Who was Chick Gandil and what is he primarily known for?

Chick Gandil, born Charles Arnold Gandil, was an American professional baseball player who played as a first baseman. He is most famously known as the ringleader of the players involved in the 1919 Black Sox scandal, where several members of the Chicago White Sox conspired to lose the World Series.

When and where was Chick Gandil born, and what was his family background?

Chick Gandil was born on January 19, 1888, in St. Paul, Minnesota. His parents, Louise Bechel and Christian Gandil, were Swiss immigrants, and he was their only child.

How did Gandil's family migrate, and where did he first develop an interest in baseball?

The Gandil family migrated westward, first residing in Seattle, Washington, and later settling in Berkeley, California. It was in Berkeley that the young Gandil began playing baseball, joining the Oakland High School team in 1902.

What were Gandil's activities and occupations before entering professional baseball?

Before his professional career, Gandil played catcher in a semi-professional league in Amarillo, Texas. He also worked as a boilermaker in the copper mines of Humboldt, Arizona, where he played catcher for the local semipro team. Additionally, he played for an "outlaw" team in Cananea, Mexico, where he transitioned to playing first base and reportedly engaged in heavyweight fighting.

When did Chick Gandil begin his professional baseball career, and which team did he play for initially?

Chick Gandil entered professional baseball in 1908, playing for the Shreveport team in the Texas League. During this year, he also married Laurel Fay Kelly.

What challenges did Gandil face early in his professional career, including an arrest?

Gandil faced early career challenges when he refused to report to the St. Louis Browns after being drafted, risking a blacklisting. He later played for the Fresno team in the outlaw California State League, from which he was arrested for stealing $225.

When and with which team did Gandil make his Major League Baseball debut, and how was his initial performance?

Chick Gandil made his Major League Baseball debut on April 14, 1910, with the Chicago White Sox. His first season was considered a struggle, as he played in only 77 games and batted just .193, reportedly having difficulty hitting curveballs.

How did Gandil's career progress after his debut, and which teams did he play for in the mid-1910s?

After a solid season in Montreal in 1911, Gandil was sold to the Washington Senators in 1912. He played with the Senators until 1915, where he was recognized for his fielding and hitting, and then played for the Cleveland Indians in 1916.

What was Gandil's reputation as a player, and whom did he meet who became central to the Black Sox scandal?

Early in his career, Gandil was regarded as a skilled first baseman with a strong work ethic, described in a Cleveland newspaper as a "most likeable player, and one of excellent habits." During his time with the Washington Senators, he met Joseph "Sport" Sullivan, a gambler who would later approach Gandil with the plan to fix the 1919 World Series.

What alleged incident involving Gandil and his teammates occurred during the 1917 World Series?

It was alleged that in 1917, Gandil and teammate Charles "Swede" Risberg collected money from other White Sox players to pay off the Detroit Tigers. This was reportedly done to influence the outcome of crucial doubleheaders, helping the White Sox win the American League pennant. An investigation in 1927 found no action was taken due to contradictions.

What was Chick Gandil's specific role in the 1919 Black Sox scandal?

Chick Gandil served as the ringleader of the players involved in fixing the 1919 World Series. He claimed that Joseph "Sport" Sullivan first proposed the idea to him, and Gandil was then responsible for recruiting the other players for the scheme.

According to Gandil, what was the financial offer made to players to fix the 1919 World Series, and how many players were involved?

Gandil stated that Sport Sullivan offered $10,000 to each player who participated in fixing the 1919 World Series. Gandil initially expressed concern about involving seven or eight players but ultimately recruited them for the plot.

How much money did Gandil reportedly receive for his role in the scandal, and what was the total payout?

Gandil received $35,000 for his involvement in throwing the 1919 World Series, which was nearly nine times his 1919 salary of $4,000. Sullivan had assured Gandil that a total of $100,000 would be paid to the players involved.

What actions did Gandil take regarding his contract and career in 1920, and why?

In 1920, Gandil demanded a salary increase to $6,500 from White Sox owner Charles Comiskey. When his demand was refused, Gandil retired from the majors and moved to California, where he played semipro baseball while investigations into the scandal began.

What was the legal outcome for Gandil and his teammates regarding the 1919 World Series fix?

In July 1921, Gandil and his seven Chicago White Sox teammates were indicted for their role in fixing the 1919 World Series. Despite the charges, a jury found all eight players not guilty.

What action did Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis take against Gandil and the other players after their acquittal?

Following their acquittal in the 1921 trial, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis permanently banned Chick Gandil and the other seven players from organized baseball.

What were Chick Gandil's career statistics in terms of games played, batting average, and home runs?

Over nine seasons and 1,147 games, Chick Gandil posted a career batting average of .277, with 11 home runs and 556 runs batted in (RBI). He also scored 449 runs and had 173 doubles and 78 triples.

How did Gandil perform statistically in the World Series games he participated in?

In the World Series games he played in, specifically 1917 and 1919, Gandil batted .245 with 13 hits in 53 at-bats, drove in 10 runs, and stole 2 bases.

What did Gandil do after being banned from professional baseball, and where did he continue playing?

After being banned, Gandil continued to play semi-professional baseball on the West Coast. He also attempted to organize a team with other banned players and played in the Frontier League in Douglas, Arizona, in 1925.

When and where did Chick Gandil pass away, and what was the stated cause of death?

Chick Gandil died on December 13, 1970, at the age of 82, in a convalescent hospital in Calistoga, California. The official cause of death was heart failure, resulting from heart disease and emphysema.

In which films has Chick Gandil been portrayed?

Chick Gandil has been depicted in films, including Michael Rooker's portrayal in the 1988 movie *Eight Men Out* and Art LaFleur's role in the 1989 film *Field of Dreams*.

What significant admission did Gandil make in a 1956 Sports Illustrated article regarding the 1919 World Series?

In a 1956 article by Melvin Durslag, Gandil admitted to being the leader of the plot to throw the 1919 World Series. However, he also claimed that the players later abandoned the fix and tried to win, believing they could not succeed due to intense scrutiny.

What was Gandil's perspective on the players' actions and the gamblers' money, according to his 1956 account?

Gandil suggested that external pressures contributed to poor plays but insisted the players tried their best. He claimed he never received his share of the gamblers' money and used borrowed funds for a house down payment, which was later repaid with his White Sox check.

Did Gandil maintain his stance on the scandal throughout his life, and what did he state in a 1969 interview?

In a 1969 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Gandil maintained his position, stating, "I'm going to my grave with a clear conscience," indicating he did not feel guilt for his involvement in the scandal.

How was Chick Gandil physically described by his contemporaries?

Gandil was described as physically well-built, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds. He also possessed a stern and challenging demeanor, which he used to display his toughness.

What position did Gandil play for the Oakland High School baseball team?

Gandil played all positions except first base when he was part of the Oakland High School baseball team in 1902.

At what point in his early career did Chick Gandil transition to playing first base?

Chick Gandil became a first baseman while playing for the Cananea, Mexico team early in his baseball journey.

How did Gandil rank among American League first basemen in fielding during his tenure with the Washington Senators?

From 1912 to 1915, Gandil led American League first basemen in fielding percentage four times and in assists three times, highlighting his defensive proficiency.

When and where did Chick Gandil first meet Joseph "Sport" Sullivan?

Chick Gandil first met Joseph "Sport" Sullivan, a gambler and bookie, during Gandil's initial season with the Washington Senators.

What was the specific allegation regarding a payoff to the Detroit Tigers involving Gandil and Swede Risberg in 1917?

It was alleged that Gandil and teammate Swede Risberg collected $45 from each White Sox player to pay off the Detroit Tigers. This was purportedly to influence the outcome of two doubleheaders late in the season, which the Tigers lost, helping the White Sox win the pennant.

What salary demand did Gandil make in 1920, and what was the consequence of its refusal?

In 1920, Gandil demanded a salary of $6,500 per year from the White Sox. When owner Charles Comiskey refused, Gandil retired from the majors and moved to California.

Who did Gandil contact after being banned from baseball to potentially form a team?

After his ban, Gandil reached out to former White Sox teammates Joe Gedeon, Swede Risberg, Joe Jackson, and Fred McMullin with the aim of assembling a team in Southern California.

What action did Gandil reportedly take against Buck Weaver in 1927, and what was the suspected motive?

While managing the Douglas team in the Frontier League in 1927, Gandil reportedly had manager Buck Weaver banned from the league. This action was believed to stem from Gandil feeling betrayed by Weaver's lack of support during the investigation of the 1917 White Sox/Tigers incident.

Where did Chick Gandil conclude his baseball playing career?

Chick Gandil ended his playing career with semi-professional clubs located in the copper mining towns of Bayard and Hurley, New Mexico.

Who did Gandil live with in Berkeley after his baseball career, and what was his main occupation?

After his baseball career ended, Gandil settled in Berkeley, California, with his wife Laurel and their daughter Idella. His primary occupation was as a plumber.

How was Gandil's death initially reported, and when did it become more widely known?

Chick Gandil's death on December 13, 1970, was initially reported only by The Press Democrat. It was not publicly announced worldwide until February 25, 1971.

What happened to Gandil's wife, Laurel, after his death?

Laurel, who had been married to Chick Gandil for 62 years, passed away approximately three months after his death.

What is the current status of Chick Gandil's reinstatement by Major League Baseball?

Chick Gandil was reinstated by Commissioner Rob Manfred on May 13, 2025, along with other deceased players who had been on the ineligible list.

What did Gandil claim in the 1956 Sports Illustrated article about the players' intentions regarding the 1919 World Series fix?

In the 1956 article, Gandil claimed that after an initial payment was made, the players abandoned the plan to throw the series and actually tried their best to win, believing they could not get away with it due to the intense scrutiny they faced.

What was Gandil's opinion on Commissioner Landis's decision to ban the players involved in the scandal?

Gandil considered Commissioner Landis's decision to ban all the players to be draconian. However, he also stated that they deserved to be banned simply for having communicated with the gamblers.

What did Gandil claim about the original deal concerning the first game of the 1919 World Series?

Gandil claimed that the original agreement was for the conspirators to play the first game straight, as a White Sox win would increase the gamblers' potential payout. However, the White Sox lost the first game decisively, 9-1.

What were Chick Gandil's physical dimensions as mentioned in the text?

Chick Gandil was physically well-built, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds.

How was Gandil's demeanor described, and how did he utilize it?

Gandil possessed a stern and challenging demeanor, which he used, along with his physical strength, to display his toughness and assert his points.

Which high school baseball team did Gandil join in 1902?

Gandil joined the Oakland High School baseball team in 1902.

What was the name of the team Gandil played for in the Texas League in 1908?

In 1908, Gandil played for the Shreveport team in the Texas League.

For what offense was Gandil arrested during the 1909 season?

Gandil was arrested for having stolen $225 from the Fresno team during the 1909 season.

List the Major League Baseball teams Chick Gandil played for during his career.

Chick Gandil played for the Chicago White Sox, the Washington Senators, and the Cleveland Indians.

What was Chick Gandil's career fielding percentage as a first baseman?

Chick Gandil finished his career with a fielding percentage of .992 as a first baseman.

How did Gandil describe his initial interaction with Sport Sullivan regarding the 1919 World Series fix?

Gandil recounted that Sport Sullivan approached him and Eddie Cicotte with the idea to fix the 1919 World Series, proposing they form a syndicate of players. Gandil expressed surprise but was persuaded by Sullivan's offer of cash and his persuasive manner.

Where did Gandil spend the last part of his life after retiring from baseball?

After retiring in 1954, Gandil spent the final years of his life in the Napa Valley region of Northern California.

Chick Gandil Wiki: Chick Gandil: Architect of the Black Sox Scandal

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Biographical Overview

Personal Details

Charles Arnold "Chick" Gandil, born January 19, 1888, in St. Paul, Minnesota, was an American professional baseball player. He primarily played first base for teams including the Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, and Cleveland Indians. Gandil was noted for his imposing physical presence, standing 6'2" and weighing 195 lbs, coupled with a stern and challenging demeanor that he used to assert his will.

Career Highlights

Gandil's major league career spanned nine seasons, during which he achieved a .277 batting average and was recognized as a proficient fielder, leading American League first basemen in fielding percentage multiple times. He was a member of the 1917 Chicago White Sox team that won the World Series. However, his legacy is irrevocably tied to his role as the ringleader in the conspiracy to fix the 1919 World Series.

Infamy and Legacy

Gandil is primarily remembered for his central role in the Black Sox scandal, where he conspired with gamblers to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series. Despite being acquitted in court, he and seven teammates were permanently banned from organized baseball by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, forever marking his place in baseball history.

Formative Years

Immigrant Roots

Gandil's origins trace back to Swiss immigrants, Louise Bechel and Christian Gandil, who settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, before relocating to Berkeley, California. As the couple's only child, Gandil developed an early interest in baseball, participating in high school leagues. His early life was characterized by a restless spirit, leading him to leave home at a young age.

Early Ventures

Before his professional baseball career, Gandil engaged in various occupations and played semi-professional baseball. He worked as a boilermaker in the copper mines of Humboldt, Arizona, and played catcher for local teams. His experiences in these rough environments, including participating in heavyweight fighting, contributed to his tough and independent demeanor.

Entry into Professional Baseball

Gandil entered professional baseball in 1908. His early career was marked by a refusal to report to a team after being drafted, leading to a temporary blacklisting. He eventually joined the Sacramento team in the Pacific Coast League, where his performance led to a sale to the Chicago White Sox. His initial foray into the major leagues was challenging, with reports indicating difficulty against curveballs.

Major League Tenure

Senators and Indians

After a difficult start, Gandil found more success with the Washington Senators from 1912 to 1915. He consistently batted over .300 and led American League first basemen in fielding percentage. He then played for the Cleveland Indians in 1916. During his tenure with the Senators, he met Joseph "Sport" Sullivan, a bookie and gambler who would later become instrumental in the 1919 scandal.

World Series Champion

In 1917, Gandil was reacquired by the Chicago White Sox. That season, the White Sox defeated the New York Giants in the World Series. It was later alleged that Gandil and teammate Charles "Swede" Risberg had orchestrated a scheme to pay off the Detroit Tigers in crucial late-season games to ensure the White Sox won the pennant. While investigated, no action was taken at the time.

Salary Disputes and Retirement

In the spring of 1920, Gandil sought a salary increase from White Sox owner Charles Comiskey, demanding $6,500 annually. When Comiskey refused, Gandil retired from the majors, opting to play semi-professional ball in California. This decision removed him from Chicago as investigations into the 1919 World Series began to unfold.

The Black Sox Scandal

Orchestrating the Fix

Gandil is widely credited as the primary instigator of the 1919 World Series fix. He claimed that gambler Joseph "Sport" Sullivan approached him with the proposition to throw the series against the Cincinnati Reds. Gandil, motivated by financial gain and dissatisfaction with his salary, recruited seven other White Sox players to participate in the scheme, promising them $10,000 each.

Gandil recounted the initial proposition: "I had only social contacts with gamblers until that September day in 1919 when Sullivan walked up to Eddie Cicotte and me as we left our hotel in Boston... Sullivan suggested that we get a 'syndicate' together of seven or eight players to throw the Series to Cincinnati... He had a persuasive manner which he backed up with a lot of cash. He said he was willing to pay $10,000 each to all the players we brought in on the deal."

The Conspiracy in Action

The fix involved players intentionally underperforming in key moments of the World Series to ensure the Reds' victory. Gandil received a substantial sum, reportedly $35,000, for his role in organizing and executing the plan. The scandal, once revealed, sent shockwaves through the baseball world, leading to widespread disillusionment and calls for reform.

Trial and Banishment

Following the scandal's exposure, Gandil and the seven other implicated players were indicted. Although they were acquitted in a jury trial in 1921, the newly appointed Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis permanently banned all eight players from professional baseball. This decision aimed to restore public trust in the integrity of the game, despite the legal outcome.

Post-Scandal Life

Continued Baseball Involvement

After his banishment, Gandil continued to play semi-professional baseball on the West Coast. He attempted to organize a team in Southern California with other banned players, including former teammates like Swede Risberg and Shoeless Joe Jackson. He also played in the Frontier League and reportedly played a role in having Buck Weaver banned from that league, possibly due to perceived betrayal.

Settling Down

Gandil eventually settled in Berkeley, California, with his wife Laurel and daughter Idella. He pursued a career as a plumber and lived a relatively quiet life away from the public eye. His parents also resided in the area until their deaths. He retired to Calistoga, California, in the Napa Valley region.

Final Years and Death

Chick Gandil passed away on December 13, 1970, at the age of 82, in Calistoga, California, due to heart failure. His death was not widely publicized immediately. His wife, Laurel, passed away just three months later. Gandil's involvement in baseball and the scandal was later depicted in films such as Eight Men Out and Field of Dreams.

Gandil's Narrative

The 1956 Sports Illustrated Account

In a 1956 interview with Melvin Durslag for Sports Illustrated, Gandil offered his perspective on the Black Sox scandal. He admitted to leading the plot but claimed the players ultimately abandoned the fix, attempting to win the series while keeping the gamblers' money. He expressed guilt but also argued that the intense scrutiny made the fix impossible to execute successfully.

"I never did get any part of Rothstein's $10,000 and I don't know who did... Naturally, I would have liked to have had my share of that ten grand, but with all the excitement at the Series' end and with Comiskey's investigation, I was frankly frightened stiff. Besides, I had the crazy notion that my not touching any of that money would exonerate me from my guilt in the conspiracy. I give you my solemn word I don't know to this day what happened to the cash."

Later Denials

In a 1969 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Gandil reiterated his stance, stating, "I'm going to my grave with a clear conscience," suggesting a retraction or modification of his earlier admissions of guilt regarding the actual execution of the fix.

Statistical Profile

Career Performance

Gandil's nine-year major league career (1910-1919) saw him participate in 1,147 games. He compiled a career batting average of .277 over 4,245 at-bats. His offensive statistics included 449 runs scored, 173 doubles, 78 triples, 11 home runs, and 556 runs batted in (RBI). He also recorded 151 stolen bases and maintained a .327 on-base percentage.

Fielding Excellence

As a first baseman, Gandil was recognized for his defensive capabilities. He finished his career with a .992 fielding percentage, which was considered excellent for his era. He led American League first basemen in fielding percentage multiple times and also recorded numerous assists, underscoring his reliability on the field.

World Series Statistics

In the 1917 World Series, which his White Sox won, Gandil batted .245 with 10 RBI and 2 stolen bases. His statistics from the 1919 World Series, the subject of the scandal, are often viewed through the lens of the alleged fix, making objective analysis of his performance during that specific series complex.

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References

Eight Men: Who Were They?

Chick Gandil at 1919blacksox.com

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Chick Gandil: The Ballplayer and the Fix

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biographical Overview ℹ️

👤 Personal Details

🏆 Career Highlights

⚖️ Infamy and Legacy

Formative Years 🌱

🇨🇭 Immigrant Roots

⛏️ Early Ventures

🚧 Entry into Professional Baseball

Major League Tenure ⚾

🌟 Senators and Indians

🏆 World Series Champion

💰 Salary Disputes and Retirement

The Black Sox Scandal ⚖️

🤝 Orchestrating the Fix

📉 The Conspiracy in Action

📜 Trial and Banishment

Post-Scandal Life ⏳

🌎 Continued Baseball Involvement

🏠 Settling Down

🕊️ Final Years and Death

Gandil's Narrative ✍️

📖 The 1956 Sports Illustrated Account

🎤 Later Denials

Statistical Profile 📊

🔢 Career Performance

🧤 Fielding Excellence

⚔️ World Series Statistics

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Overview

Personal Details

Career Highlights

Infamy and Legacy

Formative Years

Immigrant Roots

Early Ventures

Entry into Professional Baseball

Major League Tenure

Senators and Indians

World Series Champion

Salary Disputes and Retirement

The Black Sox Scandal

Orchestrating the Fix

The Conspiracy in Action

Trial and Banishment

Post-Scandal Life

Continued Baseball Involvement

Settling Down

Final Years and Death

Gandil's Narrative

The 1956 Sports Illustrated Account

Later Denials

Statistical Profile

Career Performance

Fielding Excellence

World Series Statistics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice