New Poll Question: How Do You Feel About Judge Landis’ Verdict Against the “Eight Men Out”?

As we are all aware, eight members of the heavily-favored 1919 White Sox were accused of “fixing” the 1919 World Series. Led by ringleader Chick Gandil, the others in the cabal were Joe Jackson, Eddie Cicotte, Happy Felsch, Lefty Williams, Fred McMullin, Swede Risberg, and Buck Weaver. A jury found them innocent of the charges, but the next day, Judge Landis banned the entire group from baseball for life. 

Although the edict was effective in restoring integrity to the game (at least until the “steroid era”), many baseball historians have felt the the verdict was too harsh. Most notably, author Gene Carney in his definitive book on the subject, Burying the Black Sox, repeatedly made the case that there were differing levels of guilt in the plot and that should have been reflected in Landis’ decision.

For instance, a strong case can be made that the lifetime ban rendered to Joe Jackson and Buck Weaver was too harsh. Both played excellent ball throughout the series. No one ever accused either of them of giving less than 100 percent on the field. Weaver was only charged with “guilty knowledge” since he refused to squeal on his teammates.

Instead, Landis rendered a one-size-fits-all verdict which included both Jackson and Weaver. Not only that, but was Weaver the only person who had wind of the plot? Carney has suggested that both Comiskey and Ban Johnson had been informed, but Weaver was made the scapegoat. Plus the gamblers got away scot-free, while the players paid the price. 

So here’s your chance to weigh in on this controversial decision with the following choices. In this poll, you can vote for more than one choice. The poll box is found on the right and below. Also, feel free to leave a detailed response in the comments section below.

1. Judge Landis’ decision to ban all eight players for life was correct. They all deserved the same punishment. He was justified in banning them all for life.
2. Judge Landis’ decision was too harsh.  Gandil as the ringleader, nd possibly Cicotte, deserved a lifetime ban. The others should have been suspended but not banned for life. 
3. With Landis’ history of enforcing the “color barrier,” he has no right to be banning anyone. 
4. There were differing levels of involvement in the plot and the verdicts should have reflected this. A one-size-fits-all verdict was not fair to some of the players. 
5. Jackson and Weaver should be reinstated as they had lesser involvement. 
6. Weaver is the only player who should be reinstated. 
7. Jackson is the only player who should be reinstated.

Gary Livacari 

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