Inside The Black Sox Scandal

There was a shock in the community when the Cincinnati Reds won the 1919 World Series. The team had been predicted to lose to their fierce rivals, the Chicago White Sox, in the playoffs. Several people suspected there was something wrong with the results.

People who thought that were proven to be correct. Allegations emerged that eight White Sox players conspired with gamblers and mafias to throw the World Series. Shockwaves erupted throughout the game and among the fans.

What would make the players do such a thing?

It was not all rosy behind the scenes. There were tensions between Charles Comiskey and White Sox players. Some claimed they were not paid a fair wage and their boss lacked respect for them.

Aside from giving the players everything they asked for, Comiskey said he tried to foster a sense of community among players, managers, and executives.

Despite that, there is evidence refuting Comiskey's assertions. Comiskey liked the idea of having a team that won the World Series, but refused to offer raises to the players. Moreover, he exploited the rule that stated players could not refuse a contract if offered. If they did, they would not be allowed to play organized baseball.

His practice of keeping many players on contract opened up a lot of resentment, especially among those who believed they could make more money on another team. They also became willing to throw games for extra cash.

A Plan Forms

It was in Chick Gandil's New York hotel room that the players discussed ways to retaliate against Comiskey, as many players were unhappy with the owner.

Gandil didn't waste time, he told them that gamblers were wagering on the White Sox to win, but Reds would bring in more money if they won. Those who bet on the other team stood to win a fortune, and they were willing to share the profits with the players.

All the players had to do was agree to throw the series.

The White Sox would need to win a few games to reduce the Reds' chances of winning. The players who participated would be given quite a bit of money, and in addition to that, they could run the scam again if they were

An unfortunate injury boosted the chances of the scheme succeeding. Comiskey ally and White Sox pitcher Red Faber was unable to play in the World Series, leading to the payoff for the eight men.

A second pitch thrown by Eddie Cicotte hit Reds' batter Morrie Rath, which was followed later in the game by a bad throw by Swede Risberg to second base.

Immediately, suspicion spread around the stadium and in the sports media.

Uncovering The Conspiracy

As a result of the White Sox losing the World Series on October 9, 1919, everyone at the meeting in Gandil's room received $5,000. The mastermind received $35,000. Buck Weaver did not receive a cut.

During the 1920 season, rumors continued to surround the team. Investigators started looking for answers, hoping to prove baseball was still innocent and America's pastime. However, there was enough evidence to make authorities suspicious.

During the fall of 1920, a grand jury was enlisted. Investigators laid out their case in a clear, compelling manner, keeping focus on eight players and the gamblers suspected of throwing the games.

The grand jury heard testimony from Cicotte, who confessed to his role in the scheme while on the stand.

The White Sox were on the brink of going to their second straight World Series without the eight players accused of throwing the 1919 World Series. Seven of the players were suspended by Comiskey at the time. Gandil opted to leave the team after the 1919 World Series.

A grand jury indicted eight players and five gamblers on October 22, 1920 as part of a conspiracy to defraud scheme. Each man was charged with nine counts of conspiracy to defraud.

As a result, Comiskey paid the remaining 10 players and White Sox manager $1,500 each, which was the difference between what the losing team was paid for participating in the World Series and what the winning team received.

There was fury from Shoeless Joe Jackson, who claimed innocence.

The Price Of Acquittal

Several circumstances in the trial of the so-called Black Sox scandal led skeptics to wonder if justice was served. Judge Hugo Friend delayed the hearings for alleged health reasons.

Key pieces of evidence went missing, including Cicotte's confession about his participation in the scheme. Jackson's alleged written confession, though it was not verified, also disappeared.

In the investigation, in the grand jury proceedings, and in the preliminary trial, Jackson maintained his innocence; there was very little evidence connecting him to the conspiracy.

After the government called Comiskey to the stand, defense attorney Ben Short used this opportunity to attack the government's case and put the team owner on trial. During the testimony, the witness grew irate and shook his fist at the lawyer at one point.

During the trial, prosecutors called William Burns to testify. He confessed that he worked with his teammates to rig the world series. It seemed to be the death knell for those accused.

A verdict of not guilty was returned by the jury on July 28, 1921 after less than three hours of deliberation.

Several people believed it was a rebuke of Comiskey and the wealthy owners that the players were exonerated and escaped legal punishment.

Baseball's New Era

For many years, baseball team owners had been unhappy with the National Commission. They felt that they were sided with the players and their concerns were not even heard by those that governed the game. In most cases, their complaints involved money and the amount they were expected to pay to their players.

The acquittal of the eight players created a huge controversy in the baseball world. Owners demanded reform and a commissioner willing to listen. Players wanted everybody to forget.

However, the owners held the power. They asked Federal Judge Kenesaw Landis to lead a three-person commission. However, this was not acceptable to him. He insisted he be the sole commissioner. They were willing to accommodate this request.

Furthermore, he was given unrestrained authority over the major and minor leagues. It was a controversial move. The owners claimed it was the only way to improve the game's image, while many saw Landis as their extension.

As one of his first moves, he banned all players involved in the scheme. They could no longer play in the major or minor leagues for the rest of their lives. Nor were they eligible for the Hall of Fame.

In court, Shoeless Joe Jackson had argued that they had been acquitted, but he was punished for something he had no part in. Landis ignored Jackson's arguments and refused to back down.

The Debate Over Jackson

While Jackson fought the ruling, the teammates who originally said he was in on the scheme came forward to say he didn't do anything wrong, and the conspirators used his name to gain credibility.

As his stats confirm, he had nothing to do with the scheme. He hit the only home run in the series, and he had the best batting average (.375) on either team.

According to those who believe he is guilty, Jackson threw the ball to home in game four, where Cicotte intercepted it.

Cicotte was told to stop the play by Gandil, the former later confessed.

In 1951, Jackson died. At the time of his death, his name remained buried in the mud. No one listened to the words he spoke.

A number of attempts have been made, but those attempts have largely been denied because of the amount of time it has been since Jackson was banned from the sport.

It may not be long until Shoeless Joe Jackson is inducted into the Hall of Fame under a new rule that says the banned list ends when a player dies.