November 26
1960 Twins is chosen as the new name for the original Washington Senators franchise, transplanted to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul after the end of the 1960 season.
Senators Birthdays
Vernon Louis (Lefty) Gomez B Nov. 26, 1908 D Feb. 17, 1989
Hall Of Famer Lefty Gomez spent 14 years in the major leagues-13 of those with the New York Yankees. Debuting in late April of 1930, Gomez’ first season (2-5 in 15 games, 5.55 ERA) would not be indicative of his future success.
In 1931 Gomez would post a 21-9 record in 40 games, lowering his ERA to 2.67. Gomez would pitch for the Yankees through 1942. During that time he’d be a 20 game winner 4 times, would be named to the American League All Star Team every year from 1933 through 1939 and would collect 5 World Series rings, compiling a 6-0 record pitching in 7 World Series games.
Gomez would lead the league in ERA in 1934 and 1937 and wins those same seasons with 26 and 21 respectively. He’d also lead the league in strikeouts in 1933, 1934 and 1937.
After the 1942 season, Gomez was purchased by the Boston Braves. He’d never play a game for Boston and was released in mid-May. Two days later Gomez would be purchased by the Washington Senators. He’d pitch in just 1 game in a Washington uniform in late May of 1943, hurling 4.2 innings and being charged with the loss. Gomez would be released in mid-July bringing down the curtain on a memorable career.
Robert Lee Johnson B Nov. 26, 1906 D Jul. 6, 1982
Outfielder Bob Johnson made his major league debut with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1933 as a 27 year old rookie.
Playing in 142 games his first year, he’d hit .290 with 44 doubles and 21 home runs. Johnson would remain a regular in the Philadelphia outfield through 1942 hitting .300 or better in 4 seasons. He’d hit 30 homers in 1938 and would hit for a .338 average in 1939.
Traded to the Washington Senators before the 1943 season for Bobby Estalella, Johnson would hit .265 in 117 games.
Sold to the Boston Red Sox after the 1943 season, Johnson would finish his career with the Red Sox in 1944 & 1945.
Johnson was named to the All Star team 8 times during his 13 year career, representing all 3 teams he played for and led the league in on base percentage in 1944.
John Francis Kerr B Nov. 26, 1898 D Oct. 19, 1993
John Kerr got his start as an infielder for the Detroit Tigers in 1923. Used sparingly, Kerr would only play in 19 games in 1923 and 17 games in 1924.
He would not return to the major leagues until 1929 when he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. Kerr would play for the White Sox from 1929 to 1931. He’d appear in 127 games in 1929 and 128 games in 1931. His best season at bat would be 1930 when he’d hit .289 in 70 games.
Traded to the Washington Senators along with Carl Reynolds in exchange for Jackie Hayes, Bump Hadley and Sam Jones, Kerr would finish his career with Washington, playing from 1932 through 1934. He’d play in 1 game of the 1933 World Series as the Senators lost to the New York Giants in 5 games. His major league career would end with the close of the 1934 season.
