or the first time since 1903, the 1919 World Series was scheduled to be played as a best five-out-of-nine contest. This format was adopted as a means to boost revenue, but soon returned to a seven game series after the 1921 Fall Classic.

The Cincinnati Reds of the National League were making their first appearance ever in a World Series in 1919. The American League Champions, Chicago White Sox were appearing for the third time in their teams' history.

The schedule of the games were as follows: Games 1,2,6 and 7 were to be played at Cincinnait's Redland Field. Games 3,4,5 and 8 at Comiskey Park. Game nine was decided by the toss of a coin, and would have been played in Cincinnati, had it been necessary.

All games were scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. Cincinnati and Chicago time.

The umpires officiating the Series were Charles Rigler and Ernest Quigley of the National League and William Evans and Richard Nallin of the American League.

Although the White Sox were 5-1 favorites to win the 1919 World Series, there was plenty of anticipation and excitement as the Series drew near. Then, only days before the Series was to start, rumors began spreading that the Series was fixed. The betting odds shifted and large amounts of money began being placed on Cincinnati. By the start of Game 1, the odds were 8-5 in favor of the Reds. Unbeknownst to all but a handful, the Series' winner was already decided. Nonetheless, it was time to Play Ball...