Washington Nationals (1886–1889)

The Washington Nationals, sometimes referred to as the Washington Statesmen or Senators, were a professional baseball team in the mid to late 1880s. They existed for a period of four years as a member of the National League (NL) from 1886 to 1889. During their four-year tenure they had six different managers and compiled a record of 163–337, for a .326 winning percentage. The franchise played their home games at Swampoodle Grounds, otherwise known as Capitol Park (II).

1888 Washington Nationals at Boston's South End Grounds.

Their most notable player was catcher Connie Mack, who went on to a Hall of Fame career as manager of the American League Philadelphia Athletics from 1901 to 1950. Outfielder Dummy Hoy, notable for being deaf, played for the 1888 and 1889 Washington teams. Jim Donnelly also spent time with the Nationals.