Synopsis
It is remembered as the darkest moment in the history of American sports. In 1919, eight members of the heavily favored Chicago White Sox conspired to throw the World Series in a gambling scam. THE BLACK SOX SCANDAL tells the complete story of the fateful series, from the legendary stinginess of Chicago owner Charles Comiskey (who benched his star pitcher after he won 29 games because his contract called for a $10,000 bonus if he won 30) to the fallout that nearly ruined the sport. Discover how first baseman Chick Gandil concocted the scheme and enlisted the support of enough players including "Shoeless" Joe Jackson to ensure its success. See how the involvement of notorious gangster Arnold Rothstein sealed the fate of the players, and how he used his weight to ensure the fix continued after the players discovered they were being had and tried to back out. Rare footage and photos from the contest bring the pivotal moments to life, and period accounts capture the air of suspicion and disbelief that surrounded the 9-game series. It's the sad story of the worst scandal in sports history, and the end of the innocence for "America's Game."