Reggie Jackson, a Yankees Legend, Helps Astros Through October

Even before he joined the Astros, Jackson avidly watched their games. In the press elevator after Game 5 of the 2017 World Series — a tour de force by second baseman Jose Altuve — Crane proudly showed a text message from Jackson.

“Altuve, the best player in the game,” read the message. “Says who? Says Mr. October.”

Jackson was a Yankees adviser then, a role he had held since 1993, the year of his induction to the Hall of Fame, where an interlocking NY logo is etched on his plaque. Jackson was more influential at some points than others with the Yankees, but he was a regular presence in spring training, the postseason and at various points in between. He stepped back from the team after last season but remains on good terms.

Jackson played for four franchises in the era before interleague play — the Athletics, the Orioles, the Yankees and the Angels — and never even faced the Astros, who were in the National League at the time. Asked if it felt strange to be with them in October, and not with the Yankees, he paused.

“It feels good,” he said. “It feels good. It’s the right person, the right guy for me to be with.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/19/sports/baseball/reggie-jackson-houston-astros.html