Part 3 of a series on 1969 Washington Senators’ Spring Training Once the excitement and commotion surrounding the Senators in the winter of 1969 — Robert E. “Bob” Short purchasing the team out from under rival bidder Bob Hope, Ted Williams signing on to manage, and the players’ strike for better pension terms led by …
Apr 25
The Joyful Sendoff of 1969
(Part 2 of a 3-part series) The Joyful Sendoff of 1969 After their triumphant return home from the late June into early July road trip that left them with a winning record, the 1969 Senators stumbled into the All-Star break with a 51-50 record. Still, all baseball marveled at the makeover Ted Williams had engineered …
Apr 25
This Date in Washington Senators History
April 25 Senators Birthdays James Edward (Red) Bird B Apr. 25, 1890 D Mar. 23, 1972 One Game Wonder Red Bird had his cup of coffee with the Senators on September 17th of 1921. His official line lists him as having pitched 5 innings, giving up 3 runs (all earned) with 1 walk, 2 strike …
Apr 24
The Passion of Senators Fans in 1969: The Raucous Welcome for the Nats at Friendship Airport
(Part 1 of a 3-part series) Starved for a winner, Washington baseball fans went a little crazy when it looked like they might actually get one in 1969. Once the thrill of having Ted Williams on board as manager wore off, the team had to prove themselves in the standings. After 16 years of losing …
Apr 24
Locker room reporting
For years the Philadelphia Phillies’ clubhouse was deemed hostile. When Steve Carlton refused to talk to Tom Boswell of the Washington Post, Boswell interviewed Calrton’s locker. Carlton warned Boswell never to do this again. A reporter risked his life talking to Gil Hodges locker area. Gil’s faithful companion, Gina was on guard. Hodges rewarded Gina …
Apr 24
The Weekend from Hell
by Milton Thomas (or Why I will always hate the Red Sox) The spring of 1961 was the worst of all times from this 12 year old Washington Senators fan point of view. The old Washington Senators were now the Minnesota Twins. This wasn’t fair! They were just getting good…anybody with half a brain could …
Apr 24
This Date in Washington Senators History
April 24 1923 – President Warren G. Harding witnesses the first shutout thrown at Yankee Stadium. The victims were the Washington Senators, who lose 4-0 to the Yankees. Babe Ruth homers for the victors. The Senators would end the season in 4th place with a 75-78 record. Senators Birthday Harry Harper B April 24, 1895 …
Apr 23
This Date in Washington Senators History – Johnson pitches his 5th Opening Day shutout
April 23 1903 – The New York Highlanders won their first major-league game with a 7-2 decision over the Washington Senators. Pitcher Harry Howell gets the win for New York. 1919 – Walter Johnson records his 5th Opening Day shutout, defeating the Philadelphia Athletics 1-0 in 13 innings. Click here for the Box Score. 1969 …
Apr 22
This Date in Washington Senators History
April 22 1903 – The American League’s New York Highlanders, the relocated Baltimore Orioles, make their debut in Washington, losing to the Senators by a score of 3-1. Jack Chesbro is charged with the loss for New York. 1959 – In Griffith Stadium, the New York Yankees’ Whitey Ford pitches 14 innings, striking out 15 …
Apr 21
This Date in Washington Senators History – Berg extends errorless streak to 117 games
April 21 1934 Senators receiver Morris (Moe) Berg extends his errorless streak to 117 games, setting a new American League record for catchers. 1961 “Old vs. New” Major league baseball debuts in Minnesota with the expansion Senators facing the Minnesota Twins, last year’s Washington Senators. The new guys win it, 5-3. Joe McClain ups his …
