Opening Day Philadelphia Phillies vs the Washington Nationals

April 4, 2005 Citizens Bank Park

Washington vs Philadelphia

The last time a Washington major league team played an official game in Philadelphia it was Monday August 23, 1954 and included the conclusion of a suspended game of the day before and a regular scheduled game between the Washington Senators and Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics.

The Senators won both games 8-5 & 10-3 in front of a Connie Mack Stadium crowd of only 2,094.

On that Sunday as was normal back then a doubleheader was scheduled. The Senators won the first game 7-3 in 12 innings. In the second game the A's were ahead 4-2 with the Senators at bat in the top of the 9th with 2 outs and 2 men on base. Mickey Vernon the Senators last hope socked a 3 and 2 pitch for a double that missed clearing that huge right field wall by inches scoring both runners to tie the game. The A's did not score in their half of the ninth. It was now past 6pm.

In those days Philadelphia had a law known as the Blue Law that forbid an inning to begin after 6pm. Consequently the game was suspended until the next day and resulted in that Senators Monday first game 8-5 win .

After the Athletics left Philadelphia for Kansas City the Senators did return to Philadelphia to play the Phillies in Junior Baseball Federation exhibition games in the late 1950's.

The A's Society and the Washington Senators Historical Society will join together on Monday April 4, 2005 as a Washington major league team returns to Philadelphia to open the 2005 season. A limited number of tickets are available. Please contact the Philadelphia A's Society for more specific details. Ticket costs are $40 each. This offer available only to members of the Philadelphia A's Society.

Photo on right: Mickey Vernon Washington Senators great

Related Links:

• The Fight for Sunday Baseball in Philadelphia

• Mickey Vernon Honored by PA Sports Hall of Fame
• Mickey Vernon Statue Day