Al Jackson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Al Jackson made his mark in baseball history during a career in the Major Leagues that stretched from 1959 to 1969. This left-handed pitcher from Waco, Texas, played for four teams, but most fans remember him best as a New York Met during those tough early years and their eventual rise.

Jackson wrapped up his career in 1969, making his final appearance in the majors that year. He missed out on the World Series championship after the Mets traded him to the Cincinnati Reds in June. His timing just never seemed to line up—he landed on teams right before or after their biggest moments.

Growing up as one of 13 kids in Texas, Jackson worked his way into the big leagues as both a starter and reliever. His journey through four organizations, including memorable seasons with the expansion Mets and a World Series appearance with the St. Louis Cardinals, really shows how unpredictable baseball can be. You need a lot of grit to stick around at the top level.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Al Jackson started his baseball journey in Waco, where he was born the youngest of 13 on December 26, 1935. He went from a high school standout to pitching at Wiley College, setting the stage for his future in the majors.

Childhood and High School

Alvin Neill Jackson was born in Waco, Texas, on December 26, 1935. As the 13th and last child in his family, he earned a nickname that followed him for years.

He attended Moore High School, where he first showed real promise on the mound. As a lefty, he started to build the skills that would eventually make him a solid starter for some pretty rough teams.

Growing up in such a big family shaped Jackson’s work ethic. Those humble beginnings taught him perseverance, which became a big part of his professional life.

Early Baseball Achievements

After Moore High, Jackson went to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. The historically black college gave him a shot to keep developing as a pitcher.

At Wiley, Jackson worked on his left-handed delivery and got valuable experience against college-level hitters. Scouts started to take notice of his potential as he improved.

He also played in the Mexican Baseball League for a while before turning pro. That stint exposed him to different styles of play and helped him get ready for the jump to professional ball.

Path to Professional Baseball

Jackson’s amateur career peaked when he signed as an amateur free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955. He was just 20 when he decided to go pro.

Signing with the Pirates ended his amateur days and started his climb through the minors. His time at Wiley College really prepared him for what came next.

The Pirates saw his value as a lefty pitcher, which is always in demand. Jackson had already shown he had the consistency and skill to become a dependable starter.

Major League Baseball Debut and Early Years

Al Jackson signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955 and worked his way up the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut on May 31, 1959, at just 23 years old.

MLB Debut with Pittsburgh Pirates

Jackson stepped onto a major league mound for the first time on May 31, 1959, facing the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched 3 innings, gave up 7 hits and 4 earned runs, struck out 1, and walked 1.

The young left-hander had spent several years developing in Pittsburgh’s farm system after signing in 1955 out of Wiley College.

He appeared in 8 games for Pittsburgh during his rookie season, throwing 18 innings in total. The numbers weren’t eye-popping, but he showed enough to stick around.

In those early years with Pittsburgh, Jackson didn’t get many chances. After his rookie season, he pitched in only 3 games for the Pirates in 1961. He actually missed the entire 1960 season, which was tough, especially since Pittsburgh won the World Series that year with Mazeroski’s famous homer.

Impact as a Left-Handed Pitcher

Jackson’s left-handed delivery made him valuable, especially in an era where teams really wanted southpaws. With his compact build, fans and broadcasters called him “Little Al Jackson.”

During his time in the minors, Jackson showed off great control. In 1958, he led the Western League with a 2.07 ERA pitching for Lincoln, Nebraska. He picked up 18 wins and tossed 230 innings that year.

He followed that up in 1959 with a strong showing in Columbus, going 15-4. That performance earned him his call-up to the Pirates.

Jackson didn’t rely on overpowering stuff. Instead, he focused on precision and used his lefty angle to keep hitters off balance. He became a reliable starter by outsmarting batters rather than blowing them away.

Development in the Minors

Jackson’s path to the majors really started when he signed with Pittsburgh in 1955. He spent four seasons working on his craft in the minors.

His breakout came in 1958 with Lincoln, where he led the league in ERA. That performance put him on Pittsburgh’s radar as a real prospect.

The next year in Columbus, he kept it up with a 15-4 record. Scouts liked his consistency and how he could pitch deep into games without losing effectiveness.

Jackson learned to pitch smart, using movement and location instead of just trying to throw hard. His minor league experience taught him how to get outs despite not being the biggest guy on the field.

By 1959, he’d shown he was ready for the majors. That year, he made his MLB debut and kicked off an 11-year big league career.

Tenure with the New York Mets

Al Jackson became one of the original 1962 New York Mets and set several franchise records during his time there. He pitched a legendary complete game that’s still the longest in MLB history and threw the first one-hitter in Mets history.

Becoming an Original Met

Jackson joined the Mets for their first season in 1962, coming over from the Pirates. As a lefty, he became part of baseball history as one of the team’s first players.

The Mets gave him his first regular shot in the majors. He’d only made brief appearances with Pittsburgh, but New York offered him a chance to start full-time.

The Mets picked Jackson to help build their pitching staff. At 5’10” and 169 pounds, fans and teammates started calling him “Little” Al Jackson.

Key Games and Records

Jackson pitched a complete game 3-1 loss to the Phillies on August 14, 1962. That game lasted 4 hours and 35 minutes, making it the longest complete game in Major League history.

On June 22, 1962, he threw a one-hitter against the Houston Colt .45s, which was the first one-hitter in Mets history. The only hit came in the first inning, off the bat of Joey Amalfitano.

He notched two memorable 1-0 shutout wins over Hall of Famer Bob Gibson—one on July 27, 1962, and another on October 2, 1964. Those were the Mets’ first two wins over Gibson between 1962 and 1966.

Role on 1962 Mets

Jackson started for the 1962 Mets and finished with an 8-20 record during their infamous season. The Mets ended up 40-120, still the most losses by any Major League team since the 19th century.

Even though the team struggled, Jackson brought some stability to the rotation. He regularly finished games and stayed durable through a rough season.

Those 20 losses weren’t just on him—the whole pitching staff had a hard time with the expansion roster. The 1962 Mets just couldn’t compete with the established teams in the National League.

Franchise Firsts and Milestones

Jackson set several early Mets franchise records between 1962-1965 and again in 1968-1969. His 43 wins for the Mets stood as the team record until Tom Seaver broke it in 1969.

He also set the early mark with 10 shutouts, another record Seaver later surpassed. Those shutouts showed Jackson could go the distance, even for a team that rarely won.

Key Mets Statistics:

• Wins: 43 (franchise record until 1969)
• Shutouts: 10 (franchise record until Seaver)
• Complete games: Several, including MLB’s longest

In July 2021, the Mets posthumously honored Jackson with their Hall of Fame Achievement Award for his 50 years of service to the franchise.

Later Playing Career and Final Season

Jackson finished his playing days moving from the Mets to contenders like St. Louis, where he picked up a World Series ring in 1967. He ended his career with a short stint in Cincinnati and retired at 33 in 1969.

Trade to St. Louis Cardinals

The Mets traded Jackson to the St. Louis Cardinals in June 1966. This was a big change for him, since he’d been such a key part of the Mets since their beginning.

The Cardinals were building a championship team and brought Jackson into a pitching staff that included Bob Gibson and other standouts. The trade finally gave Jackson a shot at pitching for a contender.

St. Louis was putting together a roster that would soon win it all. Jackson’s left-handed pitching added depth to their rotation and bullpen, and the team valued his experience and ability to fill different roles.

Performance with the Cardinals

Jackson did well with the Cardinals from 1966 to 1968. His best year came in 1967, when he went 9-4 working as both a starter and reliever.

The Cardinals won the World Series in 1967, beating the Red Sox in seven games. Jackson earned his only World Series ring that year. Despite a solid season, manager Red Schoendienst didn’t use him in the Series.

Jackson’s versatility helped the Cardinals. He could start or come out of the bullpen, and his experience brought some stability to the staff.

The Cardinals’ offense gave him way more run support than he’d ever gotten with the Mets. That boost helped him post better win-loss records than earlier in his career.

Time with Cincinnati Reds

Jackson joined the Cincinnati Reds for his last season in 1969. The Reds picked him up as they started building the “Big Red Machine” dynasty of the 1970s.

Cincinnati released Jackson just a week into the 1970 season. The timing stung, since the Reds went on to win the National League pennant that year. Jackson missed out on another playoff run.

The Reds had reacquired Jackson from the Mets in June 1969 after New York sold him to clear a roster spot. He didn’t pitch much in Cincinnati and had trouble finding his form in this final chapter.

Retirement in 1969

Jackson’s major league career wrapped up in 1969 at age 33. He finished with 67 wins, 99 losses, and a 3.98 ERA over 10 seasons.

He struck out 738 batters while playing for four teams. With the Mets, his 41 complete games ranked fifth in team history, and his 10 shutouts put him sixth on their all-time list.

Jackson retired after seeing teams like the Mets go from punchlines to contenders. He’d played through the expansion era and into the start of modern baseball.

His last season earnings as a Red included a small World Series share of $203.97 for Cincinnati’s third-place finish. That was a far cry from the $18,338.18 full shares champion Mets players received.

Pitching Style and Notable Achievements

Al Jackson built his reputation on precision and stamina, not raw power. He finished his career with 10 shutouts and 41 complete games, putting him among the Mets’ best in both categories—even though he spent most of his time on struggling teams.

Pitching Repertoire and Strategy

Jackson leaned on control and finesse as a left-handed pitcher. He didn’t blow hitters away with speed, but he cared a lot about hitting his spots and mixing up his pitches.

He found success against right-handed batters. Jackson kept hitters guessing by mixing his pitches throughout games.

The lefty pitched with brains, not just brawn. He watched opposing batters closely and tweaked his approach as each game unfolded.

People noticed Jackson’s durability in the 1960s. He often pitched deep into games and usually finished what he started, more than most from his era.

His 3.98 career ERA showed he held his own across 10 MLB seasons. That number looks pretty solid, especially since he played for teams that didn’t score much.

Career Statistics and Rankings

Jackson wrapped up his career with 67 wins and 99 losses over 10 seasons. He struck out 738 batters, proving he could get outs when it mattered.

Among Mets pitchers, Jackson sits sixth all-time in shutouts with 10. Only Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack, Dwight Gooden, and David Cone have more.

His 41 complete games place him fifth in Mets history. Seaver, Koosman, Gooden, and Matlack are the only ones ahead of him.

In 1962, Jackson led the Mets in strikeouts, even as the team lost 120 games. He also recorded the team’s only four shutouts that year.

His 13 wins in 1963 set a single-season high for any Mets pitcher at the time. That happened while he played for a team that finished 51-111, which is kind of wild.

Signature Complete Games and Shutouts

Jackson’s longest outing happened on August 14, 1962, against Philadelphia. He pitched 15 innings in a complete-game loss, still the longest start by a Mets pitcher.

His four shutouts in 1962 all came in the first games of doubleheaders. That pattern really showed his knack for pitching well on regular rest.

On April 29, 1962, Jackson tossed the first shutout in Mets history against Philadelphia. That 1-0 win actually kicked off the franchise’s first winning streak.

His second shutout was the Mets’ first one-hitter, coming against Houston. Jackson nearly threw a no-hitter at Forbes Field in 1965 but lost it with five outs left.

The October 2, 1964 win over St. Louis stands out as his signature game. Jackson outdueled future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson 1-0 in a big late-season matchup.

Post-Playing Career and Legacy

After his playing days ended in 1969, Al Jackson stayed deeply involved in baseball. He dedicated five decades to the New York Mets organization as a coach, mentor, and advisor.

His impact went far beyond stats. Jackson shaped countless players and staff members throughout his long post-retirement career.

Coaching and Mentoring Roles

Jackson made the jump from player to coach without missing a beat, spending 50 years with the Mets in all kinds of roles. He worked as a major league coach, minor league pitching coordinator, and front office advisor.

He didn’t limit his coaching to the Mets, either. Jackson served as a pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox from 1977-79 and the Baltimore Orioles from 1989-91.

In the Mets’ minor league system, Jackson played a huge role in developing young pitchers who later starred for the team in the ’80s and ’90s. Sid Fernandez, for example, almost left for Japan after a 1984 demotion.

A trip to Tidewater gave Fernandez a chance to work with Jackson. “Al Jackson got my mechanics straightened out and also got me to control my head,” Fernandez said. “Al Jackson is a fine pitching coach.”

Jackson built a reputation for helping struggling players regain their confidence. That ability became his trademark as a mentor.

Contributions to the Mets Organization

Jackson’s five-decade run with the Mets made him one of the franchise’s most enduring figures. As an original Met from the 1962 expansion draft, he connected the team’s early years to later success.

He played a key role as minor league pitching coordinator during the Mets’ talent development years. Jackson helped mold the careers of many pitchers who fueled the team’s rise in the 1980s.

The organization leaned on his deep knowledge and baseball wisdom. In his later years, Jackson served as a front office advisor, giving input on player development and big decisions.

His influence stretched across generations of Mets players and staff. The team said it was “impossible to calculate the number of players and staff he touched and influenced during his career.”

Recognition and Honors

The Mets paid tribute to Jackson after his death in 2019. They highlighted his rare status as someone who “spent 50 years in a New York Mets uniform.”

Jackson’s legacy went beyond official honors. Mets fans really appreciated his loyalty to the franchise, through both tough times and good ones.

His long tenure made him a living link to the team’s earliest days. Jackson brought a sense of continuity and stability, even as the organization changed a lot over five decades.

People across baseball recognized his work as a mentor and developer of talent. His reputation as a pitching coach opened doors with other major league teams after his playing days.

Personal Life and Final Years

Al Jackson kept his family life pretty private, even as he stayed close to baseball until his death in 2019. He passed away after a long illness, leaving behind a wife and children who supported him through his decades in the game.

Family and Private Life

Al Jackson married Nadine, who stood by him throughout his baseball career and into retirement. They had two sons, Reggie and Barry, who grew up watching their dad play professional baseball.

Jackson also had two grandchildren, Wesley and Kyle, who carried on the family legacy. His family gave him a solid foundation during his playing days with teams like the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates.

After retiring as a player in 1969, Jackson stayed in baseball as a coach and advisor. He worked with the Boston Red Sox from 1977-79 and the Baltimore Orioles from 1989-91 as a pitching coach.

Jackson spent many years in Florida during his later life. He stayed active in baseball, working with the Mets organization in various coaching and advisory roles.

Passing and Tributes

Al Jackson died on August 19, 2019, at age 83 after a long illness. He spent his final days at the Emerald Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The New York Mets shared a heartfelt tribute right after his death. They pointed out that Jackson wore a New York Mets uniform for 50 years—sometimes as a pitcher, other times as a coach or advisor.

“We are saddened to hear about the passing of Al Jackson, an original Met,” the Mets said. They made it clear that Jackson touched a lot of players and staff over the years.

The team sent condolences to his wife Nadine, sons Reggie and Barry, and his grandchildren Wesley and Kyle. Jackson was one of the original Mets from 1962, so his loss really closed a chapter in the team’s history.