Washington has seen many unique players, none more so than the talented Atherton.
Charles Morgan Herbert Atherton, a natural athlete, excelled on the fotball and baseball teams at Penn State.[1] In 1894 in a football game against Oberlin, Atherton booted a 20-yard place kick goal from the field, giving his team a 9-6 come-from-behind. Prior to this, only goals after touchdown were permitted by a place kick. The kick was protested but declared legal when Walter Camp, made a post-game ruling.[2] This the first drop kick in football history.
Atherton played in the minors from 1894 to 1895 for teams in Altoona, Scranton and Chambersburg. In 1897 through 1899 he played for Wilkes-Barre[3] in the Eastern League, where he was a heavy hitter batting over. 300.
John McGraw had scouted Atherton but was unable to reach terms with the management of Wilkes-Barre. J Earl Wagner then purchased him for a reported $1,000. Charley Atherton was a highly rated prospect despite being badly injured playing football for Wilkes-Barre during the off season but said to be healthy at the start of the season. Washington Manager Arthur Irwin was also looking at another player from Wilkes-Barre, their strong 3b, Bill Coughlin.
A second baseman at Wilkes-Barre it was thought that he would be a better fit at third. He was listed at 5-10 160 and is very good at blocking runners at third, a product of his football training. He is noted for his large size and powerful physical physique; he swings the heaviest bat in the league. His batting stance is awkward; when he bats he steps well forward and swings with just his arms. Know for a good glove, his batting and fielding is called clumsy.
Not in the opening day line-up he is soon given a chance to play third. By July Atherton has done well in the field but continued to be weak at the plate, especially against the smarter pitchers.
In July the Washington Times writes, “In one game Atherton came to bat with Umpire Jim McDonald working behind home plate. Atherton asked McDonald, “Be careful; and give me a square deal.” McDonald responded, “I know I called two rank ones against you in the other inning, but I will do better now.” McDonald then called a ball that should have been a strike and called the next three pitches strikes, not one made it over the plate.”
30 July, Charley Atherton has been playing poorly, being responsible for many of the errors. It is announced that he has been suffering with an injured knee for several weeks and it was not until recently that Manager Arthur Irwin was made aware of it.
On 24 August the Washington Senators release Charley Atherton, ending his major league career. In 64 games he batted .248.
An accomplished musician and writer he spent time in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. He Died in Vienna, Austria, Austria in December 1935. He had been born in New Jersey in 1873.
