This Date in Washington Senators History

April 18

1960 – Playing their last season in Washington, the original Senators start the season with a 10-1 win over the Boston Red Sox.

Ted Williams, playing in his last season, would hit a 500 foot home run in his first at bat, giving him a career total of 493, tying him with Lou Gehrig.

However, that would be the only offense the Red Sox would mount as the Senators would come up with 4 home runs of their own hit by Jim Lemon, Bob Allison, Earl Battey and Billy Consolo.

Camilio Pascual gets the win for the Senators, Tom Sturdivant is charged with the loss for the Red Sox.

Senators Birthdays

A quartet of birthdays on April 18th…

Edward John Boland B Apr. 18, 1908 D Feb. 5, 1993

Outfielder Ed Boland appeared in 38 games with the Phillies in 1934 & 1935. He wouldn’t be seen in the major leagues again until 1944 when he appeared in 19 games for the Senators, batting .271 (16 for 59) with 4 doubles.

Ed Boland career record

Gerad Joseph (Gerry) Janeski B Apr. 18, 1946 Still living

The three year career of Jerry Janeski found him in the uniforms of the Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators and Texas Rangers from 1970-1972. In 23 games for the 1971 Senators he posted a 1-5 record with a 4.96 ERA.

Gerry Janeski career record

George Edward (Duffy) Lewis B Apr. 18, 1888 D Jun. 17, 1979

During the 11 year career of Duffy Lewis he patrolled the outfield for the Boston Red Sox from 1910-1917, not appearing in the major leagues in 1918 (possibly for military service during World War 1?), then playing for the New York Yankees in 1919 & 1920 and ending his baseball career with the 1921 Senators, appearing in 27 games. He hit .307 for the Red Sox in 1911 and .302 in 1917.

Duffy Lewis career record

Vincent Ventura B Apr. 18, 1917 D Sep. 11, 2001

Another “One Season Wonder”, Vince Ventura appeared in 18 games for the 1945 Senators in left field, going 12 for 58 at bat.

Vince Ventura career record