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The Big Sleep

We turn back the clock to the last baseball game played by a Washington team prior to the return of baseball in 2005. 10 October 1899 Washington 5 Baltimore 5 The Washington and Baltimore club played their last game of the season together today in the latter city, and after six innings of play the …

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Interview with Jack Doyle

Jack Doyle was smart, tough and one of the most respected players of his generation. Born in Killorglin, Ireland he went on to attend school at Fordham. This interview was written just after the Wagner’s had acquired him from Baltimore. His stay in Washington would be short; he would soon be sold to New York. …

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Mercer’s Nicknames

Win Mercer was a not only a good pitcher but a versatile player, being one of the fastest players of his day. He was a smart pitcher who kept a book on all the hitters. A correspondent writing to the Sporting Life from East Liverpool, Ohio, says: “While it is not generally known, the name …

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Warm Weather and talk turns to Baseball

Baseball fans sit and wait for the weather to turn, while some make plans for the trip down south to catch their team in the Grapefruit League. Once again Washington fans have reason to be optimistic. New arrivals like Jerry Blevens and Doug Fister should bolster a formidable line-up. Maybe Mr. Espinosa can learn how …

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Mickey Vernon Museum Receives Ted Williams Letter

    On January 8 of this year, the Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum, through Jim Vankoski, curator of the museum, received a surprise donation from Morris “Moe” Bergman of Worcester, MA and Alan Langsner of Needham, MA. The gift was a letter that Mickey Vernon wrote to Ted Williams on January 24th, 1966.   Mickey, winner of two American …

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The 1948 Project – 5 August 1948 Whisper’s from Washington

Gene Bearden wins but is outpitched by Ray Scarborough in a mound duel. Cleveland turns an amazing six double plays, crippling Washington’s offense. Ray Scarborough took his sixth loss, scattering two runs in his seven innings of work. Both runs earned by the long ball. Jim Hegan and Bearden back to back in the third. …

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The 1948 Project – 3 August 1948 Whisper’s from Washington

On August 3, the Indians were one game behind the Athletics. Lou Boudreau started Satchel Paige against the Washington Senators in Cleveland. The 72,562 people that saw the game set a new attendance record for a major league night game. Paige showed his nervousness as he walked two of the first three batters and then …

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The 1948 Project – 20 July 1948 Whisper’s from Washington

Nats end five game losing streak. Don Black carried a 2-1 record into the game while Ray Scarborough was seeking his seventh decision. He’s been licked five times. At the end of five innings, the Nats led, 2-1, and every run in the game was set up by a stolen base. The Indians weren’t able …

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The 1948 Project – 19 July 1948 Whisper’s from Washington

McGowan Erupts. They got to see a flair up worth of a 4th of July fireworks display. American League Umpire Bill McGowan threw a baseball at Bud Stewart last night after Ed had filed a verbal brief against a decision by plate umpire Joe Paparella. McGowan’s toss missed Stewart. McGowan continued to curse Stewart, and …

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The 1948 Project – 18 July Game 1 Whisper’s from Washington

28,631 Boo Feller Who Lasts Only 5 Innings. To Bob Feller went the boos of 28,631 Griffith Stadium customers. Feller who has encountered the displeasure of the baseball world by his walkout on the All Star game, made his second start in the nightcap. The third largest crowd of the season gave him the works …

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