Chicago Cubs Lee Magee Loses Lawsuit Against Team
By David Hill
It is a relatively common occurrence to see a player get released by their ballclubs. However, it is a rarity for a player to sue that team for being let go without just cause. On this day in 1920, former Chicago Cubs outfielder Lee Magee had his lawsuit thrown out.
Chicago Cubs outfilder Lee Magee had been a relatively solid player with a good batting eye. He had bounced around a bit before being acquired by the Cubs on June 2, 1919, playing for seven teams in six seasons as he headed into the 1920 season.
It was Magee’s stint with the Cincinnati Reds in 1918 that would lead to trouble. He had attempted to throw a game in 1918, which the Reds would end up winning in the 13th inning. On February 10, 1920, Magee came clean, admitting to Cubs President Williams Veeck and National League President John Heydler that he attempted to throw the game. The Cubs, understandably, released Magee ten days later.
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In a somewhat surprising move, Magee then sued the Cubs and Veeck for his $4500 salary, claiming that his livelihood as a ballplayer was destroyed by his swift dismissal. The Cubs requested that the suit be thrown out, given that he wagered against his own team and attempted to influence the outcome with his intentionally bad performance, but the case went to trial. While on the witness stand, Magee admitted to attempting to throw that game against the Braves, leading to the lawsuit being thrown out.
As it would turn out, this lawsuit would be the appetizer to the main course. Later in the year, the Black Sox scandal would break, with eight players, including stars Shoeless Joe Jackson and Eddie Cicotte, being banned for life. That would make Magee’s lawsuit seem minor in comparison.
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Lee Magee bet against his own team and tried to throw the game, then sued the Chicago Cubs when he was released. Did he really think that he had a case? Hopefully, he didn’t bet on his possible success in the courtroom.