105 years ago, the Cincinnati Reds won the 1919 Baseball World Series against the Chicago White Sox. However eight Chicago players were later charged with deliberately losing the game in exchange for cash from a gambling syndicate. They were subsequently acquitted but banned from the sport for life.
For the 1919 World Series, the Chicago White Sox, one of the best teams in baseball, faced the Cincinnati Reds. The White Sox were strongly fancied to win.
Many players on the White Sox were unhappy with their salaries and management, leading to feelings of resentment and a consideration to consider fixing the series for financial gain.
Chick Gandil
A group of players, allegedly led by first baseman Arnold “Chick” Gandil, approached gamblers to arrange for a fix. They agreed to intentionally lose games in exchange for money.
The Reds won the series in eight games with several players underperforming or making critical errors during key moments.
Rumours and suspicions about the fix circulated, leading to an investigation by the Chicago newspapers and later the Major League Baseball (MLB) office.
Joe Jackson
In 1920, a grand jury indicted the eight players, however they were acquitted in court due to a lack of evidence. The scandal had already tainted their reputations and in 1921, regardless of their acquittal, all eight players were excluded from professional baseball for life. This included stars like "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, who is often remembered as one of the most talented players involved.
The Black Sox Scandal has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films over the years, reflecting its lasting impact on the perception of baseball in particular and sports integrity in general.
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