D.C. Baseball History
Feb 13
February 13 1934 The Cleveland Indians sign future Hall Of Famer Sam Rice. Rice, who played for the Senators from 1915 through 1933 and appeared in all 3 of the World Series that the Senators played in, will finish his career with a final season in Cleveland, ending his playing days with 2,987 hits. Reportedly …
Feb 12
February 12 Senators Birthdays Leonard Shenoff Randle B Feb. 12, 1949 Still Living Originally selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the amateur draft of 1967, Len Randle would not sign with the Cardinals. In June 1970 the Washington Senators would select Randle in the amateur draft. This time he would sign and join the …
Feb 11
February 11 Senators Birthdays James Edward Ryan B Feb. 11, 1863 D Oct. 26, 1923 Born during the American Civil War, Jimmy Ryan is one of many outstanding players from the 19th century whose career has been seemingly forgotten by baseball historians. Beginning his major league playing days with the Chicago White Stockings late in …
Feb 10
February 10 Senators Birthdays Rexford Paul Dawson B Feb. 10, 1889 D Oct. 20, 1958 One Game Wonder Rex Dawson was served his cup of coffee on October 3rd of 1913. Pitching just 1 inning, Dawson would give up 1 hit and strike out 1, leaving with a perfect ERA of 0.00. Rex Dawson career …
Feb 09
February 9 1924 Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith names 2B Bucky Harris, last year’s team captain as the new Nationals’ manager. Harris, had annoyed Griffith by playing pro basketball over the winter, in violation of his contract. The Senators would go on to win the American League pennant and their only World Series against the …
Feb 08
February 8 Senators Birthdays Joseph Black B Feb. 8, 1924 D May 17, 2002 Pitcher Joe Black gained fame, and “Rookie Of The Year” honors, when he came on the major league scene in 1952, posting a 15-4 record with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Black would go 1-2 in the 1952 World Series, in the process …
Feb 06
February 6 Senators Birthdays Pelham Ashby Ballenger B Feb. 6, 1894 D Dec. 8, 1948 Senators Short Timer Pelham Ballenger spent 5 days on the Washington roster in May of 1928. Playing in 3 games at 3rd base, Ballenger would be 1 for 9 at the plate. Pelham Ballenger career record Frank Breyfogle LaPorte B …
Feb 05
February 5 Senators Birthdays John Joseph O’Brien B Feb. 5, 1873 D Jun. 10, 1933 Outfielder Jack O’Brien got his start in the majors way back in 1899 with the National League version of the Washington Senators. Playing in 127 games, O’Brien would hit .282. Out of the majors in 1900, O’Brien would return in …
Feb 04
February 4 Senators Birthdays Edward Wilbur Ainsmith (born Edward Anshmedt) B Feb. 4, 1892 D Sep. 6, 1981 Russian born Eddie Ainsmith debuted with the Washington Senators in August of 1910. A catcher, Ainsmith would be on the Senators roster from 1910 through 1918. Ainsmith’s best year at the plate with Washington would be 1912 …
Feb 03
February 3 1942 At a special meeting to discuss wartime regulations, MLB owners decide to allow 14 night games for each club, with Washington allowed 21 due to the large number of government workers that inhabit Washington. Two All-Star Games will be played, one with a military All-Star team. Curfews are set for night games …
