This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2011
His name forever will be associated with the messiest episode in baseball history. His lifetime ban and exclusion from Hall of Fame consideration are viewed by many as a travesty of justice. But there's one thing nobody can take away from Shoeless Joe Jackson: his reputation as one of the greatest natural hitters in the game's long history. During the 13 years (1908-20) he starred for the Philadelphia Athletics, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox, the lefthanded-hitting, righthanded-throwing left fielder never met a pitcher he couldn't hit. Jackson, who topped the 200-hit plateau four times, batted .408 for the Indians in 1911—losing the batting title to Cobb's .420— and .395 the following year en route to a whopping .356 career mark, third all-time behind Cobb and Rogers Hornsby. Jackson’s Cracker Jack card, issued at the peak of his greatness, is among the most highly coveted objects in the hobby. The offered example, graded 96 MINT 9 by SGC, is one of two examples at its tier (with none graded higher) recorded in SGC's census reporting. The card’s design includes a classic batting pose of Jackson set against a brilliant red backdrop framed by snow-white borders. Four flawless corners are devoid of wear under the closest scrutiny. The surface shows no signs of wear or hint of contact with the product it originally accompanied. Jackson's image retains crystal clear clarity, while posessing formidable eye appeal. The card's reverse text is boldly printed against a very clean, white background. A splendid example of one of the hobby's true crown jewels, and one of the finest known, in unmistakable Mint condition.