Reggie Jackson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jackson was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics as the second overall pick in the 1966 Major League Baseball draft. He debuted in the major leagues with the A's in 1967. The Athletics moved west to Oakland prior to the 1968 season. Jackson hit a career-high 47 home runs in 1969, and was briefly ahead of the pace that Roger Maris set when he broke the single-season record for home runs with 61 in 1961. In 1971, the Athletics won the American League's West division, their first division title since the franchise's move to Oakland. The franchise had previously won the World Series in 1930 and the AL pennant in 1931, but the 1971 title marked their first postseason appearance in 40 years. They were swept in three games in the American League Championship Series by the Baltimore Orioles. The A's won the division again in 1972; their series with the Tigers went the full five games, and Mike Epstein scored the tying run in the clincher on a steal of home. In the process, however, Jackson tore a hamstring and was unable to play in the World Series. The A's still managed to defeat the Cincinnati Reds.

In Their Own Story

The air at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City is thick with anticipation. It's June 9, 1967, a Friday doubleheader. Jackson debuts in the major leagues with the A's in a shutout sweep of the Cleveland Indians by scores of 2–0 and 6–0. Jackson has his first career hit in the nightcap, a lead-off triple in the fifth inning off of long reliever Orlando Peña. The crowd roars, a mix of nervous energy and absolute faith. He taps the plate, eyes locked on the pitcher, waiting for that perfect pitch deep in the zone. As the ball leaves the hand, he unleashes a swing that echoes through the stadium, sending the leather sphere soaring over the right-field fence into the night sky.

Reader's Guide

Reggie Jackson was selected by the Kansas City Athletics as the second overall pick in the 1966 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the A's for $95,000 on June 13. He played for two Class A teams in 1966, with the Lewis-Clark Broncs for just 12 games, and then 56 games with Modesto in the California League, where he hit 21 homers. He began 1967 with the Birmingham A's in the Double-A Southern League in Birmingham, Alabama, being one of only a few black players on the team. He credits the team's manager at the time, John McNamara, for helping him through that difficult season. Jackson debuted in the major leagues with the A's in 1967. The Athletics moved west to Oakland prior to the 1968 season. Jackson hit a career-high 47 home runs in 1969. When Jackson slumped at the plate in May 1970, Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley threatened to send him to the minors. Jackson hit 23 home runs while batting .237 for the 1970 season. The Athletics sent him to play in Puerto Rico, where he played for the Santurce team and hit 20 homers and knocked in 47 runs to lead the league in both departments. Jackson hit a memorable home run in the 1971 All-Star Game at Tiger Stadium in Detroit. Batting for the American League against Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis, the ball he hit soared above the right-field stands, striking the transformer of a light standard on the right field roof. In 1971, the Athletics won the American League's West division. The A's won the division again in 1972; their series with the Tigers went the full five games, and Jackson scored the tying run in the clincher on a steal of home. In the process, however, he tore a hamstring and was unable to play in the World Series. The A's still managed to defeat the Cincinnati Reds.

Did You Know?

• Jackson was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics as the second overall pick in the 1966 Major League Baseball draft, behind 18-year-old catcher Steve Chilcott.
• Jackson hit a career-high 47 home runs in 1969, and was briefly ahead of the pace that Roger Maris set when he broke the single-season record for home runs with 61 in 1961.
• Jackson hit a memorable home run in the 1971 All-Star Game at Tiger Stadium, striking the transformer of a light standard on the right field roof.
• Mike Epstein scored the tying run in the clinching game of the 1972 ALCS on a steal of home, while Jackson tore a hamstring in the process and was unable to play in the World Series.
• Jackson holds the record for most career strikeouts by a batter.

Swingin' A's Dynasty

Reggie Jackson helped Oakland win five consecutive American League West divisional titles, three straight American League pennants and three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. Jackson was an American League (AL) All-Star for 14 seasons. He won the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 1973, and two World Series MVP Awards.

Franchise Evolution and Relocations

The source does not cover the franchise's evolution and relocations beyond the move from Kansas City to Oakland prior to the 1968 season.

Visual Identity and Uniform Innovations

The source does not cover visual identity and uniform innovations.

Historical Significance and Records

Jackson hit 563 career home runs and was an American League (AL) All-Star for 14 seasons. He won two Silver Slugger Awards, the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 1973, two World Series MVP Awards and the Babe Ruth Award in 1977. Jackson additionally holds the record for most career strikeouts by a batter. The Yankees retired his uniform number in 1993, and the Athletics retired it in 2004. Jackson currently serves as a special advisor to the Houston Astros, and a sixth championship associated with Jackson came with Houston's win in the 2022 World Series. Jackson led his teams to first place eleven times over his 21-year baseball career and had only two losing seasons.

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