December 5
Senators Birthdays
Elmer Joseph Gedeon B Dec. 5, 1893 D May 19, 1941
Elmer Gedeon would make his major league debut with the Washington Senators in mid-May of 1913. Appearing in 29 games, Gedeon would play 2nd and 3rd base, shortstop, outfield and would even pitch 1/3rd of an inning. However, that versatility wouldn’t help his hitting as he’d go 13 for 71 at bat, translating into a .183 batting average. Gedeon would play in just 4 games for the Senators in 1914.
Out of the major leagues in 1915, Gedeon would return to the majors in 1916 with the New York Yankees where he’d play for 2 seasons.
Traded to the St. Louis Browns after the 1917 campaign, Gedeon would round out his major league career in St. Louis, playing through 1920. Interestingly, his last year would be his most active when he’d play in 153 games and also his best at the plate when he’d hit .292.
Oliverio Nunez (Baby) Ortiz B Dec. 5, 1919 D Mar. 27, 1984
Another member of the oft-noted “Cuban Connection” as well as a Senators Short Timer, Oliverio Ortiz is the younger brother of Roberto Ortiz who was on the Senators roster from 1941-1944 and again in 1949 and 1950, hence the nickname “Baby”. (Roberto Ortiz was covered on June 30th.)
Baby Ortiz was on the Senators roster for 4 days in late September of 1944. Appearing in 2 games, he’d pitch 13 innings, giving up 13 hits, 6 walks and 11 runs, 9 earned, being charged with 2 losses and leaving with a career ERA of 6.23.
Charles Richard Stone B Dec. 5, 1911 D Feb. 18, 1980
Another Senators Short Timer, Dick Stone would join the Senators roster for 8 days in late August and early September of 1945 as a 33 year old rookie.
Pitching in 3 games, Stone would give up 6 hits and 2 walks, but no runs, pitching in 5 innings.
