An overview of the childhood and early education of Reggie Jackson, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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: 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.
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: 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: 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.
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.
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.
1982: Archie Bunker's Place Episode
In 1982, Reggie Jackson played himself in the Archie Bunker's Place episode "Reggie-3 Archie-0".
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".
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".
1991: Oakland Firestorm
During the Oakland firestorm of 1991, Reggie Jackson's home burned down again, destroying more baseball memorabilia and other valuable collections.
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.
2004: Malcolm in the Middle Episode
In 2004, Reggie Jackson played himself in the Malcolm in the Middle episode "Polly in the Middle".
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.
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.
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.
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.