(LOT 12)
1915 Cracker Jack #103 "Shoeless" Joe Jackson (PSA EX/MT 6)
It is our distinguished honor to present one of the most coveted cardboard masterpieces in existence; an outstanding 1915 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson offering in a seldom seen PSA EX/MT 6 holder. Needless to say, this imposing specimen suffices as one of Jackson's most coveted cards via its Cracker Jack pedigree and extremely desirable "EX/MT" assessment. rarest cards based on its miraculous technical assessment. Ultra-popular with enthusiasts, Cracker Jack baseball cards share the distinction with the T206 "Monster Set" as the most exalted pre-WWI issue. Its seemingly endless list of stars including Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Nap Lajoie, Tris Speaker, etc., with its premier 1915 subject being none other than "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. Whether it is his "Shoeless" or "Black Sox" legacy, most advanced enthusiasts yearn to add a prestigious Joe Jackson card to their elite collection.

Jackson's sudden departure from the game after the 1920 season limited the number of Jackson cards in the market, and his most popular issue are the 1914/1915 Cracker Jack subjects. Only Babe Ruth can boast the myriad of baseball anecdotes applied to the great Joe Jackson including "Shoeless Joe", "Black Betsy" and one of the most famous quotes in baseball history "Say it ain't so Joe"! Jackson's unbridled legacy began significantly before he played in his first Major League game with Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's in 1908. While playing with the minor league Greenville club in the Carolina Association, Jackson developed painful blisters due to breaking in a new pair of spikes. The next game he played without shoes with only his black stockings affixed to his feet.

During the game as he rounded third base after hitting a long home run, one fan finally noticed and shouted "you shoeless sonofagun"! A sportswriter picked up on this, printed it the next day, and the legend of "Shoeless" Joe was born. After entering the Major Leagues, Jackson's hitting dominance continued to emerge for both the Cleveland and Chicago White Sox clubs to the tune of a .356 lifetime average. This run was tragically cut short when near the end of the 1920 season Jackson was banned from baseball forever, for allegedly taking part in "throwing" the 1919 World Series. In lieu of this scandal, Jackson was never placed in the HOF; however, due to his inclusion with the "Black Sox Eight", his popularity has increased profoundly. His unparalleled batting prowess was clearly evident among his most competitive peers, with both Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth clearly indicating that Joe Jackson was the greatest hitter they ever saw. It is for all of these reasons that Jackson has established a nearly unequivocal status among the hobby's foremost collectors, and what better possible cardboard gem to pursue than one of Jackson's foremost Cracker Jack keepsakes.

The overall aesthetics of this miraculous heirloom simply takes your breath away via the "spine-tingling" Jackson batting image as the iconic slugger demonstrates his incredible hitting prowess. The immortal pose depicts Jackson completing his hallowed swing after hitting what is most likely another scalding line drive with his famous Black Betsy. Crystal clear clarity and impeccable contrast merit the finest possible accolades, the "fire engine" red background is virtually flawless, and the entire image is well centered between four absolutely dazzling white borders. A modest, almost negligible, "tilt" towards the upper right corner is more than overshadowed by the aforementioned immaculate central image and four seemingly right-angled corners that reflect minimal wear.

No glaring surface blemishes and/or staining is evident, and this magnificent offering might have achieved an even higher assessment had it not been for the classic image favoring the right edge. As a final exclamation point to its sheer eminence, the verso's jet-black typography is vividly registered against a relatively clean white surface. One of the most significant Joe Jackson cards extant, it certainly merits serious attention from the hobby's most esteemed collectors; and while we would not expect the most passionate hobbyist to clear their property to build a "Field of Dreams", if you bid strong this esteemed "Shoeless Joe" Cracker Jack will come!

MIN BID $12,000
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