Most folks hold the belief that the modern era of Major League Baseball occurred at or around the turn of the 20th Century. I think differently. I believe the "modern era" began about twenty years later.
Before 1920, gambling ran rampant throughout the Major Leagues, so there's no telling how many games were either thrown or won with that corruption during the previous 50 years.
Before 1920, the baseball was regularly and purposefully doctored by the pitcher with the sole intent to deceive the batter. By the time the ball left the pitcher's hand, it was nearly always a dark, muddy, clay, spit-ridden, stitches-missing, egg-shaped mess that the batter could barely see. It's the sole reason Ray Chapman was clocked in the head and died.
After 1920, thanks to Judge Landis, gambling was outlawed and white baseballs became law, thus changing the game forever. At no other time has the game changed so dramatically as it did at that time.
Before 1920, gambling ran rampant throughout the Major Leagues, so there's no telling how many games were either thrown or won with that corruption during the previous 50 years.
Before 1920, the baseball was regularly and purposefully doctored by the pitcher with the sole intent to deceive the batter. By the time the ball left the pitcher's hand, it was nearly always a dark, muddy, clay, spit-ridden, stitches-missing, egg-shaped mess that the batter could barely see. It's the sole reason Ray Chapman was clocked in the head and died.
After 1920, thanks to Judge Landis, gambling was outlawed and white baseballs became law, thus changing the game forever. At no other time has the game changed so dramatically as it did at that time.
Comment