Black Sox Scandal

This is another true conspiracy theory. I decided to go back in time for a conspiracy that is often repeated in modern sports.

This conspiracy took place in the 1919 World Series when eight Chicago White Sox players were accused of intentionally losing the series with the Cincinnati Reds. Imaging something like that happening that far back in time.

The six accused players were acquitted in court but banned from baseball. What led up to this mess was the fact that the players hated the owner of the White Sox, Charles Comiskey, because he didn't pay them enough despite the fact that the team was the best in the league at the time and had won the 1917 World Series. You have to keep in mind that players in that era didn't have a union and were subject to a reserve clause in which players could not change teams without the team's permission. In other words they wouldn't be allowed to play if they tried to change teams, and there was bargaining ability. However, the White Sox had the best payroll in baseball at the time.

Of course gamblers caught the scuttlebutt that this could happen and you could imagine what that meant. Keep in mind that the pitcher would be the player to force the fix.

The rumors of this fix got out and soon led to problems. In the 1920 season the White Sox were tied with the Cleveland Indians for first place, but despite this Comiskey suspended the players.

What I find weird about this case is that they actually had a trial. Nowadays this would be handled by the Baseball Commissioner. As a matter of fact, this incident led to the formation of a Commissioner, who would have absolute power over the affairs of baseball teams and players thus removing the courts from the job.

Thanks for reading.