Reggie Jackson

Reginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson (born May 18, 1946) was a professional American baseball player from 1967 to 1987. His father Martinez Jackson was a Puerto Rican who played for the Negro Leagues. Reggie was inducted into the United States Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993 in recognition of his talents. He was born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, but later made his home in Oakland, California.

Jackson's nickname was "Mr. October" due to his outstanding overall performances during the five World Series in which he appeared. In 27 World Series games, he amassed 10 home runs, including four in a row (three of them on consecutive pitches), 24 RBI and a .357 batting average.

Jackson's other accomplishments include winning the 1973 regular-season MVP award, amassing a total of 563 career homeruns, maintaining a .490 career slugging percentage, and the dubious distinction of being the all-time leader in striking out with 2597. Jackson played with the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and, in the twilight of his career, the California Angels.

During the spare time of his active career, Jackson worked as a field reporter and color commentator for ABC Sports. During the 1980s (1983, 1985, and 1987 respectively), Jackson was given the task of presiding over the World Series Trophy presentations.

The now-discontinued "Reggie Bar" candy bar was named after the ballplayer.

His jersey number, 44, was retired by the Yankees in 1993. In 2004, the A's retired the number 9 that he wore during his days in Oakland. He is the only non-pitcher to win World Series most valuable player honors twice (in 1973 with the Oakland A's and in 1977 with the New York Yankees).

Quotes

I let Mr. October get away, and I got Mr. May.

-New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, on losing Reggie Jackson (Mr. October), and obtaining future Hall of Fame player Dave Winfield (called Mr. May for his outstanding play early in the season, but inexplicable poor play in the later part of the season.)

He'd give you the shirt off his back. Of course he'd call a press conference to announce it.

-Jim "Catfish" Hunter, Hall of Fame pitcher and former teammate of Jackson

See also

• List of famous Puerto Ricans

• MLB players who have hit 30 or more home runs before the All-Star break

External links

• Career statistics from Baseball Reference
• The Baseball Cube
• Baseball Hall of Fame