The Black Sox Scandal: A Century of Infamy
The Fall of the Chicago White Sox
On September 28, 1920, a Chicago grand jury indicted eight members of the Chicago White Sox on charges of conspiracy to fix the 1919 World Series.
The scandal, known as the Black Sox Scandal, remains one of the most infamous events in baseball history. It shattered the public's trust in the sport and led to the creation of the Office of the Commissioner.
The Key Players
- Charles "Shoeless" Joe Jackson: The star outfielder and one of the best hitters of his era.
- "Buck" Weaver: The third baseman and captain of the White Sox.
- Eddie Cicotte: The ace pitcher who was suspended in 1919 for throwing a game.
- Abe Attell: A professional gambler who allegedly orchestrated the fix.
The Scheme
The White Sox players allegedly agreed to lose the World Series to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for $100,000.
The scandal was uncovered after a disgruntled gambler, Billy Maharg, revealed the scheme to a reporter.
The Trial and Aftermath
The trial of the White Sox players began in July 1921.
The jury found the players not guilty, but Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis banned them from baseball for life.
The scandal left a permanent stain on the legacy of the White Sox and forever changed the way baseball is played and governed.
Additional Information
For further reading on the Black Sox Scandal:
- MLB.com: The Black Sox Scandal, a Century Later
- Britannica: Black Sox Scandal
- History.com: Black Sox Scandal
