00:00The scheme outlined in the 23-page indictment lays out the process in which Classé, Ortiz, and two bettors labeled as Better 1 and Better 2
00:08wagered thousands of dollars on prop bets as the result of specific pitches and the speed of pitches thrown by the Guardians pitchers.
00:16Starting as far back as May 2023, Classé worked with Better 1 and Better 2 to wager on the outcome of his pitches and pitch speeds, usually the first of an at-bat.
00:26Classé would text or call Better 1 during games to let them know when to place the wagers, and on some occasions, he would even provide money for Better 1 to wager on his behalf the outcome of his own pitches.
00:40One example highlighted in the document, on May 17th of this season, the Guardians were facing the Cincinnati Reds.
00:46First pitch was at 6.40 p.m.
00:48At 8.24 p.m., Classé sent a text asking if Better 1 was, quote, ready.
00:53Better 1 responded, quote, but of course.
00:56Approximately 10 minutes later, Better 1 and 2 placed multiple wagers that a pitch by Classé would be a ball and be slower than 97.95 miles an hour.
01:07Classé entered the game in the bottom of the eighth, facing Reds infielder Santiago Espinal.
01:13First pitch was a slider, 87 miles an hour, and went into the dirt for ball one.
01:18That pitch won the two bettors approximately $10,000.
01:21It was Classé who brought Ortiz into the scheme in and around June of this past season, and received money for coordinating between Ortiz and the betters.
01:31On June 15th, the Guardians were facing the Seattle Mariners.
01:34Ortiz was the starting pitcher.
01:36Before the game, Ortiz and Classé had agreed, in exchange for approximately $5,000, Ortiz would throw a ball for his first pitch in the second inning.
01:44When Ortiz took the mound in the second frame, he threw an 86-mile-an-hour slider to Randy Orozarena that hit the dirt.
01:52Classé was also paid $5,000 for coordinating.
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