Letter To Bud Selig From South Carolina Congressmen
September 22, 1999
Honorable Alan "Bud " Selig
Commissioner
Major League Baseball
350 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Dear Commissioner Selig:
We are writing to express our strong support for the reinstatement of Joseph Jefferson "Shoeless Joe" Jackson into Major League Baseball. We greatly appreciate your willingness to review this issue. This matter is of great importance to the people of our state, to baseball fans everywhere, and to anyone concerned about fair play. "Shoeless" Joe Jackson began his baseball career with the mill teams in Greenville, South Carolina. As you know, "Shoeless" Joe's accomplishments include a .408 rookie year batting average and a lifetime batting average third only to Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby. Despite these achievements, "Shoeless" Joe remains banned from the game he loved and ineligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. The ban was imposed based on allegations that "Shoeless" Joe participated in throwing the 1919 World Series. These allegations, while serious, were neither proven nor sufficiently investigated. "Shoeless" Joe's performance in the 1919 World Series -- leading all players with a .375 batting average, 12 hits, 6 RBI, no errors, and the only home run - was nothing short of stellar. "Shoeless" Joe served out his lifetime ban with honor and dignity. Nearly fifty years after his death, it is appropriate for baseball to review this matter and restore the honor of a good man. For these reasons, we strongly support the petition which has been presented to your office regarding the reinstatement of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson into Major League Baseball, clearing the way for his consideration for admission into Cooperstown. In advance, thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Congressman Jim DeMint
Congressman Jim Clyburn
Congressman Lindsey Graham
Congressman Mark Sanford
Congressman Floyd Spence
Congressman John Spratt