Strange Inheritance Season 2 Episode 2 Signed, Shoeless Joe

In season 2, episode 2 of "Strange Inheritance", viewers are taken on a journey to explore the legacy left behind by one of baseball's most iconic players - Shoeless Joe Jackson.

The episode begins with host Jamie Colby introducing viewers to Greg Provenzano, a man who inherited a valuable piece of baseball history - a signed Joe Jackson baseball. The baseball, which was passed down to Greg from his father, has been in the family for decades and is believed to be worth a significant amount of money.

As Greg explains, his father was a passionate collector of baseball memorabilia and had always been fascinated by the story of Shoeless Joe Jackson. Jackson, who played for the Chicago White Sox in the early 1900s, was one of the greatest hitters of his time and became known for his unusual habit of playing games with no shoes on.

However, Jackson's legacy was forever tarnished when he and several of his teammates were accused of accepting bribes to throw the 1919 World Series. Although Jackson maintained his innocence throughout the scandal, he was banned from baseball for life and his reputation was forever stained.

Despite his controversial legacy, Shoeless Joe Jackson remains a beloved figure amongst many baseball fans. As Greg explains, his father was one of those fans and had always dreamed of owning a piece of Jackson's history. When he finally acquired the signed baseball, it became the pride and joy of his collection.

Now, Greg is faced with the difficult decision of what to do with the baseball. On one hand, he knows that selling it could earn him a considerable amount of money and help secure his own financial future. On the other hand, he feels a deep emotional attachment to the baseball and worries that selling it would dishonor his father's memory.

To help him make the decision, Greg turns to several experts in the field of baseball memorabilia. Among them is Ken Goldin, founder of Goldin Auctions, who explains the history and significance of the signed Shoeless Joe Jackson baseball.

Goldin reveals that, despite the scandal surrounding Jackson, his memorabilia remains highly desirable amongst collectors. He estimates that the ball in Greg's possession could fetch anywhere from $750,000 to $1 million at auction.

However, Goldin also acknowledges the sentimental value of the baseball to Greg and his family. He suggests that, if Greg does decide to sell the ball, he should use some of the proceeds to create a scholarship in his father's name. This way, the money from the sale would go towards a noble cause and help preserve his father's memory in a meaningful way.

As the episode comes to a close, Greg is faced with a difficult decision. Ultimately, viewers will have to tune in to see what he decides to do with the signed Shoeless Joe Jackson baseball and the legacy it represents.