Feb. 25, 1963 - Baseball is protecting its good name with extra vigilance in these days of sports scandals, but Commissioner Ford Frick (pictured with Ted Williams at the 1953 All-Star Game) said flatly today, “I have no question about the integrity of any ballplayers.” Frick’s undercover squad is active as usual. In addition, Judge Robert Cannon of Milwaukee, the attorney for the players’ association, is making a tour of all the training camps on his own initiative. “He’s telling everyone that baseball is not a one-way street, and the players owe an obligation to the game. They have responsibilities,” Frick remarked. With college basketball smeared by point-shaving and rumors of association between some professional football players and known gamblers, a scrutiny of baseball was certain. Contrary to the general impression, there is no written rule in baseball against the association of players with known gamblers. “The only written rule prohibits players from betting either on their own games or others,” said Frick. “The penalty is complete ineligibility. We have no blacklist in baseball. But we must be above reproach. Even rumors would hurt us.” Frick’s investigative squad works quietly. He never reveals names. “It would destroy the usefulness,” he says.
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