Just like California Chrome coming off his Preakness victory in mid May, the Nationals finally seem to be rounding into form. They have won seven of their past nine games, outscoring opponents 53-16. The bats have been hot, with the fifth best OPS in the National League at .737 since the start of the month. …
Jun 06
6 June 1944 D-Day
The 100th anniversary of the D-Day invasion is now but 30 years in the future. On that date a time capsule will be opened at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The sacrifice of those who participated is remembered today. The Allied invasion force, from the Navy, Army and Air Force, comprises nearly 400,000 …
Jun 02
Sub-.500 team can blame some familiar “Nats killers”
Yu Darvish’s performance on Sunday (five hits in eight innings with 12 strikeouts) certainly qualifies as one of the better games ever pitched against the Nationals, but this was also his first time facing them. Luckily for Washington fans, Darvish plays in the American League, so as Bob Carpenter might say, they’ll “see Yu later” …
May 29
’05 Nats win 27 of 34 games
The Washington Nationals, the newest baseball franchise in D.C. ended a five game losing streak by beating the St. Louis Cardinals 3 to 2. This one run victory would be the beginning of a five and a half week span that was one of the most enjoyable times in D.C. baseball history. The Nationals will …
May 19
With rotation dinged again, Nats need quality starts – and good luck
Another week, another key injury for the Nationals. This time it’s Gio Gonzalez, who landed on the disabled list of for the first time in his seven-year career after being knocked around for a second straight start. If you’re keeping score at home, that makes eight members of the opening day roster who have been …
May 17
Charles Petty’s Bad Year
Charles Petty had a bad year in 1894. Charles Petty made his major league debut in 1889. Returning to the minors in 1893 he won 20 games for Savannah in the Southern Association. He signs with New York Giants. Petty pitches well and no doubt expected further success in 1894. The depression of 1893 is …
May 14
The Big Train gives up First Earned Run in 55 Innings
May 14, 1913 – Washington Senators’ Walter Johnson streak of consecutive shutout innings pitched ended at 55 2/3 innings. The Senators star pitcher gave up a run against the St. Louis Browns in the 4th inning of the game that was played at Sportsman’s Park. Johnson improved his record to 8-0 as the Senators outscored …
May 12
Parity? Nationals put disparity on display
Parity seems to be a buzzword in the major leagues these days. Much has been written about how the low-budget, small-market teams like the Oakland A’s are competitive with big-spending clubs. It was disparity, however, that best described last weekend’s series between Nationals and the A’s. It played out like a three-day infomercial for “Moneyball,” …
May 09
“A big stiff!”
Did you hear the one about the fan who called a baseball player “A big stiff!” and was then tossed into jail? It happened at National Park on Saturday 14 April 1894 in an exhibition game. Washington defeated the local YMCA nine in a one-sided game. Fans might have remembered that Harry Colliflower was in …
