A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Reggie Jackson's life and career.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.