Digits Dynasty is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

HIGHLIGHTED SHOW - DIGITS DYNASTY

“Digits Dynasty” is an engaging podcast where we debate the greatest athletes to don each uniform number in sports history.

Each episode focuses on a specific number, featuring passionate discussions, stats, and anecdotes across all of sports history, that highlight the legends who wore it. From iconic moments to personal stories, we break down the impact these athletes had on their teams and the game itself.

Learn more about the show on the Sports History Network.

Going way back in history, sometimes you uncover incredible stories. This is one of them. Long before Louisville Slugger became synonymous with @MLB , baseball players did whatever they could to make their own bats or have someone else make a bat for them. Pete Browning turned to an acquaintance when he failed to get a hit for two straight games. He considered that a slump! So, Browning's acquaintance went to his woodworking shop and crafted Pete a new bat, and it worked. Pete proceeded to end his slump. It was the birth of the Louisville Slugger. Browning was unique. Browning played in the American Association (at the time, the AA was recognized as a pre-eminent professional league), the Players League, and the National League. He believed that a baseball bat had a limited number of hits in it; he gave each bat its own name, and he had many, many quirks. Despite his career batting average of .341, Browning is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Of course, an argument can be made either way, but the fact is, he was one of the best - if not the best - hitter of his time. On this episode of SFH, Tim Newby the author of "The Original Louisville Slugger," joins the show for a wonderful discussion on a baseball pioneer, Pete Browning.

In 1924, the Washington Nationals (they were the Nationals, but also referred to as the Senators) won their first-ever World Series. It was a remarkable season for the Nationals. Owner Clark Griffith dismissed manager Donnie Bush just after the 1923 campaign and named Bucky Harris player-manager. It was a huge risk. Harris was only 27 years old and had only played four years in @MLB . How would the veterans on the team respond to taking orders from someone so young? What kind of experience and knowledge did such a young ballplayer possess? To the surprise of many, everyone accepted him, even aging veterans such as Roger Peckinpaugh and Walter Johnson. In fact, Johnson, who was coming off the first arm injury of his career, was hoping to rebound in his age-36 season, in what was supposed to be the final season of his career. Not only did "The Big Train" rebound he went 23-7 and won the MVP. He was sensational. Everything fell into place for Washington in 1924. A perennial second-division team, the Nats/Sens surprised everyone, won the American League, and then defeated the heavily favored New York Giants in the World Series to capture their first and only World Series Championship. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, author Gary Sarnoff who wrote the book, "A Team of Destiny," joins the show for a wonderful discussion of a team that time has forgotten, the 1924 Washington Nationals (Senators).

In this enlightening discussion, the focus shifts to the extraordinary 1924 Washington Senators, a team that defied expectations and emerged victorious in the World Series. The podcast intricately details key players such as Bucky Harris, the young player-manager, and Walter Johnson, a legendary pitcher who made a remarkable comeback after an injury. Their contributions are highlighted as the episode explores the dynamics within the team and the strategies employed by management. The narrative encapsulates the essence of teamwork, perseverance, and the spirit of competition that characterized this historic season. Listeners gain insight into the societal and cultural impact of this team's success amidst the backdrop of early 20th-century America, making it a compelling narrative that transcends the realm of sports.

Takeaways:

• The Washington Nationals, originally known as the Senators, have a complex and storied history in Major League Baseball, marked by numerous team changes and relocations.
• The 1924 season was significant for the Washington Nationals, culminating in their first World Series championship, a feat that remains a historic highlight for the franchise.
• Walter Johnson, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, finally achieved his lifelong dream of winning a World Series game during the 1924 championship series.
• Bucky Harris, at the age of 27, became the youngest manager to lead a team to a World Series victory, demonstrating exceptional leadership and resilience throughout the season.
• The support of the Washington fans, coupled with the team's unexpected success, created an electrifying atmosphere during the 1924 World Series, showcasing the city's deep connection to baseball.
• The narrative of the 1924 Washington Nationals reflects themes of perseverance and redemption, particularly through the careers of Walter Johnson and Bucky Harris.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Washington Nationals
• Washington Senators
• Montreal Expos
• Texas Rangers
• Minnesota Twins
• American League
• National League