A piece of D.C. sports history was recently uploaded to YouTube – The LAST OUT. This 1965 film recalls the history of the longtime home of the Washington Nationals/Senators and the proto-Commanders, the Redskins.
The special was filmed in Griffith Stadium’s final days, before it was demolished to make way for Howard University Hospital. Four years earlier, the expansion Senators had left it for what became known as RFK Stadium.
Jim Simpson, a long-time NBC and ESPN sportscaster and native Washingtonian hosts the special. Sam Rice, who played in three World Series, joins in to discuss his memories. Also included:
- 1954 footage of Clark Griffith discussing his all-time Washington team and the presidents he knew
- A brief Walter Johnson feature
- 1937 and 1956 All-Star Games
- Harmon Killebrew and the end of the original franchise
- The Redskins – Sammy Baugh speaks well of George Preston Marshall and the infamous 1940 NFL Championship game and other early years.
- Boxing and baptisms at Griffith Stadium
The entire feature is just under 27 minutes long.
More old baseball video
The channel I found this on, Phenia Films the MLB archives Original Broadcasts, has many vintage MLB videos. The 1956 All-Star game, the first Nationals spring training game, are just some of the many videos available.
Another channel this 1964 film noir The Polo Grounds, Requiem For An Arena that’s pretty good.
