Rube Marquard’s Ticket Scam: Brooklyn Dodger Star Caught Red-Handed

In a shocking turn of events, Rube Marquard, the star southpaw pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, was found guilty of ticket scalping in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 12, 1920. The municipal court’s verdict came down hard on Marquard, slapping him with a hefty fine and costs. Judge Gilbert, imposing the sentence, was blunt in his assessment, saying ‘You acted like a real rube, and I am fully convinced of your guilt.’

Marquard’s troubles began when he was arrested for attempting to sell six World Series tickets for a whopping $100 each – a steep markup from their face value. The news sent shockwaves through the baseball community, with the Brooklyn team’s owner, later in the day, announcing that Marquard would not be playing for the Robins next season.

The ticket scam, while embarrassing for Marquard, highlights the darker side of the sports world. In an era where tickets were a rare commodity, Marquard’s actions were seen as a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a representative of the Dodgers. His conviction serves as a reminder that even the most revered athletes can fall prey to the temptation of easy cash.