Wednesday, 3 May 1899. Brooklyn is in Washington playing the final game of their series. Under the competent hands of Ned Hanlon the Brooklyn Superbas are off to a fast start. Thanks in part to the influx of talent from Washington they will go on to win the pennant. Good pitching, timely hitting, sharp fielding …
Nov 14
Foul Balls and Diamond Rings
It was customary during this period to return the ball to the club so it would continue to be used in the game. First two tales about foul balls in Washington from 1899. A little humorous by-play occurred in the grand stand in the eighth inning. An old ball was fouled into the seats, and …
Nov 13
Tom “Fido” Daly
Originally a catcher, Daly reached the majors with the Philadelphia Keystones of the Union Association in 1884, playing in two games (which for many years were erroneously attributed to Con Daily). After two years with the Chicago White Stockings, he played for the Washington Nationals in 1889 and hit .300. Daly stayed in the National …
Nov 12
Mercer Unbound
9 October 1899, Washington splits a doubleheader with the visiting Orioles, but Win Mercer is the story today. The second game lasted only six innings, and the sensational episode between Win Mercer and umpire Al Mannassau took all the life out of the local players, an easy victory going to the visitors. Dan McFarlan began …
Nov 08
Hoy The Gunslinger
This little tale was printed in 1899. Dummy Hoy had been feuding with Tommy Tucker. Tucker was boisterous and known for his antics. Tommy Tucker and Billy Hoy of the Louisville’s are not on the best of terms, though the enmity that existed a year ago is no longer as bitter. One night last year …
Nov 07
Opera Ball Players
Late April 1899. The Wagner’s continue to sell off their best players while the local nine habitats in the basement of the National League. For a brief moment the attention of the fans, cranks no more, turns to opera. The members of the Alice Nielsen Opera Company hugely enjoyed a couple of hours’ sport this …
Nov 06
The 1948 Project – Whisper’s from Washington 2 June 1948
Ray Scarborough tosses five hitter. Bob Lemon was once again on the mound. He sat down the first eleven batters he faced. Then up came Gil Coan. Coan pumped a single into left, but didn’t tally there long. On the third pitch to Bud Stewart, Coan stole second and on the next pitch Coan came …
Nov 03
Letter from Arthur Irwin. 4 January 1899
The team’s manager, Arthur Irwin, sent the following letter to the press and it was published. Washington baseball enthusiasts would shortly suffer through their 8th season under the odious ownership of the wretched Wagner brothers. An interesting letter was received this morning from Manager Arthur Irwin of the Washington Base Ball Club, dated at Norfolk, …
