June 19, 1884-May 5, 1969

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Stats

• Batted: Both
• Threw: Right
• Win-loss record: 208-149
• ERA: 2.38
• Strikeouts: 1,374
• Position in 1919: Pitcher

Biography

Born in Springwells, Michigan, Cicotte made his major league debut on September 3, 1905 with the Detroit Tigers.  After playing with the Tigers for one season, Cicotte didn't return to the majors until 1908, when he played for the Red Sox.  He was then sold to the White Sox in 1912.  In 1917 he led the American League with an ERA of 1.53, and pitched a no hitter against the St. Louis Browns.  In 1919, after recovering from an injury, Cicotte won 29 games.  White Sox owner Charles Comiskey had promised Cicotte a bonus of $10,000 if he won 30 games, but manager Kid Gleason was ordered to rest Cicotte for 5 games, therefore not allowing him to get his 30 wins.



Cicotte resisted being a part of the plan to throw the 1919 World Series until just days before when he realized that Comiskey wasn't going to give him his bonus.  His last MLB appearance was September 26, 1920.  He was banned from organized baseball for life.