Fast start for a future clown

In his first start of the season for the Washington Senators pitcher 104 years ago today, Al Schacht authors a 7-0 shutout of the Philadelphia Athletics at Shibe Park.

The shutout is the only one in a brief, injury-shortened stay in the majors that leads Schacht to a second career as baseball’s “Clown Prince of Baseball.”

Schacht’s shutout also comes five years after the right-hander pitches in the minors during the 1915 season for Harrisburg, where his on-field teammate and off-field roommate is Jim Thorpe – yes, that Jim Thorpe.