Sand was a slick fielder and fair hitter in six seasons as the regular Phillies shortstop. In September 1924, the Giants needed to win only one game in a series against the seventh-place Phillies to secure the NL pennant. Sand was approached by Giants outfielder Jimmy O'Connell, who said the New York players would make it worth $500 if Sand didn't "bear down too hard." Sand reported the bribe offer, and O'Connell and Giant coach Cozy Dolan, the instigator, were suspended for life. (JK)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»December 13, 1922: The Phils buy IF Heinie Sand from Salt Lake City (PCL) for four players and cash. A competent SS, Sand will be the object of an alleged bribery scheme that causes another scandal.
»July 4, 1924:
Phils SS Heinie Sand handles 18 chances against the Giants, falling one short of Danny Richardson's record set on June 20, 1892.
»October 1, 1924: Another bribery scandal clouds the World Series atmosphere. Judge Landis bans Giants OF Jimmy O'Connell and coach Cozy Dolan from the World Series after they admit an attempt to bribe Phils SS Heinie Sand on the 27th to "go easy" in their season-ending series against the Giants. O'Connell implicates Frank Frisch, George Kelly, and Ross Youngs, who deny everything and are cleared by Landis. O'Connell is out of baseball at 23. American League President Ban Johnson, an enemy of the Giants John McGraw, proclaims that the World Series should be canceled because of the betting scandal, a pronouncement that the owners will ignore. Johnson, however, decides not to attend any World Series games.
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