The following article about the Homestead Grays playing the Beaver Falls Elks highlights the barnstorming nature of baseball in the Negro Leagues. This is a rare look at the Grays during their early years. Long back breaking bus rides were the norm. Games in small towns across the great heart land meant the pay day …
Dec 02
Frank Bonner
Bonner had a great rookie season, batting .322. He could have been one of the best, instead he played just six years in the majors, including one year with Washington. Here is Bonner talking about his struggles. The Senators’ second base man is another player who did not realize that insobriety and baseball do not …
Dec 01
Calvin Griffith on why the Nats left Washington 17 October 1978
We want to honor Sam Lacy by presenting articles about the Negro Leagues. Lacy was born in Washington on 23 October 1903, and was a graduate of Howard University. To state that Mr. Lacy had a long and successful career in journalism, his long career spanned parts of nine decades until his passing in 2003, …
Nov 27
Shires Goes to Senators in Big Trade
We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. This is an interesting tale about another unique player. 17 June 1930, Washington acquires Art Shires from the White Sox in exchange for Garland Braxton and Bennie Tate. Of the trade one paper wrote, “Arthur (The Great) Shires, first baseman, ex-box fighter and after-dinner speaker of no …
Nov 18
Anson Declines to Score
Washington is in its second year in the National League. It is 13 July and Anson’s nine is in town to play the Grays. The result a 4 to 0 whitewash of Washington. The visitors were completely shut out for the first time this season. The Chicago’s made desperate efforts to score throughout the contest, …
Nov 15
Washington Walks Away
Wednesday, 3 May 1899. Brooklyn is in Washington playing the final game of their series. Under the competent hands of Ned Hanlon the Brooklyn Superbas are off to a fast start. Thanks in part to the influx of talent from Washington they will go on to win the pennant. Good pitching, timely hitting, sharp fielding …
