On March 14, 1969 — Former major leaguer Heinie Zimmerman dies in New York, NY at the age of 82. The one-time Triple Crown winner was banned from baseball in 1919 for his alleged involvement in fixing games. Late in the 1919 season, looking for an extra payday, Giants third baseman Heinie Zimmerman, along with teammate Hal Chase, attempted to convince two teammates to throw games. When it came to the attention of manager John McGraw, Zimmerman and Chase were both released. The following year, Zimmerman was banned from organized baseball by Commissioner Landis. His faulty character was unfortunate, because Zimmerman was a very good ballplayer. With the Cubs in 1912, he led the National league in batting, home runs, slugging, hits, doubles, and total bases. He was however, one of the most mediocre defensive infielders of the Deadball Era. Later research will show that he had not in fact led the National League in RBI in 1912, and the Triple Crown banner will also be stripped away from him.
Sources:
Baseball Reference March 14SABR Games Project
Retro Sheet
This Day in Baseball March 14
