(LOT 36)
1914 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson (PSA VG 3)
Offered here is one of the most revered baseball cards extant, the highly coveted 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson in a super eye pleasing PSA "VG 3". Whether it is his "Shoeless" or "Black Sox" legacy, every avid enthusiast yearns to own a Joe Jackson card from his playing days. Jackson's sudden departure from the game after the 1920 season limited the number of Jackson cards in the market. Save his rookie card, most would agree that his most desirable issue is Jackson's exalted 1914 Cracker Jack subject. While Cracker Jack baseball cards were inserted in the caramel boxes in both 1914 and 1915, what makes aesthetically pleasing 1914 issues so tough (as opposed to 1915 issues) was that the 1915 cards could be obtained as a set via mail order. The only methodology for collecting the 1914 version was to pull them from the Cracker Jack box, resulting in serious caramel staining on many of these existing subjects.

Furthermore, the 1914 issue is the inaugural Cracker Jack issue, with most of the 1915 players mirroring the exact image used for the 1914 set. This justifies why many collecting purists disregard the 1915 set, placing an extreme emphasis on gathering the 1914 stars. This notion is substantiated by two staggering 2018 sales for the '14 Cracker Jack Jackson of $40K for an SGC "Good+ 2.5" and $36K for a PSA "VG+ 3.5"! Obviously, the floodgates have opened with regard to its escalating value with no end seemingly insight for its infinite-like investment potential. 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 legacy began way before he played in his first Major League game with the 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 covering 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 "Shoeless" Joe legend was officially born. After entering the Major Leagues, Jackson's hitting dominance continued to emerge for both the Cleveland and Chicago American clubs to the tune of a .356 lifetime average. Unfortunately, this run was tragically cut short when Jackson was banned from baseball forever for, allegedly, taking part in throwing the 1919 World Series.

In lieu of this, Jackson was never placed in the HOF; however, due to the "Black Sox" scandal, his popularity has increased profoundly. His remarkable hitting prowess is depicted in a classic Jackson batting image as "Shoeless Joe" follows through after hitting another scalding line drive with his famous Black Betsy. The iconic pose favors the left edge and portrays fine clarity, set against an imposing fire engine red background. The edging is fine, and the even corner wear is consistent with a "VG/EX" example, portraying a superb eye pleasing uniformity. No obtrusive surface flaws are evident, with its technical assessment primarily due to a few light wrinkles and some caramel corn staining scattered throughout the borders, as well as various areas on the verso. Overall, this PSA "VG 3" presents itself well with its technical attributes consistent with the grade. While we would not expect the most passionate hobbyists to clear their property to build a "Field of Dreams", if you bid strong this highly-coveted 1914 Joe Jackson Cracker Jack will come!

MIN BID $7,500
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