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Fans Can Now Send Joe Jackson Virtual Greeting Cards.
Visitors to the Virtual Hall Of Fame can now send Joe Jackson Virtual Greeting Cards from our site. The process is simple.....the visitor first chooses one of 8 photos of Joe, which will be the basis of the card, then they are able to customize the greeting on the card, along with the ability to change text color and background color. After filling in the sender's name, email address, as well as the recipient's name and email address they are able to preview the card before sending it out. The recipient will receive an email notification that they have a Joe Jackson Virtual Greeting Card awaiting them and a hypertext linked URL in which they can use to retrieve their card. The cards will remain on our server for about 10 days and then they are deleted from our database. To send a Virtual Greeting Card follow the link Joe Jackson Virtual Greeting Card and follow the directions.

Virtual Hall Of Fame Launches Message Board.
On November 11, 2000, The Shoeless Joe Jackson Virtual Hall Of Fame launched a message board for visitors to the site to leave comments about Joe. The board will be monitored for content and any inappropriate material will be removed when found. The staff here at the Virtual Hall Of Fame will also be monitoring the board on a regular basis to answer any questions that may be asked via the board. Feel free to go to the Shoeless Joe Jackson Virtual Hall Of Fame Message Board and leave a message.

Joe Jackson On White Sox All Century Team.
CHICAGO -- Two-time Most Valuable Player Frank Thomas led all voting as the Chicago White Sox announced the franchise's 27-player "Team of the Century," commemorating 100 years of White Sox baseball. Thomas received 10,822 votes and was followed by Joe Jackson (9,293), Luke Appling (9,234), Carlton Fisk (8,866) and Nellie Fox (8,727). More than 200,000 votes were cast on 18,500 in-stadium and online ballots during the month-long voting.

The White Sox "Team of the Century" was formally announced before the September 30, 2000 White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals game at Comiskey Park. Ten of the 27 players are Hall-of-Famers, including the recently inducted Fisk, and six played during the "Go-Go Sox" era of the 1950s. Thomas and Harold Baines are the only All-Century team members still active with the Sox. White Sox community relations representatives Minnie Minoso, Billy Pierce and Bill Melton all were named to the team.

"The fans who voted validated what we already believed -- that the history of the White Sox is rich with heroes and stars for every generation," said Bob Grim, White Sox director of marketing and broadcasting. "Our fans recognized players from each position, each generation and each memorable era of the White Sox. If we magically brought this team together, we'd have one amazing ballclub."

One randomly selected voter will win an all-expenses paid trip for two to the White Sox Spring Training facility in Tucson in 2001. The winner will be drawn before Saturday's game.

The 20th Century Sox contest was presented by the White Sox, FOX Sports Net, and the Chicago Sun-Times. Below are complete voting details by decade and position:

SELECTIONS BY DECADE
1901-1910: Ed Walsh, RHP; Doc White, LHP	1951-1960: Nellie Fox, 2B; Luis Aparicio, SS; Orestes "Minnie" Minoso, OF; Billy Pierce, LHP; Chico Carrasquel, SS; Sherm Lollar, C
1911-1920: Joe Jackson, OF; Buck Weaver, 3B; Ed Cicotte, RHP	1961-1970: Hoyt Wilhelm, RHP; Gary Peters, LHP; Jim Landis, OF
1921-1930: Eddie Collins, 2B; Urban "Red" Faber, RHP; Ray Schalk, C	1971-1980: Wilbur Wood, RHP; Dick Allen, 1B; Bill Melton, 3B
1931-1940: Ted Lyons, RHP	1981-1990: Carlton Fisk, C; Harold Baines, OF; Ozzie Guillen, SS
1941-1950: Luke Appling, SS	1991-2000: Frank Thomas, 1B; Robin Ventura, 3B
Manager: Al Lopez
SELECTIONS BY POSITION
Pitcher: 9 Catcher: 3 First Base: 2 Second Base: 2 Shortstop: 4 Third Base: 3 Outfield: 4 Manager: 1
HALL OF FAMERS
Luis Aparicio, Luke Appling, Eddie Collins, Urban "Red" Faber, Carlton Fisk, Nellie Fox, Al Lopez, Ted Lyons, Ray Schalk, Ed Walsh

Virtual Hall Of Fame Gets A New Look.
On September 15, 2000, The Shoeless Joe Jackson Virtual Hall Of Fame unveiled a new look for the site. The implementation of the new site is the culmination of over 4 months worth of work for our staff. We hope you enjoy the new look and feel to the site, please let us know what you think...... There will be more site improvements over the next several months. The new site design takes advantage of Javascript and Cascading Style Sheets, so be sure both of these are enabled on your browser.

Virtual Hall Of Fame Adds News Archive To This Section.
On July 26, 2000, The Shoeless Joe Jackson Virtual Hall Of Fame added a News Archive to the News section of the site. The News section of the site was becoming so large that a decision was made to split the page into the years in which the news occurred. We have divided the News section into Current News About Joe, which covers the current year and then at the bottom of this page, we have added a News Archive section. The News Archive section covers the years 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 and news about Joe prior to 1996.

Vote For Joe Jackson As A Member Of The Chicago White Sox All Century Team.
The Shoeless Joe Jackson Virtual Hall of Fame is asking our visitors to visit the White Sox All Century Ballot page. You will need to register with the site in order to vote and we encourage you to do so.....and to please vote for Joe Jackson.......if elected to the White Sox All Century team he would be honored on September 30th, 2000 at Comiskey Park. Below is the official announcement from the White Sox web site.

White Sox fans, this is your opportunity to vote for the greatest all-time White Sox players in the 20th Century Sox poll. Here's how to vote: Making sure to select at least one player from each decade, vote for your 20 all-time favorite White Sox players and choose one manager.

Vote and you will have a chance to win a trip for two to check out the 2001 White Sox at Spring Training.

You can vote here at whitesox.com, or use the ballots appearing in the Thursday editions of the Chicago Sun Times now through September 14. The elected team of the century will be honored at the September 30 White Sox game at Comiskey Park.

The contest is open to registered White Sox users 18 and older. Please review the official contest rules for more information.

Representative Jim DeMint Writes Commissioner Selig In Support Of Joe.
U.S. Congressman Jim DeMint (SC) sent a letter dated June 20, 2000 to Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig. The letter along with Commissioner Selig's reply can be read by following the appropriate links below.

1919 White Sox Autographed Baseball Brings Record Price.
A baseball autographed by the 1919 Chicago "Black Sox" sold for $93,666. The ball, offered on the eBay online auction house on Saturday and Sunday (July 15 and 16, 2000), was autographed by the entire White Sox team, including Shoeless Joe Jackson, as well as the umpires who worked the final game of the 1919 World Series. Robert Lifson, president of Robert Edward Auctions, which conducted the auction, said he believed it was a record price for an autographed baseball.

Fourth Annual "Shoeless Joe Jackson Month" Held In Greenville.
July begins the fourth annual "Shoeless Joe Jackson Month" in Greenville, SC, with an exhibit of photos and memorabilia about Shoeless Joe. The exhibit opens July 5 through July 28, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Greenville City Hall, 206 South Main Street, Greenville, SC. Featured in the exhibit are personal mementos of Joe's family, friends and fans, plus many great photos of Joe throughout his professional career and private life. On Friday, July 21, 2000 at 12:00 noon , a special event, "Remembering Joe" took place at the exhibit site. Included in the program were guest speakers, an update on where we stand in getting Joe reinstated, a few surprises, and a presentation by actor Tom McDowell in his recurring role as "Shoeless Joe Jackson." The exhibit and special event are open to the public free of charge. For more information, call Arlene Marcley, Exhibit Coordinator, 864-467-4590, or marclea@greatergreenville.com.

Senator Strom Thurmond lobbies Selig for Shoeless Joe.
By MICHELLE R. DAVIS

WASHINGTON -- Sports and politics collided Wednesday June 14, 2000 as the commissioner of baseball met with South Carolina politicians in hopes of finally putting to rest the 80-year-old scandal surrounding baseball icon Shoeless Joe Jackson.

Though nothing was settled during the gathering between Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and Republicans Sen. Strom Thurmond and Rep. Jim DeMint, the politicians said they urged Selig to put aside Jackson's exile from baseball for allegedly throwing the 1919 World Series.

Lifting the ban would be a step toward getting Jackson, a Greenville native, into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

The South Carolina politicians' efforts have been in the works for more than a year, but Wednesday was the first time they met with Selig, who ultimately will decide whether to lift the ban that prevents consideration of the former Chicago White Sox player for induction in the Hall of Fame.

Selig called Wednesday's meeting with the South Carolina Jackson advocates "constructive." He said he expects a decision as "expeditiously as possible."

"Since I am the judge in this whole matter, it is really inappropriate for me to comment on it, but I certainly appreciate their interest and their concerns, and I'm glad I was able to hear them personally," Selig said.

Selig has paid close attention to Jackson's case, commissioning a report by baseball's official historian. The report, which Selig said he has not read but will release soon, is expected to reflect unfavorably on Jackson.

Thurmond and DeMint did not ask Selig to reopen the case or hold a new trial. They did request that Jackson's name be taken off the "ineligible" list since he had served his lifetime baseball ban, plus an additional half century. Jackson died in 1951 at age 61.

Some baseball fans say Jackson, who was illiterate, has been unfairly portrayed in the 1919 series against the Cincinnati Reds. Jackson was one of eight White Sox players accused of taking money from gamblers to throw the series in what is called the "Black Sox" scandal.

A phenomenal hitter, Jackson left baseball after being excommunicated in 1921 and returned to his hometown in the Brandon Mill area of Greenville. He opened a liquor store and worked with neighborhood children on their swings and pitches.

Despite the taint on his name, Jackson is revered in Greenville and in other places around the country. Baseball greats such as the legendary hitter Ted Williams, Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller and former manager Tommy Lasorda all have taken up Jackson's cause. Last year, both the U.S. House and Senate passed resolutions calling for Jackson's reputation to be restored.

Supporters argue that Jackson's .356 lifetime batting average leaves no doubt he would have made it into the baseball Hall of Fame had he not be banned from the sport.

"We're trying to get the commissioner to consider that he served his sentence," DeMint said. "What we'd like him (Selig) to say is that there's certainly reasonable doubt as to whether or not he tried to throw the game."

In the Black Sox scandal, Jackson accepted $5,000, though he declined at least once to participate in the scam. He went on to give a stellar performance in the series, with no errors and the only home run of those games. Despite a trial and an acquittal, Jackson was still banned from baseball.

DeMint said Selig appeared concerned about how Jackson's case could reflect on others. Some say Jackson's case is stalled by another -- that of former Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose, who was banned for life from baseball for gambling. Fans of Rose are trying to get the ban lifted so he can be considered for the Hall of Fame too. Selig said Wednesday he was looking at the cases separately.

DeMint said that during the meeting Selig expressed concern over the "appearance of impropriety." "He doesn't want to set any precedent for today that would lower the standard for the current players," DeMint said.

In a statement, Thurmond called it "an injustice" that Selig never held an independent investigation into the matter. "Though we cannot change the past, we should do what we can to restore Mr. Jackson's legacy," he said.

Even if Jackson is found eligible to be named to the Hall of Fame, there's no guarantee that will occur, DeMint said.

"That's a whole different process with a whole different group," he said. "Those folks are very concerned about integrity, too."

Shoeless Joe Jackson Items Bring Top Prices In Recent Auction.
Joe Jackson items brought top bid prices at the Leland's Auction held April 27th and 28th, 2000. Up for bid was a Joe Jackson autographed photo (actually signed by Katie) which sold for $2,107.00. One of two known Joe Jackson Liquor Store business cards (The Virtual Hall of Fame owns the other), sold for a whopping $3,202.00. A picture of Joe in his early days with Cleveland sold for $2,911.00. An autograph ball of the 1919 White Sox, including Joe's autograph sold for $21,836.00. A May 9, 1922 letter from Joe's lawyer Ray Cannon to Joe sold for $1,190.00. A March 20, 1923 letter to Joe from Ray Cannon sold for $1,310.00. An October 31, 1923 letter from Ray Cannon to Joe sold for $1,741.00 and a August 31, 1923 letter from Ray Cannon to Joe sold for $1,584.00.

2nd Annual Shoeless Joe Jackson National Baseball Tournament To Be Held In Dyersville, IA.
The second annual Shoeless Joe Jackson National Baseball Tournament will be held in Dyersville, IA. The tournament will be held July 1 - 4, 2000 and will have 20 American Legion teams from around the country participating in the four day event. If you are anywhere close to Dyersville during this time, you really should consider attending, these folks put on a good tournament and have many related events scheduled.

Shoeless Joe Jackson Baseball Tournament to be held in Greenville, SC.
A Shoeless Joe Jackson baseball tournament was held in Greenville, SC May 31st through June 3rd, 2000. The tournament was a kick off to the American Legion season in the Greenville area. Former mill league stars and other civic leaders threw out the first pitches before each game. Vendors were on hand selling Joe Jackson memorabilia including books, shirts and hats.


This tournament is not to be confused with the Shoeless Joe Jackson National Baseball Tournament held in Dyersville, IA during the Fourth of July week (see news item above).

Joe Jackson is now back in the liquor business.
We thought that might get your attention...... Continuing with their series of baseball greats, The House of Seagram will feature the legendary "Shoeless" Joe Jackson in Seagram's 7 Crown commemorative mirror campaign in 2000..... Look for Joe's commemorative mirror in a bar near you. If you would like to order one of the mirrors you may call Seagrams (and we'll have the number shortly) to order. The mirror comes in two sizes:

Virtual Hall of Fame now has movies of Joe.
The Virtual Hall of Fame recently loaded movies of Joe for all our visitors to see. The movies include some close up shots of Joe in front of the White Sox dugout, Joe during batting practice and even a rare clip from September 28, 1920 which shows Joe leaving the Cook County Courthouse after testifying before the Cook County Grand Jury. The movies can be found in the Videos section of our site. A media player capable of playing MPEG movies is all that is required to view these great clips.

Joe has primary supporter in the form of John McCain.

By Elliott Harris, Chicago Sun-Times.

"Shoeless Joe" Jackson's chances for reaching the Hall of Fame are going south--geographically speaking.

Along with a heavy hitter with some political clout: John McCain.

The Republican senator from Arizona, who trounced George W. Bush in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday, is a supporter of the former White Sox outfielder.

"It's going to certainly be an issue in the South Carolina primary," Chicago attorney Lou Hegeman, who has worked with Hall of Famer Ted Williams to reinstate Jackson, said Wednesday.

South Carolina native Jackson, part of the 1919 Black Sox scandal, was banned from baseball for life--which in his case ended in 1951. His supporters believe the man with the third-best batting average in history should be reinstated from baseball's ineligible list.

"I don't think this thing is dead," Hegeman said of the possibility Jackson could be considered by the Veterans Committee on Feb. 29 in Tampa, Fla.

"McCain is campaigning in South Carolina [for the Feb. 19 primary]. He has signed a letter in support of Shoeless Joe Jackson and transmitted it to [commissioner Bud] Selig. He will undoubtedly espouse those sentiments repeatedly during the coming primary. I have no reason to believe he will not--other than the fact I'm a registered Democrat."

Gertrude Trammell, Joe's Sister Passes Away In Greenville, SC.
Joe's last living sibling, Gertrude Trammell passed away on Saturday January 29th, 2000 in Greenville, SC. Gertrude was Joe's youngest sister and the last living member of his immediate family.

See our Frequently Asked Questions about Joe Jackson and the Virtual Hall of Fame.

Read the National Baseball Hall of Fame's Official Statement concerning Joe.

Read the The Shoeless Joe Jackson Virtual Hall of Fame's Official Statement concerning Joe.

Read Joe Jackson's Last Will and Testament