Description
Book Synopsis Eddie Cicotte, who pitched in the American League 1905-1920, was one of the tragic figures of baseball. A family man and a fan favorite, he ascended to stardom with nothing more than a mediocre fastball, endless guile and a repertoire of trick pitches. He won 29 games in 1919 and led the Chicago White Sox to the pennant. Although he pitched poorly in the World Series that October, fans did not hold it against him--a slump can happen to anybody.
A year later, the public learned the truth: Cicotte''s poor performance was no slump. He had taken a bribe to throw the Series. Along with seven teammates, he was implicated in what became known as the Black Sox Scandal, the most disgraceful episode in the history of the sport. Overnight, he became a pariah and would remain so for the rest of his life. This is the first full-length biography of Cicotte, best known today not as a great pitcher but as one of the Eight Men Out.
Trade ReviewIn this unique biography, author and sportswriter Fleitz brings to life one of the most influential figures in the [infamous Black Sox Scandal]...Fleitz's extensive research and well-written description humanizes and evokes sympathy for [Cicotte] in a way that has rarely been seen. Additionally, the account illuminates much of the motivation behind other influential figures in the scandal, and leaves it to the reader to determine the morality or immorality of each. ... This highly readable work, loaded with numbers and statistics, is a must read for any baseball fan, and belongs in most public libraries"—
Library JournalTable of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1. The Beginning
- 2. Boston
- 3. Chicago
- 4. Career Rejuvenation
- 5. The Championship Season
- 6. War and Turmoil
- 7. The 1919 Season
- 8. The 1919 World Series
- 9. The 1920 Season
- 10. The Walls Close In
- 11. The Trial
- 12. Outlaw Ball
- 13. Later Life
- Epilogue
- Appendix A: Indictment
- Appendix B: Eddie Cicotte's Statistics
- Chapter Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
