Reginald Martinez Jackson is an American former professional baseball right fielder who had a prolific 21-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and California Angels. Jackson's outstanding performance on the field earned him induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993.
1926: Babe Ruth's First Three-Home Run World Series Game
Babe Ruth, a legend in baseball, achieved the remarkable feat of hitting three home runs in a single World Series game for the first time in 1926.
1927: Babe Ruth Sets Single-Season Home Run Record
Babe Ruth set the single-season home run record with 60 home runs in 1927.
1928: Babe Ruth's Second Three-Home Run World Series Game
In 1928, Babe Ruth again etched his name in baseball history by hitting three home runs in a single World Series game, a feat he accomplished twice in his career.
1931: Athletics' Previous Title Win
The Oakland Athletics' previous title win before 1971 occurred in 1931 when the team was based in Philadelphia.
May 18, 1946: Birth of Reggie Jackson
Reginald Martinez Jackson was born on May 18, 1946.
1957: Prentice Gautt Breaks Barriers at Oklahoma
Prentice Gautt became a pioneering black football player at the University of Oklahoma in 1957, paving the way for future generations.
1961: Roger Maris Breaks Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth's single-season home run record by hitting 61 home runs in 1961.
1962: Reggie Jackson Overcomes Serious Football Injuries
During his junior year at Cheltenham High School in 1962, Reggie Jackson sustained serious knee and cervical vertebrae injuries while playing football, defying doctors' predictions by returning to sports.
1964: College Recruitment and Reggie Jackson's Stand Against Racial Prejudice
Highly sought-after by top college football programs in 1964, Reggie Jackson rejected offers from Alabama and Georgia due to his concerns about the South's racial climate and declined Oklahoma's offer because they disapproved of his interracial dating.
1964: Reggie Jackson Graduates from Cheltenham High School
Reggie Jackson graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1964, excelling in multiple sports.
1966: Reggie Jackson Begins Professional Baseball Career
Reggie Jackson embarked on his professional baseball journey in 1966, playing for two Class A teams and displaying his power hitting with 21 home runs for Modesto in the California League.
1966: Reggie Jackson's Breakout Year at Arizona State University
Reggie Jackson showcased his baseball prowess during his sophomore year at Arizona State University in 1966, breaking team records and garnering national attention from scouts.
1966: Reggie Jackson Drafted by the Kansas City Athletics
The Kansas City Athletics selected Reggie Jackson as the second overall pick in the 1966 Major League Baseball draft.
1967: Reggie Jackson Joins the Birmingham A's and Faces Racial Challenges
In 1967, Reggie Jackson played for the Birmingham A's in the Double-A Southern League, where he navigated the challenges of being one of the few black players on the team, receiving support from manager John McNamara.
1968: Athletics Move West to Oakland
The Athletics franchise relocated from Kansas City to Oakland before the start of the 1968 season.
1969: Reggie Jackson's 47 Home Run Season
Reggie Jackson hit 47 home runs in the 1969 season, putting him on pace to challenge the single-season home run records of Babe Ruth and Roger Maris.
1969: Oakland Oaks Win ABA Championship
The Oakland Oaks basketball team won the American Basketball Association (ABA) championship in 1969, marking an early championship for the Bay Area.
May 1970: Charlie Finley's Threat and Reggie Jackson's Response
During a slump in May 1970, Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley threatened to send Reggie Jackson to the minor leagues. Jackson finished the season with 23 home runs and a .237 batting average.
1970: End of an Era
The year 1970 marked the end of a period where the Oakland Athletics did not make it to the ALCS, signifying a shift in the team's dominance.
1971: Athletics Win First Division Title Since 1931
The Oakland Athletics, with Reggie Jackson, won the American League West division title in 1971, marking their first title since 1931.
1972: Previous Playoff Encounter
In 1972, Billy Martin, then manager of the Detroit Tigers, experienced firsthand the competitive spirit of Reggie Jackson's Oakland Athletics during a playoff series.
1972: George Steinbrenner's Campaign-Finance Violation
In 1972, George Steinbrenner, the owner of the New York Yankees, was involved in a violation of campaign-finance laws.
1972: Reggie Jackson's Mustache and "Mustache Day"
Reggie Jackson's decision to grow a mustache during spring training in 1972 led to Athletics owner Charlie Finley offering bonuses to players who grew mustaches and even hosting a "Mustache Day" at the ballpark.
1972: Athletics Secure Second Consecutive Division Title
The Oakland Athletics clinched their second straight division title in 1972 after a closely contested series against the Detroit Tigers.
1972: Oakland Athletics Begin Championship Streak
The Oakland Athletics, with Reggie Jackson, won the first of five consecutive American League West divisional titles in 1972.
1973: Regular Season and World Series MVP
Reggie Jackson won both the regular season and World Series MVP awards in 1973.
1973: Winning the MVP award
Reggie Jackson won the MVP award in 1973, but it was destroyed in a fire at his home in 1976.
1973: Divorce from Jennie Campos
Reggie Jackson and Jennie Campos divorced in 1973. They had met during Jackson's freshman year at Arizona State and faced racial prejudice due to their interracial relationship.
1973: Reggie Jackson Wins American League MVP Award
Reggie Jackson received the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 1973.
1973: AL MVP and World Series Championship
In 1973, Reggie Jackson was named the American League's Most Valuable Player and led the Oakland Athletics to victory against the New York Mets in the World Series, where he was also named MVP.
February 1974: Salary Arbitration Win and Clubhouse Fight
Reggie Jackson successfully doubled his salary to $135,000 through arbitration in February 1974. However, a clubhouse fight in June with teammate Billy North resulted in an injury for Jackson and a severe injury for Ray Fosse who tried to intervene. Despite this, the A's went on to win their third consecutive World Series.
1974: Oakland Athletics Achieve Three Consecutive World Series Titles
In 1974, Reggie Jackson and the Oakland Athletics secured their third consecutive World Series title.
1974: Third Consecutive World Series Championship with Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics, led by Reggie Jackson, continued their winning streak in 1974, securing their third consecutive World Series title by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers.
1975: Salary Dispute and Holdout
In 1975, Reggie Jackson, earning $140,000, was one of nine Oakland Athletics players who refused to sign contracts for the following season. He sought a three-year, $600,000 deal, leading to a contract standoff.
1975: Salary Dispute, Division Title, and ALCS Loss
Reggie Jackson's request for a $168,000 salary in 1975 was denied in arbitration, leading him to settle for $140,000. The Oakland Athletics won their division but were swept by the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS, marking the end of their championship streak.
April 2, 1976: Trade to the Baltimore Orioles
Amidst contract disputes and the advent of free agency, Reggie Jackson was traded to the Baltimore Orioles on April 2, 1976, after refusing to sign a contract with the Oakland Athletics.
June 20, 1976: First Fire at Oakland Home
On June 20, 1976, a fire at Reggie Jackson's Oakland home destroyed his 1973 MVP award, World Series trophies, and All-Star rings.
1976: World Series Sweep and Signing with the Yankees
The New York Yankees, despite winning the pennant, were swept by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1976 World Series. Later that year, they signed Reggie Jackson to a five-year, $2.96 million contract.
1976: The Candy Bar Prophecy
While playing for the Baltimore Orioles in 1976, Reggie Jackson jokingly remarked that if he played in New York, they would name a candy bar after him, a prediction that came true two years later with the "Reggie!" bar.
1976: Hiring of Bob Lemon
In 1976, the New York Yankees hired Bob Lemon, a Hall of Fame pitcher, as their manager. Lemon had previously played for the Cleveland Indians and served as a coach for the Yankees during their pennant-winning season in 1976.
1976: ABC Sports Commentator and Reporter
Before joining the Yankees in the fall of 1976, Reggie Jackson worked for ABC Sports as a field reporter and color commentator.
June 1977: The "Straw that Stirs the Drink" Controversy
An interview published in June 1977 by SPORT magazine ignited controversy when Reggie Jackson was quoted, possibly out of context, comparing himself to "the straw that stirs the drink" on the Yankees, seemingly downplaying Thurman Munson's contributions.
July 1977: Strained Relationships
Following the "straw that stirs the drink" controversy, relationships between Reggie Jackson and his teammates, especially Thurman Munson, as well as manager Billy Martin and owner George Steinbrenner, became increasingly strained.
July 19, 1977: Incident in Yankee Stadium Parking Lot
On July 19, 1977, following the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, Reggie Jackson was confronted by several teens while signing autographs. The situation escalated when one made an offensive remark about Jackson's mother, leading to a chase. A teen later claimed that Jackson harassed him, resulting in a criminal complaint despite Jackson's denial and a judge's reluctance. The incident highlighted the challenges Jackson faced even off the field.
1977: The Number 44
In 1977, unable to wear his previous numbers (9 and 42) due to them being taken or reserved, Reggie Jackson chose to wear number 44 as a tribute to the recently retired Hank Aaron.
1977: World Series MVP and Record-Breaking Performance
In the 1977 World Series, Reggie Jackson's performance was legendary. He hit three home runs in Game Six, becoming the first player to win the World Series MVP award for two teams. His five home runs in the series remain a record, tied by Chase Utley in 2009 and George Springer in 2017.
1977: Reggie Jackson's Three Home Runs in Game Six of the World Series
Reggie Jackson hit three consecutive home runs for the New York Yankees in the decisive Game Six of the 1977 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
1977: A Difficult Start with the Yankees
Reggie Jackson's first season with the New York Yankees in 1977 was marked by tension, particularly with manager Billy Martin, who had a history with Jackson from their time on opposing teams.
1977: Reggie Jackson Wins Babe Ruth Award
In 1977, Reggie Jackson was honored with the Babe Ruth Award.
1978: The "Reggie!" Bar Debut
During the Yankees' home opener in 1978, a new candy bar called "Reggie!" was introduced in honor of Reggie Jackson. The candy bar, originally called the "Wayne Bun," was thrown onto the field by fans after Jackson hit a home run, initially confusing him.
1978: Back-to-Back World Series Titles for the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees, led by Reggie Jackson, won back-to-back World Series titles in 1977 and 1978.
April 19, 1979: The Bronx Zoo Incident
On April 19, 1979, a fight broke out between New York Yankee players Cliff Johnson and Goose Gossage. The altercation was instigated by Reggie Jackson's teasing of Johnson and resulted in a serious injury for Gossage, impacting the team's performance.
1979: Guest Appearances on "Diff'rent Strokes" and "The Love Boat"
In 1979, Reggie Jackson made guest appearances as himself on the television sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" and an episode of "The Love Boat."
1979: Willie Stargell Ties World Series Record
In 1979, Willie Stargell tied Babe Ruth's World Series record for most total bases in a single World Series, highlighting his own place in baseball history.
June 1, 1980: Attempted Shooting After Home Game
On June 1, 1980, after hitting a game-winning home run, Reggie Jackson was subjected to racial slurs and a broken bottle thrown at his car in Manhattan's Upper East Side.
August 12, 1980: Accosted Outside 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 Manhattan. A man pointed a gun at him, but Jackson defended himself and escaped.
1980: First Silver Slugger Award and ALCS Loss
Reggie Jackson hit .300 for the first and only time in his career in 1980. He also tied for the American League lead with 41 home runs and won the inaugural Silver Slugger Award as a designated hitter. However, the Yankees were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS.
1981: Signing with the California Angels
After becoming a free agent in 1981, Reggie Jackson signed a five-year contract with the California Angels, owned by Gene Autry, fulfilling his desire to return to California.
1981: Host of "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 Dispute and ALCS Injury
In 1981, Reggie Jackson experienced tension with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner over a contract renewal. Despite a strong season and contributions to the Yankees' pennant win, Jackson was injured during the ALCS and missed crucial games in the World Series.
April 27, 1982: Homecoming Homer and Fan Sentiment
On April 27, 1982, in his first game back at Yankee Stadium as an Angel, Jackson hit a home run off former teammate Ron Guidry. The event highlighted the fans' lingering affection for Jackson and their disapproval of Steinbrenner's decision to let him go.
1982: Guest Appearance on "Archie Bunker's Place"
Reggie Jackson appeared as himself in the "Archie Bunker's Place" episode "Reggie-3 Archie-0" in 1982.
1982: California Angels Win First AL West Divisional Title with Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson joined the California Angels and helped them secure their first AL West divisional title in 1982.
1983: World Series Trophy Presentation
Reggie Jackson presided over the World Series Trophy presentations in 1983, 1985, and 1987.
September 17, 1984: 500th Home Run
On September 17, 1984, the 17th anniversary of his first career home run, Reggie Jackson hit his 500th home run off Bud Black of the Kansas City Royals at Anaheim Stadium.
1984: National League Championship Series Commentator
Reggie Jackson provided color commentary for the 1984 National League Championship Series alongside Don Drysdale and Earl Weaver.
March 22, 1985: Harassment After Exhibition Game
Following a California Angels exhibition victory on March 22, 1985, a man who had been heckling Reggie Jackson continued to harass him in the parking lot, leading to a confrontation.
March 30, 1985: Confrontation at Gene Autry Hotel
On March 30, 1985, Reggie Jackson encountered two men drinking and driving on the grounds of the Gene Autry Hotel. After he warned them, they harassed him with racial slurs and threats, leading to an altercation.
1985: Guest Appearance on "The Jeffersons"
Reggie Jackson appeared in "The Jeffersons" episode "The Unnatural" in 1985.
1985: World Series Trophy Presentation
Reggie Jackson presided over the World Series Trophy presentations in 1983, 1985, and 1987.
1986: California Angels Secure Second AL West Divisional Title with Reggie Jackson
In 1986, the California Angels, with Reggie Jackson on the team, won their second AL West divisional title.
1986: Second AL West Title with the Angels
Reggie Jackson and the California Angels won the American League West title for the second time in 1986. However, they lost in the AL Championship Series.
1987: World Series Trophy Presentation
Reggie Jackson presided over the World Series Trophy presentations in 1983, 1985, and 1987.
1987: Retirement
Reggie Jackson returned to the Oakland A's for his final season in Major League Baseball in 1987, retiring at age 41. His final at-bat was a broken-bat single.
1988: Warehouse Fire Destroys Car Collection
A 1988 fire damaged a warehouse housing Reggie Jackson's collectible cars, ruining several vehicles valued at $3.2 million (approximately $8 million in 2022).
1988: American League Championship Series Commentator
After retiring as a player, Reggie Jackson returned to color commentary for the 1988 American League Championship Series with Gary Bender and Joe Morgan.
1988: Release of "Reggie Jackson Baseball" Video Game
The Sega Master System baseball video game "Reggie Jackson Baseball," endorsed by Jackson, was released in 1988, known as "American Baseball" outside the United States.
1990: Spokesperson for Upper Deck Company
Reggie Jackson served as the de facto spokesperson for the Upper Deck Company in the early 1990s, appearing in advertisements and participating in the company's events.
1990: Guest Appearance on "MacGyver"
Reggie Jackson appeared in a 1990 episode of "MacGyver" titled "Squeeze Play."
1991: Fired by the Oakland Athletics
In 1991, Reggie Jackson was unceremoniously fired from a coaching position by the Oakland Athletics. This event influenced his later decision to wear a Yankees cap on his Hall of Fame plaque.
1991: Second Fire at Oakland Home
Reggie Jackson's Oakland home was destroyed again in the 1991 Oakland firestorm, resulting in the loss of more baseball memorabilia and valuable collections.
August 14, 1993: Yankees Retire Jackson's Number
On August 14, 1993, shortly after his induction into the Hall of Fame, the Yankees retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number 44. This honor marked a significant recognition of his contributions to the team.
1993: Induction into Hall of Fame
In 1993, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite his long career with the Oakland Athletics, Jackson chose to wear a Yankees cap on his Hall of Fame plaque due to his firing from a coaching position with the Athletics in 1991. This decision reflected his complicated relationships with his former teams.
1993: Induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1993, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
1999: Named Among Greatest Baseball Players
In 1999, Reggie Jackson was named 48th on the Sporting News' 100 Greatest Baseball Players list. He was also named one of the 100 finalists for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team, although he was not among the 30 players chosen by fans. This recognition underscored his lasting impact on the sport.
July 6, 2002: Yankees Dedicate Plaque to Jackson
On July 6, 2002, the Yankees dedicated a plaque in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium to Reggie Jackson. The plaque honored him as one of the most colorful and exciting players of his era and noted his ability to excel in pressure situations. The dedication ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including players Jackson admired growing up.
2002: Failed Attempt to Purchase the Angels
In the winter of 2002, Reggie Jackson and his group of investors attempted to purchase the Angels but were outbid by billionaire Arturo Moreno. This event marked one of Jackson's challenges in his post-playing career as he sought to become a team owner.
May 22, 2004: Athletics Retire Jackson's Number
On May 22, 2004, the Oakland Athletics retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number 9. Jackson became one of only ten MLB players to have their numbers retired by more than one team.
2004: Guest Appearance on "Malcolm in the Middle"
Reggie Jackson appeared in the "Malcolm in the Middle" episode "Polly in the Middle" in 2004.
2004: Oakland Athletics Retire Reggie Jackson's Number
The Oakland Athletics retired Reggie Jackson's uniform number in 2004.
2005: Car Accident in Tampa
In 2005, Reggie Jackson's car was rear-ended and flipped multiple times in Tampa. He escaped with minor injuries, attributing his survival to "God tapping me on the shoulder."
2007: ESPN Miniseries 'The Bronx Is Burning'
In 2007, ESPN aired 'The Bronx Is Burning,' a miniseries about the 1977 Yankees that featured Reggie Jackson, portrayed by Daniel Sunjata, as a central character. The series upset Jackson, who felt he was portrayed inaccurately and expressed frustration over not being consulted during its production.
2008: Ceremonial First Pitch at Yankee Stadium
In 2008, Reggie Jackson threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Yankees' opening-day game, which was the last at the original Yankee Stadium. He also had the honor of throwing the first pitch at the first game in the new Yankee Stadium during an exhibition game.
October 9, 2009: Ceremonial Pitch at ALDS Game
On October 9, 2009, Reggie Jackson threw the ceremonial opening pitch at Game 2 of the American League Division Series between the Yankees and the Minnesota Twins, marking another significant moment in his post-playing career.
2009: Chase Utley Ties Home Run Record
Philadelphia Phillies player Chase Utley tied Reggie Jackson's record for most home runs in a single World Series in 2009, solidifying his place among baseball's elite sluggers.
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, celebrating his contributions to baseball and his lasting legacy in New York.
2010: Co-Authorship of "Sixty-Feet Six-Inches"
Reggie Jackson co-authored the book "Sixty-Feet Six-Inches" with fellow Hall of Famer Bob Gibson in 2010, detailing their careers and perspectives on baseball.
July 2012: Controversial Interview with Sports Illustrated
In a July 2012 interview with Sports Illustrated, Reggie Jackson criticized the Baseball Writers' Association of America for lowering Hall of Fame standards and expressed his views on players linked to performance-enhancing drugs, including Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees subsequently told Jackson to avoid the team temporarily, leading to public clarification from both Jackson and the team's general manager.
2014: Surpassed in Golden Sombreros
Reggie Jackson, who held the record for most Golden Sombreros (at least four strikeouts in a game) with 23, was surpassed by Ryan Howard in 2014.
2017: George Springer Ties Home Run Record
In 2017, George Springer of the Houston Astros equaled Reggie Jackson's record for most home runs in a single World Series, demonstrating his exceptional hitting prowess on the biggest stage.
September 5, 2018: Induction into Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame
On September 5, 2018, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the newly established Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame. He joined fellow inductees Rickey Henderson, Dave Stewart, Dennis Eckersley, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers, recognizing his significant contributions to the team.
May 12, 2021: Joining the Houston Astros
Reggie Jackson joined the Houston Astros on May 12, 2021 as a special advisor to owner Jim Crane, focusing on community support and outreach.
2022: World Series Championship with the Astros
The Houston Astros won the World Series in 2022, marking the first championship season for Reggie Jackson as a member of the organization.
2022: Houston Astros Win World Series with Reggie Jackson as Advisor
The Houston Astros, with Reggie Jackson serving as a special advisor, won the World Series in 2022.