June 1 1916 – Walter Johnson and Babe Ruth lock up in a pitching duel at Fenway. Ruth allows 3 hits and the Red Sox beat Johnson and the Nats, 1-0. 1925 – Ruth makes his first appearance of the year, returning from his infamous “Bellyache Heard Around The World”, and is 0-for-2 before departing …
May 30
This Date in Washington Senators History – Earl Whitehill’s no-hit bid broken by a 9th inning single
1934 – In a noteworthy doubleheader, the Sens split a pair with New York. Nats P Earl Whitehill sees his no hit bid broken by a 9th inning single by the Yanks’ Ben Chapman. Nonetheless, Whitehill and Washington edge Lefty Gomez and the Yanks, 1-0. The Yankees score in the top of the 11th in the nite-cap to give spitballer, Burleigh Grimes, his 269th and final victory of his career, 5-4.
May 30
Big Train’s Last Shutout
May 30, 1927 Walter “The Big Train” Johnson gave up only three hits as he led the Washington Senators (18-18) to a 3-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox (10-26). The shutout will be the Big Train’s “Major League Record” 110th career shutout and the last one of his illustrious career. Walter Johnson’s shutout record …
May 28
Let There Be Light
On May 28, 1941 the New York Yankees and the Washington Senators played in the first night game under the lights at Griffith Stadium. The first night game at Griffith Stadium was a big deal. The Washington Senators invited Walter “Big Train” Johnson to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. It was actually the Big …
May 27
This Date in Washington Senators History – Padres to Washington?
973 – Hope is raised for baseball fans in D.C. as San Diego Padres owner C. Arnholdt Smith announces tindexhat he is selling the Padres to Washington grocery chain owner Joseph Danzansky. Danzansky announces that he will move the Padres to Washington in time for the 1974 season. Despite the Padres having the lowest attendance in the NL for the first 5 seasons of their existence, NL owners stall on a vote to move the team, wishing not to abandon the San Diego market. After eight months of backroom dealing, politics, lawsuits, double dealing and general turmoil, Danzansky withdraws his offer and the Pads are sold to McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc.
May 27
Mickey Vernon’s Special Day
On May 27, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sets aside four hours to attend a special baseball “Mickey Vernon-Red Cross Day” game that afternoon at Griffith Stadium. What made this game a special game for the 34th President of the United States of America, was that he was there to present his favorite ball player …
May 26
This Date in Washington Senators History – 1930 Senators expand lead to 4 games
1930 – The Senators reach their high water mark of the year with a 10-7 shootout win over the Yanks in New York. Joe Judge and Goose Goslin accomplish a major league first by homering back-to-back twice in the same ballgame. The first place Sens move to 26-10, 4 games ahead of second place Philadelphia.