Mr. Joe Anders

Joe's memories continue. I recently shared a Facebook post about the time Bob Costas came to the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library to see what we were doing on behalf of Shoeless Joe and to meet Greenville's own Joe Anders. The admiration and respect Mr. Costas had for Joe Anders was so very apparent and, as all who knew Joe, so very deserved. Memories are the timeless treasures we carry in our hearts, exactly where Joe Anders resides.

I miss you my friend and think of you often and the many conversations we had over the years. I think about the Japanese film crew that worked you all day interviewing you about Joe Jackson and never once fed you. I think about our time in Dyersville at the Field of Dreams and it makes me smile and sad all at the same time. But my comfort is, I KNOW I will see you again my friend and I pray that you and Joe Jackson will allow me to have a catch with you on that fine day.

It's hard to believe that it is now 7 years since Joe Anders left us to restart his playing days within Heaven's Senior Circuit, alongside his mentor - Shoeless Joe Jackson.

Having lost my Dad just last month - Joe's loss hits home again. I will always cherish our many get-togethers, first where he shared story after story and then as the years flew by - Joe would bring various pieces of memorabilia to lunch where one piece could lead to a 1-hour discussion.

Joe Anders was such a kind man, always concerned how I was doing, where my enthusiasm to be with him was all that was needed to make my day / week.

Today, It always brings a smile to my face when driving through the Upstate of South Carolina as there are so many opportunities to remember Joe, from streets named after him, restaurants we ate at or seeing his picture(s) throughout the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library.

Joe; Keep taking that extra base. I know that you know that there isn't an outfielder who can prevent you from taking 2nd or 3rd base when you know it's what should be done.
You are Missed!
Mike Wallach

On this, Joe's 5th year since he began playing baseball again in heaven, we are so very close to reopening the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library.

Just as we first did in 2006, the Museum was, again, recently lifted off its foundation and moved about 100+ yards down the street but still directly across the street from beautiful Fluor Field. This time the move was to make room for a large complex being built on the property. The move, completely paid for by the Developer, will allow our Museum a new roof and HVAC system along with an approximate 850 square foot addition to become our new expanded gift shop and allowing for more Joe Jackson displays.

We'll have a Grand Reopening some time in 2021 and Joe Anders will, of course, be recognized as one of Joe's best friends, a protégé, and the Greenville community icon that Mr. Anders was throughout the latter years of his life. Mr. Anders will also be remembered as a great story teller, a solid advocate for our military and, quite simply, a friend to all he met.

Joe Anders; You will always be the subject off many wonderful tales in our Museum.


- Mike Wallach, Managing Director on the Board of Directors of the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library

Here's a great picture of Joe Anders at The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum in 2014

Although Joe Anders is now comfortably resting and, most likely, tossing a ball back and forth with Joe Jackson - I think of him often. As the new Managing Director of the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum in Greenville, SC - We have memories of Joe Anders throughout the Museum.

I, so much, enjoying telling stories about Joe Anders when Museum visitors ask about the man who remains so prominent on display and in our thoughts. I feel honored to have known him and hope he and JJ are both looking down and smiling as we continue to spread their stories and keep their names alive in Greenville and around the country. Joe and Joe; You will ALWAYS be with us!

I knew Joe back in the 30's, 40's at Brandon where he played baseball for the Brandon Braves in the old King Cotton and Western Carolina leagues and latter with the Greenville Spinners. I was in the same grade as his sister Willa Mae. Joe was a legend in baseball trying to get Joe Jackson into the Base Hall Of Fame. In my opinion, Joe Jackson should be in the Hall of Fame, one of the greatest hitters of all time. We love you Joe. Prayers for the family. He was a First Class gentleman. Horace Wilson Greensboro, NC

It was such a great blessing to be able to meet Joe and care for him in the last weeks of his life. I am grateful to have met Joe, and getting to know him so well over such a short period of time. He was a very sweet man!

John, Caroline and family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

May God provide comfort during this difficult time.

I met Joe in 1995 and he didn't know me from Adam's house cat, but he and I hit it off instantly, not sure why, other than I mutual interest in trying to clear Shoeless Joe Jackson's name off MLB Ineligible List. I became very good friends with he and his wife Kate. Joe would call me on the phone just to talk and my wife said it sounded like a bunch of teenagers laughing and giggling to beat all. Joe was just that kind of man, every time I saw him he appeared to be in a great mood, even though on some of those occasions I knew he was not feeling the best, but you never knew it. I never saw him walk away from anyone wanting to talk to him, even when he had obligations elsewhere, he always took the time to talk with folks. I was very sad to hear of his passing, however I took great comfort in the thought that he and his beloved wife Kate were reunited and he again gets to hang out with his "good buddy" Shoeless Joe Jackson. I am very proud and very honored to have known Joe Anders and to have called him my good friend. I, along with a lot of other folks will miss you Joe, but we will meet again good buddy. Thank you for your service to this country, for being the man that you were, for being an excellent role model for so many folks and for your tireless efforts on behalf of Shoeless Joe Jackson. Go rest my friend, you deserve it.

What an honor to have known Joe Anders! I loved his stories of Joe Jackson and his baseball days! God Bless!

I always enjoyed talking with Joe. He was a gentleman, sweet spirit, kind-hearted ...such an encourager...God bless you all during these days. Claire Hamilton

I am so sorry to see the passing of such an outstanding athlete and wonderful gentleman. He will be remembered long into the future.
Bill Traxler

May the Lord comfort and bless each of you during this difficult time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marian and John Ash

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family during this time of loss. He will definitely be missed by many.

It's not very hard to imagine Joe and Shoeless talking hitting again, just as it should be.

My wife, Lori, and I moved to South Carolina in 2009 and were so very fortunate to meet Mr. Anders soon thereafter. This wonderful gentleman welcomed us with his terrific smile and quick wit.

Whether it be at the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum, the annual vintage baseball games against the Ty Cobb Museum Team or at Greenville Drive baseball games Joe's kindness and gentlemanly demeanor always shined bright.

I'll never forget the honor and respect given him by Mr. Bob Costas, during a 2014 visit to the SJJ Museum.

I'll always remember our lengthy lunches, along with Miss Anne, Arlene and Bill Marcley, at The Copper Grill in Easley. Lori and I were truly blessed to be able to call Joe our friend. Words are simply not enough to fully relay the treasure he was to all of us who knew him.

And there goes Joe, stretching his signature line drive hit into a stand-up double!

Getting to know Mr.Anders (Joe) as he liked to be called during lunch while we were volunteers at Easley Baptist was such a pleasure and a southern gentleman he was. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Don and Laura Howard

Ever now and again, just once in awhile, God let's a truly good man to walk amongst us. One was Joe Anders

The world has lost a great person. His loyalty to those he loved was a blessing to them and example for all to aspire. The Jackson Family wishes his family peace and maybe Shoeless and Joe are playing catch again! RIP Joe Anders.

Words can not describe how sad this is. My prays and thoughs are with the family.

Having Joe along with his son Steve and his wife Michele at our home last summer was so so good. Joe really enjoyed visited were his family was born. What a joy it was.

Joe will be missed by more than just his family

I'm so sorry for your loss Our families have so many wonderful memories Thinking of you!

Danny and family,
I am so sorry for your loss in the passing of Joe! A legend in his own time!
It was about a year ago that we had a Church league Softball reunion and Joe was our speaker! I so enjoyed his stories about "Shoeless Joe"! Our prayers are for you and the family during this difficult time!It's hard to give up "Daddy"!!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

Patricia Cantrell and Family

Steve - so sorry for the loss of papa Joe. He was a very special person whom always had a kind word for everyone. Always loved to hear baseball stories!! Our thoughts and prayers to you, Michelle, Joe and Erin

JOE ANDERS AND FAMILY, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Jeremiah 29:11,12. Marguerite Hyde Toledo, Ohio.

I am proud to say that back in the early 50's Joe Anders was the first coach I ever had in an organized sport. At the time I was too young to be fully appreciative of his legacy but even then I respected him and benefited from his positive influence. Thank you Joe Anders... RIP!

When someone you love becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure. Joe was a treasure.