 season with the Browns, Cullenbine would play in 22 games for the Browns before he was traded again, this time to the Washington Senators, along with Bill Trotter for Mike Chartak and Steve Sundra.

After the already mentioned 64 games with the Washington team where he hit .286, Cullenbine would be on the move again, this time to the New York Yankees after he was waived by the Senators in late August.

Cullenbine would play in 21 games for the '42 Yankees, hitting .364 and appearing in 5 games of the 1942 World Series when the Yankees lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Traded again after the 1942 season ended, Cullenbine would find himself with the Cleveland Indians, playing in 1943, 1944 and part of 1945. He'd be named to the All Star Team for a second time in 1944 when he hit .284 for the Indians playing in all 154 games that season.

Traded after 8 games with the Indians in in late April of 1945, Cullenbine would finish his career where it started, with the Detroit Tigers. He'd play in his second World Series in 1945, appearing in all 7 games as the Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs. He'd play in his final major league game at the end of the 1947 season.

Roy Cullenbine career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cullero01)

Walter Louis Millies B Oct. 18, 1906 D Feb. 28, 1995

Catcher Wally Millies broke into the majors in 1934 as a 27 year old rookie, playing in 2 games with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Millies wouldn't see any major league action in 1935 and would be purchased by the Washington Senators before the start of the 1936 season.

Playing for Washington, Millies would appear in 74 games in 1936, hitting .312 in 74 games. His BA would drop to .223 in 1937 as he'd only see action in 59 games.

Out of the majors in 1938, Millies would return with the 1939 Philadelphia Phillies. He'd hit .234 in 84 games in 1939 but his BA would drop to a horrific .070 in 26 games in 1940. One final appeance in 1941 in late May, when he'd go 0 for 2, would mark the end of Millies' major league experience.

Wally Millies career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=milliwa01)

Burton Edwin Shotton B Oct. 18, 1884 D Jul. 29, 1962

Burt Shotton is best remembered as the manager of the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers who was at the helm when Jackie Robinson integrated baseball. At that time Shotton was 62 years old-his baseball career began much earlier.

An outfielder, Shotton debuted in mid-September of 1909 with the St. Louis Browns. He'd hit .262 in 17 games in that inaugural season, but wouldn't be back with the Browns until 1911. Playing in well over 100 games a year from 1911 through 1917 with the Browns, Shotton would hit .269 or better each season until 1917 when he slumped to .224.

After the 1917 campaign, Shotton, and Doc Lavan were traded to the Washington Senators for Bert Gallia and cash.

Shotton would spend just 1 season in a Senators uniform, hitting .261 in 126 games in 1918.

Waived by Washington, Shotton would be selected by the St. Louis Cardinals. He'd play for the Cardinals from 1919 through 1923, his playing time dwindling each season, making a final appearance in 1 game in April of 1923.

However he wasn't finished with baseball-he'd return to the majors in 1928 as the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. He'd be at the helm of the Phillies through 1933.

He'd serve as an interim manager for 1 game in 1934 for the Cincinnati Reds.

Brought out of retirement in Florida prior to the 1947 season, Shotton would have immediate success with the Dodgers, finishing in 1st place in 1947. The Dodgers would slip to 3rd in 1948 but would capture the pennant again in 1949. Shotton would finish his managerial career with the Dodgers in 1950 when they finished in 2nd.

Burt Shotton career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shottbu01)

Frederick Thomas Vaughn B Oct. 18, 1918 D Mar. 2, 1964

Infielder Fred Vaughn was nicknamed "Muscles". He'd debut with the Washington Senators in August of 1944, playing in 30 games in his rookie year, hitting .257.

Returning to the Senators in 1945, Vaughn would play in 80 games, hitting .235 and muscling his way out of the major leagues at the end of the season.

Fred Vaughn career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=vaughfr01)

Steve Jeltz

10-18-2008, 09:28 PM

1901 The National League is rocked when 4 players from the Phillies jump ship to Washington: 3B Harry Wolverton, pitchers Al Orth and "Happy" Jack Townsend and the great Ed Delahanty. Phillies owner John Rogers seeks a court injunction preventing the players from playing for any other team except the Phillies. The Pennsylvania Supreme court eventually rules that the players cannot play baseball in the state of Pennsylvania except for the Phillies. Like Nap Lajoie of Cleveland, Delahanty, Orth, Townsend, and Wolverton take impromptu vacations when the Nats are scheduled to play in Philadelphia. Delahanty will lead the AL in hitting in 1902 with a .376 average, while Orth wins 19 games. Townsend goes a disappointing 9-16. Wolverton will jump back to the Phillies in July.

1927 The dismantling of the World Series teams of 1924 and 1925 continues. OF Earl McNeely and pitching prospect Dick Coffman are traded to the Browns for pitchers Milt Gaston and "Sad" Sam Jones. Gaston would post a ghastly 5.51 ERA in one season in Washington before being shipped to Boston as part of the package to reacquire Buddy Myer. Jones will fare better, going 17-7 in 1928, and would play 4 years with the Senators. McNeely would conclude his career in 1931 as a reserve and Coffman would not blossom until being traded to the Giants in 1936 and finding his niche in the bullpen.

Senators Birthdays

Oswaldo Gonzalez Alvarez B Oct. 19, 1933 Still Living

Acquired by the Senators in 1955, Ossie Alvarez, another member of the much noted "Cuban Connection," debuted with the Senators in mid-April of 1958. Playing in 87 games for Washington that season as a utility infielder, Alvarez would have 41 hits with 3 doubles and 5 RBI's.

Traded to the Cleveland Indians for Jay Porter in October, he'd be a part of the Indians organization for less than a month before he was traded again, this time to the Deroit Tigers.

Alvarez would appear in 8 games for the Tigers, his major league career ending in late April of 1959.

Ossie Alvarez career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=alvaros01)

Donald George Leppert B Oct. 19, 1931 Still Living

Catcher Don Leppert was originally signed by the Milwaukee Braves in 1955. Picked up by the Pittsburgh Pirates after the 1960 season, Leppert would make his major league debut in mid-June of 1961. He'd play in 22 games for the Pirates that year and another 45 in 1962, hitting .267 and .266 respectively.

Traded to the Washington Senators for minor leaguer Ron Honeycutt and cash, Leppert would have his most active season with Washington in 1963, playing in 73 games, hitting .237 with 11 doubles and 6 home runs and would be selected to the 1963 All Star Team.

Leppert would play in another 50 games in 1964 but his batting average would drop to .156 and he'd make his last major league appearance in mid-September.

Don Leppert career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=leppedo02)

Carl Everett Sawyer B Oct. 19, 1890 D Jan. 17, 1957

Carl Sawyer, another utility infielder, qualifies as a Senators Short Timer having played in just 26 games over the span of 2 seasons.

Coming up with the Senators in September of 1915, Sawyer would play in 10 games hitting .250.

He'd return for another 16 games in 1916 but his BA would drop to .194 and he'd play in his last major league game in October.

Carl Sawyer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sawyeca01)

Steve Jeltz

10-19-2008, 08:26 PM

1959 Entertaining offers from other cities, Clark Griffith proclaims again that he will not move the Senators from Washington. But, Griffith's admission that he was impressed by Minnesota officials makes his declaration sound hollow. Other cities still in the hunt for the Senators at this stage are Toronto and Dallas.

Senators Birthdays

Archibald Stewart Campbell B Oct. 20, 1903 D Dec. 22, 1989

Senators Short Timer Archie Campbell would pitch for 3 seasons with 3 different teams, appearing in a grand total of 40 major league games.

Making his major league debut with the New York Yankees in 1928, Campbell would pitch in 13 games going 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA.

Drafted by the Senators from St. Paul of the American Association, Campbell would appear in 4 games for the Senators in 1929, compiling an identical 0-1 record, however his ERA would swell to a horrific 15.75, having given up 10 hits, 5 walks and 7 runs in just 4 innings.

1930 would find Campbell on the roster of the Cincinnati Reds where he'd pitch in 23 games, posting a 2-4 record. His last major league appearance would come in late July of the 1930 season.

Archie Campbell career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=campbar01)

Bruce Douglas Campbell B Oct. 20, 1909 D Jun. 17, 1995

No relation to the previously mentioned Archie Campbell, outfielder Bruce Campbell would also join the ranks of Single Season Senators in 1942 at the end of a 13 year major league career.

Making his major league debut in mid-September of 1930 with the Chicago White Sox, Campbell would play in 5 games that year. He'd only play in another 4 games for the White Sox in 1931.

In 1932 Campbell would make it into 7 games for the White Sox before he was traded to the St. Louis Browns in late April. With the Browns, Campbell got an opportunity to be an every day player, appearing in 139 games for the Browns, hitting .283 in his first full season of major league play.

Campbell would remain in St. Louis through 1934, being traded to the Cleveland Indians after the season. Campbell would stay with the Tribe through 1939 having some good seasons in Cleveland. He'd hit .325 in in 80 games in 1935 and would hit an even more impressive .372 in 76 games in 1936.

Traded to the Detroit Tigers before the start of the 1940 campaign, Campbell would play in the next 2 seasons for the Tigers. He'd play in all 7 games of the 1940 World Series, hitting .360 against the World Champion Cincinnati Reds.

Traded one last time after the 1941 season, Campbell along with Frank Croucher, would be headed to Washington in exchange for Jimmy Bloodworth and Doc Cramer.

Campbell played in 122 games for the 1942 Senators, hitting .278, making his last major league appearance in late September. He wouldn't play during the war years of 1943 through 1945 and was released by the Senators in early April of 1946, never to play in another major league game.

Bruce Campbell career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=campbbr01)

Wid Curry Matthews B Oct. 20, 1896 D Oct. 5, 1965

Wid Matthews was an outfielder who got his major league start with the 1923 Philadelphia Athletics. Playing in 129 games, Matthews would hit .274 in his rookie season.

Traded to Milwaukee of the American Association after the 1923 season, Matthews would become a Senator in early June of 1924, being traded for Showboat Fisher and cash.

Matthews would appear in 53 games with the 1924 Senators hitting .302. In early August of '24, Matthews would be traded to Sacramento of the Pacific Coast League to complete a deal for Earl McNeely. Matthews would be returned to the Senators in late September of that year.

Matthews would play in just 10 games for the Senators in 1925, going 4 for 9, making his last major league appearance in early June.

Wid Matthews career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=matthwi02)

James Emerson Uchrinscko B Oct. 20, 1900 D Mar. 17, 1995

Senators Short Timer Jimmy Uchrinscko be on the Senators roster for 1 week in 1926. He'd pitch 8 innings in 3 games, giving up 13 hits, 8 walks and 9 runs, leaving with an ERA of 10.13.

Jimmy Uchrinscko career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=uchriji01)

Steve Jeltz

10-20-2008, 08:26 PM

Senator Managers

Tom Loftus, 1902-1903

Record as Senators manager: 104-169, .381 PCT

Teams managed:

1902 61-75, .449 Pct, 6th Place, 22 GB
1903 43-94, .314 Pct, 8th Place, 47.5 GB

Tom Loftus was Ban Johnson's choice to replace Jimmy Manning at the helm of the Nationals. Loftus, in accepting the Washington managerial job, became the only man to manage in four different major leagues (Union Association, American Association, National League and American League).

Inheriting a club that included Manning recruits Ed Delahanty, pitchers Al Orth and Happy Townsend and 3B Harry Wolverton, Loftus led the Nats to a lackluster 6th place finish in 1902. Delahanty did not disappoint and paced the circuit with a .376 batting average. Orth, the "Curveless Wonder", won 19, with Case Patten racking up 17. Despite the second division finish, team president Fred Postal awarded Loftus with a 25 percent share of the franchise.

The roof caved in on Loftus and Postal in 1903. Not only did this edition of the Senators become the first Washington team to finish in the basement, but the season was darkened by the mysterious death of Delahanty in mid-season. A month following Delahanty's death, Postal, tired of the team's internal bickering and Loftus' pestering for more money to get players, wanted out. Johnson, in an unbridled conflict of interest, temporarily took control of the Nats for $15,000. One of Johnson's first acts was to announce that Loftus would not return for the 1904 season.

Johnson sold the Senators in March of 1904 to a consortium led by a baseball writer turned promoter, William Dwyer, Thomas C. Noyes, whose family published the Washington Evening Star and attorney Wilton Lambert, who would become the new team president. Even though Johnson had announced Loftus would not return the previous August, the AL president did not officially terminate Loftus. So, with rumors that the Nats were about to install Patsy Donovan as manager once he had secured his release from the Cardinals, Loftus claimed that he was still the manager and Donovan would only be a player if he were acquired. One week before opening day, Dwyer and Noyes finally issued Loftus the pink slip.

Senators Birthdays

Marquette Joseph Christman B Oct. 21, 1913 D Oct. 9, 1976

Utility infielder Mark Christman would make his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers in April of 1938 as a 24 year old rookie. Playing in 95 games his first season, Christman would hit .248 with 6 doubles, 4 triples, 1 home run and 44 RBI's.

Starting the 1939 season in Detroit, Christman would make it into 6 games in a Tigers uniform before being traded in mid-May to the St. Louis Browns. Christman would play in 79 games for the Browns, hitting .216. He wouldn't return to the majors until 1943, when, back with the Browns, he'd hit a respectable .271 in 98 games. In 1944, he'd play in 148 games and hit an identical .271.

Christman would make it into all 6 games of the 1944 World Series but would go a disappointing 2 for 22 at bat as the Browns were defeated by the Cardinals in 6 games.

Christman would play 2 more years for the Browns before being purchased by the Washington Senators at the start of the 1947 season. Playing in Washington from 1947 through 1949, Christman would hit .222 in 110 games in 1947. 1948 would see him in 120 games, raising his BA to .259.

1949 would be Christman's last major league season as he'd only appear in 49 games, hitting .214, his last major league appearance coming in late September.

Mark Christman career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=chrisma01)

Robert Alexander Pritchard B Oct. 21, 1917 D Sep. 25, 1991

Single Season Senator Bob Pritchard spent just over 2 months on the roster of the 1939 Senators. Playing 1st base, Pritchard would go 20 for 85 at bat with 5 doubles, 8 runs scored and 8 RBI's.

Bob Prichard career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=prichbo01)

Steve Jeltz

10-21-2008, 09:28 PM

First in war, first in peace and last in any league

The 1912 edition of the Senators became the first team in franchise history to finish with more wins than losses in a season. But, did you know, they were also the first professional Washington team to ever finish above .500? Here is a list of the teams prior to the formation of the American League Senators in 1901 with W/L records and the leagues they competed in.

Year Team W-L League
1884 Washington Nationals, 12-51, American Association
1884 Washington Nationals, 47-65, Union Association
1886 Washington Senators, 28-92, National League
1887 Washington Senators, 46-76, National League
1888 Washington Senators, 48-86, National League
1889 Washington Senators, 41-83, National League
1891 Washington Statesmen, 44-91, American Association
1892 Washington Senators, 58-93, National League
1893 Washington Senators, 40-89, National League
1894 Washington Senators, 45-87, National League
1895 Washington Senators, 43-85, National League
1896 Washington Senators, 58-73, National League
1897 Washington Senators, 61-71, National League
1898 Washington Senators, 51-101, National League
1899 Washington Senators, 54-98, National League

The most noteworthy player from those dismal teams was the debut of a skinny, 23 year old catcher on September 11, 1886. Connie Mack was behind the plate for the Senators on that day, a 4-3 victory over the Phillies that halted an 8 game losing streak.

"Now batting for the Senators, Ty Cobb??"

Fresh from that 2nd place finish of 1912, manager Clark Griffith sought the final piece that would bring the American League flag to Washington. While the pitching was in good hands with Walter Johnson, Bob Groom, and Tom Hughes, the offense needed another bat. Not just any player, but a player who was suited to the spacious dimensions League Park (Griffith Stadium) who could hit balls into the gaps, had speed, and a high batting average. In essence, the hitting equivalent of Walter Johnson: Ty Cobb.

Brushing aside the pesky fact that he was only a one-tenth owner of the Senators and would have to answer to the Senators board of directors, Griffith approached Detroit owner Frank Navin dangling a check for $100,000 for the "Georgia Peach". Navin may have considered the offer for a split second before blowing off Griffith. Navin's rejection may well have been a good thing for Griffith considering the aforementioned board of directors. Had Navin said yes, where was the $100,000 going to come from, the directors would demand to know. Griffith, however, wasn't called the "Silver Fox" for nothing.

Prepared for the best case scenario of a Cobb purchase, Griffith's plan for raising the $100,000 was to sell 100,000 one-dollar tickets to fans who could use them for whichever game they chose, wrote late Washington Post sportswriter Shirley Povich. With $1 being a high cost for a blue collar worker in 1913, Griffith nonetheless believed the fans would enthusiastically gobble up the $1 dollar ducats. With Navin saying no, a contentious meeting with the directors never materialized and the Cobb and Johnson dream team remained a fantasy.

Griffith's high regard for Cobb did not abate in the ensuing years. When Cobb was released from the Tigers before 1927, Griffith, now sole owner of the Nats, made a hard play for Cobb. With the A's, Browns, Dodgers and Sens climbing all over themselves in pursuit of Cobb, Griffith offered Cobb a high undisclosed salary, with the sweetener that Cobb can "come and go as he pleases". The offer was not good enough for Cobb, who took the highest salary offer of $50,000 from Connie Mack's A's.

Senators Birthdays

Myles Lewis Thomas B Oct. 22, 1897 D Dec. 12, 1963

Pitcher Myles Thomas would play for 5 years with the Yankees and the Senators. Making his major league debut with the Yanks in April of 1926, Thomas would appear in 33 games, pitching in 140 and 1/3rd innings, posting a 6-6 record with a 4.23 ERA. Thomas would pitch in 2 games of the 1926 World Series, as the Yankees lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 1927, Thomas would have his best year on the mound, posting a 7-4 record in 21 games although his ERA would rise to 4.87.

He'd only pitch in 12 games in 1928, compiling a 1-0 record, but would lower his ERA to 3.41, the best season of his career.

Thomas would begin the season with the Yankees in 1929, appearing in 5 games, going 0-2. He'd be purchased in mid-June by the Senators.

Finishing the season in a Washington uniform, Thomas would post a 7-8 record in 22 games.

1930 would be Thomas' last season in the majors as he'd appear in 12 games for the Senators, compiling a 2-2 record but would see his ERA swell to 8.29. He would play in his last major league game in late June of '21.

Myles Thomas career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=thomamy01)

nl1899fan

10-22-2008, 04:52 AM

As bad as the Pirates have been since 1993 it's nothing compared to Washington's record prior to 1912. All that futility might not have come in an unbroken string of seasons but it was dismal nonetheless. One can just imagine the feeling fans had in 1912 after all that failure-think this year's Rays fans times 1000!:dance

Steve Jeltz

10-22-2008, 10:58 PM

Senator Managers

Malachi Kittridge and Patsy Donovan, 1904

Kittridge's record as Senator manager: 1-16, .059 Pct.

Teams managed:

1904 1-16, .059 Pct., 8th place, 11 GB

Donovan's record as Senator manager: 37-97, .296 Pct.

Teams managed:

1904 37-97, .296 Pct, 8th place, 55.5 GB

New part owner and baseball operations head Bill Dwyer appointed former Pittsburgh and Cardinal player-manager Patsy Donovan as the Senators new skipper just a week before opening day of 1904. Donovan's arrival in D.C. was delayed as he claimed the Cardinals owed him $3,600 in back salary. Donovan would remain in St, Louis for two weeks while an arbitration board reviewed his case against the Cardinals. Veteran backstop Malachi Kittridge was named the Nats manager until Donovan was able to wrap up his hearing.

By the time Donovan arrived, Washington was already the laughingstock of baseball at 1-16. Under Kittridge, the Senators set a ML record by losing their first 13 games, a record that stood until 1988 when Baltimore dropped 21 straight. Donovan wouldn't fare much better, with the pitiful Nats staggering home with the worse record in club history at 38-113. While every AL team posted attendance increases in 1904, fans in Washington stayed away in droves. Only 132,344 souls bothered supporting the Nats in that long, miserable summer.

Donovan was sacked following the season. Donovan would resurface as a player-manager with Brooklyn and the Red Sox until 1911. Kittridge, who harbored aspirations to be a manager before his disastrous Senators stint, had second thoughts and never managed again. More shakeup occurred in the front office when Dwyer abandoned his short career as a major league administrator.

Senators Birthdays

Bruce Raymond Barmes B Oct. 23, 1929 Still Living

Senators Short Timer Bruce Barmes was signed by Washington in 1950. He'd be on the Senators roster for 2 weeks in late September of 1953, appearing in 5 games, playing right field and going 1 for 5 at the plate.

Bruce Barmes career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=barmebr01)

Steve Jeltz

10-23-2008, 09:11 PM

Senator Managers

Jake Stahl, 1905-1906

Record as Senators manager: 119-182, .395 Pct.

Teams managed:
1905: 64-87, 7th place, .424 Pct., 29.5 GB
1906: 55-95, 7th place, .367 Pct., 37.5 GB

During an era where most players, and the general populace for that matter, did not possess a high school education, Jake Stahl was an anomaly. A former collegiate football star from the University of Illinois, Stahl graduated in 1903 with a degree in law. With the law degree in hand, Stahl, no relation to Red Sox star Chick Stahl, could afford to play pro baseball purely for the fun of it. Originally signed by the Boston Americans, Stahl was dealt to Washington before the 1904 season. The 25 year old was one of the very few bright spots for the Senators in 1904, leading the team in batting average, home runs and RBI.

In February of 1905, Stahl was named the player-manager by new Senators president Thomas C. Noyes. The Senators got off to a hot start finding themselves in 1st place in early May. Starving for any success, Washington fans threw a parade for the Senators after the team returned from a successful road trip early in the season. Injuries and an illness to Stahl would condemn the Nats a 7th place finish, but the 64 wins was quite an improvement from the pathetic 38 win campaign of 1904. As a reward for finishing out of the cellar, a reported $1,000 was distributed to the players, who divided up the money amongst themselves.

The light at the end of the tunnel was not an end to the Senators woes, but another oncoming train. In March, 1906, promising SS Joe Cassidy died from typhoid fever. Stahl led Washington to another respectable start that year, but an 8 game losing streak in late May put the Nats in 7th place for good. The highlight of 1906 was an August win over the White Sox that halted the "Hitless Wonders" 19 game winning streak. Stahl accepted responsibility for the Senators disappointing finish stating, "If I'd been able to hit .300 this year, as many of my friends predicted, we'd have been up in the first division, but I was a frost." Unable to fire the players, Noyes and the Washington owners fired Stahl after the season.

Jake Stahl write up on SABR.com

http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1796&pid=13489

Senators Birthdays

Oswald Louis "Ossie" Bluege B Oct. 24, 1900 D Oct. 14, 1985

Ossie Bluege is certainly a rarity in Senators history-a career Washington Senator who would play for 18 seasons in a Washington uniform, manage the team for an additional 5 years and also served the Senators as a coach, farm director and team accountant, his total time in the organization totalling 50 years.

Bluege would make his major league debut in April of 1922. He'd only make it into 19 games his first season hitting .197. Primarily a 3rd baseman, Bluege would also play at 1st, 2nd, shortstop and in the outfield over the course of 1816 games.

In 1922, Bluege would make it into 109 games and raise his BA to .245. 1923 would see his average improve again to .281. Never a power hitter (Playing half their games in expansive Griffith Stadium would limit many hitters home run production.), Bluege would hit just 8 home runs in 1931, his best year. He'd never manage to hit .300 in a season either, his best year being 1928 when he'd manage a .297 BA. However he was consistent, hitting .270 or better in 10 of 18 seasons.

Bluege would be named to the 1935 All Star Team and was a member of all 3 pennant winning Washington teams in 1924, 1925 and 1933.

Hitting a disappointing .192 in the 1924 World Series, when Washington captured it's only World Series, Bluege would rebound in 1925, hitting .278 in 5 games as the Senators would lose to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7. He'd only go 2 for 16 with 6 strikeouts in the 1933 series, as the Senators lost to the New York Giants in 5 games.

Bluege's final season as a player came in 1939. At 38 years of age, he had slowed considerably and only managed to hit .153 in 18 games, his last major league appearance as a player coming in mid-July.

After his career as a player ended, Bluege would manage the Senators from 1943 through 1947. The 1943 and 1945 squads would finish in 2nd place. Bluege would also see the basement in 1944 when the Senators finished 8th with a 64-90 record.

After the 1947 season, Bluege would go on to serve the Senators as farm director and team accountant. He would pass away just 10 days shy of his 85th birthday in 1985.

"Ossie" Bluege career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bluegos01)

Jack Erwin Russell B Oct. 24, 1905 D Nov. 3, 1990

Pitcher Jack Russell played for 6 different teams in a 15 year career, including 2 separate terms with the Boston Red Sox.

Debuting in early May of 1926 with Boston, Russell would post an 0-5 record with a 3.58 ERA. Russell would remain in Boston through mid-June of 1932. He'd pitch in over 200 innings from 1928 through 1931 but would have some rough years, including losing 20 games in 1930.

Traded to the Cleveland Indians, Russell would finish the 1932 season going 5-7 for the Tribe.

After the 1932 season, Russell, along with Bruce Connaster would be traded to the Washington Senators for Harley Boss.

1933 would be the first season since his major league debut where Russell would post a winning record, going 12-6 in 50 games for Washington with a 2.69 ERA. Russell would make it in to 3 games of the 1933 World Series, pitching 10 and 1/3rds innings. While he had a stellar ERA of 0.87, he'd be charged with a loss.

Russell would be named to the 1934 All Star Team but his record for the 1934 Senators would drop to 5-10 and his ERA would rise to 4.17.

Russell would lead the American League in saves in 1933 (13) and 1934 (7) and in games appeared in (54), also in 1934.

Russell would post a 4-9 record in 1935. After 18 games in 1936 where he'd go 3-2 with the Senators, Russell would be traded back to the Boston Red Sox for Joe Cascarella, where he'd finish the 1936 season with an 0-3 record.

Released by the Red Sox in March of 1937, Russell would be signed by the Detroit Tigers. He'd post a 2-5 record in Detroit, once again being released at the end of the season.

Picked up by the 1938 Chicago Cubs, Russell would return to his winning ways posting a 6-1 record in 42 games and appearing in his 2nd World Series with Chicago as the Cubs lost to the New York Yankees.

Russell would post a 4-3 record with the 1939 Cubs in 39 games. After the season he'd be released again, this time being signed by the St. Louis Cardinals. He'd pitch in 26 games for St. Louis, going 3-4, his last major league appearance coming in early August.

Jack Russell career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=russeja01)

Aa3rt

10-25-2008, 08:50 AM

Senators Birthdays

John Joseph (Dirty Jack) Doyle B Oct. 25, 1869 D Dec. 31, 1958

Born in Killorglin, Ireland, Jack Doyle would play for 11 different teams, in 3 leagues, during a 17 year career. Another "Senators Short Timer", Doyle would play in 1564 games, however only 78 of those games were with the American League Washington Senators.

Debuting as a 19 year old in late August of 1889 with the Columbus Colts (or Solons, depending on your reference) of the American Association, Doyle would play for 2 years in Columbus before jumping to the National League Cleveland Spiders.

Doyle would spend 1 and a half seasons in Cleveland, being released in June of 1892. Within a week, he was signed by the New York Giants.

Staying in New York through 1895, Doyle would be traded south, spending 1896 and 1897 with the National League Baltimore Orioles. Traded again, this time to the National League Washington Senators, Doyle played just 43 games in Washington before he was on the move again, this time back to the New York Giants who purchased his contract in July of 1898. This time around, Doyle would remain in New York through 1900.

1901 would find Doyle traded to the Chicago National League franchise, then known as the Orphans. After 1 season in the Windy City, Doyle was released and picked up once again by the New York Giants. After 49 games in New York, Doyle was released again, this time picked up by the fledgling American League Washington Senators, where he'd play in 78 games.

Purchased by the Brooklyn Superbas, Doyle would spend 1903 and the early part of 1904 in the Borough Of Churches, being sold to the Philadelphia Phillies in late June of '04. Doyle would spend approximately 3 and a half months in Philadelphia being released by the Phillies in mid-August.

Doyle would have 1 last fling in the majors in July of 1905, when he'd play in 3 games for the New York Highlanders.

Doyle was one of those utility players who could fill in almost anywhere-primarily a 1st baseman, he'd play every infield position, including catcher, and play in 133 games as an outfielder. He was also a threat at the plate, hitting over .300 in 8 seasons and ending his career with a .299 BA, collecting 1,806 hits in 1,564 games including 315 doubles, 64 triples and 25 home runs.

"Jack" Doyle career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=doyleja01)

Steve Jeltz

10-25-2008, 07:54 PM

1910 A rumored trade of Walter Johnson for Ty Cobb headlines The Washington Post. Tigers president Frank Navin denies the rumor saying he would never trade Cobb. Navin, nonetheless, salutes Johnson as "the best pitcher in the country."

1934 Having lost money this season and owing banks about $125,000, Clark Griffith sells his son-in-law, Joe Cronin, to the Red Sox for $225,000 and prospect Lyn Lary. Griffith places provisions in the transaction that Boston owner Tom Yawkey must meet, including an unheard of 5 year contract for Cronin with a guaranteed salary. One last stipulation is that Cronin must be agreeable to the sale. Griffith phones Cronin, just back from his honeymoon, in San Francisco. Cronin gives his okay to the deal and the Senators begin their permanent descent into mediocrity.

1960 The American League grants Calvin Griffith his long time wish by allowing him to move the Senators to Minnesota, where the team is rechristened the Twins. Mainly to fend off a possible probe into their cherished anti-trust exemption, AL owners quickly grant Washington an expansion team along with Los Angeles.

Senators Birthdays

Eldred William (Bud) Byerly B Oct. 26, 1920 Still Living

Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1940, pitcher Bud Byerly would make his major league debut in late September of 1943. Pitching in 2 games, Byerly would finish the season with a record of 1-0. He'd pitch in 9 games in 1944, going 2-2 and would appear in 1 World Series game in the All St. Louis World Series as the Cardinals defeated the Browns in 6. In 1945 Byerly would spend his first full season in St. Louis, posting a 4-5 record in 33 games.

Byerly would take a hiatus from the major leagues after 1945, being released by the Cardinals in May of 1948. He'd be signed by the Cincinnati Reds within a week and would spend 1951 and a portion of 1952 in Cincinnati.

Traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers and then the New York Giants, Byerly would not reappear in the majors until 1956 when he was picked up by the Washington Senators. Byerly would spend 1956, 1957 and a portion of 1958 pitching for the Senators. 1957 would be the most active season of his career when he'd pitch in 47 games, posting a 6-6 record.

Traded to the Boston Red Sox in late June of 1958, Byerly would pitch in 18 games for Boston, going 1-2.

Byerly would not play for the Red Sox in 1959 but would be traded to the San Francisco Giants in late July. Byerly would finish his career playing for the Giants, appearing in 11 games in 1959, going 1-0 and posting an identical 1-0 record in 18 games in 1960, his last major league game coming in late July.

"Bud" Byerly career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=byerlbu01)

Grier William (Skipper) Friday B Oct. 26, 1897 D Aug. 25, 1962

Single Season Senator Skipper Friday would pitch in 7 games for the 1923 Senators, posting an 0-1 record with a 6.90 ERA. Making his major league debut in mid June, Friday would be on the Senators roster until early August. Bon Voyage Skipper!

"Skipper" Friday career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fridask01)

William Joseph Gogolewski B Oct. 26, 1947 Still Living

Drafted by the expansion Washington Senators in the amateur draft of 1965, Bill Gogolewski would make his way to the majors in September of 1970. Pitching in 8 games in his inaugural season, Gogolewski would go 2-2 in 8 games. Staying with the Senators in 1971, Gogolewski would post a 6-5 record in 27 games with a 2.75 ERA for the Senators in their last season in Washington.

Moving to Texas as the Senators transformed into the Rangers, Gogolewski would have the most active season of his career in 1972, pitching 150 and 2/3 rds innings in 36 games but would see his W/L record drop to 4-12. He'd appear in 49 games for the Rangers in 1973, going 3-6.

Gogolewski would be traded to the Cleveland Indians where he'd pitch in just 5 games in 1974, being released at the beginning of the 1975 season. He'd be signed for 1 last campaign by the Chicago White Sox where he'd appear in 19 games, his last major league game coming in early August.

Bill Gogolewski career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gogolbi01)

Colbert Dale (Toby) Harrah B Oct. 26, 1948 Still Living

Originally signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1966, Toby Harrah would be selected by the Washington Senators in the minor league draft of 1967.

Harrah would make his major league debut with the Senators in September of 1969, appearing in 8 games, primarily as a pinch runner. He'd be back with the Senators in 1971, when he'd play in 127 games, mainly as a shortstop, hitting .230.

Another player who found himself headed to the Lone Star State when the Senators pulled up stakes in Washington, Harrah would spend the next 7 seasons as a Texas Ranger. He'd have some good years in Texas, hitting .293 in 1975. He'd eventually be transitioned from shortstop to 3rd base during his stay in Texas.

In 1979, Harrah was traded to the Cleveland Indians where he'd play from 1979 through 1983. He'd be traded to the New York Yankees for the 1984 season. The Yankees would trade Harrah back to Texas where he'd finish his career in 1985 and '86.

Harrah's career would end with him having played 1099 games at 3rd base, 813 at shortstop and 244 games at 2nd base. Harrah would lead the American League in walks in 1977 and would represent the Texas Rangers in the All Star Games of 1972, 1975 & 1976 and the Cleveland Indians in 1982.

"Toby" Harrah career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=harrato01)

John Wesley (Jock) Sommerlot B Oct. 26, 1882 D Apr. 21, 1965

Senators Short Timer Jock Sommerlot would debut as a 27 year old rookie in September of 1910. Playing at 1st base in 16 games, Sommerlot would go 14 for 63, working out to a .222 BA. Back with the Senators in 1911, Sommerlot would play in another 13 games but would see his BA drop to .175. He'd play in his last major league game in late May of 1911.

"Jock" Sommerlot career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=somerjo01)

Steve Jeltz

10-26-2008, 08:58 PM

Senator Managers

Joe Cantillon, 1907-1909

Record as Senators manager: 158-297, .347 Pct.

Teams managed:
1907: 49-102, .325 Pct., 8th place 43.5 GB
1908: 67-85, .441 Pct., 7th place, 22.5 GB
1909: 42-110, .276 Pct., 8th place, 56 GB

A former saloon operator, AL umpire and minor league manager with Milwaukee of the American Association, "Pongo" Joe Cantillon was the 6th Senator manager in their 7 year existence. Known for a hair trigger temper and a penchant for fisticuffs from his days as an umpire, Cantillon's 3 seasons as the Nats's pilot featured two 100 plus loss seasons sandwiched around a 67-85 record. While the on field results remained dismal, Cantillon did have a hand in laying the groundwork for the Senators rise to respectability long after he was dismissed.

Breaking training camp from Galveston, TX in 1907, the Senators made a stop in Wichita, KS. Playing Wichita of the Western Association in an exhibition game, Cantillon, said to be a good judge of talent, spotted a speedy outfielder on the Wichita team by the name of Clyde Milan. Milan would not be signed on the spot due to the Senators already having their team set, but Cantillon would keep tabs on the youngster.

Once the regular season began, it was the same old story for the Sens. By the Fourth of July, the Nats found themselves in their customary 8th place spot, 20.5 games out. But fortune would smile on the downtrodden franchise that month when C Cliff Blankenship broke his finger. With Blankenship useless sitting on the bench, Cantillon decided to send Blankenship on a scouting mission to Kansas and Idaho. Cantillon instructed the catcher to sign Milan in Kansas. Then, Blankenship was to proceed to Weiser, ID to scout a pitcher. Cantillon had been receiving letters from a traveling salesman about a pitcher who was tearing up the Snake River Valley League. Blankenship balked about heading to Idaho on a "wild goose chase" to see "some palooka" striking everybody out in a semi-pro league. But, once Blankenship saw the pitcher pitch 12 innings in Weiser, his mind quickly changed and Walter Johnson became a Washington Senator.

Even with Milan and Johnson in tow, the Senators lost 102 games in 1907, bringing up the rear in the AL. Milan saw action in 20 games, hitting .279 with 8 steals. His roommate, Johnson, did not immediately make a splash, but showed encouraging signs with a deceptive 5-9 record and a 1.88 ERA in 14 games.

Overhauling the team for the 1908 season, Cantillon returned only two starters from the 1907 squad. Among the newcomers were Gabby Street, who would be Johnson's personal catcher, and SS George McBride, soon to become the premier defensive shortstop in the American League. With Johnson lowering his ERA to 1.64 and improving to 14-14, and "Long" Tom Hughes winning 18, the Senators improved by 17.5 games to 67-85, a rung above the basement. The highlight of 1908 was the Big Train tossing 3 shutouts in 4 days in September and a 15 percent dividend for stockholders of the Senators.

Cantillon should have known that 1909 would be bad when Johnson got ill during camp and limped to a 1-6 start. Johnson would lose 25 games, 10 by shutout thanks to an anemic Nats offense that scored a franchise low 380 runs during the year. Overall, the club would drop a whopping 110 games against 42 victories to finish 20 games out of 7th place and 56 games behind 1st place Detroit. 1909 would be "Pongo" Joe's swan song as a major league manager.

Senators Birthdays

The stork takes an off day in the off season, as there are no Senators birthdays to report on October 27th.

Steve Jeltz

10-27-2008, 07:00 PM

1913 Walter Johnson vs. Christy Mathewson. The first and only time the two greats square off. It occurs at South Main Park in Tulsa, OK on a post season barnstorming trip. Unfortunately, it comes under tragic circumstances when the stands collapse, injuring 52 and killing a soldier before the game. Oklahoma governor Lee Cruce barely escapes injury in the chaos. Instead of calling off the exhibition, the game is merely delayed for 2 hours. The contest is anti climatic with Johnson, playing on a squad comprised of Red Sox star Tris Speaker and most of the White Sox, striking out 8 in a complete game, 6-0 win over Mathewson. The aging Matty last 4 innings before departing. Speaker and White Sox 3B Buck Weaver lead the offense, while Jim Thorpe of the Giants collects 2 hits off the Big Train.

Senators Birthdays

Today's birthday boy is another of the "Fab Fourteen", a player who spent time with the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators during the course of his career.

John Leonard (Doc) Lavan (Born Laven) B Oct. 28, 1890 D May 29, 1952

Shortstop Doc Lavan got his start in the major leagues in mid-June of 1922 with the St. Louis Browns. Playing in 46 games for the Browns, Lavan would only manage a .141 BA and was sold in late August to the Philadelphia Athletics. Lavan would play in 5 games for the A's that season, going 1 for 14 at bat.

Sold back to the Browns before the start of the 1914 season, Lavan would improve his batting eye, hitting .264. Lavan would stay with the Browns through 1917. After the season, Lavan, along with Burt Shotton were sent to the Washington Senators in exchange for Bert Gallia and $15,000.

Lavan would play just 1 season in Washington, appearing in 117 games in 1918, hitting .278.

In mid-May of 1919 Lavan would find himself headed to St. Louis again, this time sold to the Cardinals. Lavan would finish his career with the Redbirds, playing there from 1919 through 1924, his last major league game coming in early May of the '24 season.

"Doc" Lavan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lavando01)

Steve Jeltz

10-28-2008, 07:31 PM

Senator Managers

Jimmy McAleer, 1910-1911

Record as Senator manager: 130-175 .426 Pct.

Teams managed

1910: 66-85, .437 Pct., 7th place, 36.5 GB
1911: 64-90, .416 Pct., 7th place, 38.5 GB

Unlike his predecessors, Jimmy McAleer was an experienced big league pilot. The Youngstown, OH native was instrumental in the recruitment of National League players for Ban Johnson's American League in 1901 and 1902 before peace was achieved between the warring leagues. Johnson, shuffling players and managers between teams at will, would reward McAleer with managerial appointments with the upstart Cleveland Blues (Indians) in 1901, the new St. Louis Browns in 1902 and the Washington Senators in 1910.

Before arriving in the nation's capital, McAleer managed the Blues for their inaugural season, before heading to St. Louis to lead the Browns to a surprising 2nd place finish in 1902, their high water mark until another 2nd place finish in 1922. McAleer would have only one more winning season in St. Louis during the ensuing 6 years before resigning in September, 1909. At the "suggestion" of Johnson, Senators president Thomas Noyes signed McAleer to a one year, $10,000 contract to manage the Nats.

McAleer steered the rag tag Senators up a notch to 7th place in 1910, improving the Senators won-loss mark by 23.5 games from 1909. Clyde Milan came into his own during this season, stealing 44 bases, and upping his average to .279. The most important development was the continued maturation of Walter Johnson. Instead of using Johnson practically every day, McAleer used Johnson exclusively as a starter, with proper rest between starts. McAleer also gave Johnson an opposing manager's viewpoint: Johnson could be defeated when he relied too heavily on his curveball. Johnson broke through with a 25-17 record, a 1.36 ERA and 313 strikeouts mixing his pitches.

On the basis of the team's improvement, Noyes rewarded McAleer with a 2 year contract along with a small ownership stake in the Washington franchise. 1911 would also feature the Senators playing in a new ballpark. 18 days before the opener, Washington's wooden ballpark caught fire and burnt down. Hastily constructed, a concrete and steel ballpark was erected just in time for the opener. League Park, renamed Griffith Stadium in 1920, would be the home for the Senators until 1961.

The Senators remained stuck in 7th place in 1911 at 64-90. Johnson lead the league in complete games with 36. 1B Germany Schaffer paced the offense with a .334 average. Milan batted .315 and swiped 58 bags, even though McAleer disapproved of the outfielder catching fly balls with one hand.

In mid- September of 1911, McAleer tendered his resignation as manager effective at the end of the season. McAleer and AL Secretary Robert McRoy, with fiancial assistance from Ban Johnson, purchased a half-interest in the Red Sox. McAleer would be named president of Boston in 1912 and the Sox, in their first year at Fenway Park, would win the World Series under former Nats manager Jake Stahl. However, McAleer and Stahl repeatedly clashed, leading to McAleer firing Stahl in July of 1913. Johnson, a secret shareholder in the Red Sox, was angered by McAleer's decision to can Stahl. With his old friend Johnson refusing to stand behind him, McAleer sold his interest in the Sox and never returned to baseball.

Senators Birthdays

Adelbert William Mason B Oct. 29, 1883 D Dec. 31, 1962

Pitcher Del Mason debuted with the Washington Senators in April of 1904. Pitching in 5 games for Washington, Mason would go 0-3, giving up 45 hits and 22 runs in 33 innings.

Mason would resurface with the Cincinnati Reds in 1906 going 0-1 in 2 games. He'd finish his major league career in 1907, going 5-12 in 25 games, his last appearance coming in mid-August of '07.

Del Mason career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=masonde01)

Peter Gerard Richert B Oct. 29, 1939 Still Living

Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958, pitcher Pete Richert would debut as a 22 year old rookie in April of 1962. Richert would go 5-4 in his first year, appearing in 19 games. He'd post a 5-3 record in 1963 and 2-3 in 1964.

After the 1964 season, Richert would be a part of the trade that sent Frank Howard, Ken McMullen, Phil Ortega and Dick Nen to Washington for Claude Osteen, John Kennedy and $100,000.

Pitching in Washington, Richert would post a 15-12 record in 1965 and would go 14-14 in 1966. He would be named to the American League All Star Team in both of those years.

Starting the 1967 season in Washington, Richert would see his W/L record drop to 2-6 before he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Mike Epstein and Frank Bertania in late May. He'd finish the 1967 season in Baltimore, going 7-10 for the O's.

Richert would remain in Baltimore through 1971 and would appear in 1 game of each World Series in 1969, 1970 & 1971.

After the 1971 season, Richert would be traded back to the franchise where it began, the Los Angeles Dodgers where he'd play in 1972 & 1973.

He'd be traded one last time after the '73 season to the St. Louis Cardinals where he'd pitch in 13 games before being sold to the Philadelphia Phillies. Richert would pitch in 21 games for the Phillies, his last major league appearance coming in early September of 1974.

Pete Richert career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=richepe01)

Earl Hershey Yingling B Oct. 29, 1888 D Oct. 2, 1962

Completeing our trio of pitchers who were born on October 29th, Earl Yingling would debut in 1911 with the American League Cleveland franchise then known as the Naps. He'd post a 1-0 record in 4 games for Cleveland.

Yingling would make his way east, pitching for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1912 & 1913. Selected off waivers in 1914, Yingling would pitch in 34 games for the Cincinnati Reds, posting a 9-13 record.

After a 3 year absence from the majors, Yingling would make his way into 5 games for the 1918 Washington Senators, posting a 1-2 record with aingling's last major league game would come in late May of 1918.

Earl Yingling career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=yinglea01)

Steve Jeltz

10-29-2008, 11:16 PM

Senator Managers

Clark Griffith, 1912-1920

Record as Senator Manager: 693-646, .518 Pct.

Teams Managed:
1912: 91-61 .599 Pct. 2nd
1913: 90-64 .584 Pct. 2nd
1914: 81-73 .526 Pct. 3rd
1915: 85-68 .556 Pct. 4th
1916: 76-77 .497 Pct. 7th
1917: 74-79 .484 Pct. 5th
1918: 72-56 .563 Pct. 3rd
1919: 56-84 .400 Pct. 7th
1920: 68-84 .447 Pct. 6th

Along with Ban Johnson and Charlie Comiskey, Clark Griffith was a major figure in getting the AL off the ground. As manager of Comiskey's White Sox in 1901, the Pale Hose were the first AL champions. With Johnson's persuasion, Griffith moved on to New York to lead the recently relocated Baltimore Orioles. As the Highlanders pilot, Griffith led the Highlanders to two second place finishes in 5 and a half seasons at the helm. Following his resignation in 1908, Griffith was rumored to be Washington bound with reports that Joe Cantillon was on his way out as the Nats manager. But the Senators improvement in 1908 prompted Thomas Noyes to keep Cantillon on board. Griffith, surprisingly, went to the National League to head Cincinnati for 3 years. Nonetheless, Griffith kept his eye on possible developments in Washington.

When Jimmy McAleer suddenly resigned after 1911, Noyes, a friend of Griffith, seized his chance to bring the Silver Fox to D.C. Not only was Griffith offered the Nats managerial position, but Noyes also sweetened the pot by allowing Griffith a chance to buy a half interest stock in the franchise. Griffith, seeing his old friends Johnson, Comiskey, as well as former teammate McAleer owning significant chunks of various franchises, longed to possess ownership himself. Griffith declined the Reds offer to return as their manager and mortgaged his ranch in Montana to come up with the funds to acquire the half interest in the Senators. On October 30, 1911, Griffith was formally announced as the Senators manager.

Immediately, the Senators on field fortunes turned for the better. Washington zoomed up to 2nd in 1912 thanks to Griffith's early season purchase of Chick Gandil. The Senators peeled off an AL record 17 game win streak after Gandil's arrival. Clyde Milan topped the league with 88 steals, Gandil hit at a .305 clip with 81 RBI and Walter Johnson's 33 wins catapulted the Senators to an impressive 91-61 record. Unfortunately, Noyes did not live to see the Senators turn around, having passed away in August. Griffith was rewarded with a seat on the board of directors.

It was more of the same in 1913. A second consecutive runner up finish, Gandil leading the team in batting at .318 and Milan's 75 swipes again tops in the AL. The story of 1913 was Johnson. An incredible 36-7 mark, a 1.13 ERA, 11 shutouts and a 55.2 consecutive scoreless inning streak established the Big Train as, without a doubt, the best pitcher in all of baseball.

Hamstrung by the board of directors to improve an anemic offense, Griffith's squad slid to 3rd place in 1914. Gandil's production slipped to .259, prompting Griffith to hit the bushes in search of a replacement. Milan stole only 38 bags, but he led the team with a .295 average, indicative of the club's offensive woes. If not for Johnson's 28 wins, there is no telling how far the Senators would have fallen. An interesting side note to 1914 was the ML debut of Irish Meusel in a Washington uniform. The same Irish Meusel who would, 10 years later for the Giants, inexplicably not throw home as the winning run scored for the Senators in game 7 of the 1924 World Series.

Falling to 4th despite winning 4 more games than in the year before, the 1915 Senators would debut two key players to the Senator championship teams that would follow a decade later. The first was 1B Joe Judge, who would render Gandil expendable. Judge began his career with a torrid .415 BA, while Sam Rice pitched in 4 games before being converted to the outfield. Judge and Rice would be teammates for 16 seasons, a record not broken until Alan Trammel and Lou Whittaker played 17 seasons together in Detroit.

The rest of the decade, with the exception of the war shortened season of 1918, found Griffith and the Nats falling below the .500 mark. After a 56-84, 7th place debacle in 1919, many on the board wanted Griffith fired. The feeling was mutual as Griffith privately wished he could fire the entire board and only answer to himself. Since the Silver Fox could not obviously fire the board, he did the next best thing: Find someone favorable to Griffith to buy out the shareholders. Griffith convinced Philadelphia grain merchant William Richardson to purchase a majority ownership in the Senators. The generous Richardson consented to Griffith request that he (Griffith) be allowed to speak for Richardson. In other words the Silver Fox was the man in charge, with Richardson providing most of the money.

Running the franchise as he saw fit, Griffith returned to the dugout in 1920. Bogged down by administrative duties, scouting trips and other trappings of ownership, Griffith managed only a 68-84, 6th place finish. It did not help that Johnson, his first career no-hitter notwithstanding, was injured most of the year, posting an 8-10, 3.13 ERA ledger. Rice, Judge and Bucky Harris were bright spots, all hitting over .300. Milan hit .322, but the aging 33 year old stole only 10 bases. Realizing he had too much on his plate, Griffith relinquished his managerial duties after the season.

Senators Birthdays

Edward James Delahanty B Oct. 30, 1867 D Jul. 2, 1903

Hall Of Famer Ed Delahanty played 16 seasons, amassing 2596 hits in 1835 games, finishing with a .346 BA.

However, he seems to be most remembered for his mysterious death on July 2nd of 1903 after being put off a passenger train in Canada, somehow falling to his death in the Niagara River as the train was on its way to Buffalo. His death has been cause for much speculation and conjecture over the ensuing 105 years.

One of 5 brothers who all played professional baseball, Ed Delahanty's major league career began in late May of 1888 when he first appeared with the Philadelphia franchise, then known as the Quakers. In 74 games in his first season, Delahanty would only hit .228, splitting his time between 2nd base and the outfield. Delehanty would appear in just 56 games in 1889 but would raise his batting average to .293.

1890 found Delehanty with the Cleveland Infants of the short-lived Players League, playing in 115 games and hitting .296.

In 1891 Delehanty would be back in a Philadelphia uniform hitting .243 and establishing himself as an outfielder.

Delehanty would start displaying his hitting prowess in 1892, batting over .300 for the first time. He'd go on to hit over .300 in the next 12 seasons and would hit over .400 3 times-.407 in 1893, .404 in 1894 and .410 in 1899, when he'd lead the National League in hitting.

After the 1901 season, Delehanty would jump to the American League and the Washington Senators at 34 years of age. Hitting .376 in his first season in Washington, Delehanty would return in 1903 and would have a .333 BA at the time of his death.

An excellent writeup on the life, career and the events leading up to his untimely death can be found here:

SABR Ed Delehanty biography by John Saccoman (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1770&pid=3447)

Ed Delehanty career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=delahed01)

Steve Jeltz

10-30-2008, 09:21 PM

Senator Managers

George McBride, 1921

Record as Senator manager: 80-73, .523 Pct,

Teams Managed:
1921: 80-73 .523 Pct. 4th

It came as no surprise that Clark Griffith anointed George McBride as his successor in the dugout. During his final seasons as an active player, McBride was Griffith's apprentice, frequently filling in as the acting manager when Griffith was on the road scouting or attending to front office duties.

The Nats team captain from 1909 until his appointment to the manager's seat, McBride was a classic "good field, no hit" player. During his 13 seasons as Washington's SS, McBride was recognized as the premier glove man in the AL, leading the league in fielding percentage in 1909 and from 1912-1915. Despite a lifetime .218 batting average, McBride had a knack for picking up clutch hits, not unlike another Washington SS to come along 6 decades later, Eddie Brinkman. Due to his defensive prowess, McBride, from 1911-1914, garnered some votes for the Chalmers Award, the forerunner to the MVP, in spite of his light hitting.

The former shortstop's only season at the helm was marred when McBride suffered a concussion and partial paralysis of his face from an errant throw by Earl Smith prior to a game on July 27. McBride was bedridden for a week and returned to the Senators on August 4. During his absence, Clyde Milan filled in for McBride and had the Nats in the midst of an 11 game winning streak upon McBride's return. While McBride led the Senators to an 80-73 record, dizziness and fainting spells from his head injuries impeded his ability to manage the team.

By December, McBride's condition had not improved and he delivered his resignation to Griffith. Griffith offered McBride a scouting job, but McBride declined due to his health. McBride would be out of the game until 1925, when Tigers player/manager Ty Cobb offered him a coaching position. McBride would coach for Cobb 2 years before Cobb's release. McBride spent a season coaching in the minors before new Detroit manager Bucky Harris offered him another coaching job before the 1928 season. McBride would serve 2 years under his former player before retiring from baseball after the 1929 season.

Senators Birthdays

Edwin Marvin Stroud D Oct. 31, 1939 Still Living

Outfielder Ed Stroud was signed by the Chicago White Sox in 1963. He'd debut with the White Sox in September of 1966. Playing in 11 games, he'd go 6 for 36 at bat with 2 doubles.

Starting the 1967 season in Chicago, Stroud would only make it into 20 games before being traded to the Washington Senators for Jim King. Stroud would remain with the Senators through 1970, the 1970 season being his best at the plate when he'd hit .266 in 129 games with 11 doubles, 5 triples and 5 home runs.

After the 1970 season, Stroud would be dealt back to the White Sox, being traded for Tom McCraw. Stroud would play in just 44 games for the White Sox, his last major league appearance coming in late June of 1971.

Ed Stroud career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stroued01)

Edgar Raymond Treadaway B Oct. 31, 1907 D Oct. 12, 1935

Senators Short Timer Ray Treadaway would appear in 6 games for the 1930 Senators, playing 3rd base and going 4 for 19 at bat, including 2 doubles.

Ray Treadaway career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=treadra01)

Steve Jeltz

10-31-2008, 10:51 PM

Senator Managers

Clyde Milan, 1922

Record as Senator manager: 69-85, .448 Pct.

Teams managed:
1922, 69-85 .448 Pct. 6th

Based on his temperament, former Senator great Clyde Milan was ill-suited as a manager. Milan was too much of a nice guy and a chronic worrier to effectively lead a team that had hopes of contending in 1922. Often, many players on the 1922 Senators would take advantage of Milan's passive approach, knowing that Milan would not reprimand them.

Clark Griffith had high hopes for 1922. Bolstered by the acquisition of SS Roger Peckinpaugh and the emergence of rookie Goose Goslin in spring training, the Nats were expected to finish high in the first division. After an opening day victory over the Yankees, the Nats lost 8 of their next 9 decisions. The Senators bounced back from the sluggish start to climb into 3rd, a game above .500, on June 8. Whatever visions of contending evaporated when the Senators lost 6 of their next 7 games to begin a gradual fall into their final resting place of 6th place at 69-85. It was no shock when Griffith pulled the plug on the easy going Milan after the year.

Over the course of the season, Milan developed ulcers watching the second worst offense in the AL. The 21 year old Goslin provided a preview of things to come with a .324 average in only 101 games. Peckinpaugh, the best SS in baseball in 1921, hit a disappointing .254. While the offense struggled to put runs on the board, another piece of the 1924 world championship puzzle made his debut in 1922: Ossie Bluege. Bluege did not immediately set the world on fire, hitting .197 in 19 games.

The pitching staff did what it could. Walter Johnson started 9-3 and pitched 3 straight shutouts in late June, but slipped to 15-16 on the year due to the lack of run support. Former Yankee George Mogridge led the staff with 18 wins, followed by Johnson's and Tom Zachary's 15 victories. The other two starters, Ray Francis and Eric Erickson, were found wanting, losing 18 and 12 games, respectively.

After his dismissal, Milan would serve as player-manager for New Haven in 1924 and with Memphis in 1925 and 1926. Milan would return to D.C. in 1928 as one of Walter Johnson's coaches for two seasons before managing Birmingham from 1930-1935. Griffith, forever loyal to his former players, lured Milan back first as a scout in 1937 and then as a Senator coach from 1938-1952. On March 3, 1953, Milan had a fatal heart after hitting fungoes in morning and afternoon workouts in humid temperatures. Clyde "Deerfoot" Milan was 65.

Senators Birthdays

Albert Earl (Jerry) Akers B Nov. 1, 1887 D May 15, 1979

Senators Short Timer Jerry Akers spent 3 weeks on the Washington roster in May of 1912. Pitching 20 & 1/3rd innings in 5 games, Akers would post a 1-1 record with a 4.87 ERA.

"Jerry" Akers career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=akersje01)

Russell Paul Kemmerer B Nov. 1, 1931 Still Living

Another pitcher, Russ Kemerer was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1951. He'd make his major league debut in late June of 1954 and would compile a 5-3 record with a 3.82 ERA in his first season in the majors.

Kemmerer would only pitch in 7 games for the Red Sox in 1955, compiling a 1-1 record, his ERA swelling to 7.27. Kemmerer would not play in the majors in 1956 but would return with the Red Sox in 1957.

After pitching in 1 game, 4 innings, Kemmerer would be traded in late April, along with Milt Bolling and Faye Throneberry to the Washington Senators for Bob Chakales and Dean Stone. Kemmerer would finish the 1957 season in a Washington uniform, appearing in 39 games, posting a 7-11 record.

Kemmerer would remain in Washington through early 1960 when he'd be purchased by the Chicago White Sox in mid-May. Kemmerer would remain with the White Sox through late May of 1962 when he'd be traded to the expansion Houston Colt 45's, coincidentally crossing paths with Dean Stone once again, as Stone was the player he was traded for.

Kemmerer would pitch in 36 games for Houston in 1962 and another 17 in 1963, making his last major league appearance in late June of 1963, 1 year and 1 day after being traded to Houston.

Russ Kemmerer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kemmeru01)

Steve Jeltz

11-01-2008, 11:01 PM

Hall of Famers that played in Washington

Washington has their share of players in the Hall of Fame who achieved their fame as Senators. Walter Johnson, Goose Goslin, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris and Sam Rice are enshrined in Cooperstown as Senators. Hopefully, Mickey Vernon can join them in December. But, many other Hall of Famers who made their mark elsewhere have played in Senator uniforms. Below are some greats who passed through Washington.

Stan Coveleski, RHP, 1925-1927

Shoring up their pitching staff, the defending world champion Senators acquired Covelski from Cleveland for Carr Smith and By Speece in December, 1924. Winner of 20 or more games in 9 seasons with Cleveland, Coveleski perfectly complimented Walter Johnson in 1925, going 20-5 with a 2.84 ERA for the 1925 AL champions. Coveleski would lose games 2 and 5 of the 1925 World Series against Pittsburgh. In 1926, Coveleski would slip to 14-11 with a rising ERA of 3.12. Coveleski would be released in June of 1927 after appearing in only 5 games for the Nats. Signed by the Yankees in the offseason, Covelski would pitch the final 12 games of his career in 1928.

Tris Speaker, OF, 1927

Spurned in his efforts to sign Ty Cobb, Clark Griffith "settled" for Tris Speaker. The "Grey Eagle" had 20 seasons under his belt, starring for the Red Sox for 9 seasons before being traded to Cleveland in 1916, where he starred as a player-manager. In 141 games in his only year in a Senator uniform, Speaker hit .327 with 2 HR and 73 RBI, "below average" numbers by Speaker's standards. Speaker would conclude his career in 1928 with the A's, along side his friend Cobb.

Speaker did leave a lasting impact on Washington baseball. While Speaker's exploits with the bat were splendid, his evaluations of players left something to be desired, particularly his opinion of Buddy Myer. The Eagle felt Myer would never amount to much of a player and Griffith was convinced by Speaker to trade Myer to Boston for Topper Rigney. Griffith would later state that the trade of Myer was the worst deal he ever made. Griffith would have to pay a ransom to reacquire Myer two years later.

George Sisler, 1B, 1928

Purchased for $25,000 from the cash strapped Browns, Sisler's stay in the nations capital was brief. Sisler, the holder of the single season record for hits until 2004, got out of the gate slow, hitting .245 in 20 games for Washington. Griffith, feeling Sisler was on the downside of his career, quickly sold the brilliant first sacker to the Braves for $7,500 on May 27. Sisler had plenty of gas left in the tank, hitting .340 for Boston the rest of the season, Following seasons of .326 and .309 with the Braves, Sisler hung up his spikes after the 1930 season.

Al Simmons, OF, 1937-1938

"Bucketfoot" Al Simmons would have the final productive seasons of his Hall of Fame career with the Senators. The slugging outfielder had trouble adjusting to cavernous Griffith Stadium in 1937, hitting just 8 home runs and 84 RBI, a far cry from his salad days with the A's in the 1920's and early 1930's. In 1938, Simmons bounced back with 21 homers, 95 RBI to go along with a .302 average. In December, 1938, Simmons would be sold to the Boston Bees for $3,000. Sadly, in a case of a player hanging on for too long, Simmons would play the final 5 years of his career as sparingly used role player for the Bees, Reds, Red Sox and back with the A's, never reaching double digits in home runs again.

Early Wynn, LHP, 1939-1944, 1946-1948

Making his ML debut 13 days after Mickey Vernon in 1939, the 19 year old Early Wynn was roughed around to the tune of a 5.75 ERA in 3 games. After a few more years of seasoning in the minors, Wynn would become a mainstay in the Senators rotation from 1942 until 1948, with the exception of his military service in 1945. Not yet able to harness his control, Wynn would drop 16 decisions with an ERA over 5 in 1942, before an 18-12 showing the following season. In 1944, Wynn would again walk more than he would strike out, losing 17 games against 8 wins. By 1947, Wynn, still plagued by wildness, would walk 90 and strike out 73, but he would complete the season at 17-15. Now 28, Wynn would regress again in 1948, going 8-19 with an atrocious 5.82 ERA.

So, it was understandable that the Senators, tired of Wynn's bouts of wildness and inconsistency, looked to unload him. To the outrage of Nats fans, Wynn was traded to Cleveland, along with Vernon, for P Ed Klieman, P Joe Haynes and 1B Eddie Robinson. Mind you, the fans weren't furious with losing Wynn, they were furious with the trading of Vernon. Vernon would eventually return to D.C., while Wynn would flower in Cleveland. The competitive Wynn would go on to become an 8-time All Star and a 5-time 20 game winner with Cleveland and the White Sox. Wynn would wrap up his career in 1963 with a 300-244 W/L record and a lifetime 3.77 ERA, earning his ticket to Cooperstown.

Lefty Gomez, LHP, 1943

Gomez appeared in 368 lifetime big league games, 367 of which were with the Yankees. The Yankees sold the rapidly aging, former 7-time All Star to the Boston Braves before 1943. Gomez would not appear in any games for the Braves and was released on May 19. Two days later, the Senators signed their former nemesis. On May 30, 1943, Gomez made his first and only appearance as a Nat. Starting against Chicago, the ex-Yankee great pitched 4.2 innings, walked 5, struck out none and gave up 5 runs, in getting tagged with the loss. It would turn out to be the final big league game for the 34 year old Hall of Famer.

Senators Birthdays

Elon Chester (Chief) Hogsett B Nov. 2, 1903 D Jul. 17, 2001

Chief Hogsett arrived in the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers in mid-September of 1929 as a 25 year old rookie. A pitcher, Hogsett would appear in 4 games, posting a 1-2 record with a 2.83 ERA.

Hogsett would remain in Detroit through late April of 1936, Hogsett would have his best season in 1932 when he'd go 11-9 with a 3.54 ERA. While in Detroit, Hogsett would appear in the World Series of 1934, when the Tigers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals and 1935, when the Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs.

In late April of 1936 Hogsett would be traded to the St. Louis Browns where he'd post records of 13-15 in 1936 and 6-19 in 1937.

After the 1937 season, Hogsett would be traded to the Washington Senators. He'd play 1 season in Washington, 1938, going 5-6 with a 6.03 ERA.

Hogsett would be purchased by the Boston Red Sox after the 1938 season but would not play for them. Spending time in Minneapolis of the American Association, Hogsett would also be drafted by the Philadelphia Athletics but would not play for them either.

Hogsett would return to the majors in 1944 for 3 games, being released in early June.

SABR biography of "Chief" Hogsett by Rory Costello (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=2310&pid=6445)

"Chief" Hogsett career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hogsech01)

Burton Elwood Keeley B Nov. 2, 1879 D May 3, 1952

Senators Short Timer Burt Keeley would pitch in a grand total of 30 games over 2 seasons in Washington. Arriving in the majors as a 28 year old rookie in 1908, Keeley would post a 6-11 record with a 2.97 ERA in 28 games.

1909 would see Keeley in just 2 games, his ERA expanding to 11.57. He'd make his last major league appearance in mid-May.

Burt Keeley career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=keelebu01)

Thomas Raymond McBride B Nov. 2, 1914 D Dec. 26, 2001

Another "late blooming" rookie, Tom Mc Bride arrived on the major league scene at 28 years of age in 1943. Playing in the outfield for the Boston Red Sox, McBride would make it into 26 games his first season, hitting .240. In 1945 he'd appear in an even 100 games, hitting .305. His playing time would be reduced to 61 games in 1946, however he'd still manage to hit .301. McBride would go a disappointing 2 for 12 in 5 games of the 1946 World Series as the Red Sox lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Starting the 1947 season in Boston, McBride would make it into only 2 games before being sold to the Washington Senators in mid-May. He'd play in 56 games for Washington, hitting .271. He'd hit .257 in 92 games in 1948, playing in his last game in late September.

Tom McBride career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcbrito01)

Floyd Robert Ross B Nov. 2, 1928 Still Living

Another Senators Short Timer, pitcher Bob Ross was originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945. Drafted by the Senators, Ross would debut in mid-June of 1950. In 6 games he'd go 0-1 with a 8.53 ERA. He'd return in 1951 to post an identical 0-1 record in 11 games with a 6.54 ERA.

Purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1955, Ross would return to the majors for 1 last shot in 1956. In 3 games for the Phillies, Ross would pitch in 3 & 13/rd innings, appearing in his last game in early May.

Bob Ross career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rossbo01)

John Paul Sullivan B Nov. 2, 1920 [B]D/B] Sep. 20, 2007

Shortstop John Sullivan made his major league debut in early May of 1942 with the Washington Senators. He'd play for the Senators from 1942 through 1944, hitting .251 in 138 games in 1944.

Sullivan would not appear in the majors in 1945 or 1946 but would return to the Senators in 1947 hitting .256 in 49 games. In 1948 he'd appear in 85 games but his BA would drop to .205.

Traded to the St. Louis Browns after the 1948 season, along with Tom Ferrick and $25,000 for Sam Dente, Sullivan would play his last season for the Browns in 1949 ppearing in 105 games, hitting .226.

John Sullivan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sullijo06)

Otto George Williams B Nov 2, 1877 D Mar. 19, 1937

Infielder Otto Williams got his start in the majors in October of 1902 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Appearing in 2 games at the end of the season, Williams would be back in a Cardinal uniform in 1903, playing in 53 games, hitting .203.

In July of the '03 season, Williams would be purchased by the Chicago Cubs, playing in 38 games, hitting .223. Williams would play in 57 games with the Cubs in 1904, hitting an even .200.

Out of the major leagues in 1905, Williams would return with the 1906 Senators, playing in 20 games but hitting a paltry .137, his last game coming in early June of that season.

Otto Williams career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=williot01)