The event was the 1919 World Series.
Chicago White Sox versus Cincinnati Reds
What happened? The Black Sox Scandal.
Eight members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of throwing the 1919 World Series in exchange for money from a gambling syndicate led by Arnold Rothstein.
The scandal surrounding the 1919 World Series was the most spectacular scandal ever to hit sports because it affected more than just baseball, more than just sports, it affected the nation. It had stripped the game of baseball of its innocence and betrayed the trust of a countless number of fans.
Who saved baseball?
Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis
Following the Black Sox baseball scandal, Judge Landis was proposed for the office of commissioner. Replacing the three-man National Baseball Commission, which had failed to deal adequately with the Black Sox problem, Landis took office in January 1920, and was given absolute control over the sport to restore its integrity.
Landis, an American federal judge, who was noted for his uncompromising measures against persons guilty of dishonesty or other conduct he regarded as damaging to the sport.
Although disliked and even feared for his autocratic methods and patriarchal sternness, National Baseball Commissioner Landis held office until his death, and none of his decisions ever was reversed. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1944.
George Herman “Babe” Ruth
Many fans acknowledge Babe Ruth as being a saving grace for baseball after the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. As one reporter wrote, “This new fan didn’t know where first base was, but he had heard of Babe Ruth and wanted to see him hit a home run. When the Babe hit one, the fan went back the next day and knew not only where first base was, but second base as well.”
In 1920, Ruth drove in 54 home runs; in 1921, 59 home runs.
Ruth played in only 142 games in 1920, yet drove in 137 runs. His home run percentage that season was 11.8%. But most impressive of all is Ruth’s slugging percentages in 1920 and ’21 were .847 and .846.
Babe Ruth began his baseball career with the Boston Red sox as a pitcher. In Ruth’s first five seasons, he topped American League pitchers in ERA and shutouts. He also lead the league in home runs and slugging percentage. This is still unheard of for a pitcher, especially a top-rated pitcher.
In 1919, Ruth spent most of the season as a pitcher. He hit an all-time Major League record of home runs, 29.
