The Urban History Seminar series feature a scholarly presentation followed by lively discussion. Steven A. Riess, Bernard Brommel Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus at Northeastern Illinois University, presents “The Unknown History of Baseball Gambling, 1874–1950.”

Baseball, the former national pastime, once promoted itself as good, clean fun that epitomized the best in our society. Recent historical research, however, has significantly uncovered the extent of gambling in baseball, and its connection to organized crime and urban politics.

Riess discusses his recent research exploring the origins of “fixing” professional baseball games in Chicago in the 1870s. He will also discuss his findings that the 1919 World Series betting scandal known as the Black Sox did not curtail baseball gambling, especially on the World Series.

The Zoom session will open at 6:45 p.m. with the program starting at 7:00 p.m. and concluding by 8:15 p.m. RSVP is required.

This session is free of charge; we would greatly appreciate a donation to the Museum in any amount. A Zoom link will be provided after registration.

The Urban History Seminars have been generously underwritten by the Chicago History Museum since 1983.