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Fall from Grace: The Truth and Tragedy of “Shoeless Joe” Jackson
Considered by Ty Cobb as “the finest natural hitter in the history of the game,” “Shoeless Joe” Jackson is ranked with the greatest players to ever step onto a baseball diamond. With a career .356 batting average—which is still ranked third all-time—the man from Pickens County, South Carolina, was on his way to becoming one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. That is until the “Black Sox” scandal of 1919, which shook baseball to its core.
While many have sympathized with Jackson’s ban from baseball (even though he hit .375 during the 1919 World Series), not much is truly known about this quiet slugger. Whether he participated in the throwing of the World Series or not, he is still considered one of the game’s best, and many have fought for his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
From the author of Turning the Black Sox White (on Charles Comiskey) and War on the Basepaths (on Ty Cobb), Shoeless Joe tells the story of the incredible life of Joseph Jefferson Jackson. From a mill boy to a baseball icon, author Tim Hornbaker breaks down the rise and fall of “Shoeless Joe,” giving an inside look during baseball’s Deadball Era, including Jackson’s personal point of view of the “Black Sox” scandal, which has never been covered before.
While many have sympathized with Jackson’s ban from baseball (even though he hit .375 during the 1919 World Series), not much is truly known about this quiet slugger. Whether he participated in the throwing of the World Series or not, he is still considered one of the game’s best, and many have fought for his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
From the author of Turning the Black Sox White (on Charles Comiskey) and War on the Basepaths (on Ty Cobb), Shoeless Joe tells the story of the incredible life of Joseph Jefferson Jackson. From a mill boy to a baseball icon, author Tim Hornbaker breaks down the rise and fall of “Shoeless Joe,” giving an inside look during baseball’s Deadball Era, including Jackson’s personal point of view of the “Black Sox” scandal, which has never been covered before.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 25, 2023
Biography of “Shoeless Joe” Jackson and account the 1919 Black Sox scandal. It covers his entire life from birth in South Carolina, baseball career with the Philadelphia Athletics, Cleveland Naps, and Chicago White Sox, connection to the gambling conspiracy to throw the World Series, acquittal at trial, banning from baseball, life after baseball, and death in 1951. We learn about his wife and family, and responsibility to provide for them after the death of his father, lack of education, employment at a ship works during World War I, and other businesses he ran after he could no longer play baseball in the major leagues.
He was one of eight players accused of being paid by a gambling syndicate to throw the Series, and though all were acquitted in court, Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis issued a ban for life for the eight. (If you want to read a detailed account of the Series and the scandal, I recommend Eight Men Out: The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series.) Hornbaker makes a case for Jackson’s reinstatement so that he would be eligible for the Hall of Fame, which he almost certainly would have achieved if not for the scandal. It is a book that could generate some interesting discussions among baseball fans, especially regarding the relationship of baseball and gambling.
He was one of eight players accused of being paid by a gambling syndicate to throw the Series, and though all were acquitted in court, Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis issued a ban for life for the eight. (If you want to read a detailed account of the Series and the scandal, I recommend Eight Men Out: The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series.) Hornbaker makes a case for Jackson’s reinstatement so that he would be eligible for the Hall of Fame, which he almost certainly would have achieved if not for the scandal. It is a book that could generate some interesting discussions among baseball fans, especially regarding the relationship of baseball and gambling.
November 29, 2017
This biography about "Shoeless" Joe Jackson is an enjoyable baseball read. If, like me, you know the basics of Jackson's story through an interest in the 1919 World Series, you will find that Hornbaker's book fleshes out the character of Jackson. Highly recommended book for fans of the Deadball Era or the Black Sox Scandal.
December 30, 2017
The early parts where Joe is chasing Ty Cobb for batting average are exciting and fun. I even liked the off-season bits where he started businesses and whatnot.
I was disappointed that the author didn't explain the "Black Sox" label to any depth.
Once the scandal hit, and Joe was kicked out, the book kind of steps into a dry, dry desert. I kind of couldn't wait to be finished at that point.
3 solid stars, since it follows the title to the letter, and delivers on anyone wanting a story of Joe Jackson's baseball life, and the sad tale that follows his career.
I was disappointed that the author didn't explain the "Black Sox" label to any depth.
Once the scandal hit, and Joe was kicked out, the book kind of steps into a dry, dry desert. I kind of couldn't wait to be finished at that point.
3 solid stars, since it follows the title to the letter, and delivers on anyone wanting a story of Joe Jackson's baseball life, and the sad tale that follows his career.
April 5, 2024
I really would not have chosen to read this book on my own and only finished it because it was for a book club. If you are really into baseball and into stats and play by plays, then this book is perfect for you. I had no interest at all in the topic, so I was not as enthralled. It is no fault of the book that I had zero interest, so I give it three stars. The book did get more interesting at the end when it talked about the conspiracy for some of the players of the Chicago White Sox to throw the game for money.
December 29, 2018
I listened to this book during the drive from BC to Alberta when I moved there earlier in the year. The history of Shoeless Joe Jackson is such a riveting and important part of baseball lore, but it is a confusing and often mis-represented history. Tim Hornbaker's book does a really thorough investigation of the characters and external factors involved, as well as providing a very good backstory to one of the most polarizing figures in baseball history (personal history that you don't often hear when talking about Shoeless Joe). The story of the scandal and the career that led up to it is just a great baseball story if you like the old-time baseball era! Highly recommended if you like sports history or just interesting turn-of-the-century American history.
November 30, 2018
As the title states this truly shows the truth and the tragedy behind Joe Jackson and the other members of the Black Sox. No one won, the owners, the gamblers, or the ball players, only Baseball lost. Sad to this day. Well-written, and well researched. Enjoy!
December 21, 2018
A largely disappointing book that sheds no new light, provides no investigative information, and merely attempts to tell a story very well known to many. There are a couple of errors though that go almost unnoticed and as far as I can tell no previous reviewer of this book has called them out – I will let these errors lay hidden.
There is a much better book out there somewhere. I do not recommend this book.
There is a much better book out there somewhere. I do not recommend this book.
September 30, 2019
(NOTE: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book or a B. 3 stars means a very good book or a B+. 4 stars means an outstanding book or an A {only about 5% of the books I read merit 4 stars}. 5 stars means an all time favorite or an A+ {Only one of 400 or 500 books rates this!).
Most of what I knew about Shoeless Joe is from the movie “Field of Dreams.” So I very much enjoyed learning a lot more about his career and baseball in his day.
Here are a few quotes from this book:
“Shoeless Joe” was an enigma in many respects. (60) Naturally gifted, he didn’t play the game with science but rather with an innate flair that differed from his contemporaries. He was known for denting outfield walls with his powerful drives, and extra base hits were commonplace for Jackson. (63)
to Jackson every pitcher looked the same. He didn’t care who was out there, nor did he anticipate any specific pitch. (66)
Jackson didn’t need any additional color to be an interesting story. His rise from a small mill community to the pinnacle of baseball was fascinating, and his accomplishments spoke for themselves. His .408 batting average as a rookie in 1911 is a record that remains to this day. Everything from his personal quirks to his sense of humor (99)
and the way he interacted with spectators made him a one-of-a-kind ballplayer. His popularity was genuine because of his natural charisma and the image he portrayed to the public. (102)
Joe was able to make contact with pitches far outside the box. (105)
he exemplified the prototype of a baseball slugger. Limited by personal weaknesses—particularly a lack of formal education—Jackson (109) was strong-willed, but easily susceptible to the smooth talking of others. Throughout his life he was ensnared by crafty manipulators, and usually his wife Katie was the voice of reason … In the case of the 1919 World Series scandal, Joe found himself embroiled in a situation way over his head. Although he had options, he made the best decisions he (112) could and, in the end, paid the price for what transpired. The entire story remains haunting to a certain degree, and the truth behind Jackson’s exact involvement is shrouded by an overwhelming number of contradictory versions. …
Of course, the situation damaged the reputation of Jackson (115) and cast him from the good graces of baseball, but “Shoeless Joe” still remains a clear-cut enigma of the game from any history perspective. The absence of his name on a plaque on the walls of Cooperstown at the National Baseball Hall of Fame is evidence of Jackson’s cataclysmic fall from the plateaus of the national pastime. Regardless of what happened at the 1919 Series and in its aftermath, Joe was the true embodiment of a baseball idol prior (118) to that horrendous episode. The vivid memories of his powerful drives, his never-ending chase of Ty Cobb and the batting championship, and the way he naturally smiled during the course of a ballgame made him an inspiration to the young and old. (121)
The chase for the batting title ended with Ty Cobb in possession of a .420 average compared to Jackson’s .408. His remarkable achievement set a rookie record for batting average that still stands today. Another benchmark was established by his 233 hits, which remained the pinnacle for all rookies for ninety years, … Jackson also led the league in on-base percentage (.468), finished second in slugging percentage to Cobb (.590), to go along with 45 doubles and 41 stolen bases. (849)
Most of what is currently understood about the 1919 scandal nearly a hundred years after the fact is still open to debate and (3256) interpretation. There are many different versions of what happened and it is nearly impossible to say with absolute certainty that “this or that account is exactly what occurred” between the members of the White Sox and their gambling counterparts. (3260)
In a way, his nickname “Shoeless” was a source of condescension from the press and other players. It was a constant (4166) reminder of his backwoods, Southern upbringing and lack of sophistication. And for that reason, the always prideful Jackson hated it. The newspapermen who were sensitive to his perspective and wanted to remain on his good side called him “General Joe” instead. Jackson was usually pacifistic on the field and let a lot of one-liners tossed his way slide by without a rejoinder. Many of the jokes, he probably laughed at himself, not understanding the reminder of his backwoods, Southern upbringing and lack of sophistication. And for that reason, the always prideful Jackson hated it. The newspapermen who were sensitive to his perspective and wanted to remain on his good side called him “General Joe” instead. Jackson was usually pacifistic on the field and let a lot of one-liners tossed his way slide by without a rejoinder. Many of the jokes, he probably laughed at himself, not understanding the intent was to get his goat. He was known by a majority of people as a genial fellow, a guy who didn’t take himself too seriously. But there were instances in which Joe was pushed to his limits.
One of his most famous moments came in 1912 at Hilltop Park in New York against the Highlanders. A rowdy spectator in the stands began harassing him as he went to the plate with two runners on. The loudmouth was relentless, projecting his voice at the top of his lungs, finally asking Joe to “spell ‘cat.’” Jackson was in no laughing mood. He watched the next ball intently and proceeded to slam it to right for a triple. As he landed on third, Joe looked up to the now humbled spectator and shouted, “Spell triple, you bonehead. Spell triple!”
Cobb, interestingly, was never bashful about complimenting Jackson, even while the two were active. Years later, he named Jackson the “greatest hitter that baseball ever knew” in a nationally syndicated column by Grantland Rice. It wasn’t just a stand-alone proclamation, but Cobb backed up his statement, saying: “I’ll tell you why Jackson belongs on top. Back in those years we not only had to swing at a dead ball but also a ball that was doctored in every known way.
“We had the spit ball, the emery ball, the fuzzed-up ball—a ball that would do a lot of queer things and come at you with odd dips and breaks. So the good hitters of that period had to choke the bat and go in for punch hitting. All except Jackson. Joe still took his full swing and he was often up there from .380 to .410. I know I could never have hit above .300 with that type of swing. Only Jackson, old Shoeless Joe, had the eye and the smoothness and the timing to do that. I’ve often wondered what Joe Jackson would have hit against the pitching and the livelier ball that came in around 1920.”
Jackson was a renowned slugger and opposing clubs were always fearful that his long drives would beat them. In defense, outfielders played their positions far deeper than normal when he came up to bat. Surprisingly, in spite of his free swinging style, Joe was exceedingly difficult to strike out. In fact, he was only whiffed 234 times in nearly 5,000 big-league at-bats. His at-bat per strikeout ratio was 21.29, which is among the top 100 of all-time. Ty Cobb, in comparison, struck out once every 16.79 at-bats. In 1919, Joe fanned but 10 times in 139 games and was tops in the majors in at-bats per strikeout with 51.6. The following year, he was fourth with 40.7.40 His pure ability, dramatic baseball feats, and overall personality made him a legend with the public and with up-and-coming ballplayers. Without question, Babe Ruth was the most prominent athlete to be influenced by Joe’s style.
Sportswriter Grantland Rice asked Ruth about his batting stance in 1923, and the home run king answered: “Well, I had tried out a few schemes of my own, until one day I began to watch Joe Jackson. He looked to me about the freest, longest hitter I had seen anywhere. He could take a good, natural cut at the ball without losing his balance and when he landed, the ball usually kept going until it disappeared. If you will remember, he was the first to hit one over the right field stands at the Polo Grounds. So I said to myself, ‘If that style works so well with Jackson, why not for me?’ And I began keeping my right foot well forward and my left foot well back. I tried this idea out; it worked great—and I’ve stuck to it ever since.” (4523-4526)
Joe’s final active season was in 1920, and at thirty-two years of age batted a remarkable .382 in 146 games, third in the American League behind George Sisler.
(407) and Tris Speaker (.388). He achieved 218 hits, 42 doubles, 20 triples, and 12 home runs. These statistics added to his career numbers, which, after 13 seasons, resulted in the following: .356 batting average, 1772 hits, 307 doubles, 168 triples, 54 home runs, 873 runs, 785 RBIs, 202 stolen bases, a .423 on-base-percentage, and a .517 slugging percentage. Most of his numbers were quite pedestrian compared to the sport’s leaders, mostly because his career ended after 13 seasons. In comparison, Ty Cobb played twenty-four seasons and doubled many of Joe’s stats. But Jackson’s .356 lifetime batting average is still third behind Cobb (.366) and Rogers Hornsby (.358), and that figure places him with the most elusive company in baseball history.
His incredible statistics stand out when compared to those enshrined in Cooperstown … Had he finished his career naturally, there is no telling what kind of stats he would’ve ultimately put up. In 1912, Tom Terrell of the Cleveland Leader predicted that ‘there (was) a possibility that some day Joe (would) be labeled the greatest. He was headed in that direction. (4543-4553)
For the sake of baseball’s integrity, they had to be punished. But … there is definitely room to differentiate between the members of the crooked Sox. (4562-4565)
influential names like Ted Williams and Bob Feller vocally spoke out in favor of Jackson’s restoration into the good graces of baseball. (4571)
Jackson, over and above any of the other players with lifetime bans, deserves special treatment for the gift he brought to baseball and for the legend he created that remains in play to this day. (4573)
Most of what I knew about Shoeless Joe is from the movie “Field of Dreams.” So I very much enjoyed learning a lot more about his career and baseball in his day.
Here are a few quotes from this book:
“Shoeless Joe” was an enigma in many respects. (60) Naturally gifted, he didn’t play the game with science but rather with an innate flair that differed from his contemporaries. He was known for denting outfield walls with his powerful drives, and extra base hits were commonplace for Jackson. (63)
to Jackson every pitcher looked the same. He didn’t care who was out there, nor did he anticipate any specific pitch. (66)
Jackson didn’t need any additional color to be an interesting story. His rise from a small mill community to the pinnacle of baseball was fascinating, and his accomplishments spoke for themselves. His .408 batting average as a rookie in 1911 is a record that remains to this day. Everything from his personal quirks to his sense of humor (99)
and the way he interacted with spectators made him a one-of-a-kind ballplayer. His popularity was genuine because of his natural charisma and the image he portrayed to the public. (102)
Joe was able to make contact with pitches far outside the box. (105)
he exemplified the prototype of a baseball slugger. Limited by personal weaknesses—particularly a lack of formal education—Jackson (109) was strong-willed, but easily susceptible to the smooth talking of others. Throughout his life he was ensnared by crafty manipulators, and usually his wife Katie was the voice of reason … In the case of the 1919 World Series scandal, Joe found himself embroiled in a situation way over his head. Although he had options, he made the best decisions he (112) could and, in the end, paid the price for what transpired. The entire story remains haunting to a certain degree, and the truth behind Jackson’s exact involvement is shrouded by an overwhelming number of contradictory versions. …
Of course, the situation damaged the reputation of Jackson (115) and cast him from the good graces of baseball, but “Shoeless Joe” still remains a clear-cut enigma of the game from any history perspective. The absence of his name on a plaque on the walls of Cooperstown at the National Baseball Hall of Fame is evidence of Jackson’s cataclysmic fall from the plateaus of the national pastime. Regardless of what happened at the 1919 Series and in its aftermath, Joe was the true embodiment of a baseball idol prior (118) to that horrendous episode. The vivid memories of his powerful drives, his never-ending chase of Ty Cobb and the batting championship, and the way he naturally smiled during the course of a ballgame made him an inspiration to the young and old. (121)
The chase for the batting title ended with Ty Cobb in possession of a .420 average compared to Jackson’s .408. His remarkable achievement set a rookie record for batting average that still stands today. Another benchmark was established by his 233 hits, which remained the pinnacle for all rookies for ninety years, … Jackson also led the league in on-base percentage (.468), finished second in slugging percentage to Cobb (.590), to go along with 45 doubles and 41 stolen bases. (849)
Most of what is currently understood about the 1919 scandal nearly a hundred years after the fact is still open to debate and (3256) interpretation. There are many different versions of what happened and it is nearly impossible to say with absolute certainty that “this or that account is exactly what occurred” between the members of the White Sox and their gambling counterparts. (3260)
In a way, his nickname “Shoeless” was a source of condescension from the press and other players. It was a constant (4166) reminder of his backwoods, Southern upbringing and lack of sophistication. And for that reason, the always prideful Jackson hated it. The newspapermen who were sensitive to his perspective and wanted to remain on his good side called him “General Joe” instead. Jackson was usually pacifistic on the field and let a lot of one-liners tossed his way slide by without a rejoinder. Many of the jokes, he probably laughed at himself, not understanding the reminder of his backwoods, Southern upbringing and lack of sophistication. And for that reason, the always prideful Jackson hated it. The newspapermen who were sensitive to his perspective and wanted to remain on his good side called him “General Joe” instead. Jackson was usually pacifistic on the field and let a lot of one-liners tossed his way slide by without a rejoinder. Many of the jokes, he probably laughed at himself, not understanding the intent was to get his goat. He was known by a majority of people as a genial fellow, a guy who didn’t take himself too seriously. But there were instances in which Joe was pushed to his limits.
One of his most famous moments came in 1912 at Hilltop Park in New York against the Highlanders. A rowdy spectator in the stands began harassing him as he went to the plate with two runners on. The loudmouth was relentless, projecting his voice at the top of his lungs, finally asking Joe to “spell ‘cat.’” Jackson was in no laughing mood. He watched the next ball intently and proceeded to slam it to right for a triple. As he landed on third, Joe looked up to the now humbled spectator and shouted, “Spell triple, you bonehead. Spell triple!”
Cobb, interestingly, was never bashful about complimenting Jackson, even while the two were active. Years later, he named Jackson the “greatest hitter that baseball ever knew” in a nationally syndicated column by Grantland Rice. It wasn’t just a stand-alone proclamation, but Cobb backed up his statement, saying: “I’ll tell you why Jackson belongs on top. Back in those years we not only had to swing at a dead ball but also a ball that was doctored in every known way.
“We had the spit ball, the emery ball, the fuzzed-up ball—a ball that would do a lot of queer things and come at you with odd dips and breaks. So the good hitters of that period had to choke the bat and go in for punch hitting. All except Jackson. Joe still took his full swing and he was often up there from .380 to .410. I know I could never have hit above .300 with that type of swing. Only Jackson, old Shoeless Joe, had the eye and the smoothness and the timing to do that. I’ve often wondered what Joe Jackson would have hit against the pitching and the livelier ball that came in around 1920.”
Jackson was a renowned slugger and opposing clubs were always fearful that his long drives would beat them. In defense, outfielders played their positions far deeper than normal when he came up to bat. Surprisingly, in spite of his free swinging style, Joe was exceedingly difficult to strike out. In fact, he was only whiffed 234 times in nearly 5,000 big-league at-bats. His at-bat per strikeout ratio was 21.29, which is among the top 100 of all-time. Ty Cobb, in comparison, struck out once every 16.79 at-bats. In 1919, Joe fanned but 10 times in 139 games and was tops in the majors in at-bats per strikeout with 51.6. The following year, he was fourth with 40.7.40 His pure ability, dramatic baseball feats, and overall personality made him a legend with the public and with up-and-coming ballplayers. Without question, Babe Ruth was the most prominent athlete to be influenced by Joe’s style.
Sportswriter Grantland Rice asked Ruth about his batting stance in 1923, and the home run king answered: “Well, I had tried out a few schemes of my own, until one day I began to watch Joe Jackson. He looked to me about the freest, longest hitter I had seen anywhere. He could take a good, natural cut at the ball without losing his balance and when he landed, the ball usually kept going until it disappeared. If you will remember, he was the first to hit one over the right field stands at the Polo Grounds. So I said to myself, ‘If that style works so well with Jackson, why not for me?’ And I began keeping my right foot well forward and my left foot well back. I tried this idea out; it worked great—and I’ve stuck to it ever since.” (4523-4526)
Joe’s final active season was in 1920, and at thirty-two years of age batted a remarkable .382 in 146 games, third in the American League behind George Sisler.
(407) and Tris Speaker (.388). He achieved 218 hits, 42 doubles, 20 triples, and 12 home runs. These statistics added to his career numbers, which, after 13 seasons, resulted in the following: .356 batting average, 1772 hits, 307 doubles, 168 triples, 54 home runs, 873 runs, 785 RBIs, 202 stolen bases, a .423 on-base-percentage, and a .517 slugging percentage. Most of his numbers were quite pedestrian compared to the sport’s leaders, mostly because his career ended after 13 seasons. In comparison, Ty Cobb played twenty-four seasons and doubled many of Joe’s stats. But Jackson’s .356 lifetime batting average is still third behind Cobb (.366) and Rogers Hornsby (.358), and that figure places him with the most elusive company in baseball history.
His incredible statistics stand out when compared to those enshrined in Cooperstown … Had he finished his career naturally, there is no telling what kind of stats he would’ve ultimately put up. In 1912, Tom Terrell of the Cleveland Leader predicted that ‘there (was) a possibility that some day Joe (would) be labeled the greatest. He was headed in that direction. (4543-4553)
For the sake of baseball’s integrity, they had to be punished. But … there is definitely room to differentiate between the members of the crooked Sox. (4562-4565)
influential names like Ted Williams and Bob Feller vocally spoke out in favor of Jackson’s restoration into the good graces of baseball. (4571)
Jackson, over and above any of the other players with lifetime bans, deserves special treatment for the gift he brought to baseball and for the legend he created that remains in play to this day. (4573)
April 21, 2021
This is a really in depth look at the life of Shoeless Joe Jackson from birth to his death in 1951 at age 64 from heart failure. The author, Mr. Hornbaker takes us to many places in Jackson's life that I personally had never heard before, including his year working in the shipyards and playing for the industrial team there in 1918, which many people felt he did to avoid being drafted into the army for WWI. I was also not aware Joe played first for the Cleveland team before being traded to the White Sox. The author includes a lot of information concerning Joe's assumed illiteracy that seems to indicate he was actually very intelligent and with the assistance of his wife, Katy, a very good business man, owning numerous businesses in South Carolina and Georgia during his lifetime. All in all this was a very good read and I highly recommend it! Thanks Mr. Hornbaker!
May 25, 2020
A wonderful unbiased look at Shoeless Joe Jackson
The most thorough loom at the man, myth, and legend Shoeless Joe Jackson. The book pulls no punches and presents all sides of Joe’s life and what truly happened in the 1919 World Series. The evidence is clear by Joe’s own words that he took the cash and was waiting for the rest of the payoff. He may have batted .375 and made no errors in the Series, but that’s not what he was banned for life from the major leagues for.
The most thorough loom at the man, myth, and legend Shoeless Joe Jackson. The book pulls no punches and presents all sides of Joe’s life and what truly happened in the 1919 World Series. The evidence is clear by Joe’s own words that he took the cash and was waiting for the rest of the payoff. He may have batted .375 and made no errors in the Series, but that’s not what he was banned for life from the major leagues for.
December 15, 2019
I enjoyed the book. If your are just interested in the Black Sox story then read Chapters 11 - 14. I did find the chapter regarding the 1918 season very interesting in light of Jackson’s decision to avoid serving in the armed forces. How would that play out today? Overall an interesting account of the person. It would have been better with fewer baseball statistics.
March 9, 2020
Shoeless Says it Ain't So...
Nice read and well researched look at the legendary Field of Dreams star, andthe scnadal that rocked baseball in 1919.
Much more to that and a insightful look at Joe's life & times, as well as what may have
happened in the famous g"Black Sox" world series.
Enjoy
Nice read and well researched look at the legendary Field of Dreams star, andthe scnadal that rocked baseball in 1919.
Much more to that and a insightful look at Joe's life & times, as well as what may have
happened in the famous g"Black Sox" world series.
Enjoy
May 26, 2020
Before reading this, I was somewhat aware of Joe’s story from 8 Men Out, and being a lifelong baseball fan. I appreciate the author filling in the story and wish there was some film of Joe’s playing that I could view. He must have been extraordinary to watch.
September 18, 2017
Very interesting read about Joe Jackson. He belongs in the hall of fame.
February 6, 2019
A good updated account on a legend in the game.
December 3, 2019
Good treatment of Jackson and "Black Sox" scandal...but misses a great opportunity to flesh out that fascinating period in baseball history. Still worth reading.
September 3, 2021
This is, without a doubt, the worst book on Shoeless Joe and the 1919 World Series.
Hornbaker's book can hardly be considered history. There is no historiography here, for starters. The author cites nothing but original newspapers in his research, omitting endnotes for stories that he clearly lifted from other writers on the subject. Even worse, Hornbaker takes the newspaper reporting of the 1910s at face value, providing no context to stories that are well known as being overly embellished and exaggerated. Long-discredited anecdotes resurface, such as the story of Lefty Williams being threatened before the 8th game of the 1919 World Series (a story that Eliot Asinof later admitted came solely from his own imagination) and the infamous kid outside the courthouse asking "It isn't true, Joe, isn't it?" And, worst of all, Hornbaker doesn't even treat the newspapers right, citing only individual papers and articles that support his point and ignoring the rest. There is no bibliography, perhaps because this would call attention to how little research Hornbaker really did.
Even after picking and choosing his sources carefully and ignoring everything else, Hornbaker can't get his story right. Was Jackson truly illiterate or only partially so? Different passages of this book indicate different things. Was Jackson a brilliant businessman who turned his meager salary into a financial bonanza, or was he so poor and destitute that he had no choice but to take crooked money? We'll never know, since Hornbaker argues both points, sometimes in the space of only a few pages. Was Jackson a natural genius who was undereducated, or was he an ignorant hick who fell because he was victimized? Here, Jackson is smart when he needs to be, and is utterly dumb and naive when it helps argue his innocence.
The whoppers in this book could start their own fast food chain. After Hornbaker presents the extremely scant and unconvincing evidence that Jackson may have had an affair in 1915, he tells us that this tryst was clearly the worst decision of Jackson's life. I suppose that taking $5,000 from Lefty Williams was a brilliant move in comparison. After several chapters depicting Jackson's role in the World Series fix, including clear insinuations that Jackson's play was not always on the level, Hornbaker turns in the final chapter to pronounce that there is no evidence that he did anything wrong in 1919, and that he should have never been barred from the game. Most damning of all is a picture caption claiming that the 1919 White Sox are "considered by many experts to be the greatest ballclub in major league history." One could make the case that they were a better club than the 1919 Reds, but I've never seen anybody claim that they are the greatest team of all time - "expert" or amateur fan.
Above all, the writing stinks. Hornbaker doesn't seem to know basic English phraseology. Words like "however," "though," and "but" are sprinkled around at random, with no thought given to how they fit in the overall logical structure of the paragraph. Where was the copy editor?
Hornbaker should be ashamed of this work. It was a slog to read through, was full of inaccuracies, and should not be considered a proper work of baseball history. It is appalling that this book was a finalist for the SABR Ritter Award in 2017. I seriously doubt that anybody on the committee actually bothered to read it.
Hornbaker's book can hardly be considered history. There is no historiography here, for starters. The author cites nothing but original newspapers in his research, omitting endnotes for stories that he clearly lifted from other writers on the subject. Even worse, Hornbaker takes the newspaper reporting of the 1910s at face value, providing no context to stories that are well known as being overly embellished and exaggerated. Long-discredited anecdotes resurface, such as the story of Lefty Williams being threatened before the 8th game of the 1919 World Series (a story that Eliot Asinof later admitted came solely from his own imagination) and the infamous kid outside the courthouse asking "It isn't true, Joe, isn't it?" And, worst of all, Hornbaker doesn't even treat the newspapers right, citing only individual papers and articles that support his point and ignoring the rest. There is no bibliography, perhaps because this would call attention to how little research Hornbaker really did.
Even after picking and choosing his sources carefully and ignoring everything else, Hornbaker can't get his story right. Was Jackson truly illiterate or only partially so? Different passages of this book indicate different things. Was Jackson a brilliant businessman who turned his meager salary into a financial bonanza, or was he so poor and destitute that he had no choice but to take crooked money? We'll never know, since Hornbaker argues both points, sometimes in the space of only a few pages. Was Jackson a natural genius who was undereducated, or was he an ignorant hick who fell because he was victimized? Here, Jackson is smart when he needs to be, and is utterly dumb and naive when it helps argue his innocence.
The whoppers in this book could start their own fast food chain. After Hornbaker presents the extremely scant and unconvincing evidence that Jackson may have had an affair in 1915, he tells us that this tryst was clearly the worst decision of Jackson's life. I suppose that taking $5,000 from Lefty Williams was a brilliant move in comparison. After several chapters depicting Jackson's role in the World Series fix, including clear insinuations that Jackson's play was not always on the level, Hornbaker turns in the final chapter to pronounce that there is no evidence that he did anything wrong in 1919, and that he should have never been barred from the game. Most damning of all is a picture caption claiming that the 1919 White Sox are "considered by many experts to be the greatest ballclub in major league history." One could make the case that they were a better club than the 1919 Reds, but I've never seen anybody claim that they are the greatest team of all time - "expert" or amateur fan.
Above all, the writing stinks. Hornbaker doesn't seem to know basic English phraseology. Words like "however," "though," and "but" are sprinkled around at random, with no thought given to how they fit in the overall logical structure of the paragraph. Where was the copy editor?
Hornbaker should be ashamed of this work. It was a slog to read through, was full of inaccuracies, and should not be considered a proper work of baseball history. It is appalling that this book was a finalist for the SABR Ritter Award in 2017. I seriously doubt that anybody on the committee actually bothered to read it.
July 22, 2025
"Fall from Grace: The Truth and Tragedy of Shoeless Joe Jackson" by Tim Hornbaker is a biography that explores the life and controversial career of the legendary baseball player, Joe Jackson, particularly his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Very enjoyable read about an almost mythical sports figure. "Fall from Grace" chronicles the life of Shoeless Joe Jackson, presenting a fair and balanced examination of his career and his culpability in the Black Sox Scandal.
The writing style is compact and efficient, and the book is thoroughly researched and footnoted. The book delves into Jackson's rise to fame, his perspective on the scandal, and the lasting impact of his ban from baseball. I expected the book to present facts that exonerated Jackson regarding the 1919 World Series fix. Evidence on both sides is presented. Exoneration could not get back the career Jackson missed but it could have him recognized by Cooperstown. It's a shame that a player of his abilities and achievements is remembered more for one ill-advised act than for the years of productivity on the field. Shoeless Joe's regular season statistics alone qualified him for the Hall of Fame, but, unfortunately, he was caught up in a dishonorable, illegal situation; even if he maintained his innocence until his death in 1951, the bottom line was that he suffered the natural, logical, and tragic consequences of that association.
In May of 2025, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently ruled that a player's permanent ineligibility ends upon their death, effectively removing Jackson (and others) from the permanently ineligible list. This is a complex issue with a mix of positive and negative reactions, particularly concerning his legacy and potential Hall of Fame induction. While some celebrate it as a long-overdue recognition of a great player, others are conflicted due to his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal. If "Fall from Grace" falls short it is because Hornbaker does not decide if Shoeless Joe was guilty or not. He just presents the facts leaving the reader to decide Shoeless Joe's fate. Nothing wrong with that. I found the book very enjoyable read and the jury is still out on Shoeless Joe.
The writing style is compact and efficient, and the book is thoroughly researched and footnoted. The book delves into Jackson's rise to fame, his perspective on the scandal, and the lasting impact of his ban from baseball. I expected the book to present facts that exonerated Jackson regarding the 1919 World Series fix. Evidence on both sides is presented. Exoneration could not get back the career Jackson missed but it could have him recognized by Cooperstown. It's a shame that a player of his abilities and achievements is remembered more for one ill-advised act than for the years of productivity on the field. Shoeless Joe's regular season statistics alone qualified him for the Hall of Fame, but, unfortunately, he was caught up in a dishonorable, illegal situation; even if he maintained his innocence until his death in 1951, the bottom line was that he suffered the natural, logical, and tragic consequences of that association.
In May of 2025, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently ruled that a player's permanent ineligibility ends upon their death, effectively removing Jackson (and others) from the permanently ineligible list. This is a complex issue with a mix of positive and negative reactions, particularly concerning his legacy and potential Hall of Fame induction. While some celebrate it as a long-overdue recognition of a great player, others are conflicted due to his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal. If "Fall from Grace" falls short it is because Hornbaker does not decide if Shoeless Joe was guilty or not. He just presents the facts leaving the reader to decide Shoeless Joe's fate. Nothing wrong with that. I found the book very enjoyable read and the jury is still out on Shoeless Joe.
August 16, 2021
This book makes an excellent complement to Eight Men Out, the story of the "Black Sox" Scandal of 1919. Hornbaker's biography follows the most famous and perhaps enigmatic of those eight players who were banned-- "Shoeless Joe" Jackson.
This is a pretty comprehensive and in-depth examination of Jackson's life. Starting with his humble beginnings in the South, followed by a lot of local and regional baseball, and eventual superstardom in the majors, Jackson was seen as the second greatest hitter of his generation, second only to Ty Cobb who was a few years his senior. The two shared a friendly rivalry, each one boasting about topping the other and driving one another to greater heights of success, while retaining healthy respect for each other. (On a related note, if you like baseball bios, please read Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty).
A large portion of the book is devoted to the events of 1919 and Jackson's place in them. I thought that perhaps this book would clarify Jackson's position in the gambling operation, but it only confirmed the murkiness of his motives and intentions. Was he suckered into it? Did he know what he was getting into? Did he regret it and try to reverse course? None of these are clarified by Jackson's own statements, which shifted every time he spoke. Above all, this book creates a portrait of a complex man-- uneducated but certainly not stupid, prideful but also easily swayed by charismatic leaders, confident in his abilities and yet willing to play the victim. This book did not give me a clearer picture of who Jackson was as a man, but it gave me a more nuanced and complete one.
The only thing holding this back from a five-star rating is that the writing isn't always compelling. There are an awful lot of box score recaps that, at least in audio form, become tedious. That aside, this was a thoughtful and thorough biography, and highly suggested for anyone who cares about baseball.
This is a pretty comprehensive and in-depth examination of Jackson's life. Starting with his humble beginnings in the South, followed by a lot of local and regional baseball, and eventual superstardom in the majors, Jackson was seen as the second greatest hitter of his generation, second only to Ty Cobb who was a few years his senior. The two shared a friendly rivalry, each one boasting about topping the other and driving one another to greater heights of success, while retaining healthy respect for each other. (On a related note, if you like baseball bios, please read Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty).
A large portion of the book is devoted to the events of 1919 and Jackson's place in them. I thought that perhaps this book would clarify Jackson's position in the gambling operation, but it only confirmed the murkiness of his motives and intentions. Was he suckered into it? Did he know what he was getting into? Did he regret it and try to reverse course? None of these are clarified by Jackson's own statements, which shifted every time he spoke. Above all, this book creates a portrait of a complex man-- uneducated but certainly not stupid, prideful but also easily swayed by charismatic leaders, confident in his abilities and yet willing to play the victim. This book did not give me a clearer picture of who Jackson was as a man, but it gave me a more nuanced and complete one.
The only thing holding this back from a five-star rating is that the writing isn't always compelling. There are an awful lot of box score recaps that, at least in audio form, become tedious. That aside, this was a thoughtful and thorough biography, and highly suggested for anyone who cares about baseball.
February 19, 2023
“Shoeless” Joe Jackson is one of the most famous sports athletes in history, but not because he was one of the greatest hitters—he became a symbol of a “loss of innocence” as exemplified by the phrase “Say it ain’t so, Joe” (which no one ever said, showing how powerful reporting is at creating history). One of the most complete biographies of Jackson to come out in a long time, the flawed man is revealed, warts and all, as a sympathetic character but also as a victim of his own foolishness. He was guilty, not only of taking money and asking for more during the 1919 “Black Sox” World Series fix, but also of lying and denying personal culpability. Yet he did play through intense verbal abuse by fans and even by his own team’s owner for working in a shipyard instead of fighting on the front lines of WWI (a situation that eventually led to the death of others players such as Christy Mathewson, who died of lung disease caused by exposure to mustard gas). He also hated being called “Shoeless” and was sensitive at being treated as “dumb” (which he clearly wasn’t).
But he did have a habit of making rash decisions, and and was naive and easily fooled by the “money” players on his team. Whether it not Joe Jackson deserves reinstatement and enshrinement in the Hall of Fame is still debated; this book supports the idea that at the very least, the complicated circumstances and vulnerabilities that Jackson played through warrant another look.
But he did have a habit of making rash decisions, and and was naive and easily fooled by the “money” players on his team. Whether it not Joe Jackson deserves reinstatement and enshrinement in the Hall of Fame is still debated; this book supports the idea that at the very least, the complicated circumstances and vulnerabilities that Jackson played through warrant another look.
May 2, 2025
4.5 stars
An excellent, balanced, much more holistic look at the life of Shoeless Joe Jackson that much of the info that's out there. He was a much more 3-dimensional person than he's often portrayed in baseball history books and movies. He was not a simple, illiterate country bumpkin whose sole focus was on baseball like he's portrayed in movies such as Eight Men Out. He was in many ways a smart businessman who overcame his lack of education to own and operate a number of profitable ventures. He loved his family deeply and leaned heavily on his wife Katy when it came to reading and writing. He knew his value as an athlete and wasn't afraid to stand up for himself to baseball management and demand what he believed his talents were worth.
The book covers the good and the questionable areas of his life and baseball career, including his participation in the Black Sox scandal, but the 1919 Series wasn't the focus of the book. I appreciated that the author looked at the whole person rather than just the great hitter or the fallen hero. I feel like I understand Shoeless Joe tremendously better than ever before after reading this book.
The audiobook is narrated by Malcolm Hillgartner who does a very good job overall and with the voices of the various individuals.
An excellent, balanced, much more holistic look at the life of Shoeless Joe Jackson that much of the info that's out there. He was a much more 3-dimensional person than he's often portrayed in baseball history books and movies. He was not a simple, illiterate country bumpkin whose sole focus was on baseball like he's portrayed in movies such as Eight Men Out. He was in many ways a smart businessman who overcame his lack of education to own and operate a number of profitable ventures. He loved his family deeply and leaned heavily on his wife Katy when it came to reading and writing. He knew his value as an athlete and wasn't afraid to stand up for himself to baseball management and demand what he believed his talents were worth.
The book covers the good and the questionable areas of his life and baseball career, including his participation in the Black Sox scandal, but the 1919 Series wasn't the focus of the book. I appreciated that the author looked at the whole person rather than just the great hitter or the fallen hero. I feel like I understand Shoeless Joe tremendously better than ever before after reading this book.
The audiobook is narrated by Malcolm Hillgartner who does a very good job overall and with the voices of the various individuals.
November 7, 2020
This was a good summary of the life and career of Shoeless Joe Jackson. Collecting from a significant number of primary sources, the author weaves a readable and informative narrative.
I do think the subtitle is a bit misleading. While spending (only a little) time on the Black Sox scandal, the book in no way turns over any new ground. There’s not much there in terms of a new angle or info or interesting analysis.
I hate to do this because I’m just a guy, but I really found parts of this book frustrating. The author makes too many assumptions, speculates way too often about what might have been going on (especially when suggesting what role Mrs. Jackson may or may not have had), and says somewhat contradictory things in the space of a few paragraphs (the Sox were easy going and enjoyed each other; no, they were humorless and cliquish). This is the reason for 3 stars rather than 4. Each of these three things happened just a few too many times.
I love baseball and baseball history. And this book was a decent read about an important figure in that history. But for the serious student of baseball history, there was just a little something lacking.
I do think the subtitle is a bit misleading. While spending (only a little) time on the Black Sox scandal, the book in no way turns over any new ground. There’s not much there in terms of a new angle or info or interesting analysis.
I hate to do this because I’m just a guy, but I really found parts of this book frustrating. The author makes too many assumptions, speculates way too often about what might have been going on (especially when suggesting what role Mrs. Jackson may or may not have had), and says somewhat contradictory things in the space of a few paragraphs (the Sox were easy going and enjoyed each other; no, they were humorless and cliquish). This is the reason for 3 stars rather than 4. Each of these three things happened just a few too many times.
I love baseball and baseball history. And this book was a decent read about an important figure in that history. But for the serious student of baseball history, there was just a little something lacking.
April 24, 2021
At last, the time has come for the full, mostly-unbiased tale of the mythical ballplayer “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, as told by Tim Hornbaker in “Fall from Grace.” Utilizing nearly all available sources and re-interpreting those which have been whitewashed since Jackson’s banishment from professional baseball, Hornbaker produced a complete history of “Shoeless” Joe’s playing career and life. Much appreciation is owed to this work in highlighting this relatively-unknown player’s character on-and-off the diamond, as well as his knowledge of and actions during the infamous Black Sox Scandal. Maybe most importantly, this was yet another book that gained a star and changed my entire perspective simply by having a satisfying conclusion spanning the final chapter. As much as we all love the former baseball stars who compiled great statistics, let us not ignore the faults they all bear - "Shoeless" Joe, with his .356 lifetime batting average balanced against his undeniable role in the 1919 World Series, is no different.
October 18, 2020
The first half of this shares his growing up with little education and playing on a mill team. He eventually make it to the Phil Athletics but does not like the big city. he is released and plays for Cleveland and then is traded to...the WHITE SOX! If only he could have ended up elsewhere as other trades were mentioned. They win the 1917 World Series, then WWI causes him to play on a ship building team.
He is back to the Sox in 1919 and there is talk that baseball execs may pay the third and forth place teams, which would decrease the winners take home pay. It is thought that maybe more can be made from gamblers if they lay down and lose?
A trial finds them not guilty but they are banished to fritter away the rest of their lives. Insightful. Had only seen 'Eight Men Out' so this helps. B/W images.
He is back to the Sox in 1919 and there is talk that baseball execs may pay the third and forth place teams, which would decrease the winners take home pay. It is thought that maybe more can be made from gamblers if they lay down and lose?
A trial finds them not guilty but they are banished to fritter away the rest of their lives. Insightful. Had only seen 'Eight Men Out' so this helps. B/W images.
July 20, 2021
Chose to read this as I am a Yuge baseball fan, especially my home town Sox, but also because I have set about reading key books from and about Chicago (and doing so in chronological order). For this purpose the book disappointed. The set up (biographical about his family and home) was fine, but far too much of the middle of the book centered in minutia of individual games and game stats with not enough of a sense of his personality or motivation. It was there, not ignored, but, kept getting lost in the statistics and on the field stuff.
The final chapters were great, regarding the fall out after the banishment, and did a lot to redeem what I was looking for, but, as a Chicago book, it failed, and as a character study I felt it was lacking. The baseball purist may enjoy the fine details, but it was too much for me.
The final chapters were great, regarding the fall out after the banishment, and did a lot to redeem what I was looking for, but, as a Chicago book, it failed, and as a character study I felt it was lacking. The baseball purist may enjoy the fine details, but it was too much for me.
August 13, 2024
Shoeless Joe and Tim Hornbaker might be at odds if they met today. Hornbaker has a lot to say about Joe and his baseball legacy. While there are page upon page of baseball stats, and not just Joe Jackson's. Players in that era, names we remember, some we don't. Page after page. Good for the data banks and the wonks that have to repeat RBI's and AHI...or WTHIT. Your guess. At any rate, this is not the emotional tale this reader expected. Much of the details don't support the stories that good ole Joe was just playing for love. He had a few love interests. The straw that broke the batter's heart...gambling. Did he or didn't he? What this reader derived from the story...Joe Jackson lived as he wanted. An interesting character.
July 6, 2025
Interesting account of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. As a kid I used to play a game titled Superstar MLB Baseball and was somewhat familiar with his accomplishments as a player. However, the book provides details about his baseball career and off the field endeavors I was not aware of and I found them interesting.
“Shoeless” Joe’s peers all agreed he was a great player including the likes of Ty Cobb, whom Joe was always chasing for the batting title. Unfortunately, the Black Sox Scandal ended his career and blocked his path to what would have been a sure selection to the inaugural baseball HOF class.
“Shoeless” Joe’s peers all agreed he was a great player including the likes of Ty Cobb, whom Joe was always chasing for the batting title. Unfortunately, the Black Sox Scandal ended his career and blocked his path to what would have been a sure selection to the inaugural baseball HOF class.
July 14, 2019
This is my second book dealing with stars from the Dead Ball era and I loved it. I have always wanted to know more about him and this book answered all my questions. It's a shame he'll never be in the H.O.F.
On a personal note, my great-great grandfather fought Abe Atell in 1904. He cheated in that fight (see Jack McClelland: The Pride of Pittsburg) so it was no shock to hear that he was involved in fixing the 1919 world series. He was a bad apple.
I think I am gonna read Hornbaker's book on the NWA next.
On a personal note, my great-great grandfather fought Abe Atell in 1904. He cheated in that fight (see Jack McClelland: The Pride of Pittsburg) so it was no shock to hear that he was involved in fixing the 1919 world series. He was a bad apple.
I think I am gonna read Hornbaker's book on the NWA next.
July 11, 2022
A quick and pleasant read about one of the cloudier subjects in baseball history. You don't get a defined answer about Jackson's role in the 1919 World Series scandal but you do get a good understanding of Jackson the man. Was he someone taken advantage of ir a knowing conspirator? Was he motivated by money, Comiskey's negativity about his 1918 job or repore with his teammates? You don't come away with a clear answer and I think that's what the author is going for. There simply isn't one. Sometimes history is just fickle like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
Turns out the truth about who Joe Jackson was and how he got caught up in a Black Sox scandal that he really didn't want to be part of is messier then was reported at the time. Hornbaker took the time and trouble to write the most definitive account of the whole story. Must reading fFall from Grace: The Truth and Tragedy of Shoeless Joe Jacksonor every lover of baseball history.
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