The Library of Congress recently found nearly perfectly preserved nitrate film of a “Kinograms” newsreel showing the Washington Senators winning 1924 World Series
Nov 18
This Date in Washington Senators History – Bob Allison named the AL Rookie of the Year
November 18 1924 Cal Ewing, owner of the Pacific Coast League’s Oakland Oaks, prematurely announces that he has sold the franchise to Walter Johnson. The announcement is made after Johnson’s representative George Weiss deposits a $5,000 check towards the purchase of the Oaks. With the recent sale of the Cardinals for $275,000, the price Ewing …
Nov 17
This Date in Washington Senators History – The Senators Inc. awarded Expansion Franchise
November 17 1960 The American League awards the new Washington expansion franchise to “The Senators Inc.”, a group of 10 investors headed by Elwood “Pete” Quesada‚ an administrator with the Federal Aviation Agency. Other investors of “The Senators Inc.”: Katherine Graham of the Washington Post, Floyd Akers, chairman of the D.C. Armory Board, former Ireland …
Nov 16
This Date in Washington Senators History
November 16 Senators Birthdays Leslie Ferdinand (Buster) Narum B Nov. 16, 1940 D May 17, 2004 Signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 1958, pitcher Buster Narum would finally make it to the majors in 1963. Pitching in 7 games in his inaugural season, Narum would post a 3.00 ERA. Traded to the Washington Senators for …
Nov 15
This Date in Washington Senators History
November 15 Senator Managers Joe Cronin, 1933-1934 Record as Senator Manager: 165-139, .543 Teams Managed 1933: 99-53 .651 1st AL Pennant 1934: 66-86 .434 7th Owner Clark Griffith felt his club was on the cusp of the pennant and needed the right man to push his team over the top. There wasn’t really any doubt …
Nov 14
This Date in Washington Senators History
November 14 Senator Managers Walter Johnson, 1929-1932 Record as Senator Manager: 350-264, .570 Pct. Teams managed 1929: 71-81 .467 5th 1930: 94-60 .610 2nd 1931: 92-62 .597 3rd 1932: 93-61 .604 3rd To blunt a possible public relations fallout for the dismissal of the popular Bucky Harris, Clark Griffith choose a man who was more …
Nov 13
This Date in Washington Senators History – Senators League Leaders in Pitching
November 13 Senators League leaders in pitching Wins 1913 Walter Johnson 36 1914 Walter Johnson 28 1915 Walter Johnson 27 1916 Walter Johnson 25 1918 Walter Johnson 23 1924 Walter Johnson 23 1932 Alvin Crowder 26 1933 Alvin Crowder 24 1953 Bob Porterfield 22 ERA 1912 Walter Johnson 1.39 1913 Walter Johnson 1.14 1918 Walter …
Nov 12
This Date in Washington Senators History – Senator League Leaders in Batting
November 12 Senator League Leaders in Batting Batting Average 1928 Goose Goslin .379 1935 Buddy Myer .349 1946 Mickey Vernon .346 1953 Mickey Vernon .337 Home Runs 1959 Harmon Killebrew 42, tied for 1st 1968 Frank Howard 44 1970 Frank Howard 44 RBI 1924 Goose Goslin 129 1957 Roy Sievers 114 1970 Frank Howard 126 …
Nov 11
Veterans Day Special – James “Jimmy” Trimble III
During work on an article on the connection between Washington baseball and Japan I came upon the story of Mr. James, “Jimmy” Trimble. While some have read about him, I found it compelling enough to submit it. Trimble played for St. Albans was the best high school pitcher in the District. A natural athlete he …
Nov 11
Veterans Day Special – Baseball in D.C. during WWII
On Friday November 5, 2010, I was fortunate to have attended the American Veterans Center panel discussion and exhibit at Nationals Park. This event, held in observance of Veterans Day, had as “honored guests “wounded warriors” from Walter Reed Hospital. There were several former major league ballplayers who appeared in a panel discussion hosted by …
Nov 11
Veterans Day Special – Remembering Cecil Travis
Cecil Travis was a star baseball player for the Washington Senators in the 1930’s and early 1940′s. On May 16, 1933 the 19 year-old Travis made his debut for the Senators. The young man from Riverdale, GA wasted no time in showing off his batting skills as he goes 5 for 7 against the Cleveland …