The suspected scandal of 1919 haunted the Chicago White Sox throughout the 1920 season, as they battled the Cleveland Indians for the American League pennant. In September 1920, a grand jury was convened to investigate. Eddie Cicotte and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, confessed to the scheme to the Chicago grand jury on September 28, 1920. On the eve of their final season series, the White Sox were in a virtual tie for first place with the Cleveland Indians. The Sox needed to win all 3 of their remaining games and then hope for Cleveland to faulter as the Indians had more games. Despite the entire season being on the line, White Sox owner Charles Comiskey suspended the seven White Sox still in the majors (Chick Gandil had resigned and was playing semi-pro ball). He said that he had no choice even though this action would cost the White Sox any chance of winning the American League pennant. The White Sox lost 2 of 3 in their final series against the St. Louis Browns and finished in second place, two games behind Cleveland.
Falk signed with the White Sox and played in his first game for them on July 17,1920. He was to play in only seven games for the Sox that season but it was result of September 28th that propelled him into the spot light as the Sox entered the last of the season. He was a spare outfielder with the Sox until the infamous eight players were suspended. Falk was called on to replace what may have been the greatest player to ever step foot on the diamond, Shoeless Joe Jackson, in left field. Falks 5 hits and 1 run during the 1920 season fell short of the effort that was needed to beat the Browns , and the rest they say, is history. But Falk was a consistent hitter, ending his career after twelve seasons with a .314 career batting average. He was also known as a highly competitive player whose merciless riding of opponents earned him the nickname "Jockey."
This is another case of a bat of an above average player who was thrown into the limelight and thus into history, not so much for what he did on the field, but as a result of what others did. A very interesting and rare game bat.
Player:Bibb August (BA) Falk
Block/Script Name: Script
Label Period: 1921-30
Year/s Used: 1921-30
Teams Played During Era of Bat: Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians
Other Teams Played: None
Minors: 1932 Toledo AA.
Manufacture: H&B
Model Number: Pre Model Number
Length:34 3/4"
Weight: 35.7 oz.
Side Writing: Yes but no longer readable.
Vault Marks: No
Shipping Label:None
Game Use: Heavy
Ball Marks: Top of barrel.
Swelling: Most of the heavy swelling concentrated on top and back of barrel.
Grain Separation: None
Cleat Marks:Just a couple on barrel end.
Rack Marks:No
Nails/Screws: 4 tine nails in handle to repair minute 1" crack
Pine Tar: Remains of tar residue on handle.
Handle Tape: No
Handle Crack:Yes, 1/2"
Barrel Crack: No
Dents/Gouges: No
Wood: Black Hickory
Autographed:No
Uniform Number: No
Knob Markings: No
Barrel End Markings: None
Provenance:Louisville Vaults
Factory Records: Pre Record, only ledgers exist.
Player Traits: Unknown
Grade: MEARS A7.5 with 5 base pionts, 3 use points and minus .5 for minute crack and minor knob chip.
MEARS Bat Trade Index: None ever examined.
Comments: Rare and gorgeous bat from a player of historical significance. A must have for any White Sox or Black Sox.
Inventory Number: 00223
Collection of MEARS staff: Yes