Washington Baseball Timeline

Oct. 27, 1960: Washington Senators President Calvin Griffith is granted permission to move the franchise to Minneapolis. The American League simultaneously admits an expansion team to Washington, D.C., to replace the Senators.

Nov. 17, 1960: A native of Washington and head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Elvin Quesada was awarded the expansion Washington Senators.

Sept. 21, 1961: The final game is played at Griffith Stadium, with the expansion Senators losing to the former Senators - now the Minnesota Twins - 6-3, before just 1,498 fans.

April 9, 1962: D.C. Stadium, later renamed Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in 1969, opens as the new home of the expansion Washington Senators. The Senators defeat the Detroit Tigers, 4-1, before a crowd of 42,143 fans including President John F. Kennedy.

July 10, 1962: The All-Star Game comes to D.C. Stadium, as Washington native Maury Wills earns MVP honors in a 3-1 win for the National League.

Aug. 1, 1962: An all-time Washington record crowd of 48,147 fans attend a twinbill at D.C. Stadium vs. the New York Yankees.

Sept. 12, 1962: Washington pitcher Tom Cheney establishes a big league record when he strikes out 21 batters during a 16-inning victory at Baltimore.

Dec. 4, 1964: The Nationals acquire Frank Howard in a seven-player trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He goes on to win two AL home run titles in Washington.

April 11, 1966: Emmett Ashford becomes the first African-American umpire to work a Major League game when he works the Opening Day game at D.C. Stadium between Washington and Cleveland.

June 12, 1967: The Washington Senators defeat the Chicago White Sox, 6-5, in 22 innings at D.C. Stadium, marking the longest night game in baseball history. It requires 6 hours, 38 minutes and ends at 2:43 a.m.

April 8, 1969: The New York Yankees spoil the managerial debut of Ted Williams at RFK Stadium in Washington, 8-4. More than 45,000 fans - including President Richard Nixon - are in attendance.

June 5, 1969: Washington holds the first overall pick in the Major League Baseball Rule 4 Draft for the first time since the draft's inception in 1965. The Senators chose outfielder Jeff Burroughs from Wilson High School in Long Beach, Calif.

July 22, 1969: For the first time in its history, the All-Star Game is postponed due to rain. The game is played the following day at RFK Stadium and hometown favorite Frank Howard delights the fans with a homer.

Sept. 26, 1969: With their 82nd victory, the expansion Senators and manager Ted Williams clinch their only winning season in the nation's capital.