OCTOBER 18, 1977 – THE BRONX, NEW YORK | Reggie Jackson forever became “Mr. October” on this date in 1977. It was game 6 of the World Series; Yankees against Dodgers; New York against Los Angeles; the biggest stage; the two biggest television markets.
In the fourth inning, Yankee right-fielder Reggie Jackson hit Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Burt Hooton‘s 1st pitch into the right-field seats for a two-run homer. The next inning, Jackson hit Elias Sosa‘s 1st pitch to almost the same spot for 2 more runs. In the eighth inning, Jackson hit Dodger pitcher Charlie Hough‘s 1st pitch into the center-field bleachers.
Which was more amazing? Hitting 3 home runs in one World Series game? Hitting each one on the first pitch? Hitting each one off different pitchers? Or, hitting the third one 475 feet into the hitting-backdrop bleachers?
The Yankees won the game 8-4 and the Series 4 games to 2. The last player to hit 3 home runs in a World Series game before Jackson? Babe Ruth, who did it twice. Albert Pujols (2011) and Pablo Sandoval (2012) have done it since.
Contributing Sources:
1977 World Series game 6 box score/play-by-play
Reggie Jackson: Baseball Hall of Fame
Sports Illustrated Greatest Teams, By Tim Crothers, 1998
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