White Sox History: Remembering Happy Felsch
Chicago White Sox outfielder Happy Felsch looked as though he was on his way to an excellent career. However, his time in the majors was cut short due to the Black Sox Scandal.
On this day in 1891, Happy Felsch came into the world. He earned his nickname as it was said that he was smiling from the day he was born, a happy baby who grew up to be an equally happy kid. He had just a sixth grade education, but eventually found his way to the diamond, where he starred with various local teams.
Eventually, Felsch found his way to the Fond Du Lac Molls in the Wisconsin-Illinois League. Splitting his time with the Molls and the Milwaukee Creams, he produced a .318 batting average and hit 18 homers. The next year, he stayed in Milwaukee, but this time joined the Brewers in the American Association. He continued his excellent hitting, producing a .304 batting average with 19 homers and 41 doubles.
That production earned the attention of the Chicago White Sox. He became their primary center fielder, a position he would hold for the rest of the decade. He began to become a star in 1916, finishing third in the American League in homers and ninth in hits. Felsch was also fourth in assists, throwing out 19 baserunners, showing that he would become an excellent outfielder.
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Felsch made White Sox history in 1917. He became the first player in team history to drive in 100 runs in a season, and led AL center fielders in putouts and assists. During Game One of the 1917 World Series, Felsch belted a home run that proved to be the winning run. He had a .273/.304/.455 batting line, while making several excellent plays in the outfield.
Despite missing most of the 1918 campaign due to World War One, Felsch continued to be a key piece of the White Sox. He did not hit for as high of an average, but began showing more power. In 1919, he had a solid .275/.336/.428 batting line, hitting seven homers and 34 doubles. His impressive play in the outfield continued as well, as Felsch again led the league in assists, and also turned 14 double plays.
Then came the infamous 1919 World Series. Felsch suddenly went into a slump at the plate, producing a .192/.222/.231 batting line, with only one extra base hit, in the eight game series. His defense also began to suffer, as he misplayed several fly balls, each misplay coming at a key time. Eventually, the Cincinnati Reds took the series five games to three.
Chicago White Sox
The following year, Felsch had what would be his best year in baseball. He had a .338/.384/.540 batting line, hitting 40 doubles, 15 triples, and 14 homers. His defense continued to be outstanding as well, as he again led the league in assists and double plays. However, rumors began to circulate about the White Sox throwing the World Series the previous year, with Felsch being one of the players implicated.
Eventually, the Black Sox Scandal broke, as Felsch, along with seven other teammates, stood trial. Eddie Cicotte and Shoeless Joe Jackson, confessed to their part in the fix. However, key evidence went missing before the trial, and all eight players were found innocent. That was not enough for Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, who then suspended all eight players for life.
His major league days over, Felsch spent the next 15 years playing in semi-pro leagues and amateur teams, touring the country. He played primarily in the west, as Landis decreed that anyone who shared a field with the players would suffer the same fate. Later in life, he was one of the main sources for Eliot Asinof, who wrote Eight Men Out. He passed away in 1962, just five days before his 73rd birthday.
In the end, one has to wonder what Felsch could have been. He had just entered his prime when the lively ball era started, and likely would have seen his power numbers improve. His 1920 campaign may have just been the start of what could have been a phenomenal career. Given that offensive potential, and his excellent defense, it is possible that Felsch could have been on a Hall of Fame arc.
Instead, he lived the rest of his life in infamy, bemoaning his decision to accept the $5000 from gamblers to throw the series. Essentially, in exchange for one year’s salary, he ended his future earning potential, taking away the only livelihood he ever knew. While Felsch was able to open a grocery store and several taverns after his career ended, he continued to regret his actions in 1919.
Happy Felsch could have been a star. Instead, he is remembered for his role in the Black Sox scandal, and the wasting of a career that could have been truly impressive.