OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

amead17 · 10-12-2025, 02:17 AM

HARRY HOWELL OPENS SEASON WITH NO-HITTER — ATHLETICS BLANK SENATORS 6–0 IN MASTERFUL DISPLAY

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
April 14, 1906 – Washington, D.C.

The 1906 baseball season began with thunder in Washington yesterday — not from the heavens, but from the golden left arm of Harry Howell of the Philadelphia Athletics. The reigning world champions announced their return in emphatic style, blanking the Washington Senators 6–0, as Howell etched his name into the record books with a no-hit gem on Opening Day.

Before a brisk afternoon crowd at National Park, Howell delivered a performance that blended poise, precision, and just a hint of good fortune. Though the perfect game eluded him early — a first-inning error and three walks kept it from perfection — he allowed no hits over nine full innings, striking out three and retiring the side in order in five different frames.

When the final out nestled safely into Socks Seybold’s glove in right field, the Philadelphia bench erupted, knowing they had witnessed something truly special.

“It’s a fine way to start a season,” Howell said afterward, his uniform still dusted with the day’s effort. “My arm felt true from the first pitch, and the fellows behind me did their part every inning. You can’t ask for better than that.”

The Athletics’ offense, true to their championship form, gave Howell ample breathing room. A run in the first inning set the tone, with steady scoring in the fourth and sixth before a three-run burst in the ninth sealed the Senators’ fate. Every man in the order contributed, though Harry Davis and Nap Lajoie each collected key hits to drive in early tallies.

For Philadelphia manager Chris Smith, it was the kind of opening day he might have dared to dream of, but never expected to see.

“Harry was magnificent,” said Smith afterward. “He worked quick, mixed his pitches beautifully, and never lost his composure. A no-hitter on Opening Day — you can’t script that. If that’s a sign of what’s to come, we’re in for another fine season.”

The final line told the story: Howell, 9 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts, and a spotless 0.00 earned run average to start the new campaign.

For the Washington Senators, the afternoon was one to forget, though few in attendance will ever forget the sight of Howell’s mastery. As one fan was heard muttering while filing out of the grandstand, “If that’s how the Athletics start a season, heaven help the rest of us.”

Thus begins 1906 — and if Opening Day is any measure, the champions of Philadelphia have no intention of surrendering their crown quietly.

10-12-2025, 02:17 AM	#208
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,255	Harry Howell No Hitter HARRY HOWELL OPENS SEASON WITH NO-HITTER — ATHLETICS BLANK SENATORS 6–0 IN MASTERFUL DISPLAY By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times April 14, 1906 – Washington, D.C. The 1906 baseball season began with thunder in Washington yesterday — not from the heavens, but from the golden left arm of Harry Howell of the Philadelphia Athletics. The reigning world champions announced their return in emphatic style, blanking the Washington Senators 6–0, as Howell etched his name into the record books with a no-hit gem on Opening Day. Before a brisk afternoon crowd at National Park, Howell delivered a performance that blended poise, precision, and just a hint of good fortune. Though the perfect game eluded him early — a first-inning error and three walks kept it from perfection — he allowed no hits over nine full innings, striking out three and retiring the side in order in five different frames. When the final out nestled safely into Socks Seybold’s glove in right field, the Philadelphia bench erupted, knowing they had witnessed something truly special. “It’s a fine way to start a season,” Howell said afterward, his uniform still dusted with the day’s effort. “My arm felt true from the first pitch, and the fellows behind me did their part every inning. You can’t ask for better than that.” The Athletics’ offense, true to their championship form, gave Howell ample breathing room. A run in the first inning set the tone, with steady scoring in the fourth and sixth before a three-run burst in the ninth sealed the Senators’ fate. Every man in the order contributed, though Harry Davis and Nap Lajoie each collected key hits to drive in early tallies. For Philadelphia manager Chris Smith, it was the kind of opening day he might have dared to dream of, but never expected to see. “Harry was magnificent,” said Smith afterward. “He worked quick, mixed his pitches beautifully, and never lost his composure. A no-hitter on Opening Day — you can’t script that. If that’s a sign of what’s to come, we’re in for another fine season.” The final line told the story: Howell, 9 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts, and a spotless 0.00 earned run average to start the new campaign. For the Washington Senators, the afternoon was one to forget, though few in attendance will ever forget the sight of Howell’s mastery. As one fan was heard muttering while filing out of the grandstand, “If that’s how the Athletics start a season, heaven help the rest of us.” Thus begins 1906 — and if Opening Day is any measure, the champions of Philadelphia have no intention of surrendering their crown quietly.