According to Wikipedia the name change happened in 1922. Unlike today's Nationals, the old team was in the American League. They gifted Milan with the new Olds, I guess, at the beginning of the season. He was the player-manager. They ended with a poor record 69 wins and 85 losses. Ironically, the NY Mets manager, Willie Randolph, was fired today for the same thing. The D.C. team at least waited till the end of the season. Milan never managed in the majors again.
Submitted by Anonymous Tipster on Tue, 06/17/2008 - 12:36pm.
In 1922, the Washington franchise was nicknamed the "Senators." That franchise moved to Minnesota (Twins) in 1962 and a NEW franchise was awarded to Washington (again nicknamed the "Senators") that same year. The nickname "Nationals" was given to the team that was moved from Montreal (Expos).
[In 1922 the team was most commonly called the Nationals. - Dave]
