Clark Griffith and the Washington Senators

In 1936 Clark Griffith and the Washington Senators made Tinker Field their spring training home, beginning a new era for baseball in Orlando after major league interest had declined when the Cincinnati Reds moved to Tampa in 1931 and the Brooklyn Dodgers left after a brief stay from 1934 to 1935. Griffith took the opportunity in 1936, and the Washington franchise, which became the Minnesota Twins in 1960, continued at Tinker Field until 1990. The franchise built a 54-year run in Orlando that was interrupted only by three cancelled seasons during World War II. The Senators reported for spring training on February 24, 1936, and hosted their first game on March 14 against the Boston Red Sox, whose roster included future Hall of Famers Lefty Grove, Joe Cronin, Heinie Manush, and Jimmie Foxx. As a professional baseball player, manager, and team owner from 1891 to 1955, Griffith was regarded as a legend and earned the nickname "The Old Fox" for his shrewd sensibilities. He was also 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 ties to baseball and Orlando contributed to local economic development, racial integration, and Orlando's rise as a national sports and entertainment destination.

Orlando, Florida · United States