SmedIndy
10-15-2002, 01:52 AM
I was disappointed in this book. Basically, it recaps the career of Joe Jackson, and adds some context through the years. Then it attempts to make a case for Jackson's reinstatment. It does contain the grand jury testimony of Jackson.
First, for some factual errors (the author called Pittsburgh a charter member of the NL, when in fact they were charter members of the AA who bolted to the NL in the late 1880's).
Second, for calling others for inconsistencies in their stories while not calling Jackson for inconsistencies.
Third, the writing, especially in some places, is a mixture of historical narrative, then moves to a Jackson biography, then back and forth. There wasn't a lot of flow.
The grand jury testimony is interesting, and the author makes a point that Jackson did try to return the $5,000 but Comiskey's people would have nothing of it. However, Jackson does admit to loafing on some fly balls, and it doesn't explain how Jackson's best hitting was done either in the "clean" games or when the outcome was already decided.
Eight Men Out is a better accounting. But a used copy of this is good for the grand jury testimony alone. And Jackson is shown in a light where he is not branded as ignorant. He was a fairly successful businessman in South Carolina. He just couldn't read or write.
First, for some factual errors (the author called Pittsburgh a charter member of the NL, when in fact they were charter members of the AA who bolted to the NL in the late 1880's).
Second, for calling others for inconsistencies in their stories while not calling Jackson for inconsistencies.
Third, the writing, especially in some places, is a mixture of historical narrative, then moves to a Jackson biography, then back and forth. There wasn't a lot of flow.
The grand jury testimony is interesting, and the author makes a point that Jackson did try to return the $5,000 but Comiskey's people would have nothing of it. However, Jackson does admit to loafing on some fly balls, and it doesn't explain how Jackson's best hitting was done either in the "clean" games or when the outcome was already decided.
Eight Men Out is a better accounting. But a used copy of this is good for the grand jury testimony alone. And Jackson is shown in a light where he is not branded as ignorant. He was a fairly successful businessman in South Carolina. He just couldn't read or write.