Baseball honors Black history: Reggie Jackson reflects on racist past

Reggie Jackson recalls racist past in baseball as sport honors Black history. Emotional story highlights struggles faced by Black players.

Baseball legend Reggie Jackson shared a powerful and sobering reflection on Thursday, shedding light on the racism and discrimination Black players endured in the 1960s segregated South. On a day dedicated to celebrating African American history in baseball, a game took place in Birmingham, Alabama, where Jackson recounted the painful experiences of being denied service in restaurants and hotels due to his race.

During a live broadcast on Fox Sports before a game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field, Jackson, now 78, bravely shared his encounters with racism, highlighting the harsh reality faced by Black athletes during that time. He recalled being subjected to racial slurs and exclusion, emphasizing the deep wounds caused by such bigotry.

The game in Birmingham was a poignant tribute to Black players, coinciding with the Juneteenth holiday commemorating the end of slavery. The baseball community also mourned the recent passing of Willie Mays, a legendary player who once graced the fields of Birmingham in the Negro Leagues before integration.

Joined by fellow retired stars Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, and Derek Jeter on a panel discussion, Jackson expressed the emotional turmoil of returning to Birmingham, where he began his baseball career as a minor leaguer. Despite the challenges he faced, Jackson acknowledged the support of his white teammates who stood up against segregation, refusing to accept discriminatory practices and protecting him from harm.

Reflecting on the racial tensions of the era, Jackson recognized the courage of his teammates in standing by his side and preventing potential violence. He candidly admitted that without their intervention, his own actions could have led to disastrous consequences, alluding to the history of racial violence and lynching in the South.

As the baseball world continues to honor the contributions of Black athletes and confront its own history of discrimination, Jackson's words serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by pioneers like himself. His story underscores the importance of unity, resilience, and allyship in the fight against racism, both on and off the field.