This Date in Washington Senators History – 1945 Roger Wolff wins number 19

September 16

1945 – At Washington, the Nats, after 10 straight losses to Hal Newhouser, finally defeat the Detroit ace, 3-2. Roger Wolff of the Nats gets his 19th win. The Tigers maintain their 2.5 game lead by trimming the Senators, 5-4, in the nightcap.

1961 – In a deal that will pay dividends for Washington, the Senators deal 1B Dave Sisler and cash to Cincinnati for P Claude Osteen.

1971 – Bill Veeck and Hank Greenberg enter into the bidding to purchase the Senators from Bob Short. Today, Veeck met with Short concerning the purchase of the franchise. Both sides reported progress in their negotiations and agreed to meet at a later date.

On the field, Dick Bosman goes the route, but the Sens drop their 8th straight contest, losing in Detroit, 3-1.

Senators Birthdays

Vito John Valentinetti B Sept. 16, 1928, Still Living

Before arriving in Washington, Vito Valentinetti pitched in five different organizations. Among the teams that Valentinetti pitched for were the White Sox, with whom he made his debut in 1954, Cubs, Indians and Tigers. He also toiled in Brooklyn’s farm system in 1957 after being traded by the Cubs.

The Senators acquired the righthander from Detroit on June 23, 1958 for Al Cicotte. Valentinetti appeared in 23 games that year, posting a 4-6 record with a hefty 5.08 ERA, mostly as a reliever.

Valentinetti was dealt to the Orioles for Billy Loes on April 1, 1959. When the trade was voided, Valentinetti returned to the Sens bullpen and promptly gave up 12 runs in 10.2 IP in his final big league action.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/play…hp?p=valenvi01

Preston James (Dick) Robertson B Sept. 16, 1891 D Oct. 2, 1944

The Rockville, MD native came onto the scene in 1913 with Cincinnati. In 2 games with the Reds, Robertson went 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA.

Five years would separate Robertson’s next major league stint, this time in Brooklyn in 1918. For the Robins, the righthander logged a 3-6 mark in 13 appearances.

Robertson would make his cameo Senators appearance in 1919, going 0-1 with a 2.28 ERA in 7 contests.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/play…hp?p=roberdi01