DC-Internet Baseball Writers Association Announce 2011 Player Achievement Awards

The Washington, DC chapter of the Internet Baseball Writers Association is an organization comprised of internet writers, on-line media outlets, and bloggers.

In accordance with its stated goal of promoting the members of the association and increasing awareness and respect as active members of the media that cover the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball club, the DC-IBWA is pleased to announce its member-voted winners of the 2011 Player Achievement Awards.

Each individual award is named after a member of the district’s storied baseball heritage, to promote awareness of the significance of the history of Washington, DC baseball. Biographies of the honored historical players can be found at this link.

Voters were asked to name first, second and third place for each category. First place votes received five points, second place votes received three points and third place votes received one point.

In addition, the voters were also asked to respond to six survey questions about the Nationals and the on-line media community.

Twenty-five ballots from association members were submitted from the following online media outlets: Nationals News Network, Nationals Daily News, Federal Baseball, WeLoveDC.com, NNN: Off the Field, Centerfield Gate, FJB, Nationals Inquisition, Bang! Zoom!, Nats Nation, Let Teddy Win!, Nationals Review, Nats Triple Play, William World News, The Nats Blog, First Ladies of Baseball, For Love of the Nationals, Nationals Prospects, Capitol Baseball, Nationals Arms Race, Nats GM, Nats Noodles, Sharkadina, DC is for Baseball.

You can find more information about the DC-IBWA, or our membership, by visiting our website at http://dc-ibwaa.blogspot.com/ or contacting us at DCIBWA@gmail.com.

__________________________________________________

2011 WASHINGTON NATIONALS PLAYER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Goose Goslin Most Valuable Player
(Player most valuable to the success of the Washington Nationals):

1st: Michael Morse (108 points, 19 first place votes)
2nd: Ryan Zimmerman (41 points, 2 first place votes)
3rd: Danny Espinosa (32 points, 3 first place votes)

Others receiving votes: Tyler Clippard (24-one first place vote), Jordan Zimmermann (11), Drew Storen (4), Stephen Strasburg (3), Wilson Ramos (3).

Walter Johnson Starting Pitcher of the Year
(Excellent performance as a starting pitcher):

1st: Jordan Zimmermann (125 points, 25 first place votes)
2nd: John Lannan (51 points)
3rd: Livan Hernandez (18 points)

Others receiving votes: Stephen Strasburg (13), Ross Detwiler (9), Jason Marquis (5), Chien-Ming Wang (2).

Frederick "Firpo" Marberry Relief Pitcher of the Year
(Excellent performance as a relief pitcher):

1st: Tyler Clippard (121 points, 23 first place votes)
2nd: Drew Storen (79 points, 2 first place votes)
3rd: Todd Coffey (11 points)

Others receiving votes: Henry Rodriguez (6), Ryan Mattheus (3.5), Tom Gorzelanny (1.5), Sean Burnett (1), Collin Balester (1).

Sam Rice Hitter of the Year
(Excellence in all-around hitting, situational hitting and baserunning):

1st: Michael Morse (103 points, 18 first place votes)
2nd: Ryan Zimmerman (64 points, 6 first place votes)
3rd: Danny Espinosa (23 points)

Others receiving votes: Wilson Ramos (14), Ian Desmond (9), Laynce Nix (6-one first place vote), Jayson Werth (5), Jerry Hairston (1), Roger Bernadina (1), Rick Ankiel (1).

Frank Howard Slugger of the Year
(Excellence in power hitting):

1st: Michael Morse (120 points, 24 first place votes)
2nd:  Danny Espinosa (56 points)
3rd: Ryan Zimmerman (19 points)

Others receiving votes: Laynce Nix (9), Wilson Ramos (5), Jayson Werth (4).

Joe Judge Defensive Player of the Year
(Excellence in fielding):

1st: Danny Espinosa (74 points, 11 first place votes)
2nd: Rick Ankiel (62 points, 8 first place vote)
3rd: Ryan Zimmerman (47 points, 4 first place votes)

Others receiving votes: Wilson Ramos (15-one first place votes), Roger Bernadina (6-one first place vote), Adam LaRoche (6), Michael Morse (5), Jayson Werth (4), Ivan Rodriguez (4), Ian Desmond (2).

Mickey Vernon Comeback Player of the Year
(Player who overcame biggest obstacle in the preceding season to contribute on the field):

1st: Jordan Zimmermann (57 points, 8 first place votes)
2nd: Chien-Ming Wang (55 points, 6 first place votes)
3rd: Stephen Strasburg (52 points, 7 first place votes)

Others receiving votes: Jesus Flores (15-one first place vote), Jason Marquis (5), Rick Ankiel (5-one first place vote), Laynce Nix (3), Roger Bernadina (3), Michael Morse (3), John Lannan (3), Ross Detwiler (1), Ian Desmond (1).

Josh Gibson Humanitarian Player of the Year
(Player who meritoriously gave of himself to the community):

1st: Ian Desmond (65 points, 10 first place votes)
2nd: Ryan Zimmerman (50 points, 8 first place votes)
3rd: John Lannan (20 points)

Others receiving votes: Drew Storen (14-one first place vote), Ivan Rodriguez (12, one first place vote),  Livan Hernandez (9-one first place vote), Danny Espinosa (4), Stephen Strasburg (3), Matt Stairs (2), Brian Bixler (1), Tyler Clippard (1).

Minor League Player of the Year
(Minor league player most destined for big league success):

1st: Bryce Harper (74 points, 13 first place votes)
2nd: Brad Peacock (73 points, 7 first place vote)
3rd: Steve Lombardozzi (26 points, 2 first place votes)

Others receiving votes: Tom Milone (17, one first place vote), Chris Marrero (7), Roger Bernadina (5), David Freitas (3), Derek Norris (3), Tyler Moore (1), Sammy Solis (1), A.J. Cole (1).

__________________________________________________

SURVEY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. What player was the biggest surprise for the Nats this season? Michael Morse (10.5), Wilson Ramos (4), Ryan Mattheus (2), Rick Ankiel (2), Brad Peacock (1), Danny Espinosa (1), Chien-Ming Wang (1), Laynce Nix (.5).

2. What player was the biggest diappointment for the Nats this season? Jayson Werth (15), Adam LaRoche (4.5), Jim Riggleman (1), Sean Burnett (1), Ryan Zimmerman's injury (.5).

3. Will Ryan Zimmerman sign a contract extension before the end of the 2012 season? Yes (16), No (6).

4. Which players on the 40-man roster at the end of the season are least likely to return in 2010? Alex Cora (13), Ivan Rodriguez (13), Jonny Gomes (12), Doug Slaten (12), Laynce Nix (10), Livan Hernandez (9), Todd Coffey (6), Tom Gorzelanny (5), Collin Balester (5), Yunesky Maya (4), Chien-Ming Wang (3), Brian Bixler (3), Elvin Ramirez (3), Rick Ankiel (2), Chris Marrero (2), Roger Bernadina (2), Atahualpa Severino (2), Craig Stammen (1), Henry Rodriguez (1), Adam LaRoche (1), Corey Brown (1), Ross Detwiler (1), Jesus Flores (1), John Lannan (1), Steve Lombardozzi (1)..

5. Who is your favorite professional Nationals writer? Mark Zuckerman (12), Adam Kilgore (6), Dan Steinberg (1), Dave Kindred (1).

6. Who is your favorite non-professional Nationals writer? Harper Gordek, Nationals Baseball (5), Dave Nichols, Nats News Network (4 1/3), Patrick Reddington, Federal Baseball (3), Andrew Kinback, Nationals Inquisition (2), Sue Dinem, Nationals Prospects (2), Nats Daily News Staff (1), Capitol Baseball (1), Nats GM (1/3), Brian Oliver, Nats Farm Authority (1/3).

DC-IBWA Announces 2011 Pre-Season Survey Results

Washington, DC -- Members of the Washington, DC chapter of the Internet Baseball Writers Association were asked to reply to a survey of 12 questions regarding the Washington Nationals upcoming season.  Nineteen members of the association replied to the survey, which asked for predictions on several position battles, statistical leaders, and win projections for the 2011 Nats.

1. Who will lead the Nats in home runs?  Ryan Zimmerman (15), Jayson Werth (4).

2. Who will lead the Nats in RBIs? Zimmerman (10), Werth (4) Adam LaRoche (4), Danny Espinosa (1).

3.  Who will led the Nats in stolen bases? Nyjer Morgan (12), Espinosa (3), Ian Desmond (2), Roger Bernadina (1), Werth (1).

4.  Who will lead the Nats in wins?  Jordan Zimmermann (9), John Lannan (5), Livan Hernandez (2), Tom Gorzelanny (1), Tyler Clippard (1), Jason Marquis (1).

5.  Who will lead the Nats in saves?  Drew Storen (17), Sean Burnett (1), Todd Coffey (1).

6.  Who will lead the Nats in starts?  Hernandez (12), Lannan (5.5), Marquis (1.5).

7.  Which pitcher (Chien-Ming Wang, Yunesky Maya or Ross Detwiler) will make more starts for the Nats?  Maya (8), Detwiler (8), Wang (3).

8.  Which utility player (Rick Ankiel, Jerry Hairston or Alberto Gonzalez) will get more at bats for the Nats?  Ankiel (9), Hairston (8), Gonzalez (2).

9.  Which catcher will get them most at bats for the Nats?  Wilson Ramos (10), Ivan Rodriguez (7), Jesus Flores (2).

10.  How many all-stars will the Nats have and whom? One (14), Two (5).  Ryan Zimmerman (15), Jayson Werth (4), Danny Espinosa (1), Tyler Clippard (1), Jordan Zimmermann (1).

11. Number of wins and place in division?  Fourth (8), Fifth (6), Third (5).  82, 78, 77, 76 (3), 75 (4), 74, 73, 72 (3), 70, 68, 65, 58.

12. Most important development for 2011? Develop young players (6), Recovery of Stephen Strasburg (4), the start of 2012 season (2), Development of Jordan Zimmermann (2), Development of young starting pitching (1), Development of team cohesion (1), Development of Desmond/Espinosa (1).

The DC-IBWA is comprised of independent journalists, websites and blogs that cover the Wahsington Nationals.  For more information about the DC-IBWA, please contact Dave Nichols at natsnewsnetwork at gmail dot com.

DC-Internet Baseball Writers Association Names 2010 Player Achievement Awards

The Washington, DC chapter of the Internet Baseball Writers Association is an organization comprised of internet writers, on-line media outlets, and bloggers.

In accordance with its stated goal of promoting the members of the association and increasing awareness and respect as active members of the media that cover the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball club, the DC-IBWA is pleased to announce its member-voted winners of the 2010 Player Achievement Awards.

Each individual award is named after a member of the district’s storied baseball heritage, to promote awareness of the significance of the history of Washington, DC baseball. Biographies of the honored historical players can be found at this link.

Voters were asked to name first, second and third place for each category. First place votes received five points, second place votes received three points and third place votes received one point.

In addition, the voters were also asked to respond to six survey questions about the Nationals and the on-line media community.

Twenty-eight ballots from association members were submitted from the following online media outlets: Nationals News Network, Nationals Daily News, Federal Baseball, Nats Farm Authority, WeLoveDC.com, Nationals Buzz, NNN: Off the Field, Centerfield Gate, FJB, The Nationals Enquirer, Nationals Inquisition, Nationals Fanboy Looser, Planetary Nats, Bang! Zoom!, Nats Nation, Let Teddy Win!, Nationals Review, DC Sports Plus, Nats Triple Play, William World News,  The Nats Blog, Nationals Fangirls, DC Examiner, First Ladies of Baseball, For Love of the Nationals, Nationals Prospects.

You can find more information about the DC-IBWA, or our membership, by visiting our website at http://dc-ibwaa.blogspot.com/ or contacting us at DCIBWA@gmail.com.

__________________________________________________

2010 WASHINGTON NATIONALS PLAYER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Goose Goslin Most Valuable Player
(Player most valuable to the success of the Washington Nationals):

1st:  Ryan Zimmerman (145 points, 28 first place votes)
2nd:  Adam Dunn (21 points, one first place vote)
3rd:  Livan Hernandez (20)

Others receiving votes:  Stephen Strasburg (9), Josh Willingham (6), Michael Morse (4), Ian Desmond (3), Matt Capps (3), Ivan Rodriguez (2)

Walter Johnson Starting Pitcher of the Year
(Excellent performance as a starting pitcher):

1st:  Livan Hernandez (134 points, 23 first place votes)
2nd:  Stephen Strasburg (95 points, 7 first place votes)
3rd:  John Lannan (30)

Others receiving votes:  Craig Stammen (2)

Frederick "Firpo" Marberry Relief Pitcher of the Year
(Excellent performance as a relief pitcher):

1st:  Tyler Clippard (106 points, 19 first place votes)
2nd:  Sean Burnett (57 points, 2 first place votes)
3rd:  Matt Capps (45.5 points, 5 first place votes)

Others receiving votes:  Drew Storen (19), Joel Peralta (10-one 1st place vote), Craig Stammen (2), Miguel Batista (.5)

Sam Rice Hitter of the Year 
(Excellence in all-around hitting, situational hitting and baserunning):

1st:  Ryan Zimmerman (130 points, 23 first place votes)
2nd:  Adam Dunn (49 points, 2 first place votes)
3rd:  Josh Willingham (38 points, 2 first place votes)

Others receiving votes:  Ian Desmond (18), Michael Morse (13), Nyjer Morgan (5-one 1st place vote), Ivan Rodriguez (1), Roger Bernadina (1)

Frank Howard Slugger of the Year 
(Excellence in power hitting):

1st:  Adam Dunn (145 points, 28 first place votes)
2nd:  Ryan Zimmerman (112)
3rd:  Josh Willingham (23)
 
Others receiving votes:  Michael Morse (19), Ian Desmond (1)
 
Joe Judge Defensive Player of the Year 
(Excellence in fielding):
 
1st:  Ryan Zimmerman (126 points, 24 first place votes)
2nd:  Ivan Rodriguez (43 points, one first place vote)
3rd:  Roger Bernadina (22 points)
 
Others receiving votes:  Danny Espinosa (18-two first place votes), Alberto Gonzalez (16), Ian Desmond (7), Adam Kennedy (6), Willie Harris (5-one first place vote), Livan Hernandez (5), Adam Dunn (3), Nyjer Morgan (1)
 
Mickey Vernon Comeback Player of the Year 
(Player who overcame biggest obstacle in the preceding season to contribute on the field):
 
1st:  Livan Hernandez (73 points, 11 first place votes)
2nd:  Jordan Zimmermann (60 points, 7 first place votes)
3rd:  Roger Bernadina (45 points, 6 first place votes)
 
Others receiving votes:  Matt Capps (31, two first place votes), Ivan Rodriguez (16), Michael Morse (8), John Lannan (7), Stephen Strasburg (5, one first place vote), Joel Peralta (2)
 
Josh Gibson Humanitarian Player of the Year 
(Player who meritoriously gave of himself to the community):
 
1st:  Ryan Zimmerman (66 points, 7 first place votes)
2nd:  John Lannan (65 points, 7 first place votes)
3rd:  Josh Willingham (51 points, 7 first place votes)
 
Others receiving votes:  Matt Capps (20, four first place votes), Miguel Batista (10), Nyjer Morgan (3), Tyler Clippard (3), Danny Espinosa (1), Ivan Rodriguez (1), Kevin Mench (1), Roger Bernadina (1)
 
Minor League Player of the Year 
(Minor league player most destined for big league success):
 
1st:  Danny Espinosa (84 points, 16 first place votes)
2nd:  Tyler Moore (41 points, one first place vote)
3rd:  Tom Milone (28 points, 5 first place votes)
 
Others receiving votes:  Derek Norris (22, two first place votes), Chris Marrero (8), Josh Wilkie (7), Matt Chico (6, one first place vote), Bryce Harper (6, one first place vote), Stephen Strasburg (6, one first place vote), Drew Storen (3), Steve Lombardozzi (3), Bradley Meyers (3), Danny Rosenbaum (1), Michael Burgess (1), Randolph Oduber (1)
__________________________________________________
 

SURVEY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

1.  What player was the biggest surprise for the Nats this season?  Michael Morse (9), Livan Hernandez (7), Roger Bernadina (4), Matt Capps (2), Ian Desmond (2), Joel Peralta (1), Ian Desmond (1), Ivan Rodriguez (1).

 

2.  What player was the biggest diappointment for the Nats this season?  Jason Marquis (11), Nyjer Morgan (11), Justin Maxwell (1), Willie Harris (1).

 

3.  Regardless of where Adam Dunn signs in the off-season, how long will his next contract be?  Four years (11), Three years (9), two years (2), Five years (1).

 

4.  Which players on the roster at the end of the season are least likely to return in 2010?  Scott Olsen (17), Willie Harris (16), Wil Nieves (14), Kevin Mench (13), Miguel Batista (9), Adam Dunn (9), Justin Maxwell (5), Nyjer Morgan (4), Joe Bisenius (3), Tyler Walker (2), Craig Stammen (1), J.D. Martin (1), Ross Detwiler (1), Joel Peralta (1), Doug Slaten (1), Jason Marquis (1).

 

5.  Who is your favorite professional Nationals writer?  Mark Zuckerman (10.5), Adam Kilgore (3), Ben Goessling (3), Tom Boswell (1.5), Bill Ladson (1), Dave Sheinin (1), Byron Kerr (1), Dan Steinberg (1).

 

6.  Who is your favorite non-professional Nationals writer?  Brian Oliver, Nats Farm Authority (4.5), Harper Gordek, Nationals Baseball (3), Dave Nichols, Nats News Network (3), Chris Kelly, Nats Enquirer (3), Andrew Kinback, Nationals Inquisition (3), Patrick Reddington, Federal Baseball (1), Steven Biel, FJB (1), Wigi Tozzi, Planetary Nats Blog (1), Nate C., Nats Triple Play (1), Chris Needham, Capitol Punishment (0.5)

DC-Internet Baseball Writers Association Names 2009 Player Achievement Awards

The Washington, DC chapter of the Internet Baseball Writers Association is an organization comprised of internet writers, on-line media outlets, and bloggers.

In accordance with its stated goal of promoting the members of the association and increasing awareness and respect as active members of the media that cover the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball club, the DC-IBWA is pleased to announce its member-voted winners of Post-Season Player Achievement Awards.

Each individual award is named after a member of the district’s storied baseball heritage, to promote awareness of the significance of the history of Washington, DC baseball. Biographies of the honored historical players can be found attached to this press release.

Voters were asked to name first, second and third place for each category. First place votes received five points, second place votes received three points and third place votes received one point.

Twenty ballots from association members were submitted from the following online media outlets: Nationals News Network, Nationals Pride, We’ve Got Heart, Centerfield Gate, FJB, Federal Baseball, The Nationals Enquirer, DC Sports Box, Nationals Inquisition, Nats Fanboy Looser, Planetary Nats, Bang! Zoom!, Nats Nation, Let Teddy Win!, Nationals Review, DC Sports Plus, Passing Time Between Wil Nieves Bombs.

You can find more information about the DC-IBWA, or our membership, by visiting our website at http://dc-ibwaa.blogspot.com/ or contacting us at DCIBWA@gmail.com.

_____________________________________________________

THE AWARDS

Goose Goslin Most Valuable Player

Player most valuable to the success of the Washington Nationals:

1st: Ryan Zimmerman (92 points, 16 first place votes)

2nd: Adam Dunn (41 points, one first place vote)

3rd: Nyjer Morgan (25 points, three first place votes)

Others: John Lannan (19), Josh Willingham (3)

Walter Johnson Starting Pitcher of the Year

Excellent performance as a starting pitcher

1st: John Lannan (96 points, 18 first place votes)

2nd: Jordan Zimmermann (42 points, two first place votes)

3rd: Craig Stammen (22 points)

Others: J.D. Martin (6), Garrett Mock (4), Livan Hernandez (3), Ross Detwiler (2)

Frederick "Firpo" Marberry Relief Pitcher of the Year

Excellent performance as a relief pitcher

1st: Tyler Clippard (80 points, 13 first place votes)

2nd: Mike MacDougal (55 points, six first place votes)

3rd: Sean Burnett (29 points, one first place vote)

Others: Jason Bergmann (6), Joe Beimel (5), Ron Villone (3),Saul Rivera (1)

Sam Rice Hitter of the Year

Excellence in all-around hitting, situational hitting and baserunning

1st: Ryan Zimmerman (81 points, 14 first place votes)

2nd: Adam Dunn (39 points, two first place votes)

3rd: Nyjer Morgan (26 points, three first place votes)

Others: Josh Willingham (14), Nick Johnson (9, one first place vote), Cristian Guzman (6)

Frank Howard Slugger of the Year

Excellence in power hitting

1st: Adam Dunn (100 points, 20 first place votes)

2nd: Ryan Zimmerman (46 points)

3rd: Josh Willingham (27 points)

Joe Judge Defensive Player of the Year

Excellence in fielding

1st: Ryan Zimmerman (88 points, 14 first place votes)

2nd: Nyjer Morgan (69 points, six first place votes)

3rd: Willie Harris (12 points)

Others: Alberto Gonzalez, Elijah Dukes, Nick Johnson (3), Wil Nieves (1)

Mickey Vernon Comeback Player of the Year

Player who overcame biggest obstacle in the preceding season to contribute on the field

1st: Nick Johnson (50 points, 10 first place votes)

2nd: Mike MacDougal (20 points, one first place vote)

3rd: Ryan Zimmerman (18 points, three first place votes)

Others: Jason Bergmann (16), Josh Bard (9), Ron Villone (8), Josh Willingham (7), Mike Morse (7), Justin Maxwell (5), J.D. Martin (4), Nyjer Morgan, Livan Hernandez, Ross Detwiler, Elijah Dukes (3),

Adam Dunn, Ian Desmond, Jorge Padilla, Sean Burnett, Garrett Mock (1)

Josh Gibson Humanitarian Player of the Year

Player who meritoriously gave of himself to the community

1st: John Lannan (72 points, 12 first place votes)

2nd: Ryan Zimmerman (44 points, four first place votes)

3rd: Wil Nieves (21 points, three first place votes)

Others: Josh Willingham (9), Nyjer Morgan, Willie Harris, Elijah Dukes (3), Tyler Clippard (1)

Minor League Player of the Year

Minor league player most destined for big league success

1st: Derek Norris (54 points, nine first place votes)

2nd: Ian Desmond (53 points, nine first place votes)

3rd: Drew Storen (41 points, two first place votes)

Others: Bradley Meyers (16), Chris Marrero (7), Mike Morse (4), Daniel Espinosa (2), Ross Detwiler, Jorge Padilla (1).

_________________________________________________

BIOGRAPHIES

Leon Allen “Goose” Goslin

Goslin was a left fielder for the Washington Senators from 1921-30, 1933 and 1938. He also played for the St. Louis Browns (1930-32) and the Detroit Tigers (1934-37).

From his page at National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum:

Burly and strong-armed, Leon Goose Goslin swung the bat with Ruthian effort and forged a reputation as a powerful clutch-hitter. He spearheaded his teams to five American League pennants -- three with the Senators and two with the Tigers. He drove in 100 or more runs on 11 occasions and hit .300 or better 11 times, compiling a .316 lifetime average and 2,735 hits. He led the Senators to a World Series title in 1924 with a .344 average and three home runs.

Goslin was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1968 by the veteran’s committee.

Walter Perry “Big Train” Johnson

Johnson was, without question, one of the best pitchers in the history of the game. He played exclusively for the Washington Senators from 1907-1927.

From his page at National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum:

There were no sophisticated measuring devices in the early 1900s, but Walter Johnson's fastball was considered to be in a class by itself. Using a sweeping sidearm delivery, The Big Train fanned 3,508 over a brilliant 21-year career with the Washington Senators, and his 110 shutouts are more than any pitcher. Despite hurling for losing teams most of his career, he won 417 games -- second only to Cy Young on the all-time list -- and enjoyed 10 successive seasons of 20 or more victories.

Johnson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in the inaugural vote in 1936 by the writers.

Frederick “Firpo” Marberry

Marberry was a right-handed pitcher who played for the Washington Senators from 1923-32 and 1936, the Detroit Tigers (1933-35), and the New York Giants (1936)

From his page at Baseball Library:

Marberry's physique and dark, scowling look suggested boxer Luis Firpo, "The Wild Bull of the Pampas," who had once knocked Jack Dempsey out of the ring. The nickname suited the pitcher, though he was said to have hated the nickname and preferred to be known as “Fred”. He was one of the first pitchers to be used almost exclusively in relief, leading the American League five times in saves.

The sport's first prominent reliever, he has been retroactively credited as having been the first pitcher to record 20 saves in a season, the first to earn 100 career saves, the first to make 50 relief appearances in a season or 300 in a career, and the only pitcher to lead the major leagues in saves five times.

Edgar Charles “Sam” Rice

Rice was a right fielder for the Washington Senators (1915-33) and Cleveland Indians (1934).He was a teammate of the more-heralded Johnson and Goslin, but certainly no less important.

From his page at National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum:

Though he didn't play his first full campaign until age 27, Sam Rice collected 2,987 hits, finishing his career with a .322 batting average and six 200-hit seasons. Small but swift, Rice starred on the Washington Senators' only three pennant-winning teams and still holds franchise records for hits, runs, doubles and triples. His disputed catch of a fly ball in the 1925 World Series saved Game 3 for Washington and remains one of the most controversial plays in baseball history.

Rice had 200-plus hits in six different seasons, and collected 351 stolen bases. He led the A.L. in hits twice and put outs for outfielders twice.

Rice was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963 by the Veteran’s Committee.

Frank Oliver “Hondo” Howard

The “Capital Punisher” played left field, right field and first base in his 15 years in the major leagues. He played with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1958-64), Washington Senators (1965-71), Texas Rangers (1972), and Detroit Tigers (1972-73).

One of the most physically intimidating hitters in the sport, he was named the National League's Rookie of the Year in 1960, and went on to lead the American League in home runs and total bases twice. His 382 career home runs were the eighth most by a right-handed hitter when he retired; his 237 home runs in a Washington uniform are a record for any of that city's several franchises, as are his 1969 totals of 48 HRs and 340 total bases.

After his retirement from playing, he managed parts of two seasons for the San Diego Padres and New York Mets, and coached for several teams thereafter.

Hondo once hit 10 home runs in 20 at bats over a six-game span, May 12-18, 1968. He also struck out a record six consecutive times in a July 9, 1965 doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox in Boston. After grounding into a double play to end the streak, he jokingly noted, "The only guy to make eight outs in seven at-bats and get a standing ovation for it."

Joseph Ignatius “Joe” Judge

Judge played first base for the Washington Senators (1915-32), Brooklyn Dodgers (1933 and Boston Red Sox (1933-34).

Judge was a perennial Washington favorite who, in 1924, with Bucky Harris at second base, Ossie Bluege at third base, and MVP Roger Peckinpaugh at shortstop, formed a defensive unit which is thought by many to be the best ever assembled.

He set American League records for career games (2,056), putouts (19,021), assists (1,284), total chances (20,444), double plays (1,476) and fielding percentage (.993) at first base, and led the AL in fielding average five times, then a record. He also batted over .300 nine times, and hit .385 in the 1924 World Series as the Senators won their only championship.

At the end of his career he ranked tenth in AL history in hits (2,328) and doubles (431), seventh in games played (2,129), eighth in triples (158) and at bats (7,786), and ninth in walks (958). In a 20-season career, Judge hit .298 with 1034 RBI in 2171 games; he also collected 2,352 hits and 213 stolen bases with a .378 on base percentage. He ranked second to Sam Rice in Washington history in games, at bats, hits, runs, RBI, doubles, triples and total bases.

James Barton “Mickey” Vernon

Vernon played for 21 seasons, for the Washington Senators (1939-43, 1946-48, 1950-55), Cleveland Indians (1949-50, 1958), Boston Red Sox (1956-57), Milwaukee Braves (1959) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1960).

Despite missing two seasons to military service during World War II, he retired with 2,495 hits, and holds the major league record for career double plays at first base (2,044), as well as American League records for career games (2,227), putouts (19,754), assists (1,444) and total chances (21,408) at first base.

In 14 full seasons (400 at bats or more), Vernon batted over .335 twice, over .300 five times, and over .290 nine times.

Vernon managed the expansion Senators from 1960-63. He also coached for several other teams and scouted for the New York Yankees when his field days were completed.

Joshua “Josh” Gibson

Gibson was a catcher for the Pittsburgh Crawfords (1930-37) and Homestead Grays (1937-46), who split their home games between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.

He was credited with having been Negro National League batting champion in 1936, 1938, 1942 and 1945. Gibson hit almost 800 home runs in his 17-year career.

From his page at National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum:

A tragic and legendary figure, Josh Gibson was the greatest power hitter in black baseball, pounding out home runs with regularity despite playing most of his career in two of baseball's most cavernous ballparks: Forbes Field and Griffith Stadium. He utilized a fluid, compact swing to hit for both average and power, and tales of his mammoth home runs became legend. In recorded at-bats against big league pitching, Gibson batted .426. He died just three months before the integration of baseball in the Major Leagues.

Gibson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972 by the Negro Leagues Committee.