Collyer’s Eye was a Chicago gambling periodical published weekly beginning Apr. 10, 1915. In 1929, merged with The Baseball World, to form Collyer’s Eye and The Baseball World.
In articles beginning a week after the final game, Collyer’s Eye said the Series had been fixed, correctly named some of the gamblers who were behind it and correctly named most of the players later indicted.
Ironically, Collyer’s Eye was more interested in cleaning up baseball than baseball was. Its vested interest was clear: Gambling would thrive only if sports were on the up and up. Bert Collyer said to the Toronto World in 1920 (full article follows Collyer’s Eye artcles):
- I was sorry to have to do it. It has been my policy to stand for fair deal in sports, square racing, honest baseball and boxing and wrestling free from fakery. No sport or game can continue that is contaminated with dishonesty and crookedness. My paper is successful because the public knows it to be absolutely on the square and fearless in exposing fraud and fakes, whenever they are found in any branch of finance or sport.
Investigative reporter Hugh Fullerton also tried to publish articles about the “fix” but he was quickly blacklisted as a whistle-blower and thus his articles were less hard-hitting until he revealed the truth in a Sporting News article in 1935, four years after Mr. Comiskey passed away.
Collyer’s Eye, October 18, 1919
BY FRANK O. KLEIN
(Special Investigator for Collyer’s Eye)
Investigation into the alleged “scandal” surrounding the recent world series has been productive of considerable “inferential noise”; incidentally it might be mentioned that no less than seven members of the Sox team are named as “under suspicion.” The reward of $10,000 made by Owner Comiskey for the necessary proof that members of his team, for a consideration, “Threw the series,” should stimulate the various brands of the Sherlocks to action. It is noticeable, however, that various scribes—baseball writers—generally accredited with being on the gay roll, are moving heaven and earth for the SUPPRESSION bureau.
Probably nothing said or written about the situation has caused quite the same furore as the published accounts of Chas Dryden, humorist and baseball writer of the Hearst publications; also I. Sanborn of the Chicago Tribune, usually referred to as the “Dean of Baseball Writers.” Both of the above mentioned gentlemen would, I am positive, much prefer to have insisted a “boost” for the national pastime than be forced to print such “news.” As they HAVE, it can be writen down that considerable fire lies beneath the smoke.
Personally, the assignment shown of the usual bitterness from the losers seems productive of reaching country wide. For instance, the name of Abe Attell has been mentioned, then we have Levy brothers of St. Louis. The plunging Texans, for whom a trap nicely baited was set and sprang. All these were and still are accredited with being identified with the gambling and of the series. Then, too, the trail seems to wind slowly but surely to New York, where a well-known bookmaker is given the credit of being the “brains” of the affair.
Next week I will endeavor to give readers of this publication a bit more details of my findings, which I promise will be prosecuted to the very limit of my resources.
Collyer’s Eye, October 25, 1919
BY FRANK O. KLEIN
(Special Investigator for Collyer’s Eye)
Investigation of the “scandal” charges ament the recent world’s series gives promise of shaking the foundation of the national pastime. During the present week, the writer accumulated sufficient data to warrant the investigation of the various playing “angles” of Eddie Cicotte—”Comiskey’s ace.” Claude Williams, it is alleged, was in a drunken and maudlin condition the evening prior to leaving for Cincinnati—for the first game. “Happy” Felsch imbibed, so it is alleged—at the Ellis Cafe, West Thirty-ninth street, this city—until he was a fit subject for the row.
It also shows that the worst rough and rumble battle ever staged in a club house developed after Williams, who was charged by Ray Schalk with “throwing the game,” was put hors de combat by the doughty little catcher. Hisberg and Felsch came to the relief of Williams and it was then openly charged that all three were in collusion. Strenuous efforts on the part of of the “suppression bureau” which exists among those baseball writers who ever and upon have been on the pay roll, succeeded in keeping the imbroglio from the local papers. The whole affair, however, coupled with what has gone before—during the series—had the effect of Dreyden of the Examiner and Sanborn of the Tribune writing denunciatory articles which left little room for doubt as to the gentleman of color concealed in the metaphorical woodpile.
Probably the most startling information brought to light was that of a well known layer of odds—name purposely suppressed—who confirmed the charge that persons close to Pitcher Claude Williams had $2,000 with him on the Reds.
“I was surprised,” said my informant, “when a striking blonde whom I knew was close to Williams came to the cigar stand wilt a roll of $2,000 to bet on Cincinnati.”
“Ain’t you the friend of Mrs. Williams?” I asked.
“Yes,” replied the woman. “This is Claude’s money, or at least a good part of it.”
“Inasmuch as I felt positive that I had seen the woman in the company of Mrs. Claude Williams, I ordered that the wager be declined. The “tip” that I received through her offer was the means of saving my bankroll. From what I have seen and heard, I feel sure that Charlie Dryden—the baseball writer—is about right in his deduction—”Seven members of the Sox team (of 1919) will be missing in 1920.”
Next week I will publish the names of these members of the Sox team who have been cleared—by my investigations—of all stigma connected with the alleged throwing of the series. I will also publish the name of a bookmaker who cleaned up.
Collyer’s Eye, November 1, 1919
BY FRANK O. KLEIN
(Special Investigator for Collyer’s Eye)
Rumors to the effect that the Federal authorities had interested themselves in the recent world series between the Cincinnati Reds and the White Sox of Chicago, lent considerable impetus to the investigation now being prosecuted. The angle most interesting to the U. S. naturally would be if the mails had been improperly used, in this respect however, it might be sided that it is the writer’s opinion those “in the know,” used the telegraph lines exclusively.
During the week Owner Comiskey through his secretary reiterated his determination to sift the matter to the very bottom; incidentally stating that his offer of a $10,000 reward was bona fide. To a subordinate of which he he wished it made plain that he had much rather that this publication had come and “seen him” prior to my first article, intimating that the widespread publicity might give the culprits time to “cover up.” For the benefit of Mr. Comiskey, for whom the writer has the utmost respect, also my positive belief that the Sox owner had not no inkling of the existence of a “frame,” I must in justice for all concerned say that if he will deposit the above amount with Freeman Brothers Banking Company of this city, I will then lay before a committee of three of whom he is to be member all evidence accumulated by me during this investigation. Also I am privileged to announce that the publishers of this paper will not accept one dollar of the reward money.
Relative to the bookmaker mentioned in my article of last week—who PROFITED—by the outcome of the world series—my investigations show that Thomas Shaw, leviathan bookmaker, visited Chicago and made substantial deposits. In justice to Shaw, however, it must also be said that it was not he who engineered the betting coup put over. The name of this party like the specific details surrounding the accomplishment must remain with from pending the outcome of Owner Comiskey’s investigation.
In justice to the boys who gave their best to the game, it is of moment to say that Capt. Eddie Collins, “Buck” Weaver, “Dick” Kerr, John Collins, Nemo Leibold, and Ray Schalk came out of the series “clean as a hound’s tooth.” You may write the other two lines yourself.
Collyer’s Eye, November 8, 1919
BY FRANK O. KLEIN
(Special Investigator for Collyer’s Eye)
CINCINNATI. Nov. 7—The investigation at present being prosecuted ament the recent world’s series between the Cincinnati Reds and the White Sox of Chicago, took scandal mongers when it was rumored—at baseball headquarters—that Eddie Collins was slated to succeed “Kid” Gleason as manager of the pale hose in 1920. As if in confirmation of this the writer located Charles R. McMeskin, of this city, and who occupied a seat in the press coop during the first two games played here.
“I was astounded,” said McMeskin, “when a representative of the telegraph company told me that Owner Comiskey had wired instructions to Eddie Collins to take charge of the team.
- If memory serves me correctly, my informant said the message read “Take charge of the team. Believe you are up against it but do the best you can.
The playing of the Sox plainly indicated that something was wrong and this coupled with the information obtained that afterwards had the effect of my investigating other rumors. One of these was to the effect that Catcher Ray Schalk accused Eddie Cicotte of crossing him in the opening game and whom it ??? This, with the added accusation that Manager Gleason had been stepping was supposed to have come to the ears of Comiskey, with the above reward.”
That Collins did assume the ??? is generally admitted. Also that the second sacker was subjected to more of the ??? ever hurled at a player—by members of both Reds and Sox—in one of the sad commentaries of the series. Collins, who, so far as the alleged “frame” be concerned,???.
Collyer’s Eye, November 15, 1919
BY FRANK O. KLEIN
(Special Investigator for Collyer’s Eye)
The most recent development in the investigation of the alleged “fixing” of White Sox players in the world series was the rumor to the effect that the “pay off” was made at the Claremont saloon, Thirty-ninth street and Indiana avenue. Also it is now alleged that the Sox team not only boasted of one coterie of “fixed” players but that two distinct factions were at work. The rumors investigated this week were:
- That Cicotte and Williams were drinking heavily just prior to the opening of the series.
That Cicotte, Williams, Jackson and Felsch were under investigation. That they were seen at the poolroom and bowling alley of the Claremont, immediately following the last game.
That Gandil, Risberg, and McMullen were frequenters of the Ellis cafe, Thirty-ninth and Cottage Grove. That all three were being investigated.
That Gandil, who is alleged to be somewhat of a gambler, wired from Cincinnati the following message, “I have bet my boots.”
That whatever “arrangements” were made were completed while the athletes were making their last eastern trip.
That Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, and New York “fixers” cleaned up approximately $500,000 on the series.
That Cicotte claimed that he was promised $10,000 by Comiskey and didn’t get it.
That the entire team was wrought up over what they claimed “starvation salaries” and “we are determined to get ours.”
As an interesting sidelight in the investigation was shown where “Kid” Gleason, two nights previous to the departure of the team to Cincinnati, also the night previous, was out “sight seeing.” On one of these trips he encountered Jack Collins, clerk at the Breyport Hotel, who made up the party—which then totaled four men and four women. One of the men was recognized, it is said, as a well known “sure thing” Jew gambler. Collins states that Gleason introduced himself, out at Hopkins’ saloon, St. Louis avenue and Harrison, as “Mr. Thompson.” On one occasion, however, he forgot himself and said “Rogers.”
Another incident to the final set of the series was the slumming party chaparoned by Pitcher Mayer of the Sox. This duly heralded aggregation (that they positively would appear) included “Big Bill” James, and found “cover” at the Campbell Gardens recently ordered closed by Chief of Police Garrity. This was on October 3—the same day that the local papers quoted Gleason as saying that James would pitch Saturday, James openly boasted—between suggestions—that he would pitch. Whether or not James was hors de combat or not has not been learned. The fact remains however that there was a “switch” and Cicotte lost that game 2 to 6—principally on a very wild throw.
The principal entertainers at the above party were Mayer and the paid performer “Irene” whose name is said to be Catherine Brady. Various dancers, including the “shimmery” were delineated.
The story to the effect that “certain interests” were “double-crossed” is now under investigation.
Collyer’s Eye, December 13, 1919
BY FRANK O. KLEIN
(Special Investigator for Collyer’s Eye)
Scandal talk and attendant betting coups anent the recent world’s series was revived today when it was stated that Ray Schalk, doughty catcher for the Pale Hose, gave it as his opinion that Pitchers Williams and Cicotte, First Baseman Gandill, Infielders McMullen and Risberg, and Outfielders Felsh and Jackson would be missing from the line-up of 1920. Schalk, who is employed by a local automobile firm, is not given to talking to publications, hence the statement carries considerably more weight. It also seemingky confirms the published reports of Charles Dryden of the Examiner and I. Sanborn of the Tribune. Schalk, too, it will be remembered, is reported as having trounced both Williams and Cicotte following games in which it was claimed that both pitchers deliberately double-crossed Schalk’s signals.
From Detroit the writer received a report to the effect that Cicotte had told Harry Bradford that he was through with the game; incidentally claiming that Comiskey had promised the famous knuckle ball artist a bonus of $10,000 if he won thirty games. This Cicotte claims was never made good. If memory serves well it was immediately following the winning of his thirtieth game that Cicotte became more or less truculent. It also being reported that he had fallen off the “wagon” on the last eastern invasion. It was also claimed that he fell IN with certain “interests” who afterwards were accused of framing the world’s series and who, it is positively known, cleaned up a moderate fortune on the outcome.
From Los Angeles comes the word that Chick Grandill had purchased a new home and intended embarking in the fruit-growing industry.
Note: After this article was published, Schalk was contacted by the The Sporting News, Schalk denied his statement and saw nothing wrong with the series.
The Black Sox scandal was investigated only after a grand jury was convened in 1920 to look into allegations of game-fixing—allegations involving the crosstown Chicago Cubs. Earlier that year, National League executives had hushed up a hearing on game-fixing at which the scandal was mentioned by players.
The article below is how the Black Sox story broke the news, despite the fact that the “fix” was discovered before the 1919 series even started! A 1956 Sports Illustrated article features how James Crusinberry broke the story.
Chicago Tribune September 27, 1920
By James Crusineberry
Charles A. Comiskey, owner of the White Sox, admitted yesterday that he was convinced after the first game of the world’s series last fall against the Cincinnati Reds that some one had “fixed” some of his players. His admission was verified and amplified by President John A. Heydler of the National league, who arrived in Chicago to testify before the grand jury tomorrow when the baseball investigation is renewed.
Comiskey too the matter up with Heydler the morning following the first game because he was not on speaking terms with President Ban Johnson of the American league and because Garry Herrmann, head of the National commission, was president of the Reds, the rival team. Comiskey also called Heydler into conference after the second game, more thoroughly convinced that certain White Sox players were trying to throw the games to Cincinnati.
Mont Tennes Ready to Appear.
This disclosure, and a statement by Mont Tennes, prominent among big gamblers of Chicago, that he was ready and willing to go before the grand jury and tell anything he knows of betting on the 1919 series, were the day’s important developments in the airing of professional baseball. That startling evidence will be presented when the investigation is resumed tomorrow seems certain.
Ban Johnson returned yesterday from New York, where he had a conference with Arnold Rothstein, wealthy race track man, whose name was connected with rumors of fixing the world’s series.
Johnson stated he had been convinced Rothstein wasn’t in on the frameup, but he said Rothstein admitted he knew about it.
Heydler’s Story.
Heydler told of his conferences with Comiskey during the series after he was assured the Sox owner admitted the facts. Heydler referred to notes and papers which he has with him to present to the grand jury as evidence.
“Commy was all broken up and felt something was wrong with his team in that first game, “Heydler said. “To me such a thing as crookedness in that game didn’t seem possible. I told Comiskey I thought the White Sox were rather taken by surprise, that perhaps they had underestimated the strength of the Cincinnati team.
“The matter was dropped for the time. That day the Reds won again and we moved to Chicago for the third game. Comiskey called me on the telephone early that morning, and with John Bruce, secretary of the national commission, I went to his office at the ball park. Once more he stated he felt sure something was wrong.
Tales of “Coppered” Bet.
“Still I couldn’t believe it. Among other things he told a Chicago fan who had gone to Cincinnati and wagered on the White Sox, but after getting some “inside” information from gambling friends this man had switched and wagered on Cincinnati.
“Comiskey said his manager, Kid Gleason, felt convinced some one had “reached” the Sox players, and that they had talked the matter over and felt an investigation should be made. I still believed he was mistaken, but I took the matter up with Ban Johnson later, at the game. Johnson replied with a rather curt remark that made me drop the matter.
“After the series an article appeared in one paper hinting that the series had been fixed. I went to Johnson and said the affair should be taken up and cleaned up at once. But Johnson agreed to investigate the affairs, and I thought it was really his case and that he handle it correctly.”
Comiskey Again Raps Johnson.
Comiskey’s admission of his suspicions following the first game came after yesterday’s game at Sox park.
“There’s one man working on this investigation whim I did think was sincere in it, but I believe now he’s using it for his own personal gain,” Comiskey said. “It was a terrible thing to see a story printed of crookedness on the White Sox recently, just before they went into a tough series against New York, but it was still worse to follow with a statement of blackmail of my players by gamblers just before they went into the series against Cleveland, a club in which this man is interested. I refer to Ban Johnson, president of our league.
“I started investigating last fall right after the series. I sent Manager Gleason and two other men to St. Louis to follow up a clew and Johnson followed by going down there and then saying that Gleason bungled the affair.”
Herzog Seems Cleared.
President Hedler indicated his testimony before the jury will clear all charges against Charley Herzog. His evidence gathered for the grand jury shows Rube Benton first stated positively that Herzog offered him $500 to throw a ball game, then later declared he didn’t know whether it was Herzog or Chase, and finally stated it was Chase.
Also it was determined that Benton had admitted in Heydler’s office that he won $1,500 on the world’s series last fall on the strength of a telegram, and that the telegram was from Bill Burns, not from Chase.
Heydler had visited Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland in an effort to obtain evidence of the “fixing” of the Cubs-Phillies game of Aug. 31, and stated he was convinced a tip had circulated among gamblers that the game was “fixed,” but as yet he had been unable to produce any direct evidence.
“I’m sure the warnings sent to the Chicago club weren’t sent by any friends of baseball,” Heydler said. “I’ve heard so much about crookedness in baseball in the last year that I wouldn’t say anything any more.”
Fans Cheer Sox Players.
Regardless of the suspicion cast upon some members of the White Sox, they were loudly cheered by the fans yesterday at the south side game/ Several players when seen last night, including Capt. Eddie Collins, Manager Gleason, and Ray Schalk, stated they will be glad to go before the grand jury and tell anything they know and answer any questions they can.
Fred McMullin, utility man, whose name was connected with a report of having a package in the shape of money at Buck Weaver’s home during the last world’s series, stated he had been to Weaver’s home often, but that he knew absolutely nothing about any package that looked like money.
Mont Tennes, whom Charles Weeghman, president and former owner of the Cubs, named a having declared the 1919 world’s series “fixed” last night said he was willing to face a grand jury at any time.
“I never told Charley Weeghman about fixed games. Weeghman’s intentions are good, I’m sure, but I believe he was misunderstood. Whether Weeghman and I met at Saratoga, I can’t say. I remember meeting him at a racetrack last summer. Of course, we talked baseball—one would have to talk baseball with Charley. I told him I had bet, or intended betting, on the White Sox. I don’t remember which it was.
“I bet on the White Sox, I lost my bet, and I made to cry of fraud.”
Assistant State’s Attorney Hartley L. Replogle called off a special grand jury session set for tonight to hear the statements of certain ball players. Mr. Replogle explained that as the Sox victory yesterday left them in the pennant race he did not wish to handicap the team by calling any of its players. They will not be heard until after the season closes or after they are out of the race.
Mr. Replogle saw yesterday’s game at the south side and conferred with Comiskey and Manager Gleason.
Chicago Tribune
September 23, 28-29, 1920
The headline of the October 2, 1920 issue of The Collyer’s Eye along with a graphic depicting the paper’s headlines published a year prior.
Toronto World, November 2, 1920
Bert Collyer, Chicago Sport Publisher, On a Short Visit to Toronto.
Bert E. Collyer of Chicago arrived in the city yesterday. The busy proprietor of Collyer’s Eye is making a swing around the eastern circuit in connection with his publication enterprises. Mr. Collyer is the man who uncovered the selling out by seven members of the White Sox to a gamblers’ syndicate last fall, whereby the Sox tossed off the world’s series to the Reds. The fixing charges made in Mr. Collyer’s newspaper created a sensation a year ago, but their accuracy was widely questioned, and even President Comiskey offered a reward of $10,000 to anyone who could prove them. Mr. Collyer proved them, even to the extent of printing affidavits and positively declaring that seven members of the Chicago team were guilty. Almost a year later Cook County grand jury took up the investigation of these charges, and not only indicted the seven accused players, but wrung confessions from them implicating prominent eastern gamblers in the plot, some of whom have been indicted, and others, it is believed, soon will be.
Mr. Collyer caused another sensation when he refused to accept the $10,000 reward offered by Mr. Comiskey, and declared that the exposure had been made solely in the interests of good newspaper reporting and of the public, which had been sold out by a crooked ring of players, who were intrigued with fixers and gamblers. Mr. Collyer said today:
- I was sorry to have to do it. It has been my policy to stand for fair deal in sports, square racing, honest baseball and boxing and wrestling free from fakery. No sport or game can continue that is contaminated with dishonesty and crookedness. My paper is successful because the public knows it to be absolutely on the square and fearless in exposing fraud and fakes, whenever they are found in any branch of finance or sport.
Mr. Collyer will leave tomorrow, but expects to return to this city shortly.
Asked about the reorganization of baseball according to the Lasker plan, Mr. Collyer did not favor anything that will eliminate Ban Johnson, as it does. He thinks Carpenter has a great chance to beat Dempsey; in fact Collyer favors the Frenchman in his conversation.