1969 Washington Senators Spring Training: Bob Short Suddenly Books Two Games in Texas 5th of a 5 part series Once Frank Howard signed his contract and joined his teammates in Pompano Beach, the Washington Senators felt whole again. The club won their first game with Hondo in the line-up as the “designated pinch hitter.” Washington …
Category: D.C. Baseball History
D.C. Baseball History
Mar 28
Opening Day in Washington “Throwing Out the First Ball”
I’d like to discuss a Washington baseball tradition that, unfortunately, in my opinion, has been lost “in the sands of time.” The ceremonial first pitch was a long-standing tradition at Griffith Stadium and later at DC (RFK) Stadium in Washington DC. This tradition began in 1910 with President William Howard Taft “throwing out the first …
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 27
This Date in Washington Senators History
March 27 Senators Birthdays John Wesley Gill B Mar. 27, 1905 D Dec. 26, 1984 Outfielder Johnny Gill would play for 3 teams over 6 seasons and only play in a grand total of 118 games. First coming to the major leagues with the Cleveland Indians in late August of 1927, Gill would appear in …
Mar 26
This Date in Washington Senators History
March 26 Senators Birthdays Frank Williard Brower B Mar. 26, 1893 D Nov. 20, 1960 Arriving in the major leagues with the Senators in mid-August of 1920, outfielder/1st baseman Frank Brower would appear in 36 games hitting .311. Brower would play in 83 games for the Senators in 1921 and would have the most active …
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 25
This Date in Washington Senators History
March 25 Senators Birthdays Woodson George (Woodie) Held B Mar. 25, 1932 D June 11, 2009 Another “baseball nomad”, utilityman Woodie Held would play for 7 different teams during 14 seasons in a career that spanned 16 years. Only 1 of those seasons would be spent with the Senators. Originally signed by the New York …
Mar 24
This Date in Washington Senators History
March 24 Senators Birthdays Augustin Joseph (Gus) Dugas B Mar. 24, 1907 D Apr. 14, 1997 Outfielder, and occasional 1st baseman, Gus Dugas played for 4 seasons with 3 different teams, appearing in a grand total of 125 games. Beginning his short tour of the major leagues in 1930 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Dugas would …
Mar 23
1969 Senators Spring Training — Hondo’s Holdout
1969 Senators Spring Training — Hondo’s Holdout: Part 4 of a 5-Part Series As spring training in Pompano Beach continued, Ted Williams and his charges learned more and more about each other. Williams professed his hitting philosophy, “wait for a good pitch to hit” and being patient at the plate so walks would increase. Teddy …
Mar 23
This Date in Washington Senators History
March 23 Senators Birthdays Samuel Edward Bowens B Mar. 23, 1939 D Mar. 28, 2003 Signed by the Baltimore Orioles before the start of the 1960 season, outfielder Sam Bowens would make his way to the major leagues in September of 1963. Playing in 15 games for the O’s, Bowens would go 16 for 48 …
