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Kevin Flynn
Author's posts
Apr 12
Selbach’s Bad Day!
We have all had bad days. Kip Selbach’s bad day ended his long career in Washington. On 23 June 1904, the New York Highlanders are in town to play the Senators, Jack Powell on the rubber for New York and Happy Townsend for Washington. Washington loses 7 to 4 to New York, the headline, “Selbach’s …
Apr 02
Mathewson a National?
Before you laugh, at one point a trade bringing “Big Six” to Washington was discussed but dismissed because the player to be traded for Christy Mathewson was more valuable. Oh, what might have been? In March 1903 Mathewson had stopped off in Washington for a few days with his new bride before heading for Spring …
Mar 31
This Day in D.C. Baseball History – The Early Days
Thomas Francis Evers born on 31 March Evers was born 31 March 1852 in Troy New York. Perhaps better known for being the uncle of Johnny Evers, Thomas was a well regarded player in his era, often batting second. In 1881 he played second base for the Washington Nationals. One year later he played one …
Mar 27
Selbach’s Secret Weapon
Albert Karl “Kip” Selbach is one of the early stars for Washington. He is one of a few who played for the District’s National and American League franchises. In his seven years of service with Washington Kip amassed 921 hits. On 27 April 1903, Boston comes into town to play three games against Washington. So …
Mar 25
Sunday Baseball
For many of us Sunday baseball means a game under the sun not the lights. But it was not always so, back in time baseball on Sunday was prohibited. Laws varied by jurisdiction so some teams could get around the laws by playing in another city or neighboring state. On 11 September 1898, a Sunday, …
Mar 19
Dark Days in Altoona
Nestled in the Alleghany Mountains of Pennsylvania, is Altoona. Altoona is a railroad town, the famous Horseshoe Curve is nearby but this is also a baseball town. The city has a strong baseball following and any fan who has been to Peoples Natural Gas Field can enjoy a game and watch the people riding the …
Mar 14
Mascots and Ladies
Every team, major or minor leagues has at least one mascot. Some become famous on their own like the Famous Chicken. The quality varies depending on the team or season. Some are bad others are very good, like the group in Reading. It was common in the early years for players or teams to adopt …
Mar 13
Moneyball
The Book, Moneyball, The Art of Winning an Unfair game, discusses the use of statistical analysis, saber metrics, by General Manger Billy Beane to gain a completive advantage. In fact the original Moneyball is the story of the building of the 1867 Nationals. Arthur Pue Gorman, a young, just 28 years old, but exceedingly resourceful …
Mar 12
This Day in D.C. Baseball History – The Early Years
William Franklin Hulen born on 12 March. Hulen was born 1870 in Dixon, California. He broke in with 1892 Los Angeles Seraphs of the California League. Hulen just 22 years old was on a talented roster composed of several players would go on to play in the major leagues. It was the start of a long …
Mar 04
The Early Days – Ladies Day
Throughout the early years of baseball in the District the local supporters had to deal with losing teams, so-called “tail-enders.” Still the team’s followers were ardent and even a modest winning streak would cause a buzz of excitement. While the majority of rooters were government workers a note worthy number of the fans were women, …
