Just finished watching the Amazon documentary on “Mr. October” Reggie Jackson titled Reggie. In the documentary Reggie states that “he was just better than other guys after the first 120 games”. Reggie claimed he was stronger and had more energy. Did Mr. October live up to that statement?
Over the course of his career, Jackson played in 2,820 regular season games and had 10,584 plate appearances. He accumulated 2,584 hits, including 563 home runs, 1,702 runs batted in (RBIs), and a batting average of .262. He also had 228 stolen bases and scored 1,551 runs.
In the last 42 games of the regular season (August and September), Jackson played in 635 games and had 2,402 plate appearances. He accumulated 593 hits, including 117 home runs, 347 RBIs, and a batting average of .264. He also had 27 stolen bases and scored 389 runs.
In the postseason, Jackson played in 77 games and had 318 plate appearances. He had 81 hits, including 18 home runs, 48 RBIs, and a batting average of .278. He also had 10 stolen bases and scored 45 runs.
As for Jackson’s numbers over the first 120 games of the regular season, he played in 2,185 games and had 8,182 plate appearances. He accumulated 1,991 hits, including 446 home runs, 1,355 RBIs, and a batting average of .260. He also had 201 stolen bases and scored 1,139 runs.
In terms of comparing his numbers over the last 42 games of the season and the postseason to his numbers over the first 120 games of the season, it’s worth noting that Jackson’s performance tended to improve in clutch situations. For example, his career postseason batting average of .278 is higher than his career regular season batting average of .262. Similarly, his home run rate increased in the postseason, as he hit 18 home runs in 318 postseason plate appearances, compared to 563 home runs in 10,584 regular season plate appearances.
Looks like his title Mr. October is justified, the often-quotable Jackson was a favorite of the press. Here are ten of his greatest quotes:
1. “I’m the straw that stirs the drink.” – 1977
This quote caused controversy when Jackson made it during an interview with Sport Magazine, as he was a new player on the New York Yankees and was seen as being disrespectful to his teammates.
2. “I love New York. The fans have been great. They’ve been supportive of me since I got here.” – 1977
This quote was made by Jackson during his first year playing for the New York Yankees, and it was seen as an attempt to win over the team’s fans and media.
3. “If I played in New York, they’d name a candy bar after me.” – 1977
This quote, also made during his first year playing for the Yankees, became famous and was later used in an advertisement for a candy bar.
4. “I’m the greatest clutch hitter in the history of baseball.” – 1977
This boastful statement was made by Jackson during an interview with Sport Magazine, and it caused controversy and criticism from other players and fans.
5. “Fans don’t boo nobodies.” – 1978
Jackson made this statement in response to being booed by fans after a slump, and it has become a popular quote among athletes and fans alike.
6. “I am the king of clowns.” – 1980
This quote was made by Jackson during a dispute with teammate Billy Martin, who he accused of being a clown.
7. “I feel like a kid out there. Hey, I’m 40 years old, and I’m playing with guys half my age. But I feel like I’m 18 again.” – 1986
Jackson made this statement during his final season playing for the California Angels, and it was seen as a reflection of his enduring passion for the game.
8. “I didn’t come to New York to be a star, I brought my star with me.” – 1993
This quote was made by Jackson during a press conference announcing his return to the Yankees as a coach, and it was seen as a reminder of his enduring impact on the team and the city.
9. “You never know who’s watching. They may be for you or against you. But you have to play like someone is watching, because someone is.” – 2002
Jackson made this statement during an interview with The New York Times, and it has become a popular motivational quote for athletes and coaches.
10. “I don’t want to be Babe Ruth. He was a great ballplayer. I’m not trying to replace him. The record is there and damn right I want to break it, but that isn’t replacing Babe Ruth.” – 1973
This quote was made by Jackson during his first year playing for the Baltimore Orioles, and it was seen as a respectful acknowledgement of Ruth’s place in baseball history while also expressing his desire to achieve greatness.