The judge relents

Judge Kenesaw Landis

Seems there is a modicum of forgiveness after all in normally hard-nosed Commissioner Kenesaw Landis, who 101 years ago today rescinds the major league ban on pitcher Rube Benton, whom the former federal judge first banishes for admitting to having prior knowledge of the 1919 World Series fix.

Rube Benton

Benton, then with the New York Giants, sits out the 1922 season before Landis reinstates him.

Prior to his banishment, Benton in 1921 goes 5-2 over 18 appearances with the Giants.

Benton is 32 when Landis gives him another chance.

The left-hander then spends the next three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, winning 30 of 59 decisions before again leaving the majors after the 1925 season.

Benton returns to Minneapolis in the American Association for another eight seasons before finally retiring in 1933 at the age of 43.

He passes aways just four years later in an automobile accident in Dothan, Ala.