As is now common knowledge as part of the tragic story that is Shoeless Joe Jackson's life, the great hitter was illiterate. For years, however, fans who wrote letters to the retired star asking for his signature would always receive one back. At the time, the recipients just assumed it was Joe signing those photos, postcards, and letters, but over time, we have come to learn that it was actually Joe's wife, Katie, who was behind the signatures.

Offered here is a handwritten letter from Mrs. Joe Jackson to a fan who had requested Shoeless Joe's autograph just a bit too late. Katie writes:

"Greenville S.C.
July 1 - 1954

Mr. Fred Arnold
Maspeth, L.I., N.Y.

Dear Mr. Arnold,
Mr. Jackson passed away December 1951.
I will be glad to autograph your ball if that will help you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Joe Jackson
119 E. Wilborn St.
Greenville S.C."

The letter is written in black ink on a blank piece of paper, folded twice to make three equal sections to fit into an envelope. There is tape residue along the perimeter, though Katie's handwriting is mostly unbothered. There are very few known instances of Joe Jackson's verifiable signature existing, with most of them being on legal documents such as old drivers licenses or on his will. With Mr. Jackson's autograph being so difficult to obtain, having one from Mrs. Jackson may be the next best thing.