"IT WAS FLAPPER DAY AT THE BALL PARK"

NATIONALS TAKE ON "RUTHLESS" YANKEES IN SEASON OPENER

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 12, 1922, the major league baseball season began here in the Nation's Capital as thousands came out to watch the Nationals take on the Yankees*.

The Evening Star reports "it was 'flapper day' at the ball park."  Even the deep center field bleachers were packed with girls dressed in "bright new tweed suits, sport hats and easy low shoes."

One flapper said, "Gee, I want to see Babe Ruth**...slam out one of his homers."  

She would sadly be disappointed because the Sultan of Swat had been suspended.  Perhaps she got to see President Warren G. Harding throw out the first pitch. 

The final score was 6-5 in favor of the home team.  Winning Pitcher, George Mogridge (Nats), Losing Pitcher Sad Sam Jones (Yanks). Attendance 27,000.  

*The Nationals played home games at American League Park in 1922. The ball park was renamed Griffith Stadium (1923) for Washington team owner Clark Griffith.

**George Herman 'Babe' Ruth was suspended for the first six weeks of the 1922 major league baseball season for disobeying the rule against off season barnstorming (traveling to various locations, usually small towns, to play in exhibition games). 

 JFK+50 NOTE

The names "Nationals" and "Senators" have been used interchangeably over the years by both media and fans.

 

 Fashionable Bowler Hat

 

 

 

Babe Ruth Knocked Unconscious

In Front of RF Grandstand

Griffith Stadium (1924)

Library of Congress