Reggie Jackson’s return to Rickwood Field evoked painful memories of the racism he endured during his 1967 season with the Birmingham A’s, highlighting both his resilience and the support of his teammates.

Jackson's experience at Rickwood Field serves as a stark reminder of the severe racism he faced, including being denied service at restaurants and hotels, and receiving threats of arson. Supported by his manager and teammates who stood by him, Jackson managed to navigate the hostility of the era. His return coincided with an MLB tribute to the Negro Leagues and the legacy of Willie Mays, emphasizing both the progress made and the struggles that persist in the fight for racial equality.

In 1967, Reggie Jackson played for the Birmingham A's, a period marked by intense racial prejudice in Alabama. Jackson's time there was marred by numerous incidents of racism that left a lasting impact on him. Restaurants and hotels refused to serve him, often hurling racial slurs such as, 'a n***er can’t eat here' and 'a n***er can’t stay here.' His apartment complex even received threats of arson unless he vacated the premises.

Despite the hostile environment, Jackson found solace and support from his manager Johnny McNamara and his teammates, including Rollie Fingers, Dave Duncan, and Joe Rudy. Jackson specifically mentioned Joe Rudy's wife, Sharron, as a source of personal support. These individuals helped him navigate the overt racism that was prevalent at the time. Their solidarity was particularly evident during an incident at a welcome home dinner at A’s owner Charlie Finley’s country club. Jackson was initially refused entry because of his race, leading the entire team to leave the club in a show of unity and support for their teammate.

The racial climate in Birmingham during the 1960s was extremely volatile and violent. Jackson referenced the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, where four Black girls lost their lives. This tragic event underscored the dangers and the pervasive racism that Black residents of Birmingham faced on a daily basis.

Jackson's career, despite these early challenges, was nothing short of remarkable. He went on to become a Hall of Famer, inducted in 1993, largely thanks to his incredible achievements on the field. Jackson hit 563 home runs and earned the nickname 'Mr. October' for his exceptional performance in the World Series. His success story stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination to succeed despite the racism he faced.

Jackson's return to Rickwood Field was part of an MLB tribute to the Negro Leagues, aiming to honor the legacy of Black baseball players who paved the way for future generations. The tribute also commemorated Willie Mays, a baseball legend who recently passed away at the age of 93. This event was intended to reflect on the progress made in racial equality within baseball and beyond, and to acknowledge the ongoing struggles for justice and equality.

Reflecting on his difficult past at Rickwood Field, Jackson's presence at the tribute underscored the importance of remembering and understanding the history of racial discrimination in sports. It also highlighted how far both society and the sport have come while recognizing that there is still work to be done.

In the broader context, Jackson’s story is a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by Black athletes during a crucial era of civil rights struggles, proving that sports figures have long been entwined with the broader fight for equality.