May 5
1904 – After losing their first 13 games of the season, Washington finally picks up its first win by defeating the NY Highlanders 9-4 at Hilltop Park. 3 days later, with the Senators sitting at 1-16, player-manager Mallachi Kiitridge is relieved of his managerial duties in favor of Patsy Donavan, who is embroiled in a contract dispute with the St. Louis Cardinals. Donavan eventually settles the dispute and becomes the Senators manager. Donavan would not fare better than his predecessor, going 37-97 over the rest of the year. The Senators finish 1904 at 38-113, a winning pct. of .252, the worse in franchise history.
Senators Birthdays
Harley Grossman B May 5, 1930 D Sep. 5, 2003
One Game Wonder Harley Grossman was served a bitter cup of coffee on April 22nd of 1952. Pitching in 1 game, for just 1/3 rd of an inning, Grossman would give up 2 runs for a career ERA of 54.04.
Joe McClain
Joe McClain B May 5, 1933 Still living
Joe McClain has the distinction of being the first pitcher to record a win for the expansion Senators franchise on April 14, 1961 over the Cleveland Indians. He looked like a promising pitcher for the expansion Senators in the early 1961 season, going 7-7 with a 3.19 ERA. Unfortunately the wheels fell off after the All-Star break, his record 1-11 with a 4.76 ERA in the second half of the season. His totals for the year were 8-18 with an ERA of 3.86.
Returning with the Senators in 1962, he went 0-4 with a 9.38 ERA before being sent to Syracuse in June. He would never return to the majors.
