Lot # 281: c.1910s Swede Risberg Original Photograph PSA/DNA Type 1

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $100.00

Bids: 4 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring '23 Rarities Auction",
which ran from 4/13/2023 9:00 AM to
5/6/2023 7:00 PM




(LOT 281)
c.1910s Swede Risberg Original Photograph PSA/DNA Type 1

Measuring approximately 7" x 8-1/2", Risberg is in full uniform with his glove in his right back pocket sticking out. Not a batting glove, but his full-size weapon, the glove he used at shortstop. Charles August "Swede" Risberg, born October 13, 1894, played for the Chicago White Sox from 1917 to 1920, and is best known for his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Risberg took some time off after they won the 1917 World Series but returned to the White Sox for the pennant-winning 1919 season. In September, he received good press in the Atlanta Constitution, which labeled him a "miracle man" who had "blossomed out as a wonder" after making four plays that were "phenomenal." Chicago was heavy favorites in 1919 World Series versus the Cincinnati Reds.

However, a group of White Sox players, including Risberg, decided to intentionally lose the series in exchange for monetary payments from a network of gamblers. Risberg was one of the ringleaders, helping to convince some of his teammates to go along with the scheme. In the eight-game series, he went 2-for-25 at the plate and made a Series-record eight errors. Risberg received $15,000 for his role in the fix, which was over four times his regular season salary. The scandal broke in late 1920, and though the eight players were acquitted in the trial that followed, they were all banned from organized baseball by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. Such a great piece of baseball history!

MIN BID $100
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