Say It Ain't So Joe, Say It Ain't So!

The title of this post is the line from Eight Men Out, when a young boy questions Joe Jackson after he was included in the Black Sox scandal of 1919. The boy was shocked and disappointed that his hero had failed him. Well, Joe Sakic was one of the true hockey heroes of the last 20 years and, to the best of my knowledge, has never failed anyone.

All Sakic has done is rack up a ton of points, collect a slew of trophies - including the big silver one twice - and earned himself a ticket to the Hall of Fame. Along the way he has shown a dedication and determination that has won the hearts of millions of hockey fans - and not just those from Colorado and Quebec City. I'm one of them, and it will be sad to see him officially call it quits on Thursday.

I've taken a significant amount of flak lately for my vocal dislike for Donald Brashear, and the fact that he is now a Ranger. Where I see Brash symbolizing everything that is wrong with the game, Sakic represents everything that is right with it. I've spoken about Scotty Hockey Heroes here in the past and Sakic certainly is one. There are few higher praises that I can think of than to say, "damn, I wish he was a Ranger." For a brief moment, he almost was one - something I explored when he re-signed with the Aves before the 08-09 season and reposted it below.

It is scary to think that Sakic was thiiiiiiisss close to being a Ranger 11 years ago. Unfortunately the Aves matched the Rangers' offer sheet and New York was doomed to seven years without the playoffs.

Had Sakic headed for Broadway, who knows what would have happened. At the least, New York would have remained competitive against the stifling Devils system. Sakic would have been the crown jewel in a rebuilt Ranger roster and found immediate comfort thanks to the signings of his Colorado teammates Mike Keane and Brian Skrudland. Sakic could have helped keep Theo Fleury on a leash and perhaps Valeri Kamensky wouldn't have been as big of a bust.

And Rangers wouldn't really have missed the five first round draft picks that went the other way, as they pissed them away themselves by drafting Manny Malhotra (1998), Pavel Brendl (1999), Jamie Lundmark (also '99), Dan Blackburn (2001) and Hugh Jessiman (2003). They didn't have first rounders in 2000 and 2002 ...

Now I am not about to say that the signing would have brought Stanley back, but I am sure that the Aves would not have won the 2001 Cup. Sakic had 118 regular season points and 26 more in that magical Run For Ray Bourque. Bourque left Boston to take one last run at a championship and if Sakic was in New York, maybe he would have chosen the Rangers. Could you imagine a Blueshirt blueline with Bourque and Leetch? And think about a one-two punch down the middle with Sakic and Messier, who had returned from Vancouver by then. How scary would that have been?

But I have to say, even scarier is the thought that the Rangers' offer of three years $21 mill was extravagant at that time. Now say that it was worth it and take the dream of Sakic as a Ranger a step forward and say that his addition would indeed have brought another Cup to New York. Now there is nothing that can replicate the boom in popularity that breaking the curse at 54 years brought to the NHL, but another Ranger Cup would have served the league much better than the wins in Colorado, Dallas and even Detroit. If the Rangers won at the turn of the century, would we still have lost the 2004-05 season to a lockout? Would the lockout have come even earlier or would it have not happened at all?

Something to ponder ...

Like Stevie Y, Joe never went for the limelight, it just came to him. And he handled it with a level of class and humility that belied the warrior spirit that carried him to victory on the ice. There aren't a lot of players left like that in the league (Nick Lidstrom, Jarome Iginla and ???), which makes Joe's retirement that much more poignant. He will be missed.

 "Say It Ain't So Joe, Say It Ain't So!: A Deep Dive into the Joe Jackson Scandal"

Baseball history is filled with legends, but few stories are as captivating and controversial as that of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. This article delves into the life, career, and the infamous Black Sox Scandal that forever tarnished his legacy. We'll explore the events leading up to the scandal, the trial that followed, and the enduring debate surrounding Joe Jackson's involvement. Additionally, we'll address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to shed light on this enigmatic figure and the scandal that rocked the baseball world.

Section 1: The Rise of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson

1. From Cotton Fields to Baseball Diamonds

Joe Jackson's journey to becoming one of the greatest baseball players of his era was a remarkable one. We delve into his early life, his introduction to the game, and his rapid ascent to stardom.

2. The Phenom of the Diamond

Jackson's talent on the field was undeniable. We explore his incredible hitting prowess, his exceptional fielding skills, and his iconic nickname, "Shoeless" Joe.

Section 2: The Black Sox Scandal Unfolds

1. The 1919 World Series

The Black Sox Scandal revolved around the 1919 World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. We set the stage for the infamous event and highlight the unusual circumstances surrounding it.

2. Allegations of Fixing

The scandal involved allegations that several White Sox players, including Jackson, conspired to throw the World Series in exchange for financial gain. We delve into the details of the alleged fix and the players involved.

Section 3: The Trial and Its Aftermath

1. The Legal Battle

The trial of the "Eight Men Out" was a major spectacle. We explore the legal proceedings, the evidence presented, and the verdict that followed.

2. The Banishment

Following their acquittal, the eight players, including Joe Jackson, were banned from professional baseball for life by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. We examine the banishment's impact on their careers.

Section 4: The Legacy of Joe Jackson

1. The Debate Continues

The debate over Joe Jackson's involvement in the scandal has raged on for decades. Some believe he was unfairly implicated, while others argue he should be permanently barred from the Hall of Fame. We analyze the arguments on both sides.

2. Efforts to Clear His Name

Jackson's supporters have long campaigned for his reinstatement into baseball's good graces. We discuss various attempts to clear his name and the enduring hope of some fans that he will one day be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Section 5: FAQs About "Shoeless" Joe Jackson

1. Did Joe Jackson ever admit to participating in the fix?

Joe Jackson maintained his innocence throughout his life and claimed that he did not willingly participate in the fix.

2. How did the scandal impact the game of baseball?

The Black Sox Scandal had a profound impact on baseball, leading to the appointment of a strong commissioner and the implementation of stricter rules and regulations to prevent future scandals.

3. What is "Shoeless" Joe Jackson's legacy today?

Joe Jackson's legacy remains a subject of debate and intrigue among baseball enthusiasts, with many calling for his posthumous exoneration.

"Shoeless" Joe Jackson's story is one of talent, controversy, and enduring mystery. Whether he was a victim of circumstances or an active participant in the Black Sox Scandal continues to be a matter of conjecture. His legacy reminds us of the complexities of heroism and villainy in the world of sports. While his name remains tarnished by the scandal, the debate over his place in baseball history will likely persist for generations to come.