Joseph Jefferson Jackson played left field for most of his career, currently has the third highest career batting average. In 1911, Jackson hit for a .408 average. That average is still the sixth highest single-season total since 1901, which marked the beginning of the modern era for the sport. His average that year set the record for highest batting average in a single season by a rookie. In 1912, Jackson hit .395 with 90 RBI. He also had 44 doubles and 26 triples. Jackson could also steal a base or two. In 1911, he stole 41 bases. In 1912, he had 35 steals. The following season, Jackson had another special year at the plate. He hit .373 with 71 RBI, 39 doubles, 17 triples, and 26 steals. Even though he had hit .408 in 1911, .395 in 1912, and .373 in 1913, Jackson did not win a batting title.

In 1999, Joe Jackson was ranked Number 35 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was nominated as a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.