This 8" x 6" wire photo was issued by the American Press Association (an early news agency which is unrelated to the modern guild by the same name). The photograph's original caption has been type-set on the reverse, where there also appears the stamped date, "Oct - 8 1917." The caption is a bit awkward, and inherently contradictory, as it declares "Photo shows Joe Jackson - White Sox's heavyhitting outfielder, who gets into his first world's series after many seasons in the Major[s]. Jackson has been playing great ball and the Chicago fans are relying upon him to help win the pennant for the White Sox's." Forgiving the haste of that journalist, we must admire the quality, as well as the subject, of the photo. Readily interpreted here is Shoeless Joe as he took his batting practice strokes -- in the venue of the '17 World Series in which he excelled (as did Eddie Collins and Buck Weaver).

Jackson's bat and his glove are shown in this image: these two objects really add character to the photo, and further infuse a captivating quality to the image. Jackson was one of the greatest two-way players in the annals of the national game, on the offensive and defensive ends. Jackson's bat was the famous "Black Betsy" and his equally famous glove was nicknamed "The Place Where Triples Go to Die." These two key objects are so much associated with the Joe Jackson mystique, that to find both artifacts in one photo makes this one an especially real treat.

Also, this photo shows Jackson in his first World Series, adding yet another dimension to an already incredibly desirable photo. The image was definitely taken at the Polo Grounds in 1917, as the steel uprights forming the cavities in the background of the left field stands form an unmistakable feature of the ballpark. Also, Jackson is wearing the "road" uniform. (For the World Series, the 1917 White Sox wore a distinctive patriotic uniform -- with red and blue trim -- for the home games. On the road, they wore the "pinstripes.")

The light and the image detail of this photograph are impeccable. But a casual view of it belies the moderate measure of professional restoration it has undergone. Close inspection, though, divulges that it once had creasing - limited to the background area of the right aspect, and not encroaching on Jackson's image. That effective treatment is evident on the reverse but optimally disguised on the front to render this treasure apparent EX/MT.