The Third Major League - a fictional history of the Federal League

[Tiger Fan]

FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 1921

Before we get to the World Series I thought I would take a look at some interesting stories from the past season in the major leagues.

CHARLESTON AND HANNIBAL

While they were overshadowed down the stretch by Babe Ruth's incredible season the biggest story this year was the New York Giants decision to sign Oscar Charleston and Jack Hannibal away from the Federal League's Brooklyn Tip-Tops, ending 50 years of segregation in the process.

While the signings were not enough to help the Giants improve much- New York was 33-52 before acquiring the pair and 30-39 - it does give fans of the National League club some hope for the future. Charleston (.300,12,45) ended up leading the Giants in homers despite playing in just 67 games while Hannibal (.345,11,49) was equally productive. The 27 year old Charleston and 30 year old Hannibal along with 31 year old Sam Rice (.325,2,52) give the Giants some stability in the outfield. Third baseman Russ Wrightstone (.322,4,71) and legendary pitcher Walter Johnson (21-18, 3.10) are their only other stars. The 33 year old Johnson, who has spent his entire 15 year career with the Giants, pushed his career record to 336-199 while making the National League all-star team for the 15th straight season.

MASS EXODUS COMING FROM FEDERAL LEAGUE?

The Brooklyn Tip-Tops won their 4th straight Federal League title in the loop's 8 years of operation. It could be the last for the Tip-Tops as when spring rolls around the league could have a completely different look. In an agreement reached in July to save the struggling league from losing more players following the poaching of Charleston and Hannibal to the New York Giants, the Federal League was forced to agree to Major League Baseball's terms.

It was agreed that MLB teams would not raid Federal League rosters during the season but in the off-season the major league clubs were free to purchase players from Federal clubs at the standard rate that applies to other leagues like the International League and Southern Association. That concession, which saved the Federal League from losing much of it's top talent, effectively made the league an independant AAA circuit. It did pay higher salaries than the International League, which was considered the top AAA loop, but Federal League teams would now have no way to keep their top talent from leaving each winter.

So the question is how many players will the Brooklyn Tip-Tops lose to the majors and what will their franchise look like come April? There are certainly plenty of other questions around the Federal League, including will all of the teams survive and will the working agreement with the Central League to act as a farm system continue?

BULLET JOE BUSH

One of the premier players almost certain to leave the Tip-Tops is pitching star Bullet Joe Bush. The 28 year old led the Federal League in wins, era, innings pitched and strikeouts this season as he set a single season win record with 36 victories. Bush, who has pitched for the Tip-Tops since 1916 when he jumped from the Brooklyn Robins of the National League, is the Federal League's all-time win leader with a 172-49 record.

He began his pro career as a 19 year old in 1912 with the National League Robins, going 18-18 as a rookie. He would compile a 56-69 record over 4 seasons with the club before jumping leagues to sign with the Tip-Tops. Bush would win 26 games in 1916 and follow that up with 5 more outstanding seasons, winning 3 Federal League pitcher of the year awards (likely a 4th coming this year) and 4 Federal Series titles.

In real life the Minnesota native pitched in the majors for 7 different teams and compiled a 195-183 career record. He is credited with having developed the forkball pitch.

OVERLOOKED STAR ROY LESLIE

Lost in all of the hoopla surrounding Babe Ruth was the outstanding season posted by 27 year old Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Roy Leslie (.322,17,153). Leslie's 153 rbi's would have been a new single season major league record had Ruth not drove in 163 this year. He also led the National League with 56 doubles, which ties for the fourth most in a single season in baseball history. The record is 61 set by Bill Hassamaer of the 1895 Washington side.

Leslie has been with the Pirates since the age of 21 in 1916 but did not play regularly until last season when he had a very strong (.307,9,115) campaign while hitting in front of Babe Ruth. When Ruth left for Cincinnati, Leslie was suddenly the focus of the Pirates batting order and he responded with a career year and what might have been an MVP season in any other year except for this one.

In real life Leslie played in 3 major league seasons with 3 different teams but only saw significant playing time with the 1922 Philadelphia Phillies, hitting .271 in 141 games that season. The rest of his MLB career totaled 7 games with the 1917 Cubs and 12 games with the Cardinals in 1919. The native of Bailey, Texas did have a 17 year minor league career but beyond that I did not find much out about him.

[Tiger Fan]

SATURDAY OCTOBER 8, 1921
BABE RUTH DOMINATES PRE-WORLD SERIES CONVERSATION

The fact that the New York Yankees are finally making their first World Series appearance after 51 years of mostly futility has taken a distant back seat to all of the hoopla surrounding Babe Ruth. The 26 year old slugger had a season for the ages as he set new major league records for homeruns and rbi's, became the first triple crown winner since 1872 and also became just the ninth player to hit over .400 in a season. St Louis Cardinals infielder Rogers Hornsby, who did hit .417 last year, just failed to meet the grade this season as he finished with a .3997 batting average.

Ruth's 52 homeruns destroyed the old record of 38 he established 2 years ago while playing for Pittsburgh. His 163 rbi's shattered Beals Becker's mark of 139 set in 1911. Years from now, future statheads will also point to the Babe's 13.58 WAR, which is second best all-time behind the Browns Ty Cobb 13.73 established in 1918. Ruth also set records for slugging percentage and total bases. Despite being just 26 years of age Ruth is also just 11 homeruns shy of the career record 198 set by Bill Joyce, who played 18 seasons for the Giants beginning in 1888.

It remains a mystery why the Pittsburgh Pirates ownership would choose to cut costs by refusing to resign Ruth and several other players after a World Series winning season a year ago in which Ruth hit .343 and led the major leagues with 30 homers but the Pirates loss was certainly Cincinnati's gain.

Adding Ruth in the middle of the Reds order wth George Sisler (.373,10,114) and Elmer Smith (.308,18,133) allowed Cincinnati to lead the major leagues in runs scored (909) by a wide margin - the Yankees 874 ranked third, 3 back of the Cardinals - and win their first pennant since 1900.

Ruth, who almost assuredly will win his third NL MVP award when it is announced next month, is looking for a second straight World Series ring. Ruth hit .321 with 2 homers and 4 rbi's in the Pirates 7 game win over the Athletics last season. The best of 9 series begins tomorrow in Cincinnati.

[Tiger Fan]

SUNDAY OCTOBER 10, 1921
WORLD SERIES PREVIEW : REDS FAVOURITES TO WIN

Led by the best hitter in baseball and the best offense in either league the Cincinnati Reds are favoured to win their first World Series title since 1901. Not only did the Reds score more runs than any team in either league they also allowed the fewest runs against in the National League, and second overall in MLB behind only Detroit.

The Reds enter the series healthy and well rested as they clinched the pennant a couple of weeks ago. The New York Yankees, on the other hand, enter their first World Series in franchise history worn out from a tough stretch run that saw them finish 3-7 but just hold off the Athletics and Tigers. The Yankees are also banged up as outfielder Cy Williams is questionable for the series while pitcher Kirby Hoon is definately out.

Williams (.315,19,86) will be sorely missed as his bat in the cleanup spot is the key to the Yankees offense. The 33 year old outfielder was limited to 117 games this season as he has been bothered by an abdominal strain all year. He has not played since September 20th but there is hope he will return sometime in the series. Kirby Hoon (15-10, 4.80) is done for the year after the 37 year old suffered a shoulder injury in the pennant clinching win over Boston earlier in the week.

With Cy Williams on the shelf it puts that much more pressure on Ken Williams (.360,25,113) to carry the Yankee offense. Ken Williams has had plenty of experience leading an offense as he won the triple crown with Brooklyn of the Federal League in 1919 before jumping to the American League. Between Williams and Cincinnati's Babe Ruth this series will feature two of the three people who have won a triple crown at a major league level since the pro game began in 1871. Levi Meyerle of the 1872 Brooklyn Atlantics was the only other triple crown winner.

If the Yankees are going to pull off an upset it will require a superb effort from their starting pitching. Phil Douglas (23-13, 3.42), Lee Meadows (14-14, 4.06) and ex-Federal League star Bill Steen (18-13, 3.63). The problem they will face is even if they somehow manage to slow Ruth down, they still need to deal with Elmer Smith (.308,18,133), George Sisler (.373,10,114), Jimmy Dykes (.332,4,62) and Ray Schalk (.279,4,76).

The expectation is Yankees fans will have to be satisified with just reaching the World Series for the first time in 51 years. It is likely a World Championship will have to wait as Cincinnati is a much stronger team on paper.

[Tiger Fan]

SUNDAY OCTOBER 9, 1921
YANKEES DOMINATE SERIES OPENER

So much for the thinking the Cincinnati Reds were the class of the World Series as the New York Yankees waltzed in to Redland Park and stunned a crowd of over 24,000 by hammering the hometown heroes 10-0. Ken Williams was the star of the day for the Yankees as the 31 year old outfielder went 3-for-5, with a homer, a triple and double, while driving in 3 runs and scoring 4 times. Cy Williams also came off the disabled list to add to the Yankees offense. Cy went 2-for-3 with a pair of rbi's before exiting the game in the seventh inning.

Yankees ace Phil Douglas held the Reds to 8 hits, all singles, and kept the Cincinnati batters off-stride all game by mixing speeds. Babe Ruth did go 2-for-3 with a walk in the loss. Lefty Gervais, who won 22 games during the regular season for Cincinnati, failed to survive the 5th inning and was pulled after allowing 8 runs, all earned on 10 hits.

MONDAY OCTOBER 10, 1921
REDS EVEN SERIES WITH 8-1 VICTORY

What a difference a day makes. After getting thumped at home in the series opener the Cincinnati Reds responded with an 8-1 schooling of the New York Yankees in Game Two. The Reds got things going quickly as they scored 3 times in the bottom of the first inning and all the excitement came with 2 out. Babe Ruth had his only hit of the game, a double, to get the rally started. After George Sisler was hit by a pitch Elmer Smith followed with a bloop single to load the bases. An error by New York shortstop John Kelleher allowed Ruth to score and Edd Roush followed with a 2-run single.

Cincinnati starter Emmett Munsell took care of the rest, allowing 1 Yankee run on 9 hits while striking out 6. The Yankees would be their own worst enemy as 3 more errors, including another one from Kelleher led to 6 unearned Cincinnati runs on the day. Munsell went the distance for the win while Bill Steen took the loss as a victim of shoddy defensive support.

Of note- Yankee outfielder Cy Williams did play the entire game and had an rbi single but he also struck out twice and misplayed a fly ball for an error. He was clearly not at 100%.

The series shifts to New York's Polo Grounds for Game Three and Four starting Wednesday.

[Tiger Fan]

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12,1921
YANKEES WIN FIRST EVER SERIES GAME AT POLO GROUNDS

Despite being home to two major league teams for the past 8 years and one team since 1890 the Polo Grounds had never hosted a playoff baseball game, until now. The stadium has been the home of the National League New York Giants club since 1890 with the New York Yankees moving into the building for the 1913 season. Neither club had made the playoffs in a combined 91 years of history. The Yankees have unveiled plans to construct a new stadium for themselves which is expected to open for the 1923 season but for now they have the distinction of playing the first post-season game in Polo Grounds history.

A near capacity crowd of 33,801 turned out to see the New York Yankees take a 2 games to one lead in the World Series with a 9-2 victory. The game, the third straight decided by a lobsided score, was all New York as the Yankees pounded out 15 hits and chased Cincinnati starting pitcher Tod Sloan in the 7th inning. Cy Williams showed no ill effects of his abdominal injury on this day, going 3-for-4 including a solo homerun while driving in 2 and scoring twice, to lead New York to the win.

Yankees third baseman Larry Gardner also had 3 hits and drove in 3 runs and New York pitcher Lee Meadows, who went the distance on the mound allowing 1 earned run on 5 hits for the victory, chipped offensively as well by getting 3 singles in 5 trips to the plate.

George Sisler had 2 more hits for Cincinnati, continuing a strong series that has him hitting .455 but Babe Ruth went 0-for-3 with a walk and is now 3-for-11 in the series with no rbi's and just 1 extra base hit.

The best of nine series continues tomorrow in New York.

[Tiger Fan]

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 1921
YANKEES TAKE COMMAND OF SERIES WITH WILD GAME FOUR WIN

The New York Yankees pulled off the greatest comeback in World Series history, scoring 7 times in the ninth inning and winning 15-14 in 10 innings over the Cincinnati Reds. The victory gives the Yankees a commanding 3 games to one lead in the best of nine series.

The Reds got things going quickly against Yankees starter Rube Benton by scoring 3 runs in the top of the first inning including a 2-run homer off the bat of Elmer Smith. However, the Yankees cut the lead in the home half as Cy Williams hit a 2-run shot of his own to make the score 3-2. The Cincinnati lead increased to 4-2 in the third when Ray Schalk singled in Babe Ruth and would be extended to 7-2 thanks in part to Ruth hitting a 2-run homer, his first of the series in the 4th.

New York got a pair of runs back in the 5th but in the top of the 6th inning Ruth hit his second homer of the game to stretch Cincinnati's lead to 10-5. Heading into the bottom of the 9th inning the Reds lead were leading 14-7 when New York bats exploded for 7 hits. Add in a Cincinnati error and a pair of walks and the inning ended with the score tied at 14.

Yankees reliever Steamboat Williams set the Reds down in order in the 10th - the first time that happened all game. In the bottom of the 10th New York lead-off man Steve O'Neill was hit by a pitch and moved to second on Lew Fonseca's ground out. After John Kelleher drew a walk from Reds pitcher Ben Tincup, New York pinch-hitter Ike Boone ended the game with an rbi single.

To make matters worse for the Reds, they also lost first baseman George Sisler with an injury. His status for the rest of the series is uncertain.

[Tiger Fan]

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14, 1921
SCHALK CALLS OUT REDS TEAMMATES ON LACK OF EFFORT

After an epic collapse agains the New York Yankees yesterday some appear to be questioning the motivation of a number of Cincinnati Reds players. There had been talk in saloons and pool halls that something unusual is happening in this series, with much of the speculation centred on the large amounts of money bet on the underdog Yankees in the days leading up to game one. Surprisingly there was also a lot more money brought in to play on the American League side after the odds on the Yankees increased following Cincinnati's resounding game two victory.

While the speculation had been discussed in the press box throughout the series, none of the scribes, or players for that matter, would go on record with any sort of comment - until today when Reds catcher Ray Schalk lashed out at his teammates.

Schalk certainly stopped well short of claiming a 'fix' was in the works but he did say he felt many of his teammates did not give a full effort. He named two pitchers saying Lefty Gervais and Tod Sloan were repeatedly shaking off pitches and not throwing like they were capable of. Pressed if he thought that Gervais and Sloan were intentionally missing the mark with pitches Schalk replied "I don't know if it is intentional or not, but something is not right. Both of these guys are much better than they have shown. Same with a few others on our ballclub. Some of our big bats seem to get a lot smaller when it matters most. And we have made some bad errors on balls that should never be missed. I don't know. Something is going on. That's all I got to say."

An obviously frustrated Schalk, who is a 6-time all-star known for his work ethic and fielding skills more than his bat, has hit just .211 in the series. Schalk hit .279 in the regular season but is just a career .254 hitter.

The bats Schalk is likely refering to belong to outfielders Ed Roush, Elmer Smith and even the great Babe Ruth. Roush is just 4-for-19 in the series while Smith is 4-for-16 but has left 15 players on base in the 4 games and failed to drive in a run with a man on third and less than 2 out in all 4 of his opportunities. Even Ruth, who had 2 homers in the game 4 loss, looked very average at the plate in the first three games. The other player who deserves to have his effort questioned is third baseman Vic Saier, who is 3-for-12 at the plate but has made 3 costly errors, all on seemingly routine plays.

The pitchers called out by Schalk have looked particularily bad. Lefty Gervais, who was 22-9 in the regular season, failed to survive the fifth inning of game one, allowing 10 hits and 8 runs and he gave up another 10 hits and 6 runs in his Game four start before being pulled after 7 innings. Tod Sloan, who was 17-8 with outstanding control during the regular season, allowed 15 hits and 9 earned runs while walking 3 in 6-plus innings in game three.

Perhaps it is just because New York is in the series but there has been nearly twice as much money bet on this World Series than any other. Perhaps the performance of Gervais, Sloan, Ruth and the others is just World Series jitters, or a slump experienced by all at the same time. Perhaps Schalk is just lashing out in an effort to light a fire under his team and his comments were misunderstood to think that something is rotten in Denmark. Then again, there are a lot of things going on so is this much more than just a coincendence and a run of bad luck for the Reds? Perhaps.





EDITORS NOTE - It just seemed unusual to me that the Reds were playing so badly. Saier made some errors at key times that broke the doors open for the Yankees. Ruth was not hitting - at least in the first three games - and the rest of the outfield was not hitting at all. Gervais especially, but also Sloan, have been awful. And having Ray Schalk - from the real-life Black Sox scandal who called out his teammates for throwing games - made this a nice story line.

I will see how the series progresses but if the Yankees win, and the Reds big players continue to look bad I will let random numbers determine if we are going to a Cincinnati 'Blacks' scandal in 1921. The big thing about the possibility is what if chance determines Ruth is involved. Would baseball take steps to ban him when his homerun exploits have done so much for the National League at the turnstiles?

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE SEASON COMES TO AN END

The new look Pacific Coast League completed it's first season today with the Seattle Rainiers finishing in first place. The Rainiers, led by league batting champion Kenneth King (.360,0,83) will square off against the San Francisco Seals in the PCL Series. The Seals strength is their pitching led by John Merritt (24-15 3.74), Cliff Markle (19-16, 3.84) and Ole Olsen (16-18, 3.19).

The PCL history stretches back to 1888 when the original San Francisco Seals franchise won the league's first pennant. The Seals won 8 pennants before the franchise folded after the 1919 season. The old Seattle club won 2 titles before relocating to Columbus and joining the Federal League in 1919.

[Tiger Fan]

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15, 1921
REDS WIN GAME FIVE 2-1

While there has been plenty of controversy surrounding a possible 'fix' involving some Cincinnati Reds players, three Reds who's effort cannot be questioned during the series came up big in Game Five today leading the Reds to a 2-1 victory.

Pitcher Jack Combs, who hurled 3 shutout innings earlier in the series in relief, got his first start and pitched a 7-hit complete game. He and catcher Ray Schalk were on the same page all day as the crafty 38 year old veteran who was 19-12 during the regular season, mixed speeds perfectly to keep Yankee hitters off-balance.

While Combs was doing the job on the mound, infielders Jimmy Dykes and George Sisler did it with their bats, combining for 6 hits and a pair of rbi's. Dykes is hitting .478 in the series while Sisler, who was questionable before the game following an injury in Game four, is hitting .450.

The woes continue for Babe Ruth, who managed just a single with the bases empty in the 6th inning but left 4 men stranded in his other two at bats. Ruth also drew a walk. Meanhwile Edd Roush was 0-for-3 and Elmer Smith went 0-for-4 and left 6 men on base. Third baseman Vic Saier was 0-for-3 and made another error on a routine play, booting a ground ball from Larry Gardner to lead off the ninth inning. After the miscue, Reds catcher Ray Schalk, who had a single and scored the winning run, could be heard screaming at his third baseman for a good minute. Fortunately for the Reds, the Yankees could not take advantage of the Saier error, as Combs induced a doubleplay ground ball to second baseman Jimmy Dykes and a game ending ground out to shortstop Stuffy McInnis.

The best of nine series continues tomorrow in Cincinnati with the Yankees leading 3 games to two.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 16, 1921
REDS SHUTOUT YANKEES TO EVEN SERIES

What a difference a couple of wins make for the Cincinnati Reds. Emmett Munsell tossed a complete game shutout leading the Reds to a 3-0 victory over the visiting New York Yankees and evening the World Series at 3 wins apiece. It is the second win of the series for Munsell, who also went the distance in an 8-1 win in Game Two. The 32 year old was 18-12 during the regular season and is 131-97 in his 9 year major league career.

Babe Ruth got the Reds offense going with a 1-out double in the bottom of the fourth and he scored on an rbi single from George Sisler. Ruth also played a key role in the sixth inning when he singled and would score along with Ray Schalk on a 2-run bases loaded single off the bat of Edd Roush who, like Ruth, had been criticized all series for a lack of production.

Bill Steen of the Yankees took his second loss of the series despite allowing just 6 hits in going the distance.

FEDERAL LEAGUE NAMES PARKINSON TOP ROOKIE

It has been quite a season for Frank Parkinson on the Chicago Whales. The 26 year old rookie led the league in homeruns with 20 and was rewarded with the rookie of the year award today. Parkinson (.344,20,90) became a fan favourite in Chicago after winning the MVP of the spring training Chicago Cup tournament the Whales won against the Cubs, White Sox and NNL American Giants.

This was the first pro season for the native of Dickson City, Pennsylvania. In real life he played parts of 4 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Brooklyn Tip-Tops teammates finished second and third in the voting. Wyman Smith (.403,9,46 in 64 games), a 22 year old outfielder was second whle 23 year old third baseman Rube Lutzke (.318,8,78) was third.

[Tiger Fan]

MONDAY OCTOBER 17, 1921
ANOTHER SKIPPER AWARD FOR SHEETS

Perhpas they should remain the Federal League Manager of the Year award to the Roy Sheets Award. The 47 year old Brooklyn Tip-Tops skipper received word today his name will be engraved on the trophy for the fifth straight year as he was once again named the winner. Sheets, who has led Brooklyn to 5 straight playoff appearances and 4 titles in a row, also won a Western Association Series with the St Joseph Dummers as their bench coach in 1914.

He became a coach in 1911 with Indianapolis of the International League after a very undistinguished pro career that consisted of 9 games for the 1903 Sioux City Soos of the Western Association. He was on the Soos roster as they won the Union Pacific Series that season but did not play in the post-season. He spent the following season on the reserve roster of the South Texas League's Paris Red Peppers but retired to semi-pro ball after not playing a game all season.

I can't find anything about the real Roy Sheets other than what is on baseball reference. He spent 6 seasons in the minors primarily in the New England League.

[Tiger Fan]

TUESDAY OCTOBER 18, 1921
YANKES HAMMER GERVAIS AGAIN, TAKE 4-3 SERIES LEAD

Break out the conspiracy talk again as some members of the Cincinnati Reds seem to be doing their best to not win the World Series. Exhibit A is pitcher Lefty Gervais. The 31 year old won 22 games during the regular season and allowed 6 runs or more just twice in 37 starts. However, in the World Series he has a 9.31 era in 3 starts after allowing 6 New York runs on 12 hits in just over 5 innings work today. The Yankees would go on to win the game 6-1 and have a 4 games to three lead in the best of nine series. In the 3 games Gervais has started New York has scored 31 runs and Gervais himself has surrendered 32 his in 19 innings of work.

Exhibits B, C and D are outfielders Elmer Smith and Edd Roush along with third baseman Vic Saier. The three combined to go 1-for-12 in today's game, left 11 men on base between them and are batting a combined .192 in the series. Babe Ruth did distance himself from the other three with a pair of hits in this game but in a key at bat with 2 on and 2 out in the 7th inning Ruth grounded weakly back to Yankee pitcher Lee Meadows.

The Yankees certainly deserve credit for taking advantage of the opportunity as Meadows pitched 8 innings allowing just one run for his second win of the series. Cy Williams had another strong game with a single, a walk and 2 runs scored with the big hero being shortstop John Kelleher who had 2 singles and 3 rbi's.

New York can clinch it's first World Series title with a win at home tomorrow.

[Tiger Fan]

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19, 1921
YANKEES WIN SERIES!

The New York Yankees built an early 6-0 lead and hung on to beat the Cincinnati Reds 10-7 to claim an upset victory in the World Series. The win gives New York it's first ever World Series championship as they take the best of 9 series 5 games to three.

The Yankees struck first when Lew Fonseca hit a single that somehow eluded Reds third baseman Vic Saier to plate Larry Gardner with the opening run in the bottom of the second inning. It was a well hit ball but it looked like Saier would get there but he dove and the ball seemed to just sneak through him. An inning later the Yankees got to Cincinnati starter Jack Combs, who was pitching on three days rest after the Reds elected to skip Tod Sloan's spot in the rotation. After Bibb Falk drew a 2-out walk Ken Williams followed up with a double to make the score 2-0. Back to back homeruns from Cy Williams and Gardner and it was suddenly 5-0 Yankees.

The Reds staged a comeback effort in the top of the fifth when, trailing 6-0, Ray Schalk led off with a triple and scored when Edd Roush reached on an error. Stuffy MacInnis hit a 2-run triple later in the inning and Jimmy Dykes singled him in to make the score 6-4. The Reds went through the order and Schalk got an rbi single to tie the game at 6-6 before Roush grounded out to end the inning.

New York would immediately responded with 5 hits and a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to retake the lead for good. Ken Williams added a homerun in the 6th to make the score 10-6 New York. Babe Ruth would then triple with 1 out in the top of the seventh for Cincinnati but the Reds comeback hopes would be dealt a huge blow when Ruth was thrown out at home to end the inning after George Sisler's sacrifice fly attempt.

With New York starter Phil Douglas still on the mound the Reds would go quietly in the ninth to end the series. Jimmy Dykes would ground out and Babe Ruth would pop up to second base before George Sisler, the one consistent Cincinnati hitter in the series, tried to keep the rally alive with a single. Elmer Smith would follow with a ground out to complete yet another 0-for-4 day for him and end the series.

CY WILLIAMS NAMED MVP
The Yankees had a number of worthy candidates for the MVP award. Included in those were shortstop John Kelleher (.467,0,7), third baseman Larry Gardner (.433,1,7) and outfielder Ken Williams (.371,2,7) as well as Game 8 winning pitcher Phil Douglas (2-1, 2.25) but the MVP went to Cy Williams. The 33 year old centerfielder, who's status for the series was questionable due to a nagging abdominal injury, hit .400 with a series leading 3 homeruns and 10 rbi's.

For the Reds it was a series of bitter disappointment and questions about their effort. Even before Reds catcher Ray Schalk called out some of his teammates after the terrible collapse in game four, many had wondered if the series was 'fixed.'

There was a ton of money bet on the underdog Yankees and a unexpected amount was put down on them after New York was soundly beaten in game two to even the series. Add in some very suspect pitching from Lefty Gervais and Tod Sloan as well as questionable defense from third baseman Vic Saier and one had to wonder - as Schalk did out loud the day before Game Five. Edd Roush, a lifetime .295 hitter, batted just .161 in the series. Elmer Smith did hit 2 homeruns in Game four, but was just 5-for-34 (.147) in the series after hitting .309 with 18 homers and 133 rbi's during the regular season. Saier had some hits late in the series but despite batting .280 always seemed to come up short in key situations - either at the plate or in the field.

Even Babe Ruth's performance has to come into question. The triple crown winner did hit .464 in the series with 2 homers and 6 rbi's but he also seemed to fail whenever it mattered most. What is also interesting is after Schalk called out his teammates Ruth went 7-for-11 with 3 extra base hits (although 0 rbi's) in the final 3 games. A great example of Ruth's inability to deliver when needed was the first inning of the deciding game with Jimmy Dykes on second base and 1 out, Ruth hit an almost check-swing little roller to Yankees third baseman Larry Gardner for an easy out. Later, Ruth would get thrown out on the plate after tagging up on a deep fly ball that should have scored most runners from third.

That was the difference in the series. The Yankees best players played like their best players while the Reds best players, whether it be for some outside reason or not, simply did not play like the best players on the team or in Ruth's case, the best player in the league.

[Tiger Fan]

I welcome any feedback on what you think should happen, if anything to the Reds players involved. I believe I will let random chance decide what happens between a of different storyline scenario's including :

a- nothing happens. It is just swept under the table because of no conclusive proof

b- Proof is found that 1 or 2 players have received money from gamblers to throw the series and their fate will be decided as the 1922 season progresses

c- Some proof is found leading one or more to cave and confess about everyone who was involved and after a court case some or all could be suspended or banned which potentially could lead to them - possibly including Babe Ruth - moving to the Federal League.

If you have another scenario you think would work please let me know. I am thinking this should somewhat mirror the Black Sox scandal but it is the involvement of Ruth that makes it a real wildcard as I can't envision MLB banning him because of the drawing card he is. On the other hand, if he was banned he would join the Federal League and likely inject new life into that league - which is now going to struggle because of the lifting of the color barrier by MLB.

[Tiger Fan]

NOVEMBER 1, 1921
REDS DEAL OUTFIELDER SMITH

Immediately following their World Series loss the Cincinnati Reds dealt outfielder Elmer Smith to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for second baseman Fred Lear and minor league pitcher Art Reinhart. The 29 year old Smith (.308,18,133) had an outstanding regular season and was named to the National League all-star team for the fourth time in his career. However, he hit just .147 in the playoffs amid rumours that several Reds players may have conspired with gamblers to throw the series.

The 27 year old Lear joined the Chicago Cubs last season after 6 years with the Federal League's Chicago Whales. In 121 games with the Cubs, the second baseman hit .294 with 3 homers and 33 rbi's. He is expected to start at second base next season for the Reds with Jimmy Dykes (.332,4,62) shifting from second to third base. Former third baseman Vic Saier, who had a terrible World Series, is expected to be moved during the off-season.

HANNIBAL WINS NL ROOKIE AWARD

Despite not joining the Giants until the all-star break and being 30 years old, outfielder Jack Hannibal (.345,11,49) beat out teammate Oscar Charleston (.300,12,45) for the National League rookie of the year award. Even though Hannibal had played 5 and a half seasons in the Federal League he was still considered a rookie by MLB as they refuse to recognize the Federal loop as a major league. The American League rookie award went to St Louis Browns second baseman George Grantham. The 21 year old hit .334 with 16 homers and 113 rbi's. Teammate Frank Reiger was second while White Sox outfielder Hack Wilson finished third in the voting.

TIGERS SIGN 16 YEAR OLD DIHIGO

The first team in the American League to take advantage of removal of the color barrier was the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers signed 16 year old outfielder/first baseman Martin Dihigo to a minor league contract and will assign him to their Texas League affiliate in Fort Worth for next season.

FEDERAL LEAGUE AWARDS

Brooklyn Tip-Tops pitcher Bullet Joe Bush was named both the Federal League pitcher of the year and league MVP after a record setting win season. The 28 year old dominated the league by going 36-5 with a 2.56 era. His 36 wins in the season break his own record of 34 set two years ago. It marks the 4th time he was named top pitcher in the league and his second MVP award.

NOVEMBER 2, 1921
MLB AWARDS HANDED OUT

The Most Valuable Player and Charlie Geggus Award winners were announced today for both the American and National Leagues. It came as no surprise that Cincinnati slugger Babe Ruth was named the top player in the National League. The 26 year old won the third MVP of his career after an incredible season that saw him win the first triple crown since 1872 and set records for homeruns (52) and rbi's (163) in a season. For good measure, he also had a 34 game hitting streak during the 1921 season, his first with the Reds after 7 years in Pittsburgh. Rogers Hornsby of St Louis was second in voting with Chicago's Bill Terry finishing third.

The National League's top pitcher was Lefty Gervais (22-9, 2.96) of the Reds. The 31 year old won a career high in games and improved his careeer mark to 158-129. He began his career with the Cubs in 1912 and made two all-star appearances before being dealt to the Reds midway through the 1916 campaign. He was named to the NL all-star team for the third time in his career this past July. Glen 'Ballplayer' Harle of Pittsburgh was second in voting with Giants ace Walter Johnson finishing third.

Winning the Charlie Geggus Award just adds to the mystery as to why Gervais performed so poorly in last month's World Series. He made 3 starts plus 1 relief appearance in the series and was 0-2 with an 8.85 era in 20 innings pitched.

In real life Gervais made just 5 major league appearances, going 0-1 for the 1913 Boston Braves. He pitched briefly for Buffalo of the International League and also spent time in Vancouver and with Winnipeg.

KEN WILLIAMS WINS AL MVP

Ken Williams became the first player in history to win an MVP award in both the major leagues and the Federal League. The 31 year old New York Yankees outfielder was selected as the top player in the American League after batting .360 with a league leading 25 homers and 113 rbi's to help lead the Yankees to their first World Series title. Williams was named Federal League MVP two years ago when he became the first triple crown winner in that league's history.

Ray Grimes of the White Sox was second in MVP voting with Philadelphia outfielder Bob Meusel finishing third.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Dutch Leonard narrowly defeated Herb Pennock of the Athletics for the American League Charlie Geggus Award. The 29 year Leonard started 37 games this season, going 27-9 with a 2.53 era. It was his second Geggus Award as he also won one with the Brooklyn Robins of the National League in 1917.

PCL AWARDS AND SERIES RECAP

The Seattle Rainiers won the Pacific League Series by beating San Francisco in 6 games. The Rainiers were led by first baseman Ted Jourdan, who was named series MVP after hitting .522 (12-23) with 2 homers and 10 rbi's. During the regular season the 26 year old, who also won an International League title with Buffalo two years ago, hit .311 with 16 homers and 113 rbi's in 186 games. Jourdan has yet to play in the MLB but did play parts of two seasons in the Federal League, hitting just .161 in 85 games with Pittsburgh and Kansas City.

The most valuable player award in the PCL went to veteran Portland outfielder Buddy Ryan. The 36 year old, who has played 789 major league level games with the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Terrapins, hit .346 with 17 homers and 93 rbi's this season. It was his first year with Portland after spending the past two seasons with Aberdeen of the Northwestern League.

The top pitcher was Eric Erickson of the Sacramento Senators. The 26 year old was 23-13 with a 2.71 era in 43 starts this season. It was Erickson's first season in the minor leagues after 5 years in the major leagues with the Braves, Giants and most recently the Browns. He was 3-10 with a 5.86 era for the Browns in 1920.

[Tiger Fan]

DECEMBER 1, 1921
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED AMIDST WORLD SERIES GAMBLING CONCERNS

As more and more stories from various gambling outfits emerge the controversy surrounding rumours that the World Series was fixed continues to grow. Fallout from all of the chatter has prompted Cincinnati Reds owner Gary Hermann to offer a reward of $20,000 to anyone who can provide him with proof that some members of his team were involved in any sort of a conspiracy.

"I know the boys on our team, and in my mind they are all of great charactor," said Hermann in a prepared statement he read to reporters. "I have asked (manager) Bill Krieg and he is not sure what to think. We are both shocked at the result and effort put forth by several of our players but that alone is not enough to convict a man. Baseball is a tough game, full of ups and downs. It is my sincere hope that our ballclub just experienced a down period. If one of my players is found to have conspired with criminals to lose a game....well, he will never play for my team again."

A grand jury was convened in Cincinnati to look in to the possibility of a conspiracy to fix the World Series. The first person the grand jury will meet with will be Reds catcher Ray Schalk, who called out several teammates during the World Series for their lack of effort. Both Schalk and Reds manager Krieg are slated to meet with the jury this week.

Meanwhile, a newspaper article is circulating from San Antonio that former major league pitcher John Ogee is claiming he knew of the World Series fix and lost substantial money when he felt he was double-crossed by New York gambler Meyer Wolfsheim- a man Ogee claims was the ringleader of the conspiracy. It is believed the grand jury was convened after hearing of Ogee's claims.

NOTABLE SIGNINGS AND DEALS FROM THE PAST MONTH

The Cleveland Indians signed 17 year old shortstop Tony Lazzeri to a contract. The San Francisco native may need a season or two on the Indians reserve roster before he is ready to play. Cleveland still does not have a minor league affiliate at this point.

The New York Yankees signed 22 year old outfielder Earle Combs. Combs was considered the second best new outfielder available behind 19 year old Al Simmons, a Milwaukee native who so far has not signed anywhere.

Other newcomers signed include 21 year old second baseman Hughie Critz, who joined New Orleans of the Southern League. In real life Critz played a dozen years and 1478 games in the National League with Cincinnati and the Giants.

18 year old Babe Herman had his contract purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies after originally agreeing to join the Toronto Maple Leafs

[Tiger Fan]

DECEMBER 4, 1921
GIANTS SIGN NEGRO LEAGUE STAR HUDSPETH

After having great success with the acquistions of Oscar Charleston and Jack Hannibal this past seasson, the New York Giants have purchased the contract of Robert Hudspeth from the St Louis Giants of the Negro National League. The 23 year old first baseman led the NNL in batting last season, hitting .415 with 20 homers and 78 rbi's in 101 games.

Hudspeth will challenge 28 year old Walter Holke for the starting job at first base with New York. Holke (.293,7,75) has been with the Giants since 1914 and a starter since 1917.

DECEMBER 6, 1921
SCHALK SAYS "NO DOUBT IN HIS MIND" ABOUT FIX

Cincinnati Reds catcher Ray Schalk has told the grand jury that he has no doubt that some of his teammates were intentionally trying to lose games. However, his manager Bill Krieg is not quite so sure. Both testified before a grand jury this week.

Schalk refused to name who he felt was involved, saying instead to "look it up. You can tell by the numbers who was trying to win....and who was trying to lose." While he admitted he had no proof, the 29 year catcher said that years of experience and watching these players perform day in and day out is all the proof he needs to know something was up.

Reds manager Bill Krieg agreed with Schalk that something did not seem right about the performance of a number of his players but stopped short of accusing them of 'fixing' games. "Baseball is a strange game and strange things do happen" elaborated the skipper who will be entering his 10th season at the helm of the Reds.

When pressed Krieg did acknowledge that all of the woes the Reds suffered in terms of poor performance in key points of the series did seem to be more than just a mere coincidence.

Meanwhile, former major league pitcher John Ogee, who claims he was involved in the plan to fix the World Series, has reportedly fallen ill in Texas and is unable to travel to Cincinnati to tesitfy at this time. It is expected the jury will reconvene in the new year with hopes Ogee can make the trip.

DECEMBER 20, 1921
TEEN STAR SIMMONS SINGS WITH NEWARK

19 year old outfielder Al Simmons has agreed to a contract with the Newark Bears of the International League. The highly touted pro prospect decided Newark would be a better choice than sitting on a major league reserve roster for a year or two. The Bears also signed 20 year old pitching prospect Ted Blankenship to a contract.

DECEMBER 29, 1921
GIANTS SURPRISE FANS BY DEALING HANNIBAL

The New York Giants shocked the baseball world by trading rookie of the year Jack Hannibal to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for a pair of youngsters. The move comes as a huge surprise especially after the 30 year old Hannibal hit .345 with 11 homers and 49 rbi's in half a season in New York. Hannibal and teammate Oscar Charleston jumped from the Federal League Brooklyn Tip-Tops to the Giants at the all-star break, making them the first two colored players to appear in a major league game.

In exchange for Hannibal the Giants get 22 year old outfielder Showboat Fisher and 19 year old catcher Al Spohrer. Fisher has bounced around on the reserve roster of several teams for the past 3 years and finally made his major league debut last season. He appeared in 8 games and went 2-for-7 at the plate with a triple and 2 rbi's. Spohrer spent his first pro season last year sitting on the White Sox reserve roster. The move can only be interperted as a cost-cutting measure for the cash-strapped Giants.

[Tiger Fan]

JANUARY 1, 1922
TEAM MOVEMENT

No leagues adding or folding this year and no teams folded but a few have had name changes or relocated.

In the FEDERAL LEAGUE the struggling Columbus Buckeyes franchise has moved to try their luck in Boston where they will be known as the Pilgrims. With a lower payroll thanks to the loss of some key players to the major leagues all 10 Federal League clubs have survived the off-season and will begin play in 1922.

The only other change comes from the Pacific Coast League where the Seattle Rainiers have changed their name to the Seattle Indians.

As for affilations the Los Angeles Angels agreement with the Chicago Cubs is the only one involving a Pacific Coast League team. In the Texas League the Fort Worth Panthers remain affiliated with Detroit, the Houston Buffaloes continue their agreement with the St Louis Cardinals but the Wichita Falls Spudders have ended their working agreement with Pittsburgh and will be affiliated with the Chicago Cubs instead, giving the Cubs 2 minor league clubs.

JANUARY 15, 1922
EX-BALLPLAYER SAYS HE HELPED ORGANIZE SERIES FIX

Former minor league baseball player John Ogee has told a grand jury in Cincinnati that he was an instrumental go-between involved in the fixing of the 1921 World Series that the Cincinnati Reds lost to the New York Yankees. In exchange for providing his testimony Ogee has been granted immunity by the grand jury.

The former ball player, who played 2 games in the major leagues for the 1905 Boston Braves, claims he was asked by boxer Abe Atell to approach several Cincinnati Reds about throwing the series. Ogee claims Atell told him he was acting on behalf of reputed New York gambler Meyer Wolfsheim and they wanted Ogee to arrange for the Reds to throw the series.

Ogee claimed he was approached because he knew Cincinnati ace pitcher Lefty Gervais through a mutual connection by the name of Doc Adkins - who was a minor league teammate of both Gervais and Ogee. Ogee claims the players were promised $100,000 to throw the series and says he met with Gervais and fellow pitcher Tod Sloan on several occassions to broker the deal.

Ogee claimed he did not know who else was involved on the players side but says he was told their were a total of 8 players involved. Ogee added he believes the players only received about $10,000 of the promised money and says he was also double-crossed by Atell.

Ogee told of putting a large sum of his own money down on the Yankees to win Game Six of the series, something he says he was promised would happen. As it turned out the Reds won game six 3-0 and Ogee claims he lost over $50,000 and was froze out of the scheme by Atell at that point. He claimed that is his reason for coming forward with his story.

Gervais and Sloan were also fingered by Cincinnati catcher Ray Schalk as culprits in the conspiracy. So far the names of no other players have been revealed in testimony but there is rampant speculation. For their parts both Gervais and Sloan, who is now with the Washington Senators, refuse to comment. Meanwhile the grand jury is now seeking to find Abe Atell, who is said to have moved to Canada.

Meyer Wolfsheim, who calls himself a businessman and is well known at racetracks and other locations in New York, called the testimony preposterous and says he has never met Atell and other than hearing a few rumours late in the series, denies having any knowledge the series was fixed. He did admit winning some money by betting on the Yankees to win the Series but says it was a mere pittance and he bet on them because they are his hometown team, not because of rumours that might have been circulating.

Without hard evidence or any of the ballplayers involved confessing to their involvement it appears the grand jury may be stalled, at least until Atell can be located and brought to Cincinnati.

FEBRUARY 1, 1922
ATHLETICS CLOSE TO SIGNING BUSH

Bullet Joe Bush is rumoured to be close to signing with the Philadelphia Athletics. The 29 year old, who was 36-5 last season for the Brooklyn Tip-Tops, but left the team along with first baseman George H Burns following cost-cutting measures, is said to also be comsidering Detroit, the Yankees and Chicago White Sox as possible destinations.

FEBRUARY 17, 1922
REDS PART WITH ANOTHER SUSPECTED CONSPIRATOR

The Cincinnati Reds dealt pitcher Tod Sloan to the Washington Senators in exchange for outfielder Frank Gilhooley. Sloan is the third player who is among those rumoured to have conspired to throw the World Series that has been jettisoned by the club. Earlier third baseman Vic Saier was released and outfielder Elmer Smith was dealt to the Chicago Cubs.

Meanwhile the St Louis Cardinals signed free agent catcher Jimmie Wilson. The 21 year old was released by the Boston Pilgrims of the Federal League over the winter in a cost-cutting move. Wilson hit .309 with 3 homers and 63 rbi's for the Columbus Buckeyes, who moved to Boston. It was his second year as the Buckeyes starting catcher. He will be expected to compete with 31 year old Ivey Wingo (.276,7,63) for the starting job.

The Cardinals also signed first baseman Heavy Johnson, a 23 year old who played 40 games for Indianapolis of the Federal League last season. Johnson also played 101 games for Fort Wayne of the Central League where he batted .324 with 10 homers and 61 rbi's.

Finally, George H Burns has decided he will stay in Brooklyn but the former Tip-Tops star will now be playing for the National League Robins. Burns hit .365 with 12 homers and 94 rbi's for the Federal League Tip-Tops last season but decided to return to the major leagues where he starred for 3 seasons with Cleveland before joining the Tip-Tops in 1917. Burns won 4 Federal Series championships while with the Tip-Tops.

[Tiger Fan]

MARCH 5, 1922
PLAYERS REPORT TO SPRING TRAINING

National League Most Valuable Player Babe Ruth spent the first day of spring training threatening to 'clock' the next reporter who asked him about the World Series. Ruth denied any involvement himself saying "I can't speak for anyone else but all I can say is my conscience is clear. I hit .464 in the f%#%@ng World Series and you are asking me about throwing games." When asked if he or anyone else received any money from gamblers to throw games Ruth refused to answer any more questions.

The grand jury on the matter seems to have stalled as boxer Abe Atell, the rumoured ringleader of the conspiracy, has not surfaced anywhere and none of the players accused or suspected have said anything on the matter. It remains the word of ex-minor leaguer John Ogee as the only evidence in the case.

APRIL 1, 1922
BULLET BUSH SIGNS WITH CARDINALS

It took almost until opening day as he had offers from just about every MLB team and several clubs in the International and Pacific Coast Leagues but when all was said and done Bullet Joe Bush put pen to paper with the St Louis Cardinals.

The much sought after free agent left the Brooklyn Tip-Tops of the Federal League due to financial constraints for that club. He was a 4 time pitcher of the year in that league and led the loop with a record 36 wins last season. In 6 years in the Federal League plus 4 seasons with the Brooklyn Robins of the National League from 1912-15, Bush has a lifetime record of 228-118.

He will step in as the number one starter in St Louis and gives the Cardinals an ace pitcher to go with one of the best batting orders in the major leagues.

APRIL 5, 1921
SLOAN ADMITS TO TAKING MONEY TO LOSE SERIES

A week after being released by the Washington Senators, former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tod Sloan admitted before a grand jury that he received $10,000 to throw the 1921 World Series. He refused to implicate any teammates in his confession.

Sloan came under heat a week ago when investigators uncovered records that he had deposited a large sum of money in a bank in his wife's name just days after the Series ended. He was immediately released by the Washington Senators, who had traded for the 37 year old during the off-season. Of course his 0-3 record with a 6.50 era in spring training may have made that decision easier.

Sloan claimed during testimony he did not know exactly who else was involved and would only say that former minor leaguer John Ogee promised him the money before the series to lose his starts and an unknown man gave him an envelope with the money prior to Sloan's game three start of the World Series.

Pressed by the grand jury for other conspirators, Sloan would only say a number of players were involved but it was not up to him to point fingers. He added "I know what I did and I will have to live with it. Others will as well. But it is up to them, not me, to come clean as I have."

It was made easier for the 37 year old to come clean knowing that his baseball career was over. Senators owner William Clayborn Montgomery responded to the testimony by saying it became clear to the Washington ballclub earlier this week that Tod Sloan was not the type of person we want in baseball. None of the other players alledged to be involved in the conspiracy would make any comment on Sloan's confession.

Sloan pitched 7 seasons in the major leagues with Cleveland, Brooklyn, the White Sox and Cincinnati, compiling a record of 90-78. Prior to the major leagues he pitched for Jersey City of the International League for 2 seasons.

APRIL 12, 1921
COLOR BARRIER A THING OF THE PAST AS OPENING DAY ARRIVES FOR MLB

Integration began slowly last season when the New York Giants signed Oscar Charleston and Jack Hannibal from Brooklyn of the struggling Federal League. For 1921 the color barrier has been crushed as 8 of the 16 major league clubs had at least one player of color on their active roster as of opening day. Here is the complete list.

BOSTON BRAVES - The Braves signed 24 year old shortstop Dobie Moore and 24 year old reliever Johnny Owens, both from Indianapolis of the Negro National League.

CINCINNATI REDS - The Reds signed 22 year old rookie Dana Holt

NEW YORK GIANTS - While they did trade Hannibal away to the Chicago White Sox, the Giants did add reliever Gordon Zeigler, a 24 year old who spent the past two seasons with the NNL champion Chicago American Giants as well as first baseman Robert Hudspeth, who hit .415 last year with the St Louis Giants. Oscar Charleston, who hit .300 with 12 homers and 45 rbi's in 67 games for New York last season is also back.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES - The Phillies signed 27 year old outfielder Alejandro Oms, who spent the past 4 seasons with the Federal League's St Louis Terriers. Oms hit .331 with a homer and 86 rbi's last season.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES - The Bucs signed 24 year old reliever Eddie Noel, who spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Stars of the NNL.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS - The Cards inked 24 year old outfielder Heavy Johnson, who spent most of the two previous seasons with Fort Wayne of the Central League but did hit .289 in 40 games with Indianapolis of the Federal League.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX - In addition to trading for Jack Hannibal, who hit .345 with 11 homers and 49 rbi's in 67 games for the New York Giants last season, the White Sox also signed rookie Negro League catcher Rags Roberts to a contract.

ST LOUIS BROWNS - The Browns signed 24 year old shortstop Bill Riggins, who hit .339 last season for the Chicago American Giants and finished second in MVP voting for the Negro National League.

SCHALK WANTS OUT OF CINCINNATI

Cincinnati catcher Ray Schalk, who called out Tod Sloan and fellow pitcher Lefty Gervais during the Series, has made no secret he wants out of Cincinnati. The 29 year old says he told the club privately he wanted out but after nothing was done during spring training he decided to go public with his demands.

"There are a few people on this team that know what they did, but apparently can live with that and it appears so can (owner) Mr. Hermann," Schalk stated today. "Well, I can't play on a team with them and it is clear because of who they are it will be overlooked."

Schalk would not name any names, saying it won't accomplish anything, but it seems clear he feels that Babe Ruth was involved in the conspiracy. Since training camp started Schalk seems to have refused to talk to or even acknowledge several of his teammates including pitcher Lefty Gervais. The reigning Charlie Geggus Award winner, who had a terrible World Series that Schalk accused him of intentionally losing, has worked exclusively with back-up catcher Luke Sewell during the preseason.

[Tiger Fan]

MAY 1, 1922
REDS DEAL SCHALK TO CLEVELAND

After demanding a trade and a terrible start to the season, the Cincinnati Reds granted catcher Ray Schalk his wish and dealt the 29 year old to Cleveland. Schalk, who began the season by hitting just .192 in his first 14 games, had requested the trade to get away from teammates he accused of intentionally losing the World Series. Ironically, former Reds first baseman Vic Saier, who may have been part of the conspiracy, was signed by Cleveland in the off-season.

ATELL APPEARS BEFORE GRAND JURY, BUT AFTER HIS TESTIMONY CASE DISMISSED

Citing a lack of hard evidence, the Cincinnati grand jury investigating allegations that a number of Reds players conspired to throw the World Series has been dismissed. This surprising move occurred just a day after former boxing Abe Atell appeared before the jury.

Atell, who had been in Canada for several months, arrived in Cincinnati and met with the grand jury, where he claimed to have no involvement in the rumoured 'fixing' of the World Series. His testimony directly conflicted with that of fomer minor league ballplayer John Ogee, who claimed to work with Atell on behalf of reputed New York gambler Meyer Wolfsheim to get several Reds players to throw the series.

Ogee's testimony came in to question when former major league pitcher Tod Sloan, who retired from baseball after admitting his role in a fix, stated he had never seen Atell before and had not heard Wolfsheim's name attached to those who provided him with money to lose his World Series game.

That testimony derailed the grand jury's hopes of finding the true organizer of the scheme and left them with just Ogee, who had been granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and Sloan who has retired from baseball as they only known people involved in the fix.

As a result the grand jury announced that it's investigation will not proceed any further. While nothing can be proven, some insiders claim that Wolfsheim assisted both Atell and Sloan with their memory and perhaps even helped convince the grand jury to end it's interest in the case.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

While action in the courtroom certainly dominated the news there was plenty of excitement on the ballfields as well in the opening month of the season. The Washington Senators were the hottest team in either league to start the season with the Brooklyn Robins also off to a quick start. The Reds seemed to be unaffected, at least on the field, by all of the controversy and got off to an 11-6 start.

FEDERAL LEAGUE and NEGRO NATIONAL LEAGUE

With many of the top stars gone and the Brooklyn Tip-Tops roster decimated by defections to the major leagues, the new look Federal League suddenly seemed to have some competition at the top of the standings. The Chicago Whales finished April in first place and the league seemed to be much more stable with a greatly reduced payroll.

With the color barrier gone the Negro National League also lost some talent to the major leagues and it's minor league affiliates but the 9 team loop enjoyed a good opening month attendance-wise and seemed as if it would continue to prosper.

Editors Note - Funny how well some of the story just ties itself in. I only wrote about Schalk demanding a trade after simming through April and seeing him actually get dealt after a terrible start. I am letting random chance determine some of the future outcomes and based on the results just rolled the scandal is not over as Judge Landis now enters the picture.

[Tiger Fan]

May 9, 1922
BASEBALL NAMES FEDERAL JUDGE AS FIRST COMMISSIONER

Fearing more public backlash from the 1921 World Series fiasco and concerned that future World Series could also be subject to allegations of fixing, the American League and National League jointly announced today the Kenesaw Mountain Landis would take over as commissioner of baseball.

Landis, who has served as a federal judge, was given complete control by team owners to act in the sports best interest. He has made no secret that his first task will be to conduct a complete investigation into the events surrounding last October's World Series and Landis has promised he will deal with any player found to have consprired with gamblers swiftly and harshly.

Since word first surfaced last week about Landis' impending appointment the Cincinnati Reds have lost 6 of their last 7 games. The only Reds pitcher to win a game last week was, surprisingly, Lefty Gervais. The 31 year old who is heavily suspected of being one of the ringleaders in the alledged conspiracy, has not let the controversy affect his game. Gervais, who won the Charlie Geggus Award last season, is off to a 5-1 start with a 3.44 era. Slugger Babe Ruth, who's name has also come up, appears to be unaffected either. Ruth hit 3 homeruns last week and is batting .398 with 7 homers and 19 rbi's through 25 games this season. Ruth has denied having any involvement in the fix.

Meanwhile, Edd Roush, who has remained silent on the subject, hit just .176 last week and is 3-for-17 on the season. Roush did not play in April due to what the team is calling an undisclosed illness. The other main suspects in the conspiracy no longer play in Cincinnati. Tod Sloan retired after admitting his involvement after money was traced to his wife's bank account. Elmer Smith was dealt to the Chicago Cubs while Vic Saier is with Cleveland.

[Tiger Fan]

THURSDAY JUNE 1, 1922
REDS STRUGGLE AS LANDIS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The investigation by new Commissioner Landis into the 1921 World Series scandal has had quite an effect on the play of the Cincinnati Reds. After starting the season 11-6 the Reds went 11-19 in May and find themselves 10 games back of first place St Louis in the National League race. The investigation seems to have had no impact on the play of Babe Ruth (.366,14,38) as the slugger is putting up big numbers again this season. Ruth continues to assert he had nothing to do with the alledged plot to throw the World Series and public feedback on Ruth's innocene is quite vehement.

Edd Roush (.233,1,10) is another story as most observes feel Roush and teammate Lefty Gervais (9-5, 3.24) were central figures in the scheme. Roush has struggled all season while Gervais was rolling along until dropping 4 straight starts immediately after Landis announced his investigation. Since then Gervais seems to have gotten back on track and last year's Charlie Geggus Award winner is second in the National League in victories.

The top pitcher in the National League is former Brooklyn Tip-Tops ace Bullet Joe Bush (10-1, 2.00), who has been dominant for the St Louis Cardinals. Bush is one of three former Federal Leaguers who is enjoying great success in the early going with the Cardinals, joining catcher Jimmie Wilson (.322,3,26) and first baseman Heavy Johnson (.306,1,22). Adding those to into a lineup that already features Rogers Hornsby (.462,10,49), Harry Heilman (.370,2,30), Joe Sewell (.424,1,28) and Austin McHenry (.356,2,24) and it is easy to see why St Louis has the best offense in baseball.

A young player making his mark early is Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Lou Gehrig (.397,1,25). The 18 year old appeared in just 6 games for the Phillies last season as spent the bulk of the year on the reserve roster but given a chance at the starting job the teen from New York City has made the most of his opportunity. Gehrig and veteran outfielder Heinie Zimmerman (.400,5,44) have the Phillies sitting in second place after finishing a distant 5th a year ago.

Someone making a lot of noise in the American League is 22 year old Chicago White Sox outfielder Hack Wilson. The youngster has already hit 15 homeruns, which is the most in either league, and leads the majors with 50 rbi's while batting .347. As a rookie with the White Sox last year Wilson hit .304 with 16 homers despite starting just 83 games.

The defending World Champion New York Yankees had to play through some early injuries but are now challenging for the American League lead. Bibb Falk (.357,3,23) remains sidelined but Cy Williams (.361,11,31) and Ken Williams (.373,5,12) are both healthy after missing time last month.

The biggest surprise in the American League is that the Washington Senators are in first place after two straight 7th place finishes. Pitcher Bert Maxwell (10-4, 4.12) has had a huge start but no one else is putting up dominant numbers. The Senators just seem to be winning the tight games as they are 6-0 in extra innings contests and 10-5 in 1-run games. The expectation is their luck will run out sooner or later and they will sink back towards a more familiar spot in the standings as the season progresses.

FEDERAL LEAGUE

The Baltimore Terrapins, led by batting leader Chicken Hawks (.414,4,41), own top spot in the Federal League but the Brooklyn Tip-Tops are starting to heat up. Unfortunately for the loop attendance is not heating up and there is talk of dividing into two leagues next season to reduce travel expenses. Only the Tip-Tops and Chicago Whales are averaging over 2000 fans per game.

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Despite just turning 20 years old a week ago, Newark Bears outfielder Al Simmons is tearing up the International League. The rookie, who passed on offers from several major league clubs to play a season in the International League rather than sit on a major league reserve roster, is batting .384 with 3 homers and 31 rbi's through his first 51 games of professional baseball.