This Date in Washington Senators History – 1923 Nats payback Indians 20-8

August 24 1913 – With the Senators ahead, 2-1, in the bottom of the 9th, two Chicago baserunners reach base off Walter Johnson. With two on and two outs, Johnson’s 13 game winning streak looks to be in peril with Eddie Collins strolling to the plate. The Big Train is up to the task and …

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This Date in Washington Senators History – Milan steals home for the game’s only run

1915 – Rip Hagerman of the Indians and the Sens Bert Gallia lock horns in a pitchers duel, with Gallia allowing only a single hit in a 1-0 Washington victory. Clyde Milan steals home in the top of the 1st for the game’s only score.

Willingham’s Two Grand Slams

July 27, 2009 Josh “The Hammer” Willingham accomplished a very rare feat when he became only the 13th player in major league baseball history to hit two grand slams in one game. Willingham’s first grand slam came off of the Brewers’ starting pitcher Jeff Suppan in the fifth inning. The second grand slam occurred only …

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This Date in Washington Senators History -Cecil Travis collects 5 hits in his ML debut

May 16 1921 – Led by the bat of Ty Cobb, who pounds out 4 hits, scores 4 runs and swipes a base, the Tigers complete a 3 game sweep of the Nats in Detroit by a 17-11 score. Senators pitching gives up 33 runs in the series. 1930 – The Senators sweep a twin …

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Arrested for keeping a Foul Ball

On April 30, 1901, Charles Clarke, a resident of 740 “H” Street in Northeast Washington was arrested after picking up a foul ball that flew over the grandstand at American League Park and onto Trinidad Avenue. Clarke, described by the Washington Post as weighing over 200 pounds, retrieved the ball and ran to “I” Street, turned west …

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Veterans Day Special – Baseball in D.C. during WWII

On Friday November 5, 2010, I was fortunate to have attended the American Veterans Center panel discussion and exhibit at Nationals Park. This event, held in observance of Veterans Day, had as “honored guests “wounded warriors” from Walter Reed Hospital. There were several former major league ballplayers who appeared in a panel discussion hosted by …

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Veterans Day Special – Remembering Cecil Travis

Cecil Travis was a star baseball player for the Washington Senators in the 1930’s and early 1940′s. On May 16, 1933 the 19 year-old Travis made his debut for the Senators. The young man from Riverdale, GA wasted no time in showing off his batting skills as he goes 5 for 7 against the Cleveland …

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Veterans Day Special – Wounded Veteran gets a Try Out

March 15, 1945 College Park, MD – Bert Shepard, a one legged veteran of World War II, tries out as a pitcher for the Washington Senators. The Senators owner Clark Griffith was so impressed with Shepard that he hired him as the team’s pitching coach. During the 1945 spring training Shepard with his artificial leg …

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This Date in Washington Senators History – Happy Birthday to George Washington Case

November 11 Senator Managers Bucky Harris, 1924-1928 (First stint) Record as Senator Manager: 1,336-1,416, .485 Pct. Teams managed: 1924: 92-62 .597 1st World Champions 1925: 96-55 .636 1st AL Pennant 1926: 81-69 .540 4th 1927: 85-69 .552 3rd 1928: 75-79 .487 4th *Note: Bucky Harris managed the Senators 3 separate times in his career. For …

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Veterans Day Special – Negro League Baseball in D.C. during WWII

From 1939 to 1945 the Homestead Grays played a lot of their home game at Griffith Stadium when the Washington Senators were out of town. The Grays drew some very large crowds when the team played at Griffith Stadium. The local fans wanted to see the Grays’ exciting brand of baseball. With stars like Josh …

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