“The dreams are that you’re gonna have a great series and win. The nightmares are that you’re gonna let the winning run score on a ground ball through your legs. Those things happen, you know. I think a lot of it is just fate.” -Bill Buckner, 19 days before Game Six of the 1986 World Series.
Focus on the “Eight Men Out,” Part Eight: Fred McMullin
Today we turn our attention to the eighth and perhaps the most obscure of the “Eight Men Out,” Fred McMullin. He’s not better known because he was a utility player in 1919 with only two at-bats in the infamous World Series, going 1-2 with a single.
Focus on “The Eight Men Out,” Part Seven: Claude “Lefty” Williams
There are many tragic stories associated with the Black Sox scandal that rocked the baseball world in 1919, but none more so than the story of Claude “Lefty” Williams.
Spotlight on the “Eight Men Out, ” Part Six: “Shoeless” Joe Jackson
There’s probably no topic that’s more emotionally charged when discussing the Black Sox scandal than Joe Jackson’s guilt or innocence. It’s still hotly debated almost 100 years later.
The Sad Saga of Babe Ruth and the “Baby Ruth” Candy Bar
“Well, I ain’t eatin’ your damned candy bar anymore!” —Babe Ruth, 1927
…And after you read the story, who could blame him?
Spotlight on the “Eight Men Out,” Part Five: Swede Risberg
“The Swede is a hard guy.” –Shoeless Joe Jackson
Spotlight on the Eight Men Out, Part Four: Oscar “Happy” Felsch
I’m continuing with my series on the eight ball players banned for life from baseball by Commissioner Landis in the wake of the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Today we turn our attention to the White Sox’ star center fielder, Oscar “Happy” Felsch.
Spotlight on the “Eight Men Out,” Part Three: Eddie “Knuckles” Cicotte
“I admit I did wrong, but I’ve paid for it the past 45 years.” -Eddie Cicotte, commenting in a 1965 interview on his role in the 1919 Black Sox scandal.