Major League Baseball's Gambling Scandals: Who Got Caught?

By Oliver Wiener December 17, 2023 10:09

Major League Baseball (MLB) has a long and controversial history with gambling. Over the years, several players and managers have been caught betting on baseball games, leading to severe consequences and tarnishing their legacies. This article will delve into some of the most notable gambling scandals in MLB history and shed light on the individuals who got caught in the act.

The 1919 World Series Scandal

The 1919 World Series scandal remains one of the most infamous instances of gambling in MLB. Eight players from the Chicago White Sox, including "Shoeless" Joe Jackson and Eddie Cicotte, conspired with gamblers to intentionally lose the series against the Cincinnati Reds. Their actions led to a permanent ban from baseball for all eight players involved. This scandal served as a wake-up call for MLB, prompting a crackdown on corruption.

Leo Durocher's Association with Gamblers

In 1947, Leo Durocher, then-manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, was suspended for the entire season due to his association with gamblers. While there is no evidence to suggest that Durocher was involved in betting on baseball games, his connections to the gambling underworld raised concerns and led to his suspension.

Denny McLain's Involvement in a Bookmaking Ring

Denny McLain, a talented pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, found himself embroiled in a gambling scandal in 1970. McLain was suspended for three months after being linked to a bookmaking ring. This incident not only tarnished his reputation but also disrupted his promising career.

Wayne Simpson and Johnny Bench's Encounter with a Potential Game Fixer

In 1972, Cincinnati Reds players Wayne Simpson and Johnny Bench had a brush with a potential game fixer. They reported their encounter to the team management, which prompted an investigation. While the outcome of the investigation remains unclear, this incident highlighted the ongoing presence of gambling-related issues in MLB.

Pete Rose's Permanent Ban from Baseball

The most well-known and controversial gambling scandal in MLB involves Pete Rose, a former player and manager. Rose, who retired as the all-time leader in hits and games played, admitted to betting on baseball, including games involving his own team. Despite vehemently denying the allegations for 15 years, Rose eventually accepted a lifetime ban from baseball in 1989. He has since been ineligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his ban remains a topic of fervent debate to this day.

Charlie Samuels' Firing and Banishment from the New York Mets

In 2010, the New York Mets' equipment manager, Charlie Samuels, was fired and banned from MLB for betting on games and stealing team memorabilia. While Samuels' actions did not directly impact the outcome of games, his involvement in gambling activities created a breach of trust and violated the integrity of the sport.

Throughout its history, Major League Baseball has grappled with gambling-related scandals that have marred the reputation of players, managers, and even equipment personnel. From the infamous 1919 World Series scandal to Pete Rose's permanent ban from baseball, these incidents serve as cautionary tales and reminders of the importance of maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game. MLB continues to enforce strict policies against gambling, aiming to preserve the sport's credibility and protect its players and fans from the detrimental effects of such activities.