Shortstop helps Washington propel upwards in AL Standings. A 9-year major league veteran, 1947-1953, Sam Dente played 46 games at third base as a rookie with the Red Sox in 1947. Traded to the old St Louis Browns and moved to the shortstop position the next year, he hit a solid .270 with 11 doubles in 98 games. In the winter of '48 he was sold to the Washington Senators and played a major role in the team's success - going from last in the standings in the league to a 5th place finish in 1950. During the regularly scheduled 154 game season during the 1950s, Dente missed just one game for his new team in the next two seasons. In 1949 he batted .273, with a career-best 24 doubles, scored 48 runs with 53 RBIs... and in '50 batted .239, with 20 doubles, 56 Runs and 59 RBIs, while playing SS and second base.

An always hustling baseball player here's how 'Who's Who Magazine' described Sam Dente in 1949 & 1950 Editions - 'The surprise success at short last season after his purchase from the Browns in '48. He did a great defensively, hit .273 and was rated by many as the Senators most valuable.' 'The club's ironman played every game last season - proving himself good at both short and second. His hitting fell off - but he will snap back this season, he says. Born in Harrison, New Jersey... Nickname - Blackie