Sunday, July 28, 1957- Roy Sievers continues to dominate American League pitching, this time subjecting the great Ralph Terry to his lethal bat. In the bottom of the 6th in the second game of the Sunday double header, Roy hits a solo shot into the familiar confines of the left field “beer gardens” in Griffith …
Jul 27
DAY 1: ROY SIEVERS BEGINS HIS HISTORIC STREAK
Saturday, July 27, 1957- Roy Sievers, in the throes of his greatest career year, continued his march to capture the American League Home Run crown, battling both Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams into the last days of the 1957season. After setting franchise home run records in 1954 (24), 1955 (25) and 1956 (29), Roy was …
Jul 23
Hail to the Chief! Remembering dominant closer Chad Cordero
Many Nationals fans were dismayed by Sunday’s news that closer Sean Doolittle will remain on the disabled list for a few more weeks after a setback in his recovery from a left foot injury. Although Doolittle has excelled as a closer since coming in trade from Oakland last season, he still has a way to …
Jul 15
Memories Of Past All-Star Games
By Sean Grogan Baseball’s All Star Game will be played in Washington this coming Tuesday. Since I’m still in the area, I’ll probably go. I’ve been to three such games over the years, Washington in 1969, Baltimore in 1993, and Philadelphia in 1996. So I thought four would make a nice, even number. My memories …
Jul 09
Cracker Jack Old Timers game brought stars to baseball-hungry Washington
Now that the starting lineups have been announced and the rosters filled, Washington is abuzz about the 89th major league All-Star game. Many historians will tell you will that the July 17th game will be the fifth All-Star meeting in the nation’s capital, the first since 1969, and they’d be technically correct. However, each summer …
Jul 02
Celebrating baseball’s evolution and sense of community
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden’s baseball roots aren’t in Washington, but she knows the sense of pride that baseball fans in the nation’s capital feel toward their team and national pastime. “They represent the capital, and the team in the capital, and this is the all-American game,” she said, previewing the Library of Congress’ new …
Jun 25
Legendary catcher Berg’s story comes to life on screen
Moe Berg is known as a man who possibly changed history, although the former Washington Senators catcher is best remembered for decidedly non-baseball skills. Anyone who has visited the International Spy Museum has likely seen Berg’s photo and read his story, and some who have been inside CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., may have seen …
Jun 11
Paul Casanova displayed his tenacity in historic contest
Endurance is the most remarkable trait of professional athletes. Whether it’s Alex Ovechkin grinding through 13 NHL seasons before winning the Stanley Cup or Max Scherzer powering through eight innings to strike out 13 batters, remarkable displays of strength and stamina make for compelling competition. On June 12, 1967, 41 years ago Tuesday, Senators catcher …
Jun 04
McMullen draws birthday love from DC fans
Washington baseball fans still love Ken McMullen. The former Senators third baseman’s 76th birthday was June 1, and there were dozens of likes and comments on a post recognizing the occasion on two DC Baseball History Facebook pages. The post included a photo of McMullen wearing a Senators uniform, in a fielding pose and wearing …
May 28
The team that almost moved to Washington in 1973
Imagine if the names of franchise greats inscribed on the mezzanine of Nationals Park included Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith and Willie McCovey. What if, instead of tracing its roots back to Montreal, Washington’s baseball team had its origins in San Diego? It might have happened if the dreams of Washington baseball fans 45 summers ago …
