“Eight Men Out” by Eliot Asinof. Written in 1963 with an introduction by Stephen Jay Gould written in 1987. The Chicago Tribune calls it ” The most thorough investigation of the Black Sox scandal “. It tells the story of the 1919 World Series between the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. The White Sox where highly favored to win the series. They lost and word of an fix was circulated before the 1st game was even played.
There was a trial and the seven players who were indicted were found not guilty of conspiracy. Even though many of the players confessed and admitted taking money to lose games. Their confessions, testimony to a grand jury were stolen. The seven players were still banned from baseball for life by the Commissioner of Baseball Kennesaw Mountain Landis. Years later when a “Shoeless” player tried to sue the owner of the White Sox for the rest of his salary the confessions resurfaced.
Analysis
I intentionally did not mention any of the players names. It was just bitterness on my part. Baseball was a first love for me. I understand things such as the players were underpaid by the team owner, threats made by gangsters against a player’s family. The fix was initiated by the first baseman of the White Sox. The players colluded to make this happen and it is said they were double-crossed. Only a few of the players got what they intended to financially. Apparently throwing games for gamblers was a common occurrence back then. It still could be to this day. I lost my childhood love for the game with the Houston Astros sign stealing in the World Series. At least they did it to win though. Pete Rose admitted to betting on baseball but said he never bet against himself or his team. That can almost be admired, but rules are rules. I will leave you with a quote from the Chicago Herald and Examiner September 30, 1920.
“As Jackson departed from the Grand Jury room, a small boy clutched at his sleeve and tagged along after him.
” Say it ain’t so, Joe” he pleaded. “Say it ain’t so.”
“Yes, kid, I’m afraid it is,” Jackson replied.
“Well, I never would’ve thought it,” the boy said”
