Roy Lee Jackson facts for kids

Roy Lee Jackson is a former American professional baseball pitcher. He was born on May 1, 1954. Roy played for four different teams during his 10 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). These teams included the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, and Minnesota Twins.

Roy Jackson's Early Life and Baseball Start

Roy Jackson was born in Opelika, Alabama. After finishing Opelika High School, the Houston Astros baseball team chose him in the 1972 MLB draft. However, Roy decided not to sign with them. Instead, he chose to go to Tuskegee University.

After playing for the Tuskegee Golden Tigers college baseball team for three years, he signed with the New York Mets. He joined the Mets as a free agent, meaning he was not drafted but could sign with any team.

Playing for the New York Mets

Roy Jackson spent three seasons playing in the Mets' minor league system. He had a good record, winning 28 games and losing 21. His earned run average (ERA) was 3.09, which is quite good for a pitcher.

In 1977, he was called up to the major leagues in September. This is often called a "September call-up." In his first MLB game against the Montreal Expos, he pitched 5.2 innings. He allowed three earned runs, but the game ended with no decision for him. He made four starts that season, losing two games to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Roy continued to get September call-ups in 1978 and 1979. In 1979, he started pitching more in relief roles. He earned his first major league win against the Cardinals that year.

In 1980, Roy played about half the season in the major leagues. On July 19, he pitched his only career complete game victory. This means he pitched the entire game by himself. He also got his only career extra base hit in that game. After losing his next four starts, he moved to the bullpen as a relief pitcher. On September 13, he earned his first career save against the Chicago Cubs. A save happens when a relief pitcher finishes a close game without giving up the lead. After the 1980 season, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Time with the Toronto Blue Jays

Roy Jackson's first full season in the majors was 1981. He pitched only as a relief pitcher for the Blue Jays. On April 13, he entered a game with the bases loaded and one out. He got a double play to end the inning and then pitched a scoreless ninth inning for a save.

The 1981 season was interrupted by a strike. When games started again, Roy became a very reliable pitcher for manager Bobby Mattick. He allowed only three runs in 17.2 innings pitched and earned five saves. He led the Blue Jays' relief pitchers with 62 innings pitched and a 2.61 ERA. He had seven saves, which was the second-highest on the team.

Roy continued to pitch well in 1982. He pitched two extra innings in the second game of the season to earn a win. On May 30, he and Jim Gott combined to pitch a one-hit shutout against the Baltimore Orioles. This game was also the start of Cal Ripken's amazing streak of 2,632 consecutive games played. On September 28, Roy pitched five innings without allowing a hit against the Minnesota Twins. He finished the season with 8 wins and 6 saves as a reliever. His 2.55 ERA in 88.1 innings was the best among Blue Jays relievers. He also had career highs with 97 total innings pitched and 71 strikeouts.

In 1983, Roy had his best season for wins, going 8-3. In 1984, he had a career-high ten saves. In both seasons, he pitched the most innings among the Blue Jays' relief pitchers. Despite his good performance, the Blue Jays released him during Spring training in 1985.

Playing for the San Diego Padres

After leaving the Blue Jays, Roy Jackson signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched well for their minor league team, the Rochester Red Wings. He was then traded to the San Diego Padres.

After a few games in the minor leagues for the Padres, Roy was back in the majors. He had 2 wins and 3 losses with a 2.70 ERA. He also won his first start in two years, pitching five innings against his old team, the Mets.

Time with the Minnesota Twins

The Padres released Roy Jackson the next spring, and he signed with the Minnesota Twins. He played one season in Minnesota, earning one win and one save. He later signed with the Brewers in 1987 and made a few appearances in the minor leagues before he retired from baseball.

Roy Jackson's Career Stats

Roy Jackson is also a talented singer. He has performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "O Canada" before baseball games. His 1984 Fleer Baseball Card shows him singing one of these anthems. Today, he is a pastor at the New Creation Service Center in Opelika.