Nationals Sign Former Phillies Closer Lidge

A day after introducing Gio Gonzalez as the potential keystone of the pitching rotation, the Nationals have shored up their bullpen as well, announcing on their Web site the signing of former Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge. Lidge, who has 223 career saves, has been limited the past two seasons by elbow and shoulder innings. …

Continue reading

This Date in Washington Senators History

January 26 Senators Birthdays Eli Eldo Cates B Jan. 26, 1877 D May 29, 1964 Single Season Senator Eli Cates would play in 22 games with the 1908 Senators, pitching in 19 and filling in at 2nd base for another 3. Cates would post a 4-8 record with a 2.51 ERA. Eli Cates career record …

Continue reading

This Date in Washington Senators History

January 25 1943 The New York Yankees sell future Hall Of Fame pitcher Lefty Gomez (See November 26 birthdays.) to the Boston Braves. Gomez will never pitch for Boston, being released by the Braves before the start of the season. Gomez will sign on with the Washington Senators, pitching in 1 game on May 30th …

Continue reading

Tigers Outbid Nats for Fielder; Team Set for Gio Intro

The Nationals have lost out to the Detroit Tigers in their bid for free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. The 5-11 275-pound slugger, who has 230 homers in six full seasons, including 50 in 2007, apparently couldn’t pass up $214 million over nine seasons. The length of the deal was what seemingly put the Tigers ahead …

Continue reading

This Date in Washington Senators History

January 24 An unusual day, with 5 Senators Short Timers all having been born on this date… Senators Birthdays Robert Leon Berman B Jan. 24, 1899 D Aug. 2, 1988 Catcher Bob Berman would be on the Senators roster for 9 days in 1918. He’d appear in 2 games, catching 1 and going 0-2 at …

Continue reading

This Date in Washington Senators History

January 23 1958 –  Another poor trade for the Senators as they exchange shortstop Pete Runnels to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Albie Pearson and first baseman Norm Zauchin. Runnels will win two batting titles, in 1960 and 1962, having missed a third title by six points in 1958. Pearson will play in just …

Continue reading

This Date in Washington Senators History

January 22 The Washington Senators newsfront is about as bleak as the weather this time of year with nothing of interest worth reporting. Even the birthdays are bleak today as we report on 2 Senators Short Timers… Senators Birthdays John Alexander Milligan B Jan. 22, 1904 D May 15, 1972 John Milligan begans his days …

Continue reading

Martin A. Niland joins the D.C. Baseball Yesterday and Today staff

I am pleased to be able announce that writer Martin A. Niland has agreed to join the staff at D.C. Baseball Yesterday and Today. Martin has been covering sports and other news professionally for more than 30 years. This includes almost 10 years at The Associated Press, where he was part of the team that …

Continue reading

Highstakes baseball card flipping tournament to benefit the United States Military All Star Baseball Team

The Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum at One Beaver Valley Road in Chadds Ford, PA 19317, is hosting a highstakes baseball card flipping tournament to benefit the United States Military All Star Baseball Team. This Texas Hold ‘Em style high stakes tournament will be held on Saturday, March 24 starting at 1 PM. Practice sessions …

Continue reading

This Date in Washington Senators History

January 21 Senators Birthdays Sabath Anthony (Sam) Mele B Jan. 21, 1922 Still Living Outfielder and sometime 1st baseman Sam Mele began his major league journey in 1946 when he was signed by the Boston Red Sox. Making his debut in the majors at the start of the 1947 season, Mele would hit .302 in …

Continue reading