The World Series, Major League Baseball’s grandest stage, has seen its fair share of controversy. While the Fall Classic is meant to showcase the best of baseball, some moments have been marred by scandal, deception, and controversy. Here are five of the most infamous scandals that shook the sport.
1. The Black Sox Scandal (1919)
The most notorious scandal in baseball history, the 1919 World Series was tainted by a conspiracy involving eight Chicago White Sox players who allegedly threw the series against the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for money from gamblers.
What Happened?
Led by first baseman Chick Gandil, the players conspired with gamblers, including Arnold Rothstein, to intentionally lose games. The fix became apparent when ace pitcher Eddie Cicotte hit the first batter of Game 1, signaling that the fix was on. The White Sox lost the series 5-3, and rumors of foul play spread quickly.
Aftermath
Despite being acquitted in court, all eight players—including “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, who batted .375 in the series—were banned for life by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis in 1921. The scandal led to the creation of the commissioner’s office to restore integrity to the game.
2. The 1951 Giants’ Sign-Stealing Scheme
The New York Giants pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history, overcoming a 13.5-game deficit to win the National League pennant. However, years later, it was revealed that they had used an elaborate sign-stealing system to gain an advantage.
What Happened?
The Giants installed a telescope in the center-field clubhouse at the Polo Grounds to decode opposing pitchers’ signals. The information was relayed to the dugout via a buzzer system, allowing hitters to anticipate pitches. The scheme helped the Giants win the pennant, culminating in Bobby Thomson’s famous “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Aftermath
Though the Giants lost the World Series to the Yankees, the scandal remained largely unknown until decades later. Unlike the 2017 Astros, the Giants faced no punishment, as sign-stealing was not explicitly banned at the time.
3. The 1985 Royals’ Blown Call
One of the most controversial umpiring decisions in World Series history occurred in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals.
What Happened?
With the Cardinals leading 1-0 in the ninth inning, Jorge Orta hit a ground ball to first base. The throw to pitcher Todd Worrell covering first was in time, but umpire Don Denkinger incorrectly called Orta safe. The Royals capitalized on the mistake, rallying to win the game 2-1 and later clinching the series in Game 7.
Aftermath
Denkinger’s call remains one of the most debated in baseball history. Though he admitted the mistake years later, the Cardinals never recovered, and the Royals won their first championship.
4. The 2017 Astros’ Sign-Stealing Scandal
The Houston Astros were found guilty of using electronic devices to steal signs during their 2017 championship run, a scandal that rocked baseball.
What Happened?
Astros players and staff used a camera system to decode opposing pitchers’ signals. The information was relayed to hitters through banging on trash cans, allowing them to anticipate pitches. The scheme was exposed in 2019 by former pitcher Mike Fiers.
Aftermath
MLB suspended manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow, who were later fired. The Astros were fined $5 million, and lost draft picks, but kept their 2017 World Series title, sparking outrage among fans and players.
5. The 2013 Obstruction Call
In Game 3 of the 2013 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals won on a controversial obstruction call against Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks.
What Happened?
With the game tied in the ninth inning, Allen Craig attempted to score but tripped over Middlebrooks, who was lying on the ground after a failed play. Umpire Jim Joyce ruled obstruction, awarding Craig the winning run.
Aftermath
The call sparked debate over MLB’s obstruction rule, but the Red Sox rebounded to win the series in six games.
These scandals have shaped the history of the World Series, reminding fans that baseball, despite its traditions, is not immune to controversy. Which of these do you think had the biggest impact on the sport?
