In the annals of baseball history, Dick Higham holds a unique and infamous distinction. Born in Ipswich, England, in 1851, Higham's career in baseball took him from the field as a player to the role of an umpire. However, it was his actions as an umpire that led to his banishment from the sport, making him the only umpire in American baseball history to be banned.
The Path to Umpiring
Higham's journey in baseball began as a player. After moving to the United States with
his family at the age of two, he grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, where he developed his skills in the sport. Higham's professional playing career started in 1871 with the New York Mutuals of the National Association. He was known for his versatility, playing primarily as a right fielder and catcher, but also spending time as a second baseman.
His playing career saw him transition to the National League, where he continued to make his mark. In 1876, he was involved in the first triple play in the National League, showcasing his continued impact on the field. However, as his playing days came to an end, Higham turned his attention to umpiring, a role that would ultimately lead to his downfall.
The Scandal Unfolds
Higham's career as an umpire began after his playing days were over. He served as an umpire for two years, but rumors of game-fixing had followed him from his time as a player. In 1882, William G. Thompson, the owner of the Detroit Wolverines and the mayor of Detroit, became suspicious of Higham's calls against his team.
Thompson hired a private detective to investigate Higham's activities. The investigation uncovered a series of letters between Higham and a well-known gambler. These letters revealed a code that Higham used to communicate with the gambler about which team to bet on. If the gambler received a telegram from Higham saying "Buy all the lumber you can," it meant to bet on Detroit. No telegram meant to bet on the opponent.
Consequences and Legacy
The evidence gathered by the detective was damning. As a result, Higham was fired from his position as an umpire and banned from baseball. This decision made him the only umpire in the history of American baseball to be banished from the game. After his ban, Higham moved to Chicago, where he worked as a bookkeeper until his death in 1905.
Higham's story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity in sports. His actions not only ended his career but also left a lasting mark on the history of baseball, reminding us of the potential consequences of unethical behavior in the world of sports.
