February 29 In an acknowledgement to that phenomenon known as “Leap Year” we cannot forget those who have a birthday that only comes around once every 4 years on February 29th. To date, only 11 major leaguers have celebrated a February 29th birthday. A couple of very well known players, Pepper Martin and Al Rosen …
Category: D.C. Baseball History
D.C. Baseball History
Aug 31
Nats get most from Werth in the leadoff spot
When the Nationals learned Friday that leadoff man Denard San would have hip surgery and miss the rest of the season, it was certainly discouraging news. Without Span’s .365 OPB and base-stealing potential atop the lineup, the team’s offense takes a severe hit, and with it their chances to catch the New York Mets in …
Feb 19
Remembering local boy Walt Herrell on his birthday
This morning I read Art Audley’s This Date in Washington Senators History. At first I thought not much happening on this date. Then I read that Walt Herrell, who was born today in 1889, was given only one shot in the major’s back in 1911. For some reason when I see a player that only …
Feb 06
American League players drawn by Vic Johnson – Eddie Yost
From the Mickey Vernon Museum, American League Baseball players drawn by Vic Johnson. This caricature of Eddie Yost is just one of a series of 19 caricatures of American League baseball players drawn by Vic Johnson during 1957. This caricature of Eddie Yost and the other 18, is taken from a composite collection of those illustrations and …
Jan 02
Mickey makes the Majors
Mickey Vernon died on September 24, 2008. Two months before he died, he and I were taking a trip to the Philadelphia A’s Historical Society to visit his old friend Ernie Montella the executive director. While in the car, I asked him to proof read a card set that we were producing to celebrate his baseball career. I was happy when Mickey gave …
Nov 11
Veterans Day Special – From Senator To Sailor
The Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum, located in Delaware County, PA, is a non-profit museum with the purpose of celebrating the life and career of Mickey himself and the athletes of his home county. It is funded strictly by donations. Mickey Vernon died on September 24, 2008. Two months before he died, he and I were taking a trip to …
Sep 26
This Day in D.C. Baseball History – 1924 Pennant Race – 1969 Senators’ are Winners
1924 Pennant Race – The Senators lead Yanks by One game September 26 – Boston, MA The Boston Red Sox beat the first place Washington Senators 2-1 in front of 12,000 spectators at Fenway Park. The Senators’ loss and the Yankees’ 7-1 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics left the Senators with only a one game …
Sep 06
Better Late than Never
Better Late than Never On this day in the year of 1954 the Washington Senators played a black ballplayer for the first time. His name was Carlos Paula and he was from Havana, Cuba. The 26 year-old Paula started in left field for the Senators on September 6, 1954 seven years after Jackie Robinson made his Major …
Jul 23
When the Stars (and so Much Else) Came to Washington
So many years have passed since the nation’s capital last hosted baseball’s All-Star game that most people have forgotten the unique, unforgettable events that took place before and during the 1969 midsummer classic as well as one of the many fiascos one Robert E. Short committed during his sad, incompetent tenure as the Washington Senators’ …
May 14
The Big Train gives up First Earned Run in 55 Innings
May 14, 1913 – Washington Senators’ Walter Johnson streak of consecutive shutout innings pitched ended at 55 2/3 innings. The Senators star pitcher gave up a run against the St. Louis Browns in the 4th inning of the game that was played at Sportsman’s Park. Johnson improved his record to 8-0 as the Senators outscored …
