NEWSWEEK: How did prepare yourself for a World Series game?
Reggie Jackson: I looked it right in the eye for what it was. It is the biggest game of the year, it will change my career if we win a World Series. If I have success it will affect my image and my history and legacy. I did not look at being compared to Ruth or Gehrig or Mays, but I did want to be accepted within the corral of great players of the past. You had to have approval, and you could only earn that in big games, big events, playoffs, postseason. Postseason turns the tide for becoming a champion. I would be the first guy to say that there are players who are a whole hell of a lot better than me. But when it comes to postseason play, I would compare myself to any baseball player that ever played.
Did you have rituals before a big game?
I made sure that I didn’t get too much rest. If I got too much rest, I would lay awake and worry.
What would you think about?
The game. You just go over and over the game. You’re hyped up. I only needed four, five hours sleep. I would watch TV late. I [would listen to] upbeat music.
Any particular band?
The O’Jays, The Four Tops, The Beach Boys-things that got me in the mood.
When you were in the batter’s box, what would you tell yourself before a big at bat?
I had studied the opposition. I had gotten my rest. I was healthy. I knew I had the ability to perform at the highest level if I could get my mind out of the way. Get the cluttered thoughts out of the way and let the God-given talent flow….
What thoughts would clutter your mind?
“What kind of pitch am I going to get? Am I gonna have a good swing? Am I gonna be OK?” I didn’t worry about that. I knew I was going to have the barrel of the bat in the pay zone if the guy threw me a strike. And it didn’t matter if it was a fastball, changeup, curveball, slider. All I prayed for when I played in big games was, “Just throw me a strike, because I’m gonna have the barrel on time.” I trusted my God-given skills. I didn’t try to outthink myself.
Did you know that you were better than the pitcher?
I knew I could hit anybody in the postseason. Anybody. During the season, I had to catch it when my swing was right. But in postseason, I was going to have the right energy, I was gonna see the ball. And after I’d had a lot of success, I knew that I had an intimidation factor going. The most difficult time is the first time that Tiger wins the Masters, or the first time that Jordan wins the NBA championship. Once you do it, you have the intimidation factor going and people make more mistakes against you because you put pressure on them with your presence. Your footsteps become louder.
Did you enjoy the big games the most?
I found it was where I was most comfortable, because most other people were nervous. I knew that they were probably a little afraid. And sooner or later they were going to rush or make a mistake, and I wasn’t going to do that.
Is there anyone who intimidated you?
Not in the postseason. No.
Do you think people are born great? Or do they become great?
I think greatness is part of a lot of people. An athlete comes from [his or her] parents. [Tiger’s] swing came from mom and dad, that ability came from mom and dad. Tiger, the way he handles himself-he’s got tremendous character. Tremendous intensity. Tremendous desire to dominate. That comes from his parents. I believe greatness comes from your blood.
Talk a bit about the game in the ‘77 Series when you hit three home runs. What went through your head?
My focus was on closing out the World Series. I had an incredible batting practice. I could feel my swing driving, I knew everything was fine. I felt light-lots of spring and lots of energy. The writers were around. It was 10, 12 people deep around the batting cage. And if I had 60 swings, I hit 45 baseballs within a 75-foot radius in right centerfield. When I walked out of batting practice, I got a Standing O. It was unbelievable. I knew I was ready. The first time I was up, all I wanted was a ball to hit. And I got four balls. And the next time up, I just prayed, “Just please throw me a strike.” And I hit the ball out of the ballpark. Second time I prayed, “Just please throw me a strike.” And again the third time.
Was it something about the playoffs that made it harder to gear up? Your playoff numbers aren’t as good.
I always felt that there was a little more pressure in the playoffs. I didn’t focus as well during the playoffs. My mind seemed to be more free in the World Series. I had better command of my mental abilities.
What about Tiger impresses you?
What’s impressed me most about Tiger is the way he handles himself as a young man-a guy who has earned just a tenth of the fortune that he’s going to earn. His focus, the way he handles the media-some of the questions that they ask him, I know they’re boring and uncomfortable and not well thought out. But he’s managed to carry himself as a gentleman for the good of the game, the good of the fans.
When you look at him, do you say, “That part of his game really reminds me of this part of my game?”
He wants it all. You’re gonna see it all when you play him. It’s like [he’s saying]: “Get your rest at night. Have a good meal at night. Have a good breakfast. Kiss your wife and your baby goodbye. Because when you come out here today and see me, you’re gonna get all you want. Most of the time, you’re gonna get more than you want.”
