The MLB world continues to mourn the passing of San Francisco Giants legend Willie Mays. Mays inspired countless athletes, including former Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees star Reggie Jackson. Jackson and Mays played in a challenging period when discrimination was more outright. Jackson reflected on the harsh reality of enduring racism amid his return to Rickwood Field, America's oldest ballpark.

Rickwood Field holds significance outside of its old age. The park was the blooming place of many MLB legends who started their careers in the previously established Negro League. Stars like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron had many iconic moments on the field. Babe Ruth even appeared at the park during his professional come-up.

Reggie Jackson played in the historic park during his time with the Athletics' minor league team. Jackson shared a powerful story when returned to the park for the 2024 Giants-St. Louis Cardinals game.

“Coming back here is not easy. The racism when I played here, the difficulty of going different places when we traveled… fortunately I had managers and players on the team who helped me get through it. But I wouldn't wish it upon anybody,” Jackson shared, via Foul Territory TV.

Jackson revealed that some speculated his experiences helped him grow stronger, but the former star said he would not want anyone to experience what he experienced. He recalled times when he would go to restaurants and was told he could not dine due to the color of his skin.

Furthermore, Jackson expressed gratitude for the managers and friends who stood by him during the trying times. Most notably, he thanked former Athletics manager John McNamara for being accommodating and standing up for him. Jackson's recollection is an eye-opening story that provides valuable insight into the challenging times athletes of past eras faced.

Reflecting upon the career of Reggie Jackson

Jackson started his career with the Kansas City Athletics in 1968 (later turned Oakland Athletics). He spent nine seasons with the club before joining the Baltimore Orioles in 1976. One year later, Jackson departed Baltimore for the Yankees, where he spent five seasons. Then, he played for the California (later Los Angeles) Angels for five years. Finally, he finished his professional tenure with the Athletics in 1987.

By the time his career was over, Jackson amassed 14 All-Star honors, an MVP award, and was a member of five World Series champion teams, per BaseballReference.com. In addition, Jackson won two Willie Mays World Series MVP honors.

Jackson's story is incredible, and the legacy he and countless other past MLB stars left will continue to be admired.