Shoeless Joe Jackson’s South Carolina Roots

By Mark A Leon

Shoeless Joe Jackson remains one of South Carolina’s most iconic sports figures, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and remembered for his humble beginnings in the state’s textile mills. 

Born on July 16, 1887, in Pickens County, South Carolina, Jackson grew up in poverty as the eldest of eight children. His family moved frequently within the state, eventually settling in the Brandon Mill village near Greenville, where young Joe began working in the mill at just six years old.

Early Life and Mills League Beginnings

Life in the textile mills was grueling. Workers endured long hours, harsh conditions, and little pay. For Jackson, this meant sacrificing formal education to help support his family. Despite these challenges, mill life introduced him to baseball—a sport that would change his life forever. 

At age 13, Jackson joined the Brandon Mill’s baseball team, earning $2.50 per game (equivalent to about $94 today). Initially a pitcher, he transitioned to the outfield after accidentally injuring a teammate with a fastball.

Jackson’s natural talent quickly became evident. His powerful hitting and strong arm earned him recognition throughout South Carolina’s competitive Mills League, where mill-sponsored teams played against one another. These games were more than recreation—they were a source of pride for mill communities and a proving ground for aspiring athletes. 

By his late teens, Jackson had become a local celebrity, drawing crowds eager to see his “Saturday Specials,” as home runs were known in the league.

The Nickname

 “Shoeless Joe” Jackson’s famous nickname originated during a Mills League game when new cleats caused painful blisters on his feet. He chose to play barefoot instead, prompting a fan to shout “Shoeless Joe!” The moniker stuck and followed him throughout his career.

Rise to Professional Baseball

Jackson’s dominance in the Mills League caught the attention of professional scouts. 

By 1908, he signed with the Philadelphia Athletics and began his journey through Major League Baseball (MLB). However, even as his career soared—culminating in a .356 lifetime batting average, one of the highest in MLB history—he never forgot his roots in South Carolina.

Legacy in South Carolina

Despite being banned from baseball due to the infamous 1919 Black Sox Scandal, Jackson returned to Greenville and remained deeply connected to his community. He opened businesses, including a barbeque restaurant and liquor store near Brandon Mill. His contributions to Greenville extended beyond commerce; he became a symbol of resilience and talent emerging from humble beginnings.

Today, Shoeless Joe Jackson’s legacy is preserved through landmarks such as the Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park and Museum in Greenville. The museum is housed in his restored childhood home and serves as a testament to both his baseball prowess and his South Carolina heritage.

Photo Credit: Shoeless Joe Jackson Virtual Hall of Fame