When we were at the filming of the movie “Day of the Gun,” we had the privilege of spending time with Eugene “Pop” Meacham. Meacham is one the ballplayers featured in the film “Day of the Gun.” and the short “The Day the Aces got Trumped.” “Pop,” as he is known works in the medical …
Aug 17
This Day in D.C. Baseball History – Strasburg signs record breaking contract with Nats
On August 17, 2009 the Washington Nationals and Stephen Strasburg agreed on a contract just before the August 17th midnight deadline. It is reported Strasburg agreed to sign a four-year deal that will pay approximately $15.1 million. The Nationals made the 21 year-old Strasburg their number one draft pick on June 9, 2009. The fire-baller …
Aug 16
The days before the Nats signed Stephen Strasburg
With the signing deadline (August 17, 2009) approaching here is what they were saying about the Nationals chances of signing Stephen Strasburg. Keep in mind one year earlier the Nationals failed to sign the team’s 2008 number one draft choice Aaron Crow. The pressure was on the Nats to sign the young phenom from San …
Aug 15
Maude Nelson comes to the District
13 August 1902, the Chicago Stars lose to the Department All Stars by a score of 6 to 3. The Stars are a barnstorming ladies team. Department Team Downs Bloomer Girls at National Park. Chicago stars are defeated 6 to 3 in a very fast game. A crowd of 1,800 were on hand and rooted …
Aug 15
This Day in D.C. Baseball History – The failure of signing Crow has a Silver Lining
The Washington Nationals failed to sign first-round draft pick Aaron Crow by the midnight deadline on August 15, 2008. Aaron Crow, a right-hander out of the University Missouri was selected ninth overall in June’s draft, According to the Associated Press the Nationals didn’t want to go above the $2.1 million they gave to the 2007 …
Aug 10
The Path to the Majors
Over the years Washington players have taken different, often bizarre routes, to the majors. Some like Bert Shepard had to make a detour on the way that took him over Nazi Germany. Lew Drill’s case is unique. He probably never desired a professional career. He was a student at Georgetown working towards his law degree. …
Aug 10
This Date in Washington Senators History – Walter Johnson’s wild fastball knocks Ossie Vitt unconscious
August 10 1901 – The Nationals and A’s divide an eventful doubleheader in Washington. In game one, a 9-4 Washington win, Win Mercer of the Nats becomes the first AL pitcher ever to steal home. The A’s Nap Lajoie collects a pair of homers before getting ejected in the 7th. In the afternoon game, Philadelphia …
Aug 09
Michael Morse is Very Close to Joining Prestigious List
Michael Morse‘s single in the top of the 3rd inning last night at Minute Maid Park in Houston extended his current hit streak to 17 games. During the 17 game hit streak Morse has gone 23 for 73 for a .315 batting average. If Morse is able to extend his current streak to 20 games …
Aug 08
This Day in D.C. Baseball History – The Beginning of Decisive Winning Streak
August 8, 1933 – The Washington Senators (65-38) snapped a three game losing streak when they beat the New York Yankees (63-40) by a score of 5-1 at Yankee Stadium. The Senators victory gave the team a two game lead over the 2nd place Yankees in the American League standings. The victory over the Yankees …
Aug 07
The Day the Aces got Trumped
One of the pleasures is finding odd or unique articles. I found this in the District News and Facts, dated. 1 October 1895.[1] “The Day the Aces got Trumped,” by Parson Nicholson[2] I do survey work for the Great Northern, one of the few to avoid the troubles.[3] This takes me too many small towns …