On August 1, 1993, on a steamy Sunday in Cooperstown, New York, 1964 Cheltenham High School graduate Reggie Martinez Jackson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame before an overflow crowd that included his parents, Martinez and Clara, and his Cheltenham High football coach John Kracsun.

According to local historian Chuck Langerman, Jackson is an intelligent, outspoken, and often controversial figure who was highly recognizable, whether it be for his famous left-handed swing or his candy bar.

He hit hard, ran fast, and in a career that spanned 20 seasons, he became a positive role model for area youth.

The Wyncote native was an inspiration that a baseball player could be respected, successful, and clout 563 home runs without the aid of anabolic steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. He was one of the most colorful and exciting players of his era, and a prolific hitter who thrived in pressure situations.

His ability to shine in post-season play, earned the 1964 CHS grad the nickname “Mr. October” and made him a living legend, a Baseball Hall of Famer, and last but certainly not least, a Cheltenham High School Alumni Association Hall of Famer.

For more Jackon’s induction, you can read the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s article. You can also watch this Youtube video of his acceptance speech:

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