Reggie Jackson, a 1964 Cheltenham High School graduate and a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, discussed his experiences with racism during an appearance on the Fox Sports pregame show on Thursday, June 20 at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
The game was played between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. Major League Baseball put on a showcase to highlight the accomplishments of players from the Negro Leagues.
Jackson was asked about his emotions returning to Birmingham, where he played for the Athletics’ AA team in 1967 before he was called up to the big leagues later that year. He credited Birmingham manager John McNamara for protecting his players.
His response is below:
“Coming back here is not easy… I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”
Powerful words from Reggie Jackson on the racism he went through at Rickwood Field.
(via @MLBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/H9sXKSAfkU
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 21, 2024
He also spoke about what it was like watching and playing against MLB legend Willie Mays:
“We all wanted to be like Willie. When one played against him, one got caught up in watching Willie. He was pure baseball, my all-time favorite. I loved the guy, I wanted to be like Willie.”
Reggie Jackson talks about Willie Mays and what made him want to be like Willie. pic.twitter.com/UrgY87lPFu
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 20, 2024
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Screengrab: Twitter