National League chief John Heydler dismisses charges against Cincinnati Reds star Hal Chase

On February 5 1919 — National League president John Heydler dismisses charges against Cincinnati Reds star Hal Chase, who had been accused of throwing games and betting against his team in collusion with gamblers. The charges had been brought forth by Reds manager Christy Mathewson and owner Garry Herrmann. Heydler rules that Chase’s poor play was attributable to “carelessness,” and not to gambling. Two weeks later, New York Giants manager John McGraw obtains Chase from Cincinnati in exchange for first baseman Walter Holke and catcher Bill Rariden.