From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Reggie Jackson made an impact.
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.
1931: Last Title Before 1971
In 1931, the Athletics won their last title before 1971, when they played in Philadelphia.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
1977: First Season with the Yankees
In 1977, Reggie Jackson began his first season with the Yankees.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
1991: Fired from Coaching Position
In 1991, Reggie Jackson was unceremoniously fired from a coaching position by the Oakland Athletics.
1993: Yankees Retired Jackson's Number
In 1993, the New York Yankees retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number, solidifying his legacy with the team.
2004: Athletics Retired Jackson's Number
In 2004, the Oakland Athletics retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number, honoring his contributions to the team.
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.
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: 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.
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.