Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-09-24
Ban johnson Told
Sox Do Not Dare
Win 1920 Pennant

Chicago, Sept. 24.-Byron Bancroft
Johnson, president Of the American
league, admitted last night that he
had heard statements that the White
Sox would not. dare to win the 1920
pennant because the managerA of a
gambling syndicate, alleged to have
certain players in their power, had
forbidden It,"
Coming at time when Chicago
and Cleveland are locked in strug-
gle for the flag. the statement caused
sensation.
The gamblers are said to have
backed Cleveland heavily. The Sox
by winning yesterday, are within halt
game of the lead and if they win
out the gamblers viii lose large sums
Certain members of the Sox, who
have heard this report, are said to be
more anxious to win as a vindication
for themselves than for any add
ditional honors or money.
Benton Tells Of "6ribe Offer"
he star witness of the days SEES
sion OF the grand jury was Jacob c.
RUDE" Benton, hurler for the New
York Giants. Benton told in detail
his story of being offered bride to
lose ball game. He named Buck
Herzog, Hal Chase, and Heine Zim-
norman in connection with the offer.
In statement that he made before
being heard by the jury. he denied he
had won $4,000 on the last worlds
series on a '.tipoff by Hal Chase,
who, according to Hersog's state
n1ent Wednesday night, had sent
Benton a telegram advising him to
wager on the Cincinnati Reds to bea>
the White Sox.
Other witnesses heard by the inves-
tgating body were William l..
Veeck, president of the Chicago
Cubs. who was recalled to shed light
on the HerzoE statement and Samuel
w. Pass. q manufacturer, a friend Of
Sox players and an ardent rooter for
the Chicago American league club.
Pass testimony was desired by the
jury because he had lost "a, 200 on the
1919 world series and had later made
statements that the series was ION
color"
Herzog was not interrogated.
a(ou. .fi( ooublco shr shr shrdl o
Jury TO Recall Johnson.
Announcement was made at the
states attorneys office. following ad :
Journment for the day Of the grand
jury. that Mr.. Johnson will be re-
called to tell what he knows Of
gambling blac kmailing plot against
the Sox. II one exists. II the reports
can be corroborated, q new and dan
serous kind Of blackmail will have
been exposed, 1t was declared.
President Johnson In his statement
also admitted knowledge Of the hold
ins up OF the salary checks OF
eight Sox players following the 1918
worlds series. He said three, Chick
Gandil, Eddie Cicotte. and Fred Me-
Mullin, had asked his assistance In
obtaining their money from Charles
"a. Comiskey, president Of the Sox. .
Threat Held Over PIayers7
Regarding the possibility that
gamblers have q grip on a number
OF Sox players. Mr.. Johnson said:
Il heard several weeks ago d
vague statement that the White Sox
would not dare win the pennant this
season. That statement was repeat
ed several times, and within the last
few weeks It has been limited, more
or less openly. that the Sox would
not dare win because the gambling
syndicate would tell what it knew OF
certain players in the Cincinnati Sox
worlds channpi onship games in 1919"
In order to vindicate themselves
with Chicago fans various baseball
men declared. ''the sox would now
have to. win the nag"
Pools Protected, Charge.
Mr.. johnson disclosed that either
powerful official OF political circles
arc protecting baseball gambins
pools. He said he hoped all lovers
OF baseball would help wipe out this
condition byireporting all evidence Of
cfookedness TO; the grand jury. He