The 2014 edition of the Natsfest appeared to be an overwhelming success. The new home at National Harbor appeared to be a good choice, far better than having it at the ballpark where the fans would experience the deep freeze that has been visiting the area. The crowds are large and the youth events are …
Jan 22
Jack Stivetts Baseball Thief
Saturday 30 April 1898 Jack Stivetts was a hard playing, hard drinking ballplayer. He could also swing a bat and was among the fastest pitchers in the game. All in all a unique ball player. But did you know he loved to steal baseballs. The game at National Park Saturday afternoon, in which the Senators …
Jan 21
“McGuire Goes”
13 July 1899, Washington trades Jim McGuire to the Brooklyn Dodgers. McGuire is the most popular player on the roster. His exodus joins a long list of other players whose departure was done not to improve the team but line the pockets of the Wagners. Here is the report in the press. Managers Arthur Irwin …
Jan 13
The Big Sleep
We turn back the clock to the last baseball game played by a Washington team prior to the return of baseball in 2005. 10 October 1899 Washington 5 Baltimore 5 The Washington and Baltimore club played their last game of the season together today in the latter city, and after six innings of play the …
Jan 13
Original National Jamey Carroll returns
One of the men who was on the field when baseball returned to Washington in 2005 for the first time in 34 seasons will be back in a Nationals uniform this spring. The Nationals signed 40-year-old Jamey Carroll to a minor league contract last week, a deal that included an invitation to spring training. The …
Jan 12
Interview with Jack Doyle
Jack Doyle was smart, tough and one of the most respected players of his generation. Born in Killorglin, Ireland he went on to attend school at Fordham. This interview was written just after the Wagner’s had acquired him from Baltimore. His stay in Washington would be short; he would soon be sold to New York. …
Jan 12
Mercer’s Nicknames
Win Mercer was a not only a good pitcher but a versatile player, being one of the fastest players of his day. He was a smart pitcher who kept a book on all the hitters. A correspondent writing to the Sporting Life from East Liverpool, Ohio, says: “While it is not generally known, the name …
Jan 11
Warm Weather and talk turns to Baseball
Baseball fans sit and wait for the weather to turn, while some make plans for the trip down south to catch their team in the Grapefruit League. Once again Washington fans have reason to be optimistic. New arrivals like Jerry Blevens and Doug Fister should bolster a formidable line-up. Maybe Mr. Espinosa can learn how …
Jan 11
Mickey Vernon Museum Receives Ted Williams Letter
On January 8 of this year, the Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum, through Jim Vankoski, curator of the museum, received a surprise donation from Morris “Moe” Bergman of Worcester, MA and Alan Langsner of Needham, MA. The gift was a letter that Mickey Vernon wrote to Ted Williams on January 24th, 1966. Mickey, winner of two American …
Jan 09
The 1948 Project – 5 August 1948 Whisper’s from Washington
Gene Bearden wins but is outpitched by Ray Scarborough in a mound duel. Cleveland turns an amazing six double plays, crippling Washington’s offense. Ray Scarborough took his sixth loss, scattering two runs in his seven innings of work. Both runs earned by the long ball. Jim Hegan and Bearden back to back in the third. …
