Reggie Jackson: New York Yankees Pushing Away Mr. October Is Disrespectful
July 10, 2012 · Ryan Rudnansky · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Reggie Jackson, aka “Mr. October,” has 563 career home runs. He helped the New York Yankees win two World Series championships. Frankly, he has the right to say whatever he wants.
Jackson, who earned his nickname in the playoffs of 1977 and 1978, recently questioned Alex Rodriguez‘s numbers after Rodriguez admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs in his career.
Now the Yankees have requested that Jackson stay away from the franchise indefinitely, via USA Today.
What a bunch of baloney.
Jackson has a right to question Rodriguez’s numbers, and he has a right to say Hank Aaron is the real home run king over Barry Bonds. He said as much in the most recent Sports Illustrated issue.
As far as we know, Jackson didn’t use PEDs, so it’s perfectly within his boundaries to question not only Rodriguez, but the integrity of the sport today (and, no, we haven’t completely moved away from the Steroid Era). If Jackson hit 563 home runs without the aid of an illegal substance, you can’t exactly blame him for speaking up about Rodriguez, or any other alleged PED user ahead of him on the all-time home run list (Jackson ranks 13th overall).
And while Jackson’s comments about A-Rod did place the Yankees in a negative light, the Yankees appear to be inexplicably underestimating the impact Jackson made for the organization. After all, how many World Series rings do the Yankees have with Rodriguez on the team? I’ll give you a hint: It’s less than two.
In six games in the 1977 World Series, Jackson hit .450 with five home runs and eight RBI, per BaseballReference.com. He was the World Series MVP that year.
In six games in the 1978 World Series, Jackson batted .391 with two home runs and eight RBI. Mr. October, indeed.
In seven postseasons with the Yankees, Rodriguez has essentially had two good showings: in 2004 and in the 2009 title year.
If the Yankees should be taking anyone’s side, they should be taking Jackson’s. Jackson led them to two titles and he didn’t disgrace the organization by taking PEDs.
Instead, they continue to hide from the truth and dismiss anyone—including Jackson—who doesn’t paint a glowing picture of the franchise.
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