Reginald Martinez “Reggie” Jackson (May 18, 1946-) leads Major League Baseball in career strikeouts with 2,597 despite hitting 563 home runs and winning five World Series titles. He played 21 seasons with the Kansas City/Oakland A’s (1967-1975, 1987), Baltimore Orioles (1976), New York Yankees (1977-1981) and the California Angels (1982-1986). Reggie earned the title “Mr. October” after Game Six of the 1977 World Series when he enjoyed a three-homer night capping off the Yankees series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 27 World Series Games, Jackson amassed 10 home runs, 24 RBI and a .357 batting average. The 14-time All-Star was the 1973 American League Most Valuable Player, won five World Series titles (1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978) and was the MVP for two of Fall Classics (1973, 1977). Clashes with management seemed to follow the feared slugger wherever he went, but so did success at the plate. Reggie led the league in home runs four times and slugging percentage three times. Reggie Jackson retired with 2,584 hits, 1,551 runs scored, 1,702 RBI 563 home runs and 228 stolen bases while batting .262 over his 21-year career. Reginald Martinez “Reggie” Jackson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Douglas Lee Rader (July 30, 1944-) was known as a defensive guru at third base for 11 years in the Major Leagues and was awarded by earning five straight National League Gold Gloves (1970-1974) with the Houston Astros. The Astros signed Doug as a free agent in 1965 and he made his Major League debut in 1967. After a year backing up Bob Aspromonte at third, he earned the starting job in 1968. Known as Red or the Rooster for his freckled face and bright red hair, Rader also possessed power from the right side of the plate hitting 15 or more home runs five times and twice topping the 20-HR mark. His best year came in 1973 when he provided 146 hits including 26 doubles and 21 home runs, scored 79 runs and drove in 90 more while batting a mere .237. He was the National League’s best defensive third baseman for five years running and twice led in putouts, assists, double plays and fielding percentage by a third bagger. During his 11-year career, he played third for the Astros (1967-1975), the San Diego Padres (1976-1977) and the Toronto Blue Jays (1977). Doug Rader finished his career with 1,302 hits, 631 runs and 722 RBI while posting a paltry .251 batting average. After retiring as a player, Rader managed the Texas Rangers (1983-1985), the Chicago White Sox (1986 – 2 games) and the California Angels (1989-1991) and compiled a 155-200 record in 356 games managed.
