Originally posted 12 years ago. “Bob Short’s Picnic Table Diplomacy” 1969 Spring Training 1969′s spring training may have been the most unique in Washington baseball history. Change abounded. The club sported a new owner, Robert E. Short, a celebrity manager, Ted Williams, and even new uniforms (the elegant navy blue pinstripes replaced by gleaming white …
Tag: Ted Williams
Feb 21
This Date in Washington Senators History – Ted Williams returns to baseball full-time
February 21 1969 Ted Williams returns to baseball full-time, signing a five-year contract to manage the Washington Senators. Senators Birthdays Joseph Anthony Foy B Feb. 21, 1943 D Oct. 12, 1989 Originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins before the start of the 1962 season, Joe Foy would be drafted by the Boston Red Sox in …
Feb 14
Ted Williams agrees to manage ’69 Senators
On February 14, 1969 the AP reported that Hall of Famer, Ted Williams has agreed to manage the Washington Senators. From what I could gather Williams agreed to a 5-year contract that would pay him a sizable salary plus shares of the team stock. The exact compensation package could not be verified but it is …
Jan 18
This Date in Washington Senators History – Senators name Ted Williams as their new manager.
January 18 1969 The last-place Washington Senators name former Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams as their new manager. Williams signs a five-year contract worth a reported salary of $75,000 per season. In Williams’ inaugural season as a manager, the Senators will finish with a record of 86-76, the best mark (and their only over …
Aug 30
This Date in Washington Senators History – 1950 Senators knock Tigers out of 1st place
August 30 1906 – “Slow” Joe Doyle of New York becomes the first pitcher of the 1900’s to start a career with two straight shutouts when he whitewashes the Nats, 5-0, in the Big Apple. Despite the rousing start, Doyle will only win 22 games in a 4 year career. In game 2, the Highlanders, …
Apr 25
The Joyful Sendoff of 1969
(Part 2 of a 3-part series) The Joyful Sendoff of 1969 After their triumphant return home from the late June into early July road trip that left them with a winning record, the 1969 Senators stumbled into the All-Star break with a 51-50 record. Still, all baseball marveled at the makeover Ted Williams had engineered …
Apr 24
The Passion of Senators Fans in 1969: The Raucous Welcome for the Nats at Friendship Airport
(Part 1 of a 3-part series) Starved for a winner, Washington baseball fans went a little crazy when it looked like they might actually get one in 1969. Once the thrill of having Ted Williams on board as manager wore off, the team had to prove themselves in the standings. After 16 years of losing …
Apr 23
This Date in Washington Senators History – Johnson pitches his 5th Opening Day shutout
April 23 1903 – The New York Highlanders won their first major-league game with a 7-2 decision over the Washington Senators. Pitcher Harry Howell gets the win for New York. 1919 – Walter Johnson records his 5th Opening Day shutout, defeating the Philadelphia Athletics 1-0 in 13 innings. Click here for the Box Score. 1969 …
Apr 18
This Date in Washington Senators History
April 18 1960 – Playing their last season in Washington, the original Senators start the season with a 10-1 win over the Boston Red Sox. Ted Williams, playing in his last season, would hit a 500 foot home run in his first at bat, giving him a career total of 493, tying him with Lou …
Apr 07
This Date in Washington Senators History – Ted Williams’ debut as the Senators manager
April 7, 1969 Ted Williams‘ debut as the new Senators manager is spoiled as the Yankees defeat Washington on Opening Day by a score of 8-4. Mel Stottlemeyer gets the win for the Yankees, Camilio Pascual is charged with the loss for the Senators. Frank Howard strokes a 2 run homer. The Senators outhit the …
