This Date in Washington Senators History

February 9 1924 – Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith names 2B Bucky Harris, last year’s team captain as the new Nationals’ manager. Harris, had annoyed Griffith by playing pro basketball over the winter, in violation of his contract. The Senators would go on to win the American League pennant and their only World Series against …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

February 8 Senators Birthdays Joseph Black B Feb. 8, 1924 D May 17, 2002 Pitcher Joe Black gained fame, and “Rookie Of The Year” honors, when he came on the major league scene in 1952, posting a 15-4 record with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Black would go 1-2 in the 1952 World Series, in the process …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

February 7 Senators Birthdays Baldomero (Mel) Almada B Feb. 7, 1913 D Aug. 13, 1988 Mexican born outfielder Mel Almada made his way to the major leagues in September of 1933, first playing for the Boston Red Sox. Almada’s first full season of play would be 1935, when he’d hit .290 in 151 games. Traded …

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Mickey Vernon Museum – Become a Friend of the Museum

The Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum thanks the following individuals for being a “Friend of the Museum” for 2011. “Step up to the Plate” and join the 2012 team! Only $10 will ensure quality exhibits for the 2012 season. For more information you can contact us at vankoski21@comcast.net • Jim Vankoski, Curator • 610-909-4919.

Last Week’s Top Stories at dcbaseballhistory.com

Chad Cordero Memories by Stephen Walker Few Washington Nationals fans will forget the wonders of June 2005 when the infant Nationals, in their inaugural season since baseball inexplicably allowed the national pastime to depart the nation’s capital, rocketed to first place in the National League East with a 47-31 record. The Nationals completed their dream …

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Nats Sign Rick Ankiel to Minor League Deal

Center fielder Rick Ankiel will have a chance to be back with the Nationals in 2012. The team has signed him to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. The signing was first reported by Amanda Comak of The Washington Times. Financial details were not disclosed. Ankiel, a former left-handed starting pitcher …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

February 6 Senators Birthdays Pelham Ashby Ballenger B Feb. 6, 1894 D Dec. 8, 1948 Senators Short Timer Pelham Ballenger spent 5 days on the Washington roster in May of 1928. Playing in 3 games at 3rd base, Ballenger would be 1 for 9 at the plate. Pelham Ballenger career record Frank Breyfogle LaPorte B …

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American League players drawn by Vic Johnson – Gus Zernial

From the Mickey Vernon Museum, American League Baseball players drawn by Vic Johnson. This caricature of Gus Zernial is just one of a series of 19 caricatures of American League baseball players drawn by Vic Johnson during 1957. This caricature of Gus Zernial and the the other 18, is taken from a composite collection of those illustrations …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

February 5 Senators Birthdays John Joseph O’Brien B Feb. 5, 1873 D Jun. 10, 1933 Outfielder Jack O’Brien got his start in the majors way back in 1899 with the National League version of the Washington Senators. Playing in 127 games, O’Brien would hit .282. Out of the majors in 1900, O’Brien would return in …

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This Date in Washington Senators History

February 4 Senators Birthdays Edward Wilbur Ainsmith (born Edward Anshmedt) B Feb. 4, 1892 D Sep. 6, 1981 Russian born Eddie Ainsmith debuted with the Washington Senators in August of 1910. A catcher, Ainsmith would be on the Senators roster from 1910 through 1918. Ainsmith’s best year at the plate with Washington would be 1912 …

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