The National League finally came to the capital city, when the Washington Nationals joined in the league's 11th season. Sometimes referred to as the Washington Statesmen, the Nationals played their games at Swampoodle Grounds with the Capitol Building a few blocks north visible over the outfield wall.

In their first season the Nationals were not very good, finishing dead last with a record of 28-92. Paul Hines, was Washington's best hitter, with a .

312 average, nine home runs and 56 RBI, while Dupree Shaw was the team's top pitcher at 13-31 with a 3. 34 ERA.