The only known signed photograph of Shoeless Joe Jackson, the famous ballplayer that became embroiled in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, is set to sell at Heritage Auctions.
 Shoeless Joe Jackson remains one of the most iconic and rare figures in baseball collecting |
No valuation has yet been given, but the photograph will surely see huge bids when it crosses the block in February 2015. Jackson's memorabilia regularly sees top bids, with his rookie bat selling for $956,000 at Heritage earlier in 2014.
The photograph dates to 1911, at a time when Jackson was widely recognised as the greatest hitter on the planet. However, despite his fame, very few signatures exist due to his illiteracy.
According to Heritage Auctions, "Jackson's writing abilities began and ended at his signature, and thus it was photographer Frank Smith himself who added the inscription, 'Alexandria, Mar. 1911' below."
The piece has been graded Mint 9 from authentication company PSA/DNA, with not a single crease or tear to be found.
Shoeless Joe Jackson remains one of baseball's most talked about players. He was the top batter of the Dead Ball Era, but was refused entry to the Hall of Fame due to his involvement in the Black Sox Scandal, in which the 1919 World Series was famously rigged.
However, there is compelling evidence to suggest Jackson's innocence and many still protest the lack of official recognition for his career.
Please sign up to our free newsletter for more exciting news about sports memorabilia auctions.
