The 1919 World Series Scandal Part III

The 1919 World Series resulted in the most famous scandal in baseball history. Eight players from the Chicago White Sox (later nicknamed the Black Sox) were accused of throwing the series against the Cincinnati Reds. Baseball has been one of America’s favorite pastime sports since the early 1900s. Between the months of April and October men, women, and children would get together to watch and cheer on their teams. This is part iii to of iii.

Players were mad about not being paid once again, so they decided not throw any more games. The Sox won the 3rd game 3-0 causing gamblers to lose a lot of money and gambler Joseph Sullivan came up with $20,000 before the 4th game to bait players back. It worked and the Sox lost the 4th game 2-0 and the 5th game 5-0.

When gamblers did not pay as agreed, the players  decided they would win the title and be paid $5000 from the league for the series win. The Sox won the 6th game 5-4 and the 7th game 4-1. Knowing when they won the 8th game it would push the series into a tie for a 9th game playoff for the World Series.

Gambler Arnold Rothstein bet the Cincinnati Reds would win the World Series. Feeling his bet was endangered Rothstein sent his henchmen to tell Williams to throw the game or his wife would suffer the consequences. The Sox ended up losing game eight allowing Cincinnati to become the World Series champions.

In September 1920 a grand jury convened over gambling issues in baseball. During  the inquiry  information came out over the 1919 World Series. The first to testify was Shoeless Joe Jackson and Ed Cicotte. After hearing the facts of the case the Grand Jury handed down  indictments on eight White Sox players and gamblers Hal Chase, Abe Attell, Joe Sullivan, Bill Burns, and a few of Arnold Rothstein's henchmen. 

The White Sox players  were suspended from the rest of the 1920 season. The trial started in June of 1921 with all the records from the investigation except those from Jackson, Cicotte, and Williams. At the conclusions of the trial everyone was acquitted due to the lack evidence. Newly appointed Baseball Commissioner and Federal Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis ban the eight White Sox player from playing professional baseball for life. Shoeless Joe Jackson was the most notable of the players even though he confessed to have taken money for the scandal, he maintained his innocence citing he did not participate in the plot to throw the World Series and stated he played to the best of his ability.

Andrews, E. (2014, October 9). The Black Sox Baseball Scandal, 95 Years Ago. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.history.com/news/the-black-sox-baseball-scandal-95-years-ago

Black Sox Scandal. (2016, July 24 ). Retrieved March 16, 2017, from http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Black_Sox_Scandal

Mitchell, F. (2017, January). Flashback: Story of 1919 Black Sox scandal still resonates. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/ct-flashback-buck-weaver-black-sox-spt-0705-20150703-story.html

The 1919 World Series Scandal Part II

The 1919 World Series resulted in the most famous scandal in baseball history. Eight players from the Chicago White Sox (later nicknamed the Black Sox) were accused of throwing the series against the Cincinnati Reds. Baseball has been one of America’s favorite pastime sports since the early 1900s. Between the months of April and October men, women, and children would get together to watch and cheer on their teams. This is part ii to of iii.

White Sox first baseman Arnold “Chick” Gandil  was the ringleader. Chick Gandil enlisted the help of two gamblers, ex-major league pitcher William Burns and Billy Maharg. Gandil approached teammates Pitchers Ed Cicotte and Lefty Williams to assist in throwing the series knowing these two players had a bone to pick with Comiskey. Comiskey promised Cicotte  a $10,000 if he won 30 games in a row but, after winning the 29th game Comisky bench Cicotte and did not pay him.  Lefty Williams was tired of Comiskeys empty promises.

Gandil, Cicotte, and Williams  needed help so they recruited center fielder Happy Felsch, shortstop Swede Ruberg, third baseman Buck Weaver, utility man Fred McMullan, and left fielder "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. October 1st was the start of the World Series in 1919. Going into the series the White Sox were favored to win 5 to 1 but word got out about a  possible fix and people placed bets for Cincinnati. Players would receive $20,000 for each game they lost. The White Sox lost the 1st game but were only paid a fraction of what was owed to them. Angry players agreed they would lose again as long as the money was delivered the next evening. The Sox lost  the 2nd game 4 -2, Sox’s catcher Ray Schalk became suspicious pitcher Williams and  first baseman's Gandil performance.

Andrews, E. (2014, October 9). The Black Sox Baseball Scandal, 95 Years Ago. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.history.com/news/the-black-sox-baseball-scandal-95-years-ago

Black Sox Scandal. (2016, July 24 ). Retrieved March 16, 2017, from http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Black_Sox_Scandal

Mitchell, F. (2017, January). Flashback: Story of 1919 Black Sox scandal still resonates. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/ct-flashback-buck-weaver-black-sox-spt-0705-20150703-story.html

The 1919 World Series Scandal Part I

The 1919 World Series resulted in the most famous scandal in baseball history. Eight players from the Chicago White Sox (later nicknamed the Black Sox) were accused of throwing the series against the Cincinnati Reds. Baseball has been one of America’s favorite pastime sports since the early 1900s. Between the months of April and October men, women, and children would get together to watch and cheer on their teams.

In the 1919 the World Series games was played between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. During this series of games there was controversy, rumor of scandal and accusations that the White Sox threw the World Series for profit thus changing baseball forever. The World Series brought to the forefront several issues in baseball, it was not just about men playing a game for enjoyment anymore, it was a way to make money and support their families. This a part one of iii.

In 1919 Charles Comiskey was the owner of the White Sox. Comiskey’s greed played a large part in the scandal he would make monetary promises to his team and then not follow through on his promises.  He was notoriously paid his players low wages and held them to contracts with reserve clauses which prevented  players  to  change teams without  his approval. The  White Sox were a divided  team, the was large spread in salaries some players received fifteen thousand per year while the others only were paid a mere six thousand per year. This caused discord and resentment amongst the team. Gamblers were visible at the ballparks and players had reputations long before the Black Sox Scandal of throwing games to supplement their incomes. Players often agreed to throw  a game because the payoff for one game equaled a player’s year’s salary.

White Sox first baseman Arnold “Chick” Gandil  was the ringleader. Chick Gandil enlisted the help of two gamblers, ex-major league pitcher William Burns and Billy Maharg. Gandil approached teammates Pitchers Ed Cicotte and Lefty Williams to assist in throwing the series knowing these two players had a bone to pick with Comiskey.

Andrews, E. (2014, October 9). The Black Sox Baseball Scandal, 95 Years Ago. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.history.com/news/the-black-sox-baseball-scandal-95-years-ago

Black Sox Scandal. (2016, July 24 ). Retrieved March 16, 2017, from http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Black_Sox_Scandal

Mitchell, F. (2017, January). Flashback: Story of 1919 Black Sox scandal still resonates. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/ct-flashback-buck-weaver-black-sox-spt-0705-20150703-story.html

MCL Injuries

In competitive sports, athletes are estimated to be 10 times more likely to have a serious knee injury than in other organized sporting athletes. In most of these competitive sports, knee injuries account for approximately a quarter of the injuries and often take the longest time of any injury to recover from. Over the last 15 years, ankle sprains have decreased by 86% and tibia fractures by 88%, but knee ligament injuries have increased by 172%. The most common types of knee injuries include various ligament and tendon sprains and tears.

MCL is usually injured indirectly by traumatic forces in the outside of the knee. These are certainly common in contact sports from tackles or “clipping injuries” in football and soccer. The injuries can also occur from noncontact mechanisms such as awkward landing or pivoting events in basketball or slides into base with baseball. An MCL tear or sprain can occur in isolation or in combination with injury to the meniscus, cartilage, or cruciate ligaments.

Symptoms depend on the severity of the injury and are classified according to the extent of the injury.

MCL injuries are classified as grade I thru III:

 Pain on the inside of the knee  Tenderness to touch

 Swelling, stiffness  Internal bleeding (grade 2)

 Somewhat unstable joint (grade 2)  Unstable joint (grade 3)

 Unable to put weight on the leg (grade 3)

Swelling over the torn ligament may appear and bruising or general swelling of the joint is not uncommon. In more severe injuries, patients may complain that the knee is unstable and feel as though their knee may “give out.”

All MCL injuries are not created equal, therefore, the time for an athlete to return-to-play is highly variable and dependent on the severity of the injury.

MCL Tear Symptoms (And What To Do About Them). (2015, September 28). Retrieved March 3, 2017, from https://www.rothmaninstitute.com/stories/news-and-blog/mcl-tear-symptoms-and-what-to-do-about-them

Medial Collateral Ligament Injury Of The Knee (MCL Tear). (2017, February). Retrieved March 3, 2017, from http://www.healthline.com/health/medial-collateral-ligament-mcl-injury-of-the-knee#overview1

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears. (2017, August). Retrieved March 3, 2017, from https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Medial-Collateral-Ligament-MCL-Tears.aspx

Heat Illnesses

Heat Illnesses

There are three stages of heat illness which are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Sporting events are one of the most common places to witness heat related illness. If not treated properly a heat illness can be life threatening.

Have you ever seen an athlete being treated for cramps? Heat cramps are one of the first stages of heat illnesses. It is caused by the loss of water and salt through exercise. Cramping usually starts in the calves, arms, and abdomen which can turn serious if not properly stretched and hydrated.

Heat exhaustion is a condition that is caused by losing large amounts of water and salt by sweating.  One's heart rate will rise rapidly and sever fatigue sets in. This condition is caused by high temperatures, humidity, and strenuous activity. If not attended to immediately heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke.

Heat stroke is when the body to overheats. This condition is usually caused by prolonged exposure to physical activity in high temperatures. Heat stroke is most serious form of heat injury. Heat stroke can occur when the body's temperature rises to 104 F or higher. If not treated as soon as possible the condition can quickly cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys,  and muscles. If treatment is delayed it will increase the risk of serious complications or death.

To prevent a heat related illness a person should drink 4 to 8 cups of water day. During exercise or other physical activity it is best hydrate the night before to ensure that no signs of heat illness or dehydration set in. It is everyone’s responsibility to watch each other for signs of dehydration and heat related injuries. As a coach, trainer, teacher or athlete, you should be aware and responsible for making others understand the necessity about following a simple regimen such as hydrating, cooling down, and resting. Also before practice or work it might benefit everyone by giving a small safety briefing on the dangers of heat related illnesses.     

Heat Stroke. (n.d.). Retrieved February 01, 2017, from

http://ksi.uconn.edu/emergency-conditions/heat-illnesses/exertional-heat-stroke/

Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 3, 2017, from

http://deohs.washington.edu/pnash/heat_illness

University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Heat illness

prevention. Retrieved February 3, 2017, from http://ucanr.edu/News/Heat/

Athletes and Eating Disorders

Athletes and Eating Disorders

A common myth is that athletes are healthy therefore do not have eat disorders.  Another myth would be that eating disorders only affect young teenage females. Both statements are wrong however, as eating disorders plague society ,without gender or age discrimination, equally.  

Eating disorders were first documented back in the middle ages. Some thought anorexia nervosa was due to spiritual wrath that was upon a person when they failed to do what God wanted. During  the 16th and 17th century bulimia nervosa was most common due to overindulgence by the nobel an upper classes. Eating disorders became more frequent in the 20th century, and especially in the years following World War II.  

The athletic world is not immune and several athletes battle daily with eating disorders.  Appearance is one reason; athletes are used to competitive attire, wearing less restricting outfits can cause stress for a person not wanting to look overweight in their clothing or uniform. Teammates, peers, coaches, parents, judges and the audience judge an athlete not only by their skill but their physical appearance as well. Athletes needing to weigh in for competition tend to overlook healthy weight loss, instead they focus on the end result.  

At the end of an athlete's career they can develop an eating disorders due to the loss of their career or sport. Subconsciously some individuals can not deal with the drastic lifestyle change and lack of physical activity. The loss of physical activity can put stress on an individual, therefore they change the one thing they can control which is their food. Healthy lifestyle choices must be taught to athletes so that can make healthy choices during and at the conclusion of their career.  

Types & Symptoms of Eating Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/types-symptoms-eating-disorders

About An Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Articles For Treatment Help. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2017, from

https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/eating-disorder

Goode, E. (2016, March 14). Centers to Treat Eating Disorders Are Growing, and Raising Concerns. Retrieved February 16, 2017, from

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/15/health/eating-disorders-anorexia-bulimia-treatment-centers.html?_r=0

Ectomorph

Somatotypes- Body Type Continuation

Previously we discussed the Ectomorph and the Mesomorph body type. In this blog we will discuss the classic or extreme Endomorph. The Endomorphic body structure is described as being round and pear shaped. Common characteristics of this body type typically holds fat in the lower region of the body such as; the lower abdomen, hips, and thighs. Individuals with this body type tend to gain weight easily as well as build muscle mass just as quickly.  

Now that we have a good picture of what an endomorph individual looks like, let’s talk about their attitude and emotional demeanor. Endomorphs are comfortable in their own environment where they feel the less pressure from to outside world. The majority of these individuals are good natured, likeable with a good sense humor.  Some of the most  notable Endomorph Americans are Chris Farley, Gabriel Iglesias, and Jack Black to name a few.

There are drawbacks to every somatotype and the Endomorph is no different.  A few issues they face is that they tend to overeat or overindulge. Overindulging  can attribute to medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and various heart conditions.  Some Endomorphs make unhealthy food choices based on emotional needs and use food for comfort.

Endomorph athletes excel in sports like wrestling, powerlifting/Olympic lifting, and throwing events at track meets.  Typicality the Endomorph individual has Type 2 muscle fibers.  Type 2 muscle fibers are powerful explosive muscle fibers the fatigue quickly.         

Body Type Information - Ectomorph, Mesomorph, Endomorph. (n.d.).(2015) from

http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/bodytypeinformation.html

Somatotypes – Ectomorph, Mesomorph & Endomorph. (n.d.). Retrieved January 09, 2017, from

http://www.aestheticworld.com/library/somatotypes/

The Somatotypes. (n.d.). Retrieved January 06, 2017, from

http://www.kheper.net/topics/typology/somatotypes.html

Determining Your Body Type. (n.d.). (2015)  

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/determining-your-body-type.html