July 8
1901 – For the first time in their young existence, the Nationals find themselves under the .500 mark. The Nats drop to 26-27 with a 3-1 loss to the Americans in Boston.
1904 – The dog days of summer have already set in for this year’s Nationals squad. Washington makes the train trek north to Philadelphia and lose 2-1, to the A’s. The sad Nats sit at 11-52, 31.5 games out.
1910 – Walter Johnson strikes out 8 of the first 9 Browns hitters, including the first 7, in a 12-3 Washington rout. When the Nats score 10 runs in the 5th inning to provide some breathing room, Johnson allows the visiting Browns to make some contact and records no more K’s.
Firpo Marberry
1930 – Defying preseason predictions of a 7th place finish in the AL standings, the Nats climb into a 1st place tie with a 6-5 defeat of host Boston. It is the Sens 9th straight victory and reliever Firpo Marberry‘s 3rd win during this winning streak.
1932 – The Indian’s Wes Ferrell improves to 16-5 on the season with a 6-5 victory over the Nats in Washington.
1944 – The 1st place St. Louis Browns trim the Sens at Griffith, 5-4. Winning pitcher Sig Jakucki intentionally walks Senator slugger Stan Spence 3 times and the Sens fail to capitalize on Jacucki’s 7 free passes. Sens starter Johnny Niggeling strikes out 10 Browns in the losing cause.
1966 – At Yankee Stadium, the Senators earn a split in a pair with the Yankees. Washington holds on in game one, 7-6. In the nitecap, the Sens cough up a 4 run lead to earn a 7-5 defeat. Mickey Mantle is 5-for-8 in the twinbill, with a home run in each contest. The second homer in game two is a towering blast over the centerfield monuments off Jim Hannan.
Senators Birthdays
Joseph John (Oyster Joe) Martina B Jul. 8, 1889 D Mar. 22, 1962
One Season Wonder Joe Martina appeared in a Senators uniform as a 34 year old rookie in 1924. A pitcher, Martina appeared in 24 games and finished the season with a 6-8 record and an ERA of 4.67.
1924 was the year the Senators won their only World Series and Martina did appear for 1 inning in game 3, but left with no decision. The NY Giants defeated the Senators in game 3 by a 6-4 score.
