Bert Shepard, a one-legged pitcher, begins a successful tryout with the Washington Senators

Bert Shepard, a one-legged pitcher, begins a successful tryout with the Washington Senators

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 15, 1945, Bert Shepard, a one-legged pitcher, begins a successful tryout with the Washington Senators. Shepard had been gunned down east of Hamburg on his 34th mission as a P-38 fighter pilot, his life was saved by the doctor Lieutenant Ladislaus Loidl of the German Army, his leg was amputated. During the tryout…

Washington Senators outfielder Stan Spence goes 6-for-6 against Browns

Washington Senators outfielder Stan Spence goes 6-for-6 against Browns

ByThis Day in Baseball

On June 1, 1944, Washington Senators outfielder Stan Spence goes 6-for-6 in an 11-5 win over the St. Louis Browns. Spence, who collects five singles and a home run, will finish the season with a .316 batting average and career highs in home runs (18) and RBIs (100). Game ticket & learn more about the…

elmer gedeon

Elmer John Gedeon becomes the first major league player to lose his life serving in World War II

ByThis Day in Baseball

On April 20, 1944, Elmer John Gedeon becomes the first major league player to lose his life serving in World War II. The 26-year-old Gedeon, who played briefly as an outfielder for the Washington Senators in 1939, dies when his plane is shot down over St. Pol, France. Gedeon served in the Army Air Corps…

In Maryland, the Washington Senators start spring training with six knuckleballers likely to make the staff

In Maryland, the Washington Senators start spring training with six knuckleballers likely to make the staff

ByThis Day in Baseball

In Maryland, the Washington Senators start spring training with six knuckleballers likely to make the staff: Alex Carrasquel, Mickey Haefner, Dutch Leonard, Bill Lefebvre, Johnny Niggeling and Roger Wolff. Solid catcher Rick Ferrell will have to corral the flutterballs. Finally, Haefner, Leonard, Niggeling and Wolff will join Early Wynn in the starting rotation. The rest go to the bullpen.

Rick Ferrell

Future Hall of Fame catcher Rick Ferrell is traded by the St. Louis Browns

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 1, 1944, future Hall of Fame catcher Rick Ferrell is traded by the St. Louis Browns to the Washington Senators for outfielder Gene “Rowdy” Moore and cash. Ferrell will hit .277 for Washington in 1944. future Hall of Fame catcher Rick Ferrell is traded by the St. Louis Browns to the Washington Senators…

Washington Senators acquire veteran outfielder Bob Johnson

Washington Senators acquire veteran outfielder Bob Johnson

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 20, 1943, the Washington Senators acquire veteran outfielder Bob Johnson from the Philadelphia A’s for outfielder-third baseman Bobby Estalella and infielder Jimmy Pofahl. A member of the A’s since 1933, Johnson has led the Athletics in RBI in each of the last seven seasons – no team has ever traded a slugger with that…

1939 Spring Training Game Lefty Gomez

Yankees sell future Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez to the Boston Braves

ByThis Day in Baseball

On January 25, 1943, the Yankees sell future Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez to the rival Boston Braves. Gomez will never pitch in a game for the Braves, who decided to release the veteran southpaw. Gomez will eventually sign with the Washington Senators. Gomez will make 1 start for the Senators, and never pitch again…

At Fenway Park‚ the Red Sox sweep two from the Senators‚ 13 – 9 and 10 – 3. Ted Williams has only 5 official at bats‚ but has 3 hits – all homers – to take over the American League lead from Charlie Keller. Ted walks 4 times.

At Fenway Park‚ the Red Sox sweep two from the Senators‚ 13 – 9 and 10 – 3. Ted Williams has only 5 official at bats‚ but has 3 hits – all homers – to take over the American League lead from Charlie Keller. Ted walks 4 times.

ByThis Day in Baseball

At Fenway Park‚ the Red Sox sweep two from the Senators‚ 13 – 9 and 10 – 3. Ted Williams has only 5 official at bats‚ but has 3 hits – all homers – to take over the American League lead from Charlie Keller. Ted walks 4 times.