Charles "Swede" Risberg

In 1917 and at 22-years of age, Charles "Swede" Risberg made his professional debut with the Chicago White Sox. Although a mediocre batsman, Risberg was a formidable shortstop with a strong arm and quick temper to match. Legend has it that he once met the cantankerous Ty Cobb behind the bleachers after a game (probably because Cobb slid into second base with sharpened spikes aimed at Swede's chest) and fought the Detroit outfielder to a draw. For better or for worse, Risberg is probably most well-known as one of the eight infamous "Black Sox" who were banished from major league ball when it was determined that they intentionally lost the 1919 World Series for a pay off. For his role in the fix, Risberg received $15,000 - almost five times that of his salary that same year. His stats for that 8-game series: 2 hits for 25 at bats for a .080 batting average, and eight errors (a World Series record). It would be another forty years before the White Sox would play in another World Series.