TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

February 22, 1936: In celebration of George Washington’s 204th birthday, Walter Johnson hurls a silver dollar across the Rappahannock River, estimated to be a 386-foot toss. The spectacle—it took place in the backyard of Washington’s childhood home in Fredericksburg, Virginia—was one of several events staged by townspeople in celebration of all things Washington, especially the mythological tales of Parson Weems. Congressman Sol Bloom of New York, who donated a 1796 silver dollar for the occasion, declared the feat impossible, putting the odds at 20 to 1 against it. (The Chamber of Commerce wagered $5,000; Bloom refused to pay up)

Big League Debut:

August 2, 1907: Johnson faced Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford in that first game. Cobb dragged a bunt hit against the rookie hurler for the first hit against Johnson in the big leagues. Prior to the game, the Tigers, who where aware of Johnson's amazing record in the minor leagues, tried to rattle the right-hander by calling him "hayseed" and making barnyard noises.

Milestones
In a wild game at Griffith Stadium, on May 14, 1920, Johnson captured his 300thwin, beating Detroit, 9-8

On September 5, 1921, Walter Johnson eclipsed Cy Young's career strikeout mark, bringing his total to 2,287 in a game against the Yankees...

On July 22, 1923, Johnson recorded his 3,000th strikeout, in a win over the Cleveland Indians. Johnson retired with the highest strikeout total in history, a mark he held for 56 years

Johnson notched his 400th victory on May 2, 1926, defeating the Philadelphia Athletics, 4-3, at Washington's Griffith Stadium.

One of the most overlooked chapters in Walter Johnson's career was his brief flirtation with the outlaw Federal League in 1915. Emerging in 1913 as a rival to the American and National Leagues, the Federal League initially played in smaller markets but gained credibility in 1914 when Joe Tinker led the charge for major leaguers to seek higher salaries. On December 3, 1914, Johnson signed a lucrative two-year contract with the Chicago Chi-Feds, reportedly worth around $40,000, making him one of the game's highest-paid players. The signing sent shockwaves through baseball, as Federal League backers, including Charles Weeghman, James Gilmore, Phil Ball, and Harry Sinclair, openly challenged MLB’s dominance. Johnson, however, had skillfully used the Federal League as leverage against Senators' owner Clark Griffith, who had previously offered him multiple contract options ranging from one to five years. Initially, Johnson seemed set on jumping leagues, signing his Chi-Feds contract at home in Coffeyville, Kansas, but by Christmas, he had a change of heart. Fearing a legal battle and not wanting to betray his teammates or fans, he backed out of the deal, infuriating Chicago fans but delighting Griffith, who swiftly secured him for the 1915 season. The Federal League never landed a star of Johnson’s caliber, and as attendance declined and World War I loomed, the league collapsed in 1916, with Weeghman and Ball ultimately purchasing the Cubs and Browns, respectively.

Historic Days!

February 22, 1921, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire future Hall of Fame shortstop Rabbit Maranville from the Boston Braves for outfielders Billy Southworth and Fred Nicholson, infielder Walt Barbare, and $15,000.

Ryne Duren was born on February 22, 1929. He was known for his “coke-bottle” glasses and as one of the most intimidating pitchers of his era, due to his great fastball and occasional wildness. He was an All-Star in 3 seasons, was a member of the 1958 World Series champion New York Yankees, and led the AL in saves (with 19) in 1958 when he was runner-up to the AL Rookie of the Year. In his 10-year career (1954, 1957-1965), Duren had 55 saves, 630 strikeouts in 589 IP, & 3.83 ERA. Ryne passed away in 2011 at the age of 81.

February 22, 1934 Hall of Fame manager George “Sparky” Anderson was born in Bridgewater, SD to LeRoy and Shirley Anderson.

Nicknamed Captain Hook (for his penchant of using his bullpen often), he played 1 season in MLB (in 1959). He is known as one of the greatest managers in Major League Baseball history.

In 26 seasons (1970-1995), he won 7 Division titles, 5 Pennants, and 3 World Series titles (1975-76 Cincinnati Reds, 1984 Detroit Tigers, becoming the 1st manager to win World Series titles in both leagues), His uniform #10 is retired by the Reds and his uniform #11 is retired by the Tigers. Anderson’s 2,194 managerial wins rank 6th all-time. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. Sparky passed away in 2010 at the age of 76.

February 22, 1936: In celebration of George Washington’s 204th birthday, Walter Johnson hurls a silver dollar across the Rappahannock River, estimated to be a 386-foot toss. The spectacle—it took place in the backyard of Washington’s childhood home in Fredericksburg, Virginia—was one of several events staged by townspeople in celebration of all things Washington, especially the mythological tales of Parson Weems. Congressman Sol Bloom of New York, who donated a 1796 silver dollar for the occasion, declared the feat impossible, putting the odds at 20 to 1 against it. (The Chamber of Commerce wagered $5,000; Bloom refused to pay up, claiming

February 22, 1978 – World Series hero Reggie Jackson introduces. The Reggie candy bar is introduced at a press conference & luncheon at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Watch the commercial here.

February 22, 2005 — Jerry Coleman is the recipient of the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award. The 80 year-old San Diego play-by-play broadcaster, who was the MVP of the 1950 World Series, has spent 41 years in the booth calling games for the Yankees, Angels, and Padres.

February 22, 2006 — The Los Angeles Dodgers announce the team has extended the contract of Vin Scully through 2008. The Hall of Fame broadcaster, considered by many to be the best announcer in history, is beginning his 57th year in the Dodger organization, which is believed to be the longest tenure of any on-air individual in sports history..

Todays featured clip:

TRIVIA

TRIVIA: Walter Johnson won 38 1-0 games over his career. How many did he lose?

A. 38

B. 20

C. 24

D. 15

Answer in tomorrows newsletter

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Birthday Boys!

 ANSWER TO YESTERDAY’S TRIVIA

TRIVIA: Rollie Fingers saved 341 over his career, he was the all time leader when he retired passing Hoyt Wilhelm. Who passed Fingers?

Jeff Reardon passed Rollie in 1992, he held the all time lead until Lee Smith passed him the following season.

Passings.

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