Mike Jackson (right-handed pitcher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Jackson |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: December 22, 1964 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| August 11, 1986, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 29, 2004, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 62–67 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.42 | ||
| Strikeouts | 1,006 | ||
| Saves | 142 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Michael Ray Jackson (born December 22, 1964) is an American former professional baseball player. He played for 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Jackson was mostly a relief pitcher, which means he came into games after the starting pitcher.
He was known for his strong pitching, recording 1,006 strikeouts during his career. He also had 142 saves, which means he helped his team win many close games. Mike Jackson was 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and weighed 185 pounds (84 kg). He first played professionally in 1984. After dealing with arm injuries in the early 1990s, he became a top relief pitcher again. He even played in the 1997 World Series for the Cleveland Indians. Jackson retired from baseball in 2005.
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Early Life and Baseball Start
Mike Jackson was born in Houston, Texas, on December 22, 1964. He went to Forest Brook High School and later to Hill College.
Joining the Phillies
Jackson was first picked by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1983 Major League Baseball Draft. He didn't sign that year. But in 1984, the Phillies drafted him again, and he signed a contract.
He began playing minor league baseball for the Spartanburg Suns in 1984. He had a great start, with a low earned run average (ERA) of 2.68. He even showed he could hit well, with a .368 batting average.
In 1985, he played for the Peninsula Pilots. He started some games and came in as a reliever in others.
Major League Debut
In 1986, Jackson played in three different leagues. He played for the Reading Phillies and the Portland Beavers. Then, on August 11, 1986, he made his big debut for the Philadelphia Phillies in the Major Leagues. In his first game, he pitched a "perfect inning" against the New York Mets. This means he got three outs without anyone reaching base. He finished that season with a 3.38 ERA.
He played most of the 1987 season with the Phillies. In December 1987, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners.
Playing for the Mariners and Giants
Seattle Mariners (1988–1991)
From 1988 to 1991, Mike Jackson played for the Seattle Mariners. He was a very busy pitcher, playing in 62 games in 1988 and 65 games in 1989. He had a good ERA of 2.90 over these two seasons.
After four seasons with the Mariners, Jackson was traded to the San Francisco Giants. This trade was a big deal at the time.
San Francisco Giants (1992–1994)
Jackson joined the Giants in 1992. He played in 67 games that year, leading his team. He had 80 strikeouts and one save.
In 1993, he led all of Major League Baseball in games pitched, playing in 81 games! He also led the league in "holds," which means he kept his team's lead safe for the next pitcher.
The 1994 baseball season was shorter than usual because of a player strike. Even so, Jackson had an amazing year. He had a very low ERA of 1.49 and allowed very few hits. However, he had to miss some games due to tendinitis in his right elbow. After the season, he became a free agent.
Later Career and World Series Appearance
Cincinnati Reds (1995)
In 1995, Jackson signed with the Cincinnati Reds. He again faced some injuries, but when he played, he was excellent. He had a team-best 2.39 ERA.
Jackson and the Reds made it to the playoffs that year. They won the National League Divisional Series but lost the National League Championship Series to the Atlanta Braves.
Return to Seattle Mariners (1996)
In 1996, Jackson signed a new contract and returned to the Seattle Mariners. He continued to pitch well, getting almost nine strikeouts for every nine innings he pitched. After the season, the Mariners decided not to re-sign him because his new contract would be too expensive.
Cleveland Indians (1997–1999)
In 1997, Jackson signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Indians. He sometimes served as the team's closer, the pitcher who finishes the game.
The Indians had a great year in 1997 and made it to the playoffs. They won against the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. This led them to the World Series against the Florida Marlins. Jackson pitched well in the World Series, but the Indians lost in a very close series, four games to three.
In 1998, Jackson became the Indians' main closer. He recorded 40 saves, leading the team. The Indians made the playoffs again but were stopped by the New York Yankees.
Jackson finished 1999 with Cleveland, getting 39 saves. He reached his 100th career save on April 11. He also made his 800th career appearance on July 3. After the season, he became a free agent.
Final Seasons (2000–2004)
In 2000, Jackson signed with the Phillies again, but he couldn't pitch due to a shoulder injury. He had surgery to fix it.
He then signed with the Houston Astros in 2001. The Astros won their division and made the playoffs, but they lost to the Atlanta Braves. In 2002, Jackson joined the Minnesota Twins. He helped them reach the playoffs, but they lost in the American League Championship Series.
In 2003, Jackson signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks but was released before the season started. He didn't play that year.
His last professional season was in 2004 with the Chicago White Sox. He pitched in 46 games before being released in September.
Personal Life
Mike Jackson is married to Tammy Jackson. They have four children: Lindsay, Ryan, Amber, and Michael. In 2017, Jackson helped represent the Indians at the MLB draft.
See also
- Philadelphia Phillies all-time roster (I–J)
