Most commented posts
- Zimmerman at Aberdeen — 2 comments
- Ed Delahanty Where are You? Part 2 — 1 comments
- The Dummy Hoy Story — 1 comments
- The First Nationals — 1 comments
- The World Champion 1880 Washington Nationals, The Players — 1 comments
Kevin Flynn
Author's posts
May 01
Hurst Responds
What Tim Hurst says places a somewhat different version upon the affair, states the Cincinnati Enquirer. He says the glass which he threw into the crowd, and which struck Cartuyvelles, hit him upon the foot as it rolled over the ground. Tim also asserts that a second glass was hurled from the grand stand, and …
Apr 25
Harry Mace and Sunday Baseball
Sunday baseball was the Holy Grail of Washington baseball until the Great War put an end to the prohibition. It was more than just a desire to make money. There was also a real concern that the franchise would relocate to Baltimore where baseball was allowed. Mace first pitched for Greenville in 1889. The following …
Apr 23
The Harper Issue
Having been on vacation the last several days and “disconnected,” we read the email from our friend Dave with some interest. We had seen the box scores and the video of Bryce Harper being pulled, televisions are everywhere of course. But we missed out on the story threads that have been generated since, especially the …
Apr 23
Yanks Kidnap Shepard
On 18 March 1945, the Old Fox declared war on the Yankees for kidnapping Bert Shepard. Shepard had been working out in College Park when Colonel Lee MacPhail, who was affiliated with the Yankees, showed up and disappeared with the young lefty. MacPhail then held a news conference in Atlantic City that had the wires …
Apr 11
Sockalexis Comes to Washington
Saturday 5 June 1897. Louis Francis Sockalexis plays his first game in the Nation’s Capitol. Born 24 October 1871 in Maine. Sockalexis attended Holy Cross, then signed with the Cleveland League franchise and made his debut with them. Sockalexis has been a wonder for the Spiders, his only weakness is ground balls and he is …
Apr 03
13 September 1897 The Ladies Day Riot
The District’s long association with baseball is unique. One event which has generated a lot of press is the Ladies Day Riot of 1897. The events that transpired that day, sadly enough, don’t support the legend. It wasn’t much of a riot, was not even ladies day and the team did not curtail the practice …
Mar 18
Basketball 1896/1897
For a time in the 1890s many believed that indoor baseball would become “the” winter sport. Originated in Chicago the popularity of the game quickly spread. But many were offended by the rowdy behavior of the players and spectators. This left an opening for basketball. Like its counterpart basketball also had to deal with “rowdyism.” …
Mar 12
Spring Training Notes
Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Nats arrival in Viera. If you decide to fly down take money for the tolls. Parking is $7 on grass fields with a small handicapped parking lot near the stadium. For those so inclined there is “free” parking just past the stadium in municipal lots. It …
Mar 03
Davy Force Fugitive from Justice
Our story originates in San Francisco’s Barbary Coast. The calendar is opened to Christmas Eve 1896. The “Coast” not for the faint hearted. It has more than just a “bad” reputation, even the police feared to enter the “Coast.” 24 December 1896 San Francisco Call. “FATALLY SHOT IN A SALOON” “Dave Fauss Fires Three Bullets …
Feb 26
“Old Reliable” Learns a Lesson
Washington has enjoyed a long list of good baseball writers. From RM Larner to Dick Heller, District baseball fans have been entertained, enlightened and cajoled by their penmanship. The following tale from the pen of the talented John Heydler dates to the spring of 1896. Rumors were flying that Jim McGuire was going to forsake …
