Washington Senators (1950-1951) Although the Senators had many quality players during the early 1950s, due to lack of attendance, they were forced to move to Minnesota during the 1960s.

The team played in Griffin Stadium in Washington, D.C. - Capacity 29,731- Left Field 402 ft., Center 426 ft., Right 328 ft.

The Senators (Nationals) ended in 5th place in 1950 with a 67-87 record. Manager Stan "Bucky" Harris had high hopes for a first division finish for '51, but the team dropped to 7th place with a 62-92 W-L.

In order to increased the flow of home runs at Griffin Stadium, the Senators owner, Clark Griffin, had stands constructed which brought the distances in by 19 feet in early 1950. When the opposition hit 8 of the first 9 homers into the new stands, Griffin had the seats torn down.

Reviewing the Pitchers:

Sid Hudson, Pitcher RH - the big 6 foot, 4 inch right-hander posted a 14-14 record, 4.03 ERA, started 30 games, completed 17. "Who's Who 1951 Magazine" states this - "The lanky, courageous hurler seemed finished in '48 with a bad arm. Changed from over-arm to sidearm delivery and last season led the Nat pitchers in wins and ERA. He may add a submarine pitch to his assortment this year." In 1951, Hudson was 5-12 but pitched most of the season with a pulled side muscle.

Maurice 'Mickey' Harris, Relief Pitcher LH - The well-known reliever appeared in 53 games in 1950, was 5-9 in 98 innings... ranks as one of the best bullpen aces in baseball. Collected a nice 3.83 ERA in '51 in 41 games, 6-8 W-L.

Conrad Marrero, Pitcher RH - Started 27 games in '50, completing 8... comes from Havana, Cuba... walked only 55 batters in 152 innings... In '51, the popular Marrero was 11-9 for a Senator team that was 62-92. Throws a dancing knuckleball!

Ray Scarborough, Pitcher RH - the ace of the pitching staff in '49... the 6 foot hard-thrower was 13-11 in '49 in 200 innings... ranked as one of the top right-handers in the AL.

Sandalio Conseugra, Pitcher RH - Hailing from Cuba... "Sandy" Conseugra was an immediate winner in '50. He started 21 games, completed 8 and was 8-7 for the year. The young star was the AL's best fielding pitcher in '51... appearing in 40 games, going 7-8, with an ERA of 4.56.

Bob Potterfield, Pitcher RH - Traded to Washington in June of 1951, Potterfield was ranked as one of the AL best mound-masters during the decade of the '50s. In 21 games in '51, he was 9-8 for the Senators, and led the team in ERA with 3.51.

Joe Haynes, Pitcher RH - Been hurling in the majors for over 12 years. Nagged by an arm operation in '49, the 6' 2" still is one the team's best-liked pitchers. In '50, Haynes appeared in 27 games, was 7-5 in 102 innings. In 26 games in '51, Haynes was 1-4 including a 4.56 ERA.

Infielders:

Eddie Yost, Third Baseman RH - A resounding leadoff hitter and one of the best defensive 3rd-baseman in baseball, Yost led the majors in walks in 1950... and scored 114 runs for a team that tallied only 690 runs all year. "Who's Who 1952 Magazine" states this - Certainly one of the greatest 3rd basemen in the majors - quick as lightning. Last season was his fourth with Nats. Given the the leadoff position he broke a team record by getting 141 walks - hit .283." - Our manager@baseballhistorian.com says - "Yost's all-around baseball skills rate with the best of 3rd basemen in the history of the game."

Jim "Mickey" Vernon, First Baseman LH - A two-time American League batting champion... Although injured in 1950, Vernon still managed to lead the Senators in batting with .306 in 90 games. In 141 games in 1951, the star first baseman hit .293. Acknowledged as a defensive whiz, Vernon led the AL in fielding with a .994 pct.

San Dente, Shortstop/2nd Base RH - One of the team's iron-men, the always hustling Dente played every game in '50... slugged 20 doubles, 5 Ts and homered twice in 603 at bats, batting .239.

Pete Runnels, Shortstop RH - Captured the attention of Senator fans in his rookie year (1950) by hitting .278 and with his fancy fielding... went on to win two AL batting crowns.

Newt "Mickey" Grasso, Catcher RH - A gusty, gritty catcher, Mickey Grasso played 60-90 games a year... in '50, hit .287 in 75 games. Outfielders:-

Gil Coan, Outfielder, Bats LH, T RH - One of the league's top flyhawks, the hustling Coan had the misfortune to crack his skull in 1950... still managed to top the team in batting with .303 in 135 games, collecting 163 hits, 229 total bases.

Sam Mele, Outfielder RH - Although slowed by injuries, Mele Led the team with 94 RBIs in '50... and led the AL in fielding Percentage with .994, committing only 2 errors in 124 games.

Irv Noren, Outfielder LH - Another of the club's injured Outfielders - Noren fractured his jaw in '50 - but still played in 129 games... hitting .279 with 142 hits. Noted for his defensive Noren seemingly "could run faster than the batted ball."

Sherry Robertson, OF/IF Bats LH, T RH - An all-around athlete who could play infield and outfield... Robertson was a valuable platoon player... capable of hitting the long ball... collected 21 hits in 62 games in '51 with 28 total bases.

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