Show me your Shoeless Joes

[the 'stache]

The more I read about Joe Jackson, the more I find I am fascinated by the man. He was, of course, one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game. Jackson's contemporary Ty Cobb was an admirer of the White Sox outfielder, saying "Joe's swing was purely natural, he was the perfect hitter." Then there was "The Big Train", Walter Johnson, who said "I consider Joe Jackson the greatest natural player I ever saw." Babe Ruth copied his swing. Yet nearly 62 years after his death, Jackson the man remains something of an enigma.

While the extent of Jackson's involvement in the Black Sox Scandal continues to be debated to this day, there is no denying his popularity, and the demand for his baseball cards remains high.

So, I would like to ask everybody to share their Shoeless Joe Jackson baseball cards, as well as any supplements you may have collected. Also, as somebody who would be interested in adding one of his cards to my collection at some point, I am looking for recommendations. Is his 1940 Play Ball issue going to be his most affordable? The examples I have seen that were in circulation during his career are exceedingly expensive, such as the 1908 E90-1 American Caramel and the 1915 Cracker Jack.

Thank you, and let the parade of Shoeless Joe cards begin!

[Leon]

One of two known Successful Farming Promo Jacksons...

[MattyC]

Wow, how funny-- I was thinking today about a dedicated Shoeless Joe discussion!

I think Shoeless Joe, as a human story, as an important piece of baseball history, as a great and cult collectible player with tough and so very few playing-days issues-- he is just tremendous. To think his case as a HOFer is still "under review" by the commissioner's office...

I have long adored his e90-1 RC. That dapper pose is just so unique. That card has been high on my wish list for quite some time. Thanks to Sean1125 on these boards I was actually just able to acquire one this past weekend-- and it's an example that doesn't look like it was run over by a tank a few times, lol.

I find it so cool when such a legendary player has so few cards from which to choose. I am hard pressed to count many collecting subjects like Shoeless Joe, who have such a passionate, cult following.

Leon-- talk about a card with eye appeal that far exceeds the grade! Fantastic centering.

[jb217676]

A 1915 notebook, 1917 Scorecard and a 1950 Sports Exchange. All are affordable when compared to his cards.

[Kenny Cole]

Here are mine

[the 'stache]

I would love to see a scan when you get it in, Matt. Jackson's rookie is, in my opinion, an iconic card, and I can't imagine how it will feel to hold it in your hands the first time. Congratulations on a magnificent addition to your collection!

I do also want to ask you and other collectors one question. When I search on Jackson's Cracker Jack issue, I find both 1914 and 1915 examples. They appear upon examination to be identical. Yet I am finding PSA slabbed examples where they are designated as 1914 or 1915. Are the backs different? If not, how can they be distinguished?

Edit for educational purposes: per Peter Spaeth, the '15 backs are upside down. Thank you, Peter.

[MattyC]

Kenny that 1914 scan just knocked me out of my own shoes!

Wow.

[e107collector]

Great idea for a thread! I love to collect Joe Jackson items.

I was always fascinated with Shoeless Joe. I believe he is one of the best players to ever play the game. He doesn't have too many cards to choose from. I tried to focus on the toughest cards of his first.

Leon, if you ever decide to sell that Successful Farming promo card, please give me first crack at it.

Tony

[MattyC]

That Boston Store card is a real knockout, love the uniform in that shot. Great contrast in that image, too. Always loved the composition of that photo as well, the way he's standing just right of center, and his shadow falling on the ground.

Here's a low-resolution scan of my one Shoeless Joe card; will take a better one when I have it in hand.

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by the 'stache

I would love to see a scan when you get it in, Matt. Jackson's rookie is, in my opinion, an iconic card, and I can't imagine how it will feel to hold it in your hands the first time. Congratulations on a magnificent addition to your collection!

I do also want to you and other collectors one question. When I search on Jackson's Cracker Jack issue, I find both 1914 and 1915 examples. They appear upon examination to be identical. Yet I am finding PSA slabbed examples where they are designated as 1914 or 1915. Are the backs different? If not, how can they be distinguished?

Yes, the backs are different. 144 cards in 14 and 176 in 15. The cards themselves are different too. The 1914's are on thinner stock, which is amazing considering how thin the 15's are anyway.

Also, all 14's have some degree of staining since they were only available in boxes of Cracker Jack. The 15's could be ordered directly and many are found without staining.

[Kenny Cole]

Originally Posted by the 'stache

I do also want to you and other collectors one question. When I search on Jackson's Cracker Jack issue, I find both 1914 and 1915 examples. They appear upon examination to be identical. Yet I am finding PSA slabbed examples where they are designated as 1914 or 1915. Are the backs different? If not, how can they be distinguished?

In addition to the numbers (144 v.176) the backs of the 1915 set are printed upside down. That's the easiest way to distinguish them IMO.

Matt, thank you. I was very pleased when I finally got my 1914 CJ Jackson after a number of years lusting after it. Best,

Kenny

[the 'stache]

Is the Cracker Jack going to be my best bet for adding one of Shoeless Joe's cards?

[e107collector]

Originally Posted by the 'stache

Is the Cracker Jack going to be my best bet for adding one of Shoeless Joe's cards?

Bill,

Your best bet would be a Cracker Jack or a M101-5 Sporting News card. Each of these pop up a few times a year in various conditions.

Best of luck.

Tony

[Sean1125]

PM sent Bill.

[Theo_450]

I no longer own this card, but I really didn't want to miss the parade. It has recently been entombed and auctioned off, but I will give the RAW scan one last moment of glory!

[PolarBear]

I'm disappointed. None of these Joe's are shoeless.