Category: D.C. Baseball History

D.C. Baseball History

This Date in Washington Senators History – Walter Johnson is defeated in his bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives

November 5 1914 The law prohibiting Sunday baseball in Washington remains intact when the Court of Appeals upholds the ban. 1940 Republican candidate Walter Johnson of Maryland is defeated in his bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. William D. Byron (D) 53.5% Walter P. Johnson (R) 46.5% Charles P. Stewart (I) …

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This Date in Washington Senators History – Short makes another controversial trade

November 3 1970 For the second time in less than a month, Bob Short makes another controversial trade. Short deals 3 minor leaguers, Greg Goossen, Gene Martin and Jeff Terpko, to the Phillies for the right to negotiate with former Cardinals star OF Curt Flood. Flood had sat out 1970 after refusing to report to …

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This Date in Washington Senators History – Hall of Famers that played in Washington

November 2 Hall of Famers that played in Washington Washington has their share of players in the Hall of Fame who achieved their fame as Senators. Walter Johnson, Goose Goslin, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris and Sam Rice are enshrined in Cooperstown as Senators. But, many other Hall of Famers who made their mark elsewhere have played …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

November 1 Senator Managers Clyde Milan, 1922 Record as Senator manager: 69-85, .448 Pct. Teams managed: 1922, 69-85 .448 Pct. 6th Based on his temperament, former Senator great Clyde Milan was ill-suited as a manager. Milan was too much of a nice guy and a chronic worrier to effectively lead a team that had hopes …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

October 31 Senator Managers George McBride, 1921 Record as Senator manager: 80-73, .523 Pct, Teams Managed: 1921: 80-73 .523 Pct. 4th It came as no surprise that Clark Griffith anointed George McBride as his successor in the dugout. During his final seasons as an active player, McBride was Griffith’s apprentice, frequently filling in as the …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

October 30 Senator Managers Clark Griffith, 1912-1920 Record as Senator Manager: 693-646, .518 Pct. Teams Managed: 1912: 91-61 .599 Pct. 2nd 1913: 90-64 .584 Pct. 2nd 1914: 81-73 .526 Pct. 3rd 1915: 85-68 .556 Pct. 4th 1916: 76-77 .497 Pct. 7th 1917: 74-79 .484 Pct. 5th 1918: 72-56 .563 Pct. 3rd 1919: 56-84 .400 Pct. …

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The Beginning of the Griffith Era

October 30, 1911 After meeting with the Washington Senators board of directors, Clark Griffith is named manager of the Washington Senators baseball club. It is also announced that Clark Griffith became the largest stockholder of the club when he purchased 10% of the club’s stock. The Senators’ new skipper will have his hands full as …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

October 29 Senator Managers Jimmy McAleer, 1910-1911 Record as Senator manager: 130-175 .426 Pct. Teams managed 1910: 66-85, .437 Pct., 7th place, 36.5 GB 1911: 64-90, .416 Pct., 7th place, 38.5 GB Unlike his predecessors, Jimmy McAleer was an experienced big league pilot. The Youngstown, OH native was instrumental in the recruitment of National League …

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At the Ballpark, Nixon was Unimpeachable

By Jeff Stuart Far from the highs and lows of a tumultuous life in politics, Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, found refuge at the ballpark. As a kid I saw the then Vice President several times walking in what passed for a concourse at Griffith Stadium. To me, his smile seemed …

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This Date in Washington Senators History – Walter Johnson vs. Christy Mathewson

October 28 1913 Walter Johnson vs. Christy Mathewson. The first and only time the two greats square off. It occurs at South Main Park in Tulsa, OK on a post season barnstorming trip. Unfortunately, it comes under tragic circumstances when the stands collapse, injuring 52 and killing a soldier before the game. Oklahoma governor Lee …

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