Gambling has been around much longer than Baseball, and in its own
way can be considered a pastime itself. Whether it’s taking the shuttle to Atlantic City, a trip
to Vegas, or watching the Triple Crown, even playing the weekly poker game at a buddy’s
house, gambling is in no shape or form an anomaly in today’s culture. In fact most people would
say it is rather the epitome of our money hungry, yet completely lazy society. What’s better
than making money off doing absolutely nothing? Gambling has been a staple of American Culture ever since its origin; the excitement of gambling has also brought new audiences to College Sports, the NFL, the NBA, and even the MLB; although Gambling has had a positive effect on sports in terms of attracting audiences, it has had a negative influence as well, more directly on Baseball and its players, by forcing commissioners to take harsh, drastic actions, affecting manager’s gameplans and owner’s hiring, and most importantly in policies rendering several of the greatest players and records worthless.
Interestingly enough, Gambling was long allowed in baseball, as long as players didn’t consort with gamblers. “Betting on games was a common part of baseball in the early days of the National League, dating to 1876, says Arlington, Va., baseball historian Howard W. Rosenberg, who is writing a biography on Hall of Famer King Kelly. Rosenberg says newspapers reported players' bets and betting was allowed as long as players didn't associate with gamblers or bet against their team.
For example, the Providence Sunday Morning Transcript reported April 2, 1892, that Kelly had placed a bet on his White Stockings beating the Providence Grays in nine of 12 games during the upcoming season. Pitcher Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants bet $100 in 1911 that he wouldn't lose a game to St. Louis, according to the Cincinnati Times Star. The move to get betting out of baseball started after the 1919 World Series, when eight Chicago White Sox players were given a lifetime ban after they agreed to a $100,000 payment to purposely lose to the Cincinnati Reds. Baseball's then-commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis banned the Black Sox before the 1920 season and instituted the rule, known as Rule 21, in 1927 that calls for a lifetime ban for gambling. The rule has been the same since.” The most important reference pertaining from baseball to gambling is thought by many to be the “Black Sox Scandal” of 1919. “1921: Chicago White Sox 3B Buck Weaver, P Ed Cicotte, SS Swede Risberg, OF Shoeless Joe Jackson, 3B Fred McMullen and CF Happy Felsch suspended for life for involvement in Black Sox Scandal, a scheme to throw 1919 World Series to Cincinnati.” Their owner, “Old Tightwad” (Charles Comiskey), caused the scandal, in which eight players were banned for life for their role in throwing the 1919 World Series. “Maybe, too, the day after the Reds wrapped up the Series five games to three, I would've gone over to Charles Comiskey's office, to get his drift. Comiskey was the Sox owner-the Old Roman, they called him-a rotten miser of a man. Comiskey, even more than Rothstein, was responsible for the fix. It wasn't the gambler's money the Sox got, so much as it was the Comiskey dough they didn't get, that enticed them to betray the national pastime and defraud the American faithful.” and “Of course, the conspirators couldn't control everything. Rookie Sox pitcher Dickie Kerr, who was not in on the scheme, shut out the Reds, 3-0, in the third game. Also, payments were not coming from the gamblers, as scheduled, after every loss. Gandil and company played to win in a couple of games when money was not forthcoming. The fix was on, then off, then back on again.” Comiskey endorsed the reserve clause which stated that any player could be brought back a consecutive year for a fraction of his salary, and, should the player refuse to recognize this, he is banned from signing with any other team. This mild collusion led to the underpayment of many great players and the modern baseball union. The most interesting part of this scandal is the fact that the iron-fisted Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the president of the American League, banned the players, after they were acquitted by a grand jury. There has been evidence that most of the players were never paid off also, and a few players, most noticeably Shoeless Joe Jackson, had outstanding Series’ regardless, and many speculate had the Sox won, Jackson still would have been the MVP of the Series. (Antonen C9) (USA Today Information Network 5.C) (Deford 112) (Brown 23-25)
However, others disagree that this is the focal point of gambling in baseball, these people believe it is Pete Rose.
“Commissioner Giamatti bans Pete Rose from baseball for not acting in the best interests of baseball”
Multiple news sources issued this statement after the Dowd report (a detailed analysis of Pete Rose’s gambling habits) was officially published. The all-time hits leader, their star, had been banned. This was no Joe Jackson. This was Old Charlie Hustle, the epitome of hustle and hard work truly paying off. But the facts don’t lie. This man bet on his own team and made calls from the dugout phone to place bets. The mood switched from shock to anger. How could he? But in fact, Rose is not the first star to be under fire for gambling. Whether it is common knowledge or not, many stars have been involved in gambling on professional baseball games.
The first and perhaps most significant instance of publicly recognized gambling was the Cobb-Speaker Gambling Scare of 1926. “both came under suspicion of gambling games in 1926, and though it was never proved, both accepted releases as playing managers of their teams, the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians, respectively.” The two most prolific hitters of the time were said to have set up an intricate series of players to throw games for the bonuses the players received for being in a certain place. So, the cellar team would throw 2 games to the #3 team to lead them into the #2 spot, and the players would be paid off a mild bonus. This collusion was entirely unproven, with the words of a black groundskeeper who was known to have it in for the staunch segregationist Cobb, against two of the most beloved sports players of their time. In hindsight, the charges make perfect sense, and it seems to be the player’s only attempt to combat the harsh reserve clause, but no one wanted to fathom this so quickly after the Black Sox Scandal, even though one of Cobb’s long-time teammates, Ed Cicotte, who basically cultivated his career with Cobb, was a ringleader in the scandal. (Berkow A1)
Also, first basemen Hal Chase was banned when it was learned he too was fixing games, although according to “Old Fox” Clark Griffith, he was always crooked. Interestingly enough, one of Griffith’s other players, Walter Johnson, baseball’s golden boy, bet on World Series games with a few other players. Yet, even though the baseball hierarchy knew, they considered this form of betting to be no threat to baseball. About this time as well, player/manager Tris Speaker felt he had to release his lineup later, to combat the betting line and minimize bets that could sway the players. “In an effort to discourage Gambling, Manager Tris Speaker of the Cleveland Indians will not announce his pitchers overnight during the regular season, as had been his policy.” Although highly unknown, Charles Stengel, later known as ‘Casey’, felt this was the only way to go and employed this theory into his selection of pitchers as late as the ‘70s. (Anonymous 22)
Around this time, several gambling related bans and suspensions went down in New York, at the Giants camp. Here, Phil Douglas was banned for consorting with gamblers, as well as Hall of Fame manager Leo Durocher being suspended for his involvement with gamblers. “1947: Brooklyn manager Leo Durocher suspended for one year for ``incidents detrimental to baseball.'' Durocher became involved in a public feud with New York Yankees general manager Larry MacPhail, accusing him of associating with gamblers after coach Charlie Dressen jumped from Dodgers to Yankees despite a verbal agreement to coach Dodgers in 1947. MacPhail sued Durocher for libel. In addition to Durocher's suspension, both teams were fined and Dressen was suspended for 30 days for violating his verbal agreement.” At this point, even being friends with a known gambler was grounds for suspension. Not only were managers suspended, but owners too. Kenesaw Mountain Landis, almost as notorious as Ban Johnson for gambling-related suspensions, suspended the Phillies owner, William D. Cox, for his gambling associations. “Landis ruled Cox was ‘permanently ineligible’ to hold any baseball office hereafter, in the major or minor leagues. His decision was reached after a three month investigation that included several interviews with Cox by Landis” Now that the owners had gotten started on their suspension binge, no end seemed in sight. However, it eventually tapered off.
(USA Today Information Network 5.C), (The Associated Press 24)
“1970 - Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspends Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain from the start of the season through July 1 for consorting with gamblers in 1967; McLain later spent 29 months in prison for loan-sharking, gambling and cocaine dealing.” He was suspended, even though he served jail time. This is highly ironic, since the 1919 White Sox 8 were acquitted, yet still banned. Does it not make sense to ban someone convicted, rather, than the acquitted? This is believed to be a glaring blemish on the history of baseball. After his first taste of gambling suspension, commissioner Bowie Kuhn apparently liked the feeling, suspending Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle from their involvement in the front office of a team for their endorsements to casinos. “1979 - Kuhn suspends Willie Mays from working with teams because he accepted a public relations job with a gambling casino.” and “1983 - Commissioner Kuhn suspends Mickey Mantle from working with teams because he accepted a public relations job with a gambling casino.”
Commissioner Peter Uberoth lifted these silly suspensions in 1985, doing what many of the baseball world wanted to by removing these ridiculous and ludicrous charges. It seemed that gambling was on a decrease, after this, with Rose, the Black Sox, and The Scare of 1926 behind us. Yet, Lenny Dykstra released the information he lost several hundred thousand dollars in a poker game. Yet, since this violates no rule, all Commissioner Fay Vincent could do was issue strict warnings and put Dykstra on probation. “1991 - Vincent places Lenny Dykstra on a year's probation after the Philadelphia Phillies' center fielder concedes losing $78,000 in high-stakes poker games.”[(USA Today Information Network 22) for Parenthetical references]
There was then a ten-year drop-off between Dykstra and the next incident, when Albert Belle was discovered to be Gambling. “Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of
the Chicago White Sox, the team that signed Belle to a five-year, $55 million
free-agent contract in November, said he was ‘not worried’ because ‘there is no
indication Albert bet on baseball.’ Belle himself downplayed the gambling
issue, telling USA Today that he did not bet on baseball and that he and his
teammates merely bet casually on other sports. Said Belle, ‘It's no different
than anyone else's office pool.’ He's wrong. In a deposition given in Cleveland on Feb. 11 as part of a civil
lawsuit filed against him for allegedly driving his truck after a group of boys
who had egged his house on Halloween of 1995, Belle admitted that he lost about
$40,000 betting on pro football and college basketball games, and in golf
wagers with friends. While Belle can clearly afford the loss, its magnitude
brings into question who was handling his action. That's why this can't be
considered "office pool" money, even for someone who makes $11 million a year.
And even if evidence proves that Belle did not bet on his own sport, baseball
must take his gambling seriously. ‘The problem with gambling of any kind is
that it creates debt,’ says John Dowd, the Washington, D.C.-based attorney
whose investigation of Pete Rose's gambling led to Rose's lifetime expulsion
from baseball in 1989.’ And when people cannot pay, that's when they become
vulnerable to the bookmakers. That is when the integrity of the game is on the
line.’” (McAllum et al. 17, 18)
The final incident so far was the connection of Reggie Jackson to a gambling website, which Jackson adamantly denied, and whom he brought charges against. “Jackson, who's on the Yankees' payroll as a special adviser, is being paid by Transworld Network and WorldNet Casinos, Inc., located in San Jose, Costa Rica, solely to lend his picture and celebrity to the operation. The Web site features Las Vegas-odds gambling on blackjack, baccarat, bingo, poker, roulette, slots and other games. It does not offer sports betting. Major League Baseball forbids its employees to have any direct involvement with gambling operations. The second site, placethatbet.com -- a hyperlink from the first, contains a sports book for betting on baseball. It read: "Reggie Jackson Presents Place That Bet Online Casino and Sports book Featuring Blackjack, Roulette, Poker and More.” Jackson’s attorney Ed Blum said the second site "was done totally without Reggie's knowledge or involvement. The folks we've been doing business with have violated an agreement. Reggie allowed his name to be used with the express provision that a sports book would not be involved." Selig spokesman Richard Levin said baseball is determining more about the Web sites and how deeply Jackson is involved.” (Bodley 4C)
The debate has been ignited whether to allow the greatest of the banned players in (Cooperstown). It is a fiery debate, with both points making excellent points. However, Tracey Gardener says it best: “MLB officials banned Jackson in 1921 for accepting money to lose the 1919 World Series on purpose. They say the left fielder and seven of his teammates pitched poorly, dropped balls, and made more errors than usual. Jackson's case has spurred a debate about whether the league should forgive, or eternally punish, athletes who cheat. "Forgiveness is important," says Rich Levin, a spokesperson for MLB. "But so are the rules of life.” Commissioner Selig's decision could also affect the fate of another shamed athlete, Pete Rose, 58.The former third baseman and manager of the Cincinnati Reds holds 11 major league records, including most career hits at 4,256. Officials ousted Rose in 1989 for betting money on the outcomes of games involving his team. Jackson and Rose are among 100 players now on a ballot for an all-century team, a list of the 25 best players in history.” (Gardner 6)
In conclusion, it is apparent through this research that the lack of concrete evidence means nothing to Major League Baseball, yet when it is placed in front of them, they conveniently ignore it. Although performing admirably generally, they need to concentrate more on the facts than public opinion, which sways the pushover commissioners easily.
Sources.....
1. Deford, Frank. "A scandal of such audacity." Sports Illustrated. Nov 29 1999: 112.
(Deford 112)
2. Berkow, Ira. "Some Trouble in a River City: In Cincinnati, Rose Casts A Shadow." New York Times Apr 3 1989: A1.
(Berkow A1)
3. The Associated Press. "Landis Bars Owner Cox From Baseball for Betting on Phils' Games: OUSTED HEAD SELLS INTEREST IN CLUB R.R.M. Carpenter Jr. Named President of Phils After Father Buys Stock COX ADMITS 15 TO 20 BETS Then He Spurns Hearing and Landis Takes Most Drastic Action of Long Regime." New York Times Nov 24 1943: 24.
(The Associated Press 24)
4. Anonymous. "To Baffle Gamblers, Speaker Will Delay Naming Pitcher." New York Times Apr 1 1921: 22.
(Anonymous 22)
5. USA Today Information Network. "Black Sox to Rose: the shades of scandal." USA Today Jun 25 1991: 22.
(USA Today Information Network 22)
6. USA Today Information Network. "Baseball protects integrity." USA Today Mar 21 1989: 5.C.
(USA Today Information Network 5.C)
7. Bodley, Hal. "Jackson linked to gambling Web site; Hall of Famer's role scrutinized." USA Today Aug 4 2000: 4C.
(Bodley 4C)
8. Brown, Bryan. "Baseball's darkest day." New York Times Jan 1 2001: 23-25.
(Brown 23-25)
9. Antonen, Mel. "'Fear' of gambling goes way back in baseball." USA Today Jan 7 2004: C9.
(Antonen C9)
10. McAllum, Jack, and Richard O'Brien. "Belle's Bad Bets." Sports Illustrated Feb 24 1997: 17, 18.
(McAllum et al. 17, 18)
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Originally Posted by Kingdom_of_Zito
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