Reginald Martinez Jackson, born May 18, 1946, is a former MLB right fielder who played 21 seasons for the Athletics, Orioles, Yankees, and Angels. Known as “Mr. October” for his clutch postseason performances, Jackson helped Oakland win three consecutive World Series titles (1972-1974) and the Yankees secure back-to-back championships in 1977 and 1978.
He hit 563 career home runs, earned 14 All-Star selections, and won multiple awards, including the AL MVP in 1973. Jackson is now a special advisor to the Houston Astros, celebrating a sixth championship with their 2022 World Series win.
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Reggie Jackson Net Worth
Reggie Jackson has a net worth of $20 million and has owned several notable properties, primarily on the West Coast. In 1988, a fire ravaged his Oakland home and a nearby warehouse, destroying his $3.2 million car collection. He also owns homes in Carmel and Newport Beach, California.
Early life
Reginald Martinez “Reggie” Jackson, born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, was the youngest of four children. His father, Martinez Jackson, was a Puerto Rican former Negro league second baseman and tailor. After his parents’ divorce when Reggie was six, he lived with his mother and siblings.
At Cheltenham High School, Jackson excelled in sports, despite a serious football injury that led to a hospital stay and possible paralysis. On the baseball team, he batted .550 and threw no-hitters. During his senior year, his father was jailed for bootlegging.
Career
After graduating, Reggie Jackson was drafted 2nd overall by the Kansas City Athletics in 1966 and made his MLB debut in June 1967. His career soared as he hit 47 home runs in 1969, briefly surpassing Babe Ruth‘s 1927 pace. Jackson was instrumental in the Athletics’ success, earning the 1973 MVP award.
He later played for the Yankees (1977-1981) and the Angels, where he hit his 500th home run in 1984. Jackson signed with the Athletics for his final season in 1987 and retired in 1988. His career included 563 home runs, six pennants, and five World Series titles.
Personal life
During his freshman year at Arizona State, Reggie Jackson met Jennie Campos, a Mexican-American. Despite opposition from an assistant coach due to racial differences, their relationship endured, and they married but divorced in 1973. They had a daughter, Kimberly, born in the early ’90s.
Jackson worked as a field reporter and commentator for ABC Sports during the off-season and appeared in several TV shows and films. He co-authored a book with Bob Gibson in 2010 and endorsed the Sega Master System game “Reggie Jackson Baseball.” Jackson faced multiple fires destroying memorabilia and had a car accident in 2005, which he interpreted as a spiritual sign.
Current Contract Payment
Reggie’s current 2-year contract with the Denver Nuggets totals $10,250,000. For the 2023-24 NBA season, he will earn a base salary of $5,000,000.
Conclusion
Reggie’s journey from Italy to NBA champion is one of dedication, adaptability, and perseverance. While he may not have reached the heights of an NBA superstar, his consistency and determination have cemented his place in the league as a reliable and valuable player.
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FAQs about Reggie Jackson:
- What position does Reggie play?
- Reggie Jackson primarily plays as a Point Guard or Shooting Guard.
- For which teams has Reggie played in the NBA?
- Reggie has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Denver Nuggets.
- When did Reggie win his first NBA championship?
- Reggie clinched his first NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals.
- Why is he nicknamed ‘Big Government’?
- The nickname emerged during his tenure with the Clippers, where fans believed his clutch performances were like a “government bailout” in essential games.
- How much is Reggie’s current contract worth with the Denver Nuggets?
- Reggie Jackson signed a 2-year contract with the Denver Nuggets, worth a total of $10,250,000.