Overshadowed by Scandal: Cincinnati’s 1919 World Series Win

It’s Reds Opening Day, which may as well be a national holiday here in the Queen City. From the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade to the revelry and celebrations across the city, it’s a day fueled by tradition, optimism, and hopes of a World Series run. But before another season begins, it’s worth revisiting Cincinnati’s first World Series victory in 1919 - a championship forever overshadowed by scandal.

1919 Cincinnati Reds

The Black Sox Scandal Meets the Cincinnati Reds

Joseph Jefferson Jackson, better known as “Shoeless Joe,” was an American professional baseball outfielder for the Chicago White Sox. One of the most talented hitters of the early 1900s, Jackson posted a remarkable career batting average of .356. Despite his on-field excellence, he is most often remembered for his association with the Black Sox Scandal, in which eight members of the 1919 White Sox conspired with gamblers to fix the World Series.

The 16th World Series featured a matchup between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. Game One took place on October 1st, 1919, at Redland Field in Cincinnati before a crowd of more than 35,000 spectators. While most World Series are best-of-seven, the 1919 Series was played as a best-of-nine to generate additional revenue for Major League Baseball. Shoeless Joe Jackson recorded 12 hits during the Series, a World Series record at the time. However, the Reds ultimately won the series 5-3, led by stars Edd Roush and Heine Groh, securing the franchise’s first World Series title.

1919 Chicago White Sox

Celebrating the Reds 1919 World Series victory

A Championship Overshadowed by History

One day prior to the Series opener, eight White Sox players met with former heavyweight boxer Abe Attell, who was representing mob kingpin and gambler Arnold Rothstein. Notably, these interactions took place right here in Cincinnati at the corner of Fourth and Vine Streets, where the Sinton Hotel once stood. The Sinton Hotel served as the White Sox’s home base during their stay in the Queen City. After they lost, Jackson and seven teammates were accused of accepting $5,000 each (almost $100,000 today) from the gamblers to throw the Series. 

In September 1920, a grand jury convened to investigate the allegations. Jackson admitted to receiving the money but maintained that he never took any on-field actions to intentionally lose games. In 1921, a Chicago jury acquitted Jackson and his seven teammates of criminal wrongdoing. Despite the verdict, newly appointed Commissioner of Baseball imposed a lifetime ban on all eight players. As a result, the lasting memory of the 1919 World Series is often not Cincinnati’s triumph, but the betrayal of the White Sox. Cincinnati’s first World Series title remains overshadowed by a scandal that unfolded on its own streets.

The Sinton Hotel was located on Fourth and Vine streets.

This Opening Day, let’s remember the championship that history too often forgets. Don’t forget to spend Cincinnati’s favorite holiday with us at Japp’s!