Eddie Cicotte, born on June 19, 1884, in Michigan, was destined for greatness on the baseball field. He developed his skills at a young age and quickly rose to prominence as a talented pitcher. In his teens, he mastered the art of throwing a knuckleball, which earned him the nickname 'Knuckles' among his peers.
His career began to take off when he joined the Chicago White Sox, where he would make a name for himself as one of the most skilled pitchers in the league. Cicotte's impressive performances on the mound helped lead the White Sox to victory in the 1917 World Series, solidifying his place as a standout player in the sport.
Despite his success on the field, Cicotte's career took a darker turn when he became embroiled in the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal. Along with seven of his teammates, including the renowned Joe Jackson, Cicotte was accused of conspiring to throw the World Series in exchange for money from gamblers.
The scandal rocked the baseball world and tarnished the reputations of those involved, including Cicotte. In the wake of the scandal, Major League Baseball implemented a lifetime ban on all eight players, effectively ending their careers and ensuring that they would never again set foot on a professional baseball field.
Off the field, Cicotte was a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Rose, with whom he had two daughters, Rose and Virginia, as well as a son, Edward Jr. Despite the controversy surrounding his career, Cicotte remained committed to his family and worked hard to provide for them.
Throughout his life, Cicotte's legacy remained clouded by the events of the Black Sox scandal. Despite his undeniable talent and contributions to the sport, he will always be remembered as one of the players who tarnished the integrity of the game.
Related links