This is a decent read for those who are interested in the topic.

I was particularly intrigued by one of the most famous sports scandals in history, and I wasn't really disappointed. The style of writing, while secondary, did add to the overall experience.

However, it was a little difficult to keep up with all of the names and nicknames of those involved, ranging from the players to the gamblers and even the lawyers who tried the case in court.

What I did appreciate was the genuine writing as it pertained to the language of the times. It was very interesting to see how the events were described and the words that were used.

I read this more to inform myself about the events surrounding the scandal. Shoeless Joe Jackson is often synonymous with the 1919 Black Sox scandal, but after reading, I realized that he held no more critical of a role than any other player who caved to the money.

This book provides a detailed account of the scandal and is a must-read for anyone interested in sports history or the darker side of professional sports.

I truly liked the way the facts regarding the scandal were uncovered through meticulous research and comprehensive documentation. The background provided on the players before, during, and after the scandal was also very interesting. It made me eager to relate how the big business of baseball today has been influenced by the decisions made during and after the scandal.

After delving into the detailed account of the 1919 Black Sox scandal, it becomes evident that what Pete Rose "supposedly" did pales in comparison. And yet, he still remains banned from the game. Throwing the World Series for monetary gain is an utterly despicable act in its entirety. However, when we look at the eight players individually, they were grossly underpaid by a stingy owner and held captive by bogus contracts. What other choices did they have? If the owner decided they were out, they were completely out. Other players with half their talent were making two to three times the money these players did. If they had taken money to ensure a win, they might have been considered heroes. None of the gamblers involved were ever prosecuted, and evidence indicated that the owner, Comiskey, made deals through underworld contacts (the very same gamblers who supported the fix) to suppress and tamper with the evidence to keep his name out of it. All of the players were acquitted of conspiracy, but baseball chose to ban them for life to teach them a lesson - a solution to a problem that the owners themselves had created. It is truly a tragic loss for baseball.

With the baseball season starting, I thought it was finally the right time to read a book about a story that I had seen the movie version of multiple times. The Chicago Black Sox and the 1919 World Series gambling scandal is perhaps the most notorious tale in the history of baseball. It shook the sport to its very foundation and nearly demolished it. This led to many of the rules and the organizational structure that we still have today.

Overall, I liked learning about this scandal, but I wasn't overly impressed with the way the book presented it. Although it was well-researched and all the facts were provided, it was often dull, uninteresting, and difficult to follow, especially the trial that took place afterwards. If you're not a baseball fan (and I am), I don't think there's any reason to give this book a try.

I was hoping for a more engaging and exciting account of this infamous event, but unfortunately, the book fell short in that regard. It felt more like a dry history lesson than a captivating story. However, if you're really interested in the details of the scandal and don't mind a less-than-thrilling read, then this book might still be worth checking out.

A perfect book indeed! It is so much more than just a baseball book. Instead, it delves deep into the history of an astonishing labor dispute that ultimately led to the throwing of the 1919 World Series. Surprisingly, in this story, the crooked players emerge as the most sympathetic characters.

The baseball owners and the big-time gamblers were the only so-called "winners" in this whole affair. It's very much like how CEOs manage to benefit regardless of the actual performance of the company. Arnold Rothstein, the NYC gambler who financed the fix (famously immortalized in "The Great Gatsby": "No he's a gambler. Then Gatsby hesitated and added cooly, He's the man who fixed the World Series back in 1919."), regarded the players as "rubes". To him, this meant "a talented guy who consented to work for peanuts". There couldn't be a better expression to describe how a boss views his underlings. This book not only provides a fascinating account of a significant event in baseball history but also offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of power, greed, and exploitation.

I read this 1963 book sometime around 1980. At that time, I was thoroughly entranced by the intricacies of the wonderful sport of baseball.

The book details the incredible story of how the 1919 World Series was fixed by gamblers and thrown by several key players of the highly favoured White Sox. It achieves much more than a 'look-but-don't-stop' feel for the story. Sure, it was awful that 'America's pastime' could be sullied in such a sordid way. But Asinof goes deeper.

The Wrigleys, owners of the Sox, were penny-pinching and mean-spirited exploiters. The players were underpaid and, in some cases, actually cheated out of bonuses they were entitled to. Even the gamblers shortchanged them. Gambling was a big thing in American sports then, and it's even bigger now. The complexity of the story is well handled by meticulously explaining how two separate crime syndicates were involved.

Not all the eight players who received lifetime bans for their participation were equally culpable. Buck Weaver never took a dime but was condemned with the others since he didn't 'rat out a fellow'. And the league's ownership, by appointing Keenesaw Mountain Landis as the first commissioner to 'clean up the sport', allowed him to impose the lifetime bans even though the players had all been acquitted in court.

This is a truly fascinating read, offering an insight into life in baseball and, more importantly, into life in the United States at the start of the third decade of the last century. It was also made into a highly commendable film by my favourite indie director/writer/editor, John Sayles.

Highly recommended.

The 1919 Chicago Black Sox fixing of the World Series is a comprehensive and captivating story.

It delves into the details of the actual games, providing a vivid account of the on-field action. The profile of the players is also explored, giving us an understanding of their backgrounds and personalities.

However, the most intriguing part is the subsequent trial that followed the scandal. The legal proceedings and the public outcry added another layer of drama to the story.

Overall, this account offers a fascinating look into one of the most infamous events in baseball history. It showcases the greed and corruption that can sometimes overshadow the spirit of the game.

The 1919 Chicago Black Sox scandal serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and sportsmanship in all aspects of life.

I truly relished this book.

Before reading it, I had only a limited understanding of the Black Sox scandal. However, this particular work is the result of meticulous research and excellent writing.

The author has managed to present the events and details in a captivating manner, making it a highly engaging read.

It not only provides a comprehensive account of the scandal but also delves into the lives and motives of the individuals involved.

Overall, it is a very enjoyable book that offers both entertainment and knowledge.

I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in sports history or true crime stories.

It is a testament to the power of good research and storytelling.

I know. I give everything 4 stars. But it was more than 3, and certainly not 5 (in my estimation); 4 seemed right.

Obviously, it is a famous book and author. I think my dad had a copy, and I'm sure I've read bits and pieces over the years. To be honest, I was going through it quickly while traveling and got a bit lost in the details of what each gambler did and when. Although it was Arnold Rothstein who was behind it all (sort of), some of his henchmen were the ones who eventually fixed the Series. Rothstein just profited from it and never fully paid the players what they were promised at the beginning.

The famed trial didn't take place until the summer of 1921. Because the judge decreed that the charges must prove the Black Sox guilty of defrauding the public in addition to throwing the Series, the State failed to make their case. Despite being found not guilty (and none of the main gamblers were tried; Rothstein had worked with Comiskey to steal evidence, etc.), the players were permanently banned from baseball by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. And although Buck Weaver in particular tried to get reinstated for the rest of his life, subsequent commissioners upheld the ban.

Now I'll probably go ahead and watch the movie again. It will be interesting to see how the movie portrays these events compared to what I've just read in the book. Maybe the movie will provide a different perspective or add some details that I missed in the book. I'm looking forward to seeing it again and seeing if it can capture the essence of this infamous baseball scandal.

An interesting book - I never saw the movie and only had a partial understanding of the full story of the Black Sox. I had several interesting and conflicting reactions.

First, I was amazed at how different the world is today. When there are accusations of doping in sports nowadays, the main figures are millionaire players who immediately shift the blame onto others. In 1918, the key players were essentially poor kids who made mistakes and then suffered morally from the awareness of their wrongdoings. They confessed because they felt guilty inside. Does anyone possess this kind of morality today?

Second, it seems that the Black Sox scandal was a huge shock to the people of the United States, who couldn't believe that baseball could be corrupt. I experienced a similar shock with Watergate. We might have known that politics was corrupt, but seeing it on such a large scale during the Watergate trials was earth-shattering for some of us who had naively believed in the goodness of humanity at all levels. And, just like in the Black Sox case, in Watergate and still today, the really bad guys - the gamblers, the politicians, the wealthy - mostly get away with everything. It is the poor, the naive, the mostly honest individuals who end up being condemned and paying the price.

The book contains a bit more detail than I could endure reading for long periods, but it certainly provides a comprehensive picture of this story.

This is an awesome slice of Americana history.

It is truly a remarkable piece that takes us back in time and allows us to experience the essence of that era.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the story in a very well-written manner.

The details are vivid and engaging, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the narrative.

Whether you have a deep interest in American history or simply enjoy a good read, this article is sure to captivate you.

It offers a unique perspective on a particular period and showcases the rich cultural and social fabric of the United States.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of Americana history and appreciate the art of great writing.

A vivid and meticulously researched account of the 1919 Black Sox scandal awaits within these pages. It presents an astonishing compilation of details regarding the fateful season, the rigged World Series, the year that followed, the revelation of the scandal, the trial where the eight players were acquitted, the appointment of Judge Landis as baseball's first commissioner, and his determination that the players had indeed thrown the series. Consequently, Landis banished the eight men from the game for life.

Extra kudos go to the in-depth look at Charles Comiskey, the owner, and the key mob figures. By the conclusion of the book, one feels as if they have become well-acquainted with these individuals.

However, there are a few areas where the book could be enhanced. A bit more coverage of the 1920 baseball season and the subsequent semi-pro experiences of the banned players would have been fascinating. Additionally, the courtroom particulars could have been reduced.

Nonetheless, this is one of the most significant baseball books, capturing a crucial moment in sports history. The movie version of "Eight Men Out" is also enjoyable. While I give a slight edge to the book, it's a close call. 4.5 stars.

When my friend initially informed me about this book, I was rather hesitant regarding whether I would read it or not.

I had the impression that the book was likely to be somewhat dull because I am more of a hockey enthusiast rather than a baseball fan. However, I was mistaken.

This book had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire reading process. It not only described the games in great detail but also provided a wealth of details about everything else.

Just like many others who have read this book, it was extremely easy to envision everything that was happening, making it feel as if I was actually there witnessing it all unfold.

I could picture myself in the various meeting places, simply relaxing and observing the players chatting with the gamblers. I was even able to almost look at the team picture and identify which players were which, which is truly amazing.

After reading this book, I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in sports or law. Even though I am more of a hockey fan than a baseball fan, the author made it very easy to understand the game of baseball and did an excellent job of making the reading engaging.

I have read numerous other books about baseball, but this is undoubtedly one of the best I have ever come across. This book also delves deeply into the court case for the players involved in the fix, and I believe that people interested in law would find this aspect enjoyable.

I am not someone who is overly interested in law, yet I still found this part fascinating and couldn't put the book down. In conclusion, this was a really outstanding book, and I eagerly anticipate reading more books written by Eliot Asinof. 5/5 stars.