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The Life, Times, and Murder of the Criminal Genius Who Fixed the 1919 World Series

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

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A Black And White Photograph Of Arnold Rothstein, A Man In His Late 40s Or Early 50s, Wearing A Suit And Tie, With A Stern Expression On His Face Rothstein: The Life Times And Murder Of The Criminal Genius Who Fixed The 1919 World

Rothstein: The Life, Times, and Murder of the Criminal Genius Who Fixed the 1919 World Series

by David Pietrusza

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	529 pages

In the annals of American crime, few figures loom as large as Arnold Rothstein. Known as "The Brain," Rothstein was a notorious gambler, bootlegger, and mobster who left an indelible mark on the Roaring Twenties. His most infamous crime, however, was his role in fixing the 1919 World Series, a scandal that forever tarnished the reputation of baseball.

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

Rothstein was born in New York City in 1882, the son of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. He displayed a quick wit and a knack for gambling from an early age. By his late teens, Rothstein had established himself as a successful bookie and was known for his ability to manipulate sporting events.

As Prohibition took hold in the United States, Rothstein saw an opportunity to expand his empire. He invested heavily in bootlegging operations, smuggling liquor into New York City from Canada and the Caribbean. By the early 1920s, Rothstein was one of the most powerful crime bosses in the city.

The Black Sox Scandal

In 1919, Rothstein hatched a plan to fix the World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. He bribed eight White Sox players to throw the games, ensuring a Reds victory. The scandal shocked the nation and shattered the public's faith in baseball.

Rothstein's involvement in the Black Sox scandal was eventually exposed, and he was indicted for conspiracy. However, he was never convicted, thanks in part to his vast wealth and influence.

Murder and Legacy

Despite his acquittal, Rothstein's life ended tragically. On November 4, 1928, he was shot and killed in a hotel room by a mysterious assailant. The murder remains unsolved to this day.

Arnold Rothstein was a complex and enigmatic figure, a master manipulator who operated in the shadowy underworld of crime. His role in fixing the 1919 World Series forever changed the course of baseball history, and his murder remains one of the most notorious unsolved crimes in American history.

Rothstein: The Life, Times, and Murder of the Criminal Genius Who Fixed the 1919 World Series

by David Pietrusza

4.3 out of 5