In 1910, the Yankees had a chance for the American League pennant, fighting against the Chicago White Sox for the flag. In a mid-season game at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis, manager George Stallings accused Chase of deliberately losing games. Hal took offense. Punches were about to be thrown but teammates calmed down the two men. After this incident, Chase was not often penciled in on Stallings' lineup card. His accusation against Chase shocked the fans and team ownership. It was a charge that would echo throughout the career of "Prince Hal." But, at this time, it was quickly shot down. Following is part of a newspaper report that leaves no doubt Stalling's fought a losing battle:

"When Mr. Stallings accused Hal Chase, the captain and first baseman of the New York Americans, of laying down, or deliberately losing games for the purpose of preventing the team from becoming a pennant winner, he made a very serious charge against Chase. One that demanded a most thorough and careful investigation. That has been conducted by the owners of the club, whose good name were at stake, assisted by the president and vice-president of the American league. President Ban Johnson, the head of the American League, said: 'Stallings has utterly failed in his accusation against Chase. He tried to besmirch the character of a sterling player. Anybody who knows Hal Chase knows that he is not guilty of the accusations made against him, and I am happy to say that the evidence of the New York players given to Vice-president Somers this morning showed Stallings up." President Johnson was obviously eager to disbelieve any charges against Chase. He didn't want the prize jewel of the New York franchise branded as a cheater. Johnson developed a protective attitude toward Chase and shielded him from controversy to maintain good will with the American League fans. The "thorough investigation" by the New York owners Frank Farrell and Bill Devery never did take place. Stallings, angered that the owners backed Chase, quit as manager. When he left, Stallings remarked, "Farell may be able to find a new manger, but not one that worked harder to make the team a success. I will have something to say which will throw light on this matter very soon." If Stallings offered a more extensive explanation of his suspicions about Chase, it was done in private. The former manager quietly faded from the New York scene.