Question:
Should "Shoeless" Joe Jackson be in the Baseball Hall of Fame? It's a simple Yes or No question, but feel free to debate the issue (after you vote, of course.)

Choices:
Yes
No

 

While Jackson, from what I have read, was not the innocent he was made out to be in the movie "Eight Men Out," he paid his penalty, and is long gone. Perhaps he should be separated from the rest, with room enough for Pete Rose, after Rose has paid his penalty. A 2019 induction would be appropriate for Jackson, and give Rose an idea of what a Lifetime Suspension means. (He does seem to have trouble understanding what it means.)


08-23-03, 09:11 AM
Yankees15
I voted yes.

He recieved a lifetime suspension, and his lifetime is over.

I wouldn't put him is a seperate room, but I would mention the lifetime ban on his plaque.

I would also tell Pete Rose that the moment his death certificate is signed, he will be eligible.

No sooner. Mad

08-23-03, 10:30 AM
DorianGreyed
Sounds good to me, Yank, although Rose may not understand that. He was told that once by Baseball, but didn't get it.

08-23-03, 06:25 PM
CurtisLoew
Personally, i think the stats from 1919 Series speak for themselves.

08-27-03, 02:43 AM
DorianGreyed
Curtis, no one can reasonably question what Jackson did in that series, batting .375 with 12 hits, 2 doubles, 1 HR, scoring 5 times with 6 RBIs. It is what he didn't do that has kept him out. He knew, and he didn't report it. Jackson was not the fool that Eight Men Out portrayed him. Being illiterate does not mean one is stupid, especially for a country boy in 1919.
Having said that, I reverse myself on having him in a separate section. I fully agree with Yank on this.
And, to save time, let's dispose of any talk of Rose. He did it. He agreed that there was ample evidence against him, and rather than have that evidence become public knowledge, he signed papers agreeing. In essence, he copped a plea, he made a plea bargain. For him to cry about anything now is just a spoiled boy not getting his way. Please save any argument about his only doing what others have done. The difference is he got caught. Some people have commited murder, and have never been caught. Do you suggest we not jail those who are caught and convicted? The entire thing is just another bad bet on Pete's part. He bet that Baseball would forget. So far, it hasn't. (That really was a foolish bet in a sport in which people still discuss players and feats from over 80 years ago.)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,