Reggie Jackson, a former right fielder in Major League Baseball, played for 21 seasons with teams including the Athletics, Orioles, Yankees, and Angels. Known for his clutch hitting and charismatic personality, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993. Jackson's career was marked by both success and controversy, but his impact on the game solidified his place as one of baseball's most memorable figures.
1926: Babe Ruth's Three Home Run Game
In 1926, Babe Ruth hit three home runs in a single World Series game, a feat matched by only a few others, including Reggie Jackson. This record happened in Game Four.
1927: Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
In 1927, Babe Ruth set the previous record of 60 home runs.
1928: Babe Ruth's Second Three Home Run Game
In 1928, Babe Ruth accomplished the feat of hitting three home runs in a single World Series game for the second time. This record happened in Game Four.
1931: Last Title Before 1971
In 1931, the Athletics won their last title before 1971, when they played in Philadelphia.
May 18, 1946: Reggie Jackson's Birth
On May 18, 1946, Reginald Martinez Jackson was born. He would become a professional baseball right fielder, playing 21 seasons in MLB.
1957: Prentice Gautt recruited by Oklahoma
Prentice Gautt, a black star running back, was recruited by Oklahoma in 1957 and played in the NFL.
1961: Roger Maris Breaks Home Run Record
In 1961, Roger Maris set the single-season record for home runs with 61.
1962: Football Injury
In the fall of 1962, Reggie Jackson suffered a knee injury early in his junior football season, followed by fracturing five cervical vertebrae in the final game, leading to hospitalization and recovery in a neck cast.
1964: Graduation from Cheltenham High School
In 1964, Reggie Jackson graduated from Cheltenham High School, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field.
1966: Played for Class A Teams
In 1966, Reggie Jackson played for two Class A teams, the Broncs and Modesto, hitting 21 home runs with Modesto in the California League.
1966: Replaced Rick Monday at Arizona State
In 1966, during his sophomore year, Reggie Jackson replaced Rick Monday at center field for Arizona State University. He set a team record for home runs and earned All-American honors.
1966: Drafted by Kansas City Athletics
On June 7, 1966, Reggie Jackson was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics as the second overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft.
1967: MLB Debut
In 1967, Reggie Jackson made his Major League Baseball debut with the Oakland A's on June 9, getting his first career hit, a triple, in the second game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians.
1967: Played for Birmingham A's
In 1967, Reggie Jackson played for the Birmingham A's in the Double-A Southern League, where he was one of the few black players on the team and received support from manager John McNamara.
1968: Athletics Moved to Oakland
Prior to the 1968 season, the Athletics relocated from Kansas City to Oakland.
1969: Career-High Home Runs
In 1969, Reggie Jackson hit a career-high 47 home runs, briefly ahead of the pace set by Roger Maris in 1961 and Babe Ruth in 1927.
1969: Oakland Oaks ABA Championship
In 1969, the Oakland Oaks of the American Basketball Association won the championship.
May 1970: Threatened with Minors
In May 1970, Oakland Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley threatened to send Reggie Jackson to the minor leagues due to a slump at the plate.
1970: ALCS first without the A's since 1970
In 1970, The Yankees and Royals advanced to the ALCS, the first without the A's since 1970.
1971: Won American League West division title
In 1971, the Athletics won the American League's West division, their first title of any kind since 1931.
1972: Billy Martin Managed the Tigers
Billy Martin managed the Tigers in 1972, when Reggie Jackson's A's beat them in the playoffs.
1972: Mustache Incident
During spring training in 1972, Reggie Jackson showed up with a mustache and refused to shave it off, which led to Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley offering each player $300 to grow one and hosting a "Mustache Day".
1972: Steinbrenner's Campaign Finance Violation
In 1972, George Steinbrenner, the Yankees' owner, committed a violation of campaign-finance laws, which was later referenced in a statement by Billy Martin in 1978 when discussing Steinbrenner and Jackson.
1972: World Series Title with Oakland A's
In 1972, Reggie Jackson helped the Oakland Athletics win their first of three consecutive World Series titles.
1972: Won Division Again
In 1972, the Oakland A's won the division again.
1973: AL Pennant and MVP
In 1973, Reggie Jackson helped the Athletics win the pennant again and was named the American League Most Valuable Player.
1973: MVP Awards
In 1973, Reggie Jackson won both the regular-season and World Series MVP awards.
1973: AL MVP Award
In 1973, Reggie Jackson won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding performance during the season.
1973: Divorce from Jennie Campos
Reggie Jackson and Jennie Campos divorced in 1973 after having met during Jackson's freshman year at Arizona State. Their relationship faced racial prejudice.
February 1974: Arbitration Case Win
In February 1974, Reggie Jackson won an arbitration case for a $135,000 salary for the season.
1974: Third Consecutive World Series Title with Oakland A's
In 1974, Reggie Jackson contributed to the Oakland Athletics' third consecutive World Series title.
1974: World Series Win
In 1974, Reggie Jackson helped the A's win the World Series again, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.
1975: Salary Demands and Contract Refusal
In 1975, Reggie Jackson was paid $140,000, and he was one of nine Oakland players refusing to sign 1976 contracts, seeking a three-year $600,000 pact.
1975: Arbitration Loss
Prior to the 1975 season, Reggie Jackson sought $168,000, but arbitration went against him and he settled for $140,000.
April 2, 1976: Trade to Baltimore Orioles
On April 2, 1976, Reggie Jackson, along with Ken Holtzman and Bill Van Bommel, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Don Baylor, Mike Torrez, and Paul Mitchell.
June 20, 1976: Fire at Jackson's Home
On June 20, 1976, a fire at Reggie Jackson's home in Oakland destroyed his 1973 MVP award, World Series trophies, and All-Star rings.
1976: Lemon as Coach
In 1976, Bob Lemon was one of Steinbrenner's coaches during the Bombers' pennant-winning season. Lemon would later replace Billy Martin as manager.
1976: Signed with the Yankees
In 1976, the Yankees won the pennant. On November 29, Reggie Jackson signed with the Yankees, receiving the number 44 as a tribute to Hank Aaron.
1976: Jackson's Candy Bar Comment
In 1976, while playing in Baltimore, Jackson said, "If I played in New York, they'd name a candy bar after me." This statement led to the creation of the "Reggie!" bar in 1978.
1976: ABC Sports Analyst
In the fall of 1976, Reggie Jackson served as an analyst in the ABC booth during the American League pennant game, just before signing with the Yankees. He worked with Keith Jackson and Howard Cosell.
June 1977: "Straw that stirs the drink" Interview
In June 1977, an interview with SPORT magazine writer Robert Ward quoted Jackson as saying, "I'm the straw that stirs the drink.", leading to strained relationships with teammates.
July 1977: Controversy over "Straw that stirs the drink" comments
In July 1977, Dave Anderson of The New York Times reported that Reggie Jackson reiterated his claim of being "the straw that stirs the drink," further straining his relationships with teammates.
July 19, 1977: Criminal Complaint Authorized After All-Star Game
On July 19, 1977, after the MLB All-Star Game, Reggie Jackson was signing autographs when he confronted teens who made offensive remarks about his mother. A teen claimed Jackson injured his wrist, leading to a criminal complaint for harassment against Jackson.
1977: First Season with the Yankees
In 1977, Reggie Jackson began his first season with the Yankees.
1977: Difficult First Season with Yankees
In 1977, Reggie Jackson had a difficult first season with the Yankees due to strained relationships with teammates and manager Billy Martin.
1977: World Series Title with New York Yankees
In 1977, Reggie Jackson played a vital role in helping the New York Yankees win the World Series.
1977: Babe Ruth Award
In 1977, Reggie Jackson was honored with the Babe Ruth Award.
1977: World Series Home Runs
In 1977, Reggie Jackson won the World Series MVP award for the second time, amassing 10 home runs in 27 World Series games, including a record five during the 1977 series. He had 24 RBI and a .357 batting average.
1977: 1977 Yankees
In 2007, ESPN aired a miniseries called The Bronx Is Burning about the 1977 Yankees, with the conflicts and controversies involving Jackson, portrayed by Daniel Sunjata, a central part of the storyline. The series infuriated Jackson since he felt he was portrayed as selfish and arrogant.
1978: Back-to-Back World Series Titles with New York Yankees
In 1978, Reggie Jackson aided the New York Yankees in securing back-to-back World Series titles.
1978: Release of the "Reggie!" Bar
On April 13, 1978, the "Reggie!" bar was introduced at the Yankees' home opener. Fans threw the bars on the field after Jackson hit a home run, leading to some confusion for Jackson.
April 19, 1979: Locker Room Fight
On April 19, 1979, a fight broke out in the Yankees' locker room after Reggie Jackson instigated a conflict between Cliff Johnson and Goose Gossage, resulting in Gossage's injury and subsequent absence from the team.
1979: Guest Appearance on Diff'rent Strokes and The Love Boat
In 1979, Reggie Jackson guest-starred in an episode of the television sitcom Diff'rent Strokes and in an episode of The Love Boat as himself.
1979: Willie Stargell Ties Total Base Record
In the 1979 World Series, Willie Stargell tied Reggie Jackson's record of 25 total bases, originally set in 1977. This record tied Babe Ruth's previously held record of 22 total bases in a World Series.
June 1, 1980: Attempted Shooting
In the early morning hours of June 1, 1980, Reggie Jackson was the victim of an attempted shooting after a home game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He was accosted and yelled at, and a broken bottle was thrown at his car.
August 12, 1980: Accosted After 400th Home Run Celebration
On August 12, 1980, Reggie Jackson was accosted after celebrating his 400th career home run. A man leveled a pistol at his face, but Jackson managed to shove the man away and escape.
1980: Batting Title and Silver Slugger Award
In 1980, Reggie Jackson batted .300 for the only time in his career and tied for the American League lead with 41 home runs. He also won the inaugural Silver Slugger Award as a designated hitter.
1981: Signed with the California Angels
After the 1981 season, Reggie Jackson became a free agent and signed a five-year contract with the California Angels.
1981: Reggie Jackson's World of Sports
From 1981 to 1982, Reggie Jackson hosted Reggie Jackson's World of Sports for Nickelodeon, which continued in reruns until 1985.
1981: Contract Difficulties and MLB Strike
In 1981, Reggie Jackson faced difficulties with George Steinbrenner during his last year with the Yankees, including a contract dispute and a physical examination invoked during the MLB strike. Jackson also hit a home run in Game Five of the ALDS.
April 27, 1982: Return to Yankee Stadium
On April 27, 1982, Reggie Jackson played his first game back at Yankee Stadium with the Angels, breaking out of a slump with a home run and receiving supportive chants from the fans.
1982: AL West Divisional Title with California Angels
In 1982, Reggie Jackson contributed to the California Angels winning an AL West divisional title.
1982: Archie Bunker's Place Episode
In 1982, Reggie Jackson played himself in the Archie Bunker's Place episode "Reggie-3 Archie-0".
1983: World Series Trophy Presentation
In 1983, Reggie Jackson presided over the World Series Trophy presentation for ABC Sports.
September 17, 1984: 500th Home Run
On September 17, 1984, Reggie Jackson hit his 500th career home run at Anaheim Stadium against Bud Black of the Kansas City Royals.
1984: National League Championship Series Commentary
In 1984, Reggie Jackson provided color commentary for the National League Championship Series alongside Don Drysdale and Earl Weaver.
1984: Home Run over Tiger Stadium roof
While playing for the Angels in 1984, Reggie Jackson hit a home run over the roof of Tiger Stadium, marking another significant achievement.
March 22, 1985: Attack After Spring Training Game
On March 22, 1985, Reggie Jackson was attacked after a spring training game in Tucson, Arizona. A man who had heckled him followed him to the parking lot and insisted on fighting him, also asking for drugs and an autograph.
March 30, 1985: Confrontation at Gene Autry Hotel
On the morning of March 30, 1985, Reggie Jackson was confronted by two men at the Gene Autry Hotel in Palm Springs. The men heckled him, used racial slurs, and threatened him with a tire iron before one was arrested for assault.
1985: The Jeffersons Episode
In 1985, Reggie Jackson played himself in The Jeffersons episode "The Unnatural".
1985: World Series Trophy Presentation
In 1985, Reggie Jackson presided over the World Series Trophy presentation for ABC Sports.
1986: Second AL West Divisional Title with California Angels
In 1986, Reggie Jackson assisted the California Angels in winning their second AL West divisional title during his tenure with the team.
1986: Angels Win American League West
In 1986, the Angels won the American League West for the second time in Reggie Jackson's tenure with the team, but lost the American League Championship Series.
1987: World Series Trophy Presentation
In 1987, Reggie Jackson presided over the World Series Trophy presentation for ABC Sports.
1987: Return to the Oakland A's and Retirement Announcement
In 1987, Reggie Jackson signed a one-year contract to return to the Oakland A's and announced that he would retire after the season at the age of 41.
January 1988: Potential Offer to Play in Japan
In January 1988, Reggie Jackson stated that he had received an offer to play baseball in Japan, but did not commit to accepting it.
August 1988: Rumors of Comeback with Yankees Denied
In August 1988, there were rumors that Reggie Jackson was considering coming out of retirement to play for the New York Yankees, but Jackson denied these rumors and affirmed his retirement.
1988: Endorsement of Reggie Jackson Baseball Video Game
In 1988, Reggie Jackson endorsed the Sega Master System baseball video game Reggie Jackson Baseball.
1988: American League Championship Series Commentary
In 1988, Reggie Jackson provided color commentary for the American League Championship Series alongside Gary Bender and Joe Morgan for ABC after retiring as an active player.
1988: Warehouse Fire
In 1988, a fire damaged a warehouse holding several of Reggie Jackson's collectible cars, ruining several cars valued at $3.2 million.
1990: MacGyver Episode
In 1990, Reggie Jackson played himself in the MacGyver episode "Squeeze Play".
1990: Upper Deck Spokesperson
In 1990, Reggie Jackson was the spokesperson for the Upper Deck Company, including the "Find the Reggie" promotion, which involved inserting autographed cards into packs.
1991: Oakland Firestorm
During the Oakland firestorm of 1991, Reggie Jackson's home burned down again, destroying more baseball memorabilia and other valuable collections.
1991: Fired from Coaching Position
In 1991, Reggie Jackson was unceremoniously fired from a coaching position by the Oakland Athletics.
August 14, 1993: Yankees Retired Jackson's Number
On August 14, 1993, the Yankees retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number 44, shortly after his induction into the Hall of Fame.
1993: Hall of Fame Induction
In 1993, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He chose to wear a Yankees cap on his plaque.
1993: Hall of Fame Induction
In 1993, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1993: Yankees Retired Jackson's Number
In 1993, the New York Yankees retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number, solidifying his legacy with the team.
1999: Ranked on Sporting News' 100 Greatest Baseball Players
In 1999, Reggie Jackson placed 48th on the Sporting News' 100 Greatest Baseball Players list and was a finalist for the MLB All-Century Team.
July 6, 2002: Plaque Dedication at Yankee Stadium
On July 6, 2002, the Yankees dedicated a plaque in Reggie Jackson's honor in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Former teammates and baseball legends attended the ceremony.
2002: Attempt to Acquire the Angels Thwarted
In the winter of 2002, Reggie Jackson's attempt to acquire the Angels along with other investors was thwarted by Mexican-American billionaire Arturo Moreno, who outbid Jackson's group by nearly $50 million for the team.
May 22, 2004: Athletics Retired Jackson's Number
On May 22, 2004, the Athletics retired Reggie Jackson's number 9.
2004: Malcolm in the Middle Episode
In 2004, Reggie Jackson played himself in the Malcolm in the Middle episode "Polly in the Middle".
2004: Athletics Retired Jackson's Number
In 2004, the Oakland Athletics retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number, honoring his contributions to the team.
2005: Car Accident
In 2005, Reggie Jackson's car was struck from behind and flipped over several times in Tampa. He escaped with minor injuries.
2007: The Bronx Is Burning Miniseries
In 2007, ESPN aired the miniseries The Bronx Is Burning, which depicted Reggie Jackson as selfish and arrogant, which infuriated Jackson.
2008: Ceremonial First Pitches
In 2008, Reggie Jackson threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Yankees' opening-day game, the last at the original Yankee Stadium, and at the first game at the new Yankee Stadium.
October 9, 2009: Ceremonial Opening Pitch at ALDS Game 2
On October 9, 2009, Reggie Jackson threw the ceremonial opening pitch at Game 2 of the ALDS between the Yankees and the Minnesota Twins.
2009: Chase Utley Ties Home Run Record
In 2009, Chase Utley tied Reggie Jackson's record for most home runs in a single World Series, which was previously set in 1977.
October 18, 2010: Ride of Fame Honor
On October 18, 2010, the Ride of Fame honored Reggie Jackson with his image on a New York City double-decker tour bus.
2010: Co-authored "Sixty-Feet Six-Inches"
In 2010, Reggie Jackson co-authored the book Sixty-Feet Six-Inches with Bob Gibson, detailing their careers and approach to the game.
July 2012: Controversial Interview with Sports Illustrated
In July 2012, Reggie Jackson gave a controversial interview with Sports Illustrated, criticizing the Baseball Writers' Association and players associated with performance-enhancing drugs. The Yankees released a statement regarding the interview.
2014: Surpassed in Golden Sombreros
In 2014, Ryan Howard surpassed Reggie Jackson for the most Golden sombreros (at least four strikeouts in a game).
2017: George Springer Ties Home Run Record
In 2017, George Springer tied Reggie Jackson's record for most home runs in a single World Series, which was previously set in 1977.
September 5, 2018: Inducted into Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame
On September 5, 2018, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the new Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame.
May 12, 2021: Joins Houston Astros as Special Advisor
On May 12, 2021, Reggie Jackson joined the Houston Astros as a special advisor to the owner, focusing on community support and baseball-related matters.
2022: Value of Damaged Cars Updated
In 1988, a warehouse holding several of Jackson's collectible cars was damaged in a fire, with several of the cars, valued at $3.2 million (~$8 million in 2022 terms) ruined.
2022: Astros Win World Series
In 2022, Houston defeated the Phillies to win the World Series, marking Reggie Jackson's first championship season as part of the Astros organization.
2022: World Series with Houston Astros
In 2022, the Houston Astros' World Series win marked a sixth championship associated with Reggie Jackson, who serves as a special advisor to the team.
June 20, 2024: MLB at Rickwood Field tribute game
During the MLB at Rickwood Field tribute game in Birmingham, Alabama on June 20, 2024, Jackson joined dozens of baseball legends to celebrate the Negro leagues and honor the recently departed Willie Mays. On a broadcast before the game, Jackson spoke about the racism he faced and challenges he faced during his playing days.
November 10, 2024: Jackson Steps Down from Astros Role
On November 10, 2024, Reggie Jackson stepped down from his role with the Houston Astros to spend more time with his family in California.