History of Reggie Jackson in Timeline
Reggie Jackson, a former American professional baseball right fielder, played 21 seasons in MLB for multiple teams, including the Athletics, Orioles, Yankees, and Angels. Known for his power hitting and clutch performances, particularly in the World Series with the Yankees, he earned the nickname "Mr. October." Jackson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year of eligibility, solidifying his place as one of baseball's most memorable and impactful figures.
1926: Babe Ruth's Three Home Runs in a Single World Series Game
In 1926, Babe Ruth achieved the feat of hitting three home runs in a single World Series game, a record later equaled by Jackson in 1977.
1927: Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
In 1927, Babe Ruth set the previous single-season record of 60 home runs.
1928: Babe Ruth's Second Instance of Three Home Runs in a Single World Series Game
In 1928, Babe Ruth repeated his achievement from 1926, hitting three home runs in a single World Series game, a feat later matched by Jackson in 1977.
1931: Last Title for Athletics
In 1931, the Athletics, while playing in Philadelphia, had won their last title before the 1971 season.
May 18, 1946: Reggie Jackson Born
On May 18, 1946, Reginald Martinez Jackson was born. He would later become a professional baseball right fielder.
1957: Prentice Gautt Recruited by Oklahoma
In 1957, Prentice Gautt, a star running back, was recruited by Oklahoma and played in the NFL.
1961: Roger Maris Broke Home Run Record
In 1961, Roger Maris broke the single-season record for home runs with 61.
1962: Football Injury
In the fall of 1962, during his junior year, Reggie Jackson suffered a knee injury early in a football game. Later in the season, he fractured five cervical vertebrae.
1964: Graduation from Cheltenham High School
In 1964, Reggie Jackson graduated from Cheltenham High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field.
1966: Played in Class A Teams
In 1966, Reggie Jackson played for two Class A teams, the Broncs and Modesto, where he hit 21 home runs.
1966: Replaced Rick Monday at Center Field
In 1966, during his sophomore year, Reggie Jackson replaced Rick Monday at center field. He broke the team record for most home runs in a single season and was named first team All-American.
1966: Drafted by the Kansas City Athletics
On June 7, 1966, Reggie Jackson was selected by the Kansas City Athletics in the Major League Baseball draft as the second overall pick.
1967: Played for Birmingham A's
In 1967, Reggie Jackson played for the Birmingham A's in the Double-A Southern League in Birmingham, Alabama.
1967: MLB Debut with the Athletics
In 1967, on June 9, Reggie Jackson debuted in the major leagues with the Athletics in Kansas City, getting his first career hit, a triple.
1968: Athletics Move to Oakland
Prior to the 1968 season, the Athletics moved west 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 Title
In 1969, the Oakland Oaks of the American Basketball Association won the title, marking the first championship won by a San Francisco Bay Area team in any major league sport.
May 1970: Slump and Threat to Minors
In May 1970, Reggie Jackson slumped at the plate, and Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley threatened to send him to the minors. He ended the season with 23 home runs while batting .237.
1970: Last ALCS Without A's
In 1970, was the first ALCS without the A's since that year.
1971: Won American League West Division
In 1971, the Athletics won the American League's West division, their first title of any kind since 1931.
1972: Mustache Incident
During spring training in 1972, Reggie Jackson showed up with a mustache, which led to Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley offering each player $300 to grow one, and hosting a "Mustache Day".
1972: Billy Martin Managed the Tigers
In 1972, Billy Martin managed the Tigers, when Reggie Jackson's A's beat them in the playoffs.
1972: Steinbrenner's Campaign Finance Violation
In 1972, George Steinbrenner violated campaign-finance laws, which was later referenced by Billy Martin in a statement about Steinbrenner and Jackson in 1978. This contributed to the Yankees being nicknamed "The Bronx Zoo."
1972: World Series Title with Oakland Athletics
In 1972, Reggie Jackson helped the Oakland Athletics win their first of three consecutive World Series titles.
1972: ALCS Win and Hamstring Injury
In 1972, the A's won the division again, with Reggie Jackson scoring the tying run in the clincher on a steal of home, but he tore a hamstring and was unable to play in the World Series.
1973: AL Pennant and MVP Award
In 1973, Reggie Jackson helped the Athletics win the pennant and was named Most Valuable Player of the American League for the season.
1973: Regular-Season and World Series MVP Awards
In 1973, Reggie Jackson won both the regular-season and World Series MVP awards.
1973: AL Most Valuable Player Award
In 1973, Reggie Jackson won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding performance that season.
1973: Divorce from Jennie Campos
Reggie Jackson and Jennie Campos divorced in 1973.
1973: MVP award lost in fire
Reggie Jackson's 1973 MVP award was destroyed in a fire at his home on June 20, 1976.
February 1974: Arbitration 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 Athletics
In 1974, Reggie Jackson contributed to the Oakland Athletics' third consecutive World Series title.
1974: World Series Win
In 1974, the A's won the World Series again, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.
1975: Arbitration Loss and Division Title
In 1975, Reggie Jackson sought $168,000, but arbitration went against him, and the A's won a fifth consecutive division title.
1975: Contract Dispute
In 1975, Reggie Jackson was paid $140,000 and was one of nine Oakland players refusing to sign 1976 contracts, seeking a three-year $600,000 pact.
April 2, 1976: Traded 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: Home fire in Oakland
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 Joined Yankees as Coach
In 1976, Bob Lemon worked as one of Steinbrenner's coaches during the Bombers' pennant-winning season.
1976: Yankees Sign Jackson
In 1976, on November 29, the Yankees signed Reggie Jackson to a five-year contract totaling $2.96 million.
1976: Jackson's comment about New York and Candy Bar
In 1976, while playing in Baltimore, Jackson commented that if he played in New York, a candy bar would be named after him. This remark led to the creation of the Reggie! bar in 1978 when he joined the Yankees.
1976: Analysis in the ABC booth
In the fall of 1976, Jackson did analysis in the ABC booth with Keith Jackson and Howard Cosell the night his future team won the American League pennant on a homer by Chris Chambliss.
June 1977: SPORT Magazine Interview
In June 1977, SPORT magazine published an interview where Reggie Jackson was quoted as saying, "This team, it all flows from me. I'm the straw that stirs the drink. Maybe I should say me and Munson, but he can only stir it bad." This quote caused strain between Jackson and his teammates.
July 1977: New York Times Interview
In July 1977, Dave Anderson of The New York Times reported that Jackson said, "I'm still the straw that stirs the drink. Not Munson, not nobody else on this club." This further strained Jackson's relationships with his teammates, Martin, Steinbrenner, and Yankee fans.
July 19, 1977: Incident after All-Star Game
On July 19, 1977, after the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, Reggie Jackson was accused of making contact with a teen's wrist after the teen made a "vile remark" about Jackson's mother. A criminal complaint for harassment was authorized against Jackson, reluctantly.
1977: First Season with the Yankees
In 1977, Reggie Jackson began his first season with the Yankees, choosing to wear number 44 as a tribute to Hank Aaron.
1977: World Series Title with New York Yankees
In 1977, Reggie Jackson helped the New York Yankees win a World Series title. In the clinching game six, he famously hit three consecutive home runs at Yankee Stadium.
1977: Babe Ruth Award
In 1977, Reggie Jackson was honored with the Babe Ruth Award.
1977: World Series MVP Award
In 1977, Reggie Jackson won the World Series MVP award for the second time, becoming the first player to do so for two different teams. He hit three home runs in Game Six, totaling five home runs in the series and setting a record of 25 total bases.
1977: Difficult First Season with Yankees
In 1977, Reggie Jackson's first season with the Yankees was difficult due to conflicts with manager Billy Martin.
1977: The Bronx Is Burning miniseries about the 1977 Yankees
In 2007, ESPN aired the miniseries "The Bronx Is Burning" about the 1977 Yankees. Reggie Jackson, portrayed by Daniel Sunjata, felt betrayed by the portrayal of him as selfish and arrogant.
1978: Back-to-back World Series Titles with New York Yankees
In 1978, Reggie Jackson helped the New York Yankees win their second consecutive World Series title.
1978: Introduction of the "Reggie!" Bar
In 1978, during the Yankees' home opener, the "Reggie!" bar was introduced, a candy bar named after Reggie Jackson. Fans threw the bars on the field after Jackson hit a home run during the game.
April 19, 1979: Fight between Gossage and Johnson
On April 19, 1979, a fight broke out between Goose Gossage and Cliff Johnson after Jackson relayed Gossage's comments about Johnson's hitting abilities. Gossage suffered torn ligaments, and both were fined.
1979: Guest Appearance on Diff'rent Strokes
In 1979, Reggie Jackson guest-starred as himself in an episode of the television sitcom Diff'rent Strokes and in an episode of The Love Boat.
1979: Willie Stargell ties total bases record in a single World Series
In the 1979 World Series, Willie Stargell tied Reggie Jackson's record of 25 total bases in a single World Series. Jackson set the record in 1977.
June 1, 1980: Attempted shooting after a game
On June 1, 1980, in the early morning hours after hitting a game-winning home run, Reggie Jackson was subjected to racial slurs and had a bottle thrown at his car while looking for parking on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
August 12, 1980: Accosted leaving Jim McMullen's Bar
On August 12, 1980, after celebrating his 400th career home run, Reggie Jackson was accosted outside Jim McMullen's Bar in the early morning. A man leveled a pistol at his face, but Jackson pushed the door into the man, sending him sprawling.
1980: Silver Slugger Award
In 1980, Reggie Jackson batted .300 for the only time in his career and tied for the American League lead in home runs with 41. He won the inaugural Silver Slugger Award as a designated hitter.
1981: Signed with the California Angels
After the 1981 season, Jackson became a free agent and signed a five-year contract with the California Angels.
1981: Hosting Reggie Jackson's World of Sports
From 1981 to 1985, Reggie Jackson hosted Reggie Jackson's World of Sports for Nickelodeon.
1981: Contract Difficulties with Steinbrenner
In 1981, as Jackson entered the last year of his contract with the Yankees, he faced difficulties with George Steinbrenner, including a contract dispute and a physical examination invoked by Steinbrenner during the MLB strike.
April 27, 1982: First Game Back at Yankee Stadium with the Angels
On April 27, 1982, Reggie Jackson played his first game back at Yankee Stadium with the Angels and hit a home run off Ron Guidry, prompting Yankee fans to chant against Steinbrenner.
1982: AL West Divisional Title with California Angels
In 1982, Reggie Jackson contributed to the California Angels winning an AL West divisional title.
1982: Appearance on Archie Bunker's Place
In 1982, Reggie Jackson played himself in the Archie Bunker's Place episode "Reggie-3 Archie-0".
1983: Presiding over World Series Trophy presentation
In 1983, Jackson was given the task of presiding over the World Series Trophy presentations.
September 17, 1984: 500th Career Home Run
On September 17, 1984, Reggie Jackson hit his 500th career home run at Anaheim Stadium off Bud Black of the Royals.
1984: Color commentary
In 1984, Jackson did color commentary for the National League Championship Series (alongside Don Drysdale and Earl Weaver).
March 22, 1985: Attack after spring training game
On March 22, 1985, after a California Angels spring training game in Tucson, Arizona, Reggie Jackson was attacked in the parking lot by a man who had heckled him and insisted on fighting. The man also asked Jackson for an autograph and offered cocaine.
March 30, 1985: Confrontation at Gene Autry Hotel
On March 30, 1985, at the Gene Autry Hotel during spring training, Reggie Jackson confronted two men driving erratically on the hotel grounds. The men threatened him with a tire iron after using racial slurs, resulting in one arrest for assault with a deadly weapon.
1985: Presiding over World Series Trophy presentation
In 1985, Jackson was given the task of presiding over the World Series Trophy presentations.
1985: Appearance on The Jeffersons
In 1985, Reggie Jackson appeared as himself in The Jeffersons episode "The Unnatural".
1986: Second AL West Divisional Title with California Angels
In 1986, Reggie Jackson helped the California Angels win their second AL West divisional title.
1986: Angels Win American League West
In 1986, the Angels, with Reggie Jackson, won the American League West division but lost the American League Championship Series for the second time in a row.
1987: Presiding over World Series Trophy presentation
In 1987, Jackson was given the task of presiding over the World Series Trophy presentations.
1987: Return to the A's and Retirement Announcement
In 1987, Reggie Jackson signed a one-year contract to return to the A's, wearing number 44. He announced that he would retire after the season at the age of 41.
January 1988: Offer to play in Japan
In January 1988, Reggie Jackson received an offer to play baseball in Japan and told reporters he might consider it.
August 1988: Rumors of comeback with Yankees
In August 1988, there were reports that Reggie Jackson approached the New York Yankees about coming out of retirement for the stretch run. Jackson later denied the rumors.
1988: Color commentary
In 1988, Jackson returned to his color commentary role covering the American League Championship Series (alongside Gary Bender and Joe Morgan) for ABC.
1988: Warehouse fire damages collectible cars
In 1988, a fire damaged a warehouse holding several of Reggie Jackson's collectible cars, ruining several cars valued at $3.2 million.
1988: Endorsement of Reggie Jackson Baseball video game
In 1988, the Sega Master System released the baseball video game "Reggie Jackson Baseball", endorsed by Reggie Jackson and sold exclusively in the United States. Outside of the U.S., it was released as American Baseball.
1990: Spokesperson for Upper Deck Company
In 1990, Reggie Jackson became the de facto spokesperson for the Upper Deck Company, appearing in ads and baseball games. The affiliation also included the company's "Find the Reggie" promotion which inserted 2500 autograph cards into packs of 1990 Upper Deck Baseball High Series packs, an important first in the trading card hobby.
1990: Appearance on MacGyver
In 1990, Reggie Jackson played himself in the MacGyver episode "Squeeze Play".
1991: Fired from coaching position
In 1991, Reggie Jackson was unceremoniously fired from a coaching position by the Oakland Athletics.
1991: Oakland firestorm destroys memorabilia
In 1991, Reggie Jackson's home was burned down again during the Oakland firestorm, destroying more baseball memorabilia.
August 14, 1993: Yankees retire number 44
On August 14, 1993, the Yankees retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number 44 shortly after his Hall of Fame induction.
1993: Hall of Fame Induction
In 1993, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the Hall of Fame and chose to wear a Yankees cap on his plaque.
1993: Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1993, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, marking a significant achievement in his career.
1993: Yankees Retired His Number
In 1993, the New York Yankees retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number, a great honor.
1999: Ranked on Sporting News' 100 Greatest Baseball Players
In 1999, Reggie Jackson was placed 48th on The Sporting News' 100 Greatest Baseball Players list and was a finalist for the Major League Baseball 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 at Yankee Stadium's Monument Park, recognizing him as "One of the most colorful and exciting players of his era".
2002: Failed bid for the Angels
In 2002, Reggie Jackson's attempt to acquire the Angels along with Jimmy Nederlander and other investors was thwarted by Arturo Moreno, who outbid Jackson's group by nearly $50 million.
May 22, 2004: Athletics retire number 9
On May 22, 2004, the Athletics retired Reggie Jackson's number 9. He is one of only ten MLB players to have his numbers retired by more than one team.
2004: Appearance on Malcolm in the Middle
In 2004, Reggie Jackson appeared as himself in the Malcolm in the Middle episode "Polly in the Middle".
2004: Athletics Retired His Number
In 2004, the Oakland Athletics retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number, marking a significant honor.
2005: Car accident in Tampa
In 2005, Reggie Jackson's car was struck from behind in Tampa, causing it to flip over several times. He escaped with minor injuries and reflected on life's purpose.
2007: The Bronx Is Burning miniseries airs
In 2007, ESPN aired the miniseries "The Bronx Is Burning" about the 1977 Yankees. Reggie Jackson, portrayed by Daniel Sunjata, felt betrayed by the portrayal of him as selfish and arrogant.
2008: First pitch at Yankee Stadium
In 2008, Reggie Jackson threw the ceremonial first pitch at both the last game at the original Yankee Stadium and the first game at the new Yankee Stadium.
October 9, 2009: Ceremonial 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 a single World Series
In 2009, Chase Utley tied Reggie Jackson's record for most home runs in a single World Series. Jackson set the record in 1977.
October 18, 2010: Honored by Ride of Fame
On October 18, 2010, Reggie Jackson was honored by the Ride of Fame 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 baseball.
July 2012: Controversial Sports Illustrated Interview
In July 2012, Reggie Jackson's interview with Sports Illustrated, where he criticized Hall of Fame standards and players associated with performance-enhancing drugs, caused controversy, leading the Yankees to caution him.
2014: Surpassed in Golden Sombreros
In 2014, Ryan Howard surpassed Reggie Jackson as the all-time leader for most Golden sombreros (at least four strikeouts in a game).
2017: George Springer ties home run record in a single World Series
In 2017, George Springer tied Reggie Jackson's record for most home runs in a single World Series. Jackson set the record 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, joining other baseball legends.
May 12, 2021: Joined the Houston Astros as Special Advisor
On May 12, 2021, Reggie Jackson joined the Houston Astros as a special advisor to owner Jim Crane, focusing on community support and baseball-related matters.
2022: Value of ruined cars updated to 2022 dollars
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: Sixth Championship with Houston Astros
In 2022, Reggie Jackson, as a special advisor, gained a sixth championship associated with him when the Houston Astros won the World Series.
2022: Astros Win World Series
In 2022, the Houston Astros won the World Series, marking the first championship season for Jackson as a member of the Astros organization.
June 20, 2024: Appearance at MLB at Rickwood Field tribute game
On June 20, 2024, Reggie Jackson joined baseball legends at the MLB at Rickwood Field tribute game in Birmingham, Alabama. He spoke about his experiences with racism during his playing days.
November 10, 2024: Stepped down as special advisor to spend more time with family
On November 10, 2024, Jackson stepped down from his role to spend more time with his family in California.
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