In the aftermath of Providence’s collapse as a franchise, the Association’s executive committee was eager to fill the now vacant spot in the Eastern League for balance, and, more importantly, to generate positive press.
Washington, D.C., presented itself as the perfect opportunity. Many in the business and political classes of the capital city had been pushing for a Washington-based team to participate in the Eastern League. The executive believed that by admitting such a team it would not only demonstrate that this truly was the American game, but would go a long way in restoring some of the lost honour and respectability of the organisation in the aftermath of the gambling scandal.
Washington Admitted to the National Association
The Washington Mail, December 16, 1882
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Professional Base Ball Clubs has voted to grant membership to a Washington organization, giving the capital city access to base ball of the professional standard.
The announcement was made following the Association’s winter meetings in Chicago. The new club, to be known officially as the Washington Baseball Club, is financed by a group of local businessmen led by Mr. Charles T. Pendleton, with partial backing rumoured to include members of the city’s political circles.
In approving the Washington petition, the Association’s secretary noted that the admission of the nation’s capital was “fitting for a league that represents the game of the American people.” The Providence vacancy, arising from the collapse of that organization last month, thus finds a worthy successor in the city of government and honour.
Work has already begun on preparing suitable grounds near Boundary Street, where plans call for a covered grandstand with seating for some eight thousand spectators.
Mr. Pendleton, addressing reporters after the vote, remarked:“The eyes of the nation look to Washington in all matters of consequence. It is only proper that our national pastime is also seen in our great capital also.”
The Washington club will begin play in the Eastern League this coming spring. Their colours are said to be navy and white, with a monogrammed ‘W’ adorning the breast of their uniforms. Mr. Pendleton will now begin the important work of assembling his roster and management.
League officials expressed hope that the Washington club will not only maintain balance within the Eastern circuit, but elevate the prestige of the Association itself.
“From the capital to the frontier, the National Game now truly belongs to the nation.”
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In no short time the Washington club would be refered to by the press as the
Senators.
James Smith is appointed manager, coming off a two-year absence from the professional game, his previous experience was at the Quakers, leaving with a
155-209 record. In 1880, his final season at the club, the Quakers put up a 42-42 season, the best under his stewardship.
By spring training, 8 former Providence players are named in the Senators 15 man roster. Most notable are;
Van Makeever, the 30 year-old hurler had been with Providence from the inaugural NAPBC season, with a 114-141 record, he threw 2246 innings in a Grays uniform, with an ERA of 2.40. He led the league in wins in 1876 and has twice posted the lowest ERA by an Eastern League pitcher.
Moses Fleetwood, catcher, the 25-year old is considered one of the best backstops across all the professional game. He started 463 games for Providence, with an average of .212.
Edward Vance, INF, 31 - the versatile infielder was often used as a utility piece by Providence. Between 1877 and 1882 Vance started 324 games, recording 423 hits and 123 RBI, with a .283 average.