Clark Griffith and the Washington Senators

Clark Griffith and the Washington Senators. March 24, 1936. , In 1936 Clark Griffith and The Washington Senators made Tinker Field their Spring Training home, establishing a new era of America’s favorite pastime in Orlando. At the onset of The Great Depression, Major League Baseball interests waned in Orlando when the Cincinnati Reds moved to Tampa in 1931 leaving Tinker Field without a major league team, and later when the Brooklyn Dodgers left after a brief stay from 1934-1935. , , Griffith seized the opportunity in 1936 and the Washington franchise, which became the Minnesota Twins in 1960, continued at Tinker Field until 1990. The Major League franchise established a 54- year streak at home in Orlando, interrupted only by three cancelled seasons during World War II. , The Washington Senators reported for Spring Training on February 24, 1936 and hosted their first game on March 14 against the Boston Redsox who brought future Hall of Farmers Lefty Grove, Joe Cronin, Heinie Manush and Jimmie Fox to Orlando. , , As a professional baseball player, manager and team owner from 1891 to 1955, Griffith was a legend in his own time, and his shrewd sensibilities earned him the nickname “The Old Fox.” Griffith was known as an advocate for Latin American players, especially those from Cuba. Including Carlos Paula who joined the club in 1954 as the first person of color to play with the Senators. , Griffith’s love for baseball and Orlando led to local economic development, racial integration and the establishing of Orlando as a national sports and entertainment destination.