Today’s pick from the vault doubles as This Day in Baseball History.  On March 8, 1923, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis ruled that Giants pitcher Rube Benton could sign with the Reds, even though Benton had admitted to having advance knowledge of the plot to fix the 1919 World Series. This surprising decision overruled the ruling of the independent NL President John Heydler, who had banned Benton for “undesirability.” The Reds, for whom Benton had played from 1910-15, were able to use him for the 1923 season. Benton pitched through 1925, and ranks in the Reds all-time top 50 pitchers in WAR, Wins, Saves (it only takes 10 to get you in the top 50), IP, Strikeouts, Complete Games, and Shutouts.  Benton’s is a very interesting story. Check it out here.
Benton as a Red in 1913.
For reference, that road uniform he’s wearing is navy blue.
