This Day in Baseball History: August 3rd (Black Sox Banned)

In 1921, Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis banned the eight “Black Sox” players from playing professional baseball — for life — stating that regardless of the jury’s acquittal the previous day there was overwhelming evidence that clearly showed the players fixed games in the 1919 World Series in collaboration with gamblers. In 1933, the Yankees were shut out for the first time in 309 games, dating back to August 2, 1931… A’s southpaw Lefty Grove blanked the Bronx Bombers, 7-0. In 1940, Reds back-up catcher Williard Hershberger committed suicide by slashing his throat in Boston’s Copley Plaza Hotel… Hershberger’s father had also committed suicide, in 1928. In 1948, Negro League legend Satchel Paige made his major league debut hurling seven innings to lead the Indians over the Senators, 5-3. In 1967, A’s manager Alvin Dark was fired and outfielder Ken Harrelson was released by A’s owner Charlie Finley due to ...