On Jan. 19, 1934, Chicago White Sox player "Shoeless" Joe Jackson's appeal for reinstatement to major league baseball was denied by Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis. Mr. Jackson had been banned from baseball for life for helping throw the 1919 World Series to the Cincinnati Reds, although it wasn't clear that he actually was in on the plot, but merely aware of it.

A North Carolina native, Mr. Jackson played for Philadelphia and Cleveland before going to Chicago. He was one of the best players of his time, compiling a .356 career batting average.

The Reds' Series victory over the White Sox was a major upset and the following year, the fix came to light. Mr. Jackson claimed to have declined to join the plot to throw the series, and he had played well throughout against the Reds, batting .375 with a home run and no errors.

However, he and seven other players were banned from baseball for life after the "Black Sox" scandal. But some baseball fans today continue to push for Mr. Jackson's reinstatement and consideration for the Hall of Fame.

Rebecca Goodman

Ohio Moments will appear here daily during 2003. Have a suggestion? Contact Rebecca Goodman at rgoodman@enquirer.com or (513) 768-8361.