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

Randy Jackson might not be as famous as Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays, but his decade in Major League Baseball is actually a pretty interesting story about grit and a few surprises along the way. Born Ransom Joseph Jackson Jr. in 1926, this Arkansas kid never really set out to be a pro athlete. Still, he managed to carve out a solid career as a third baseman during the 1950s, which, let’s be honest, was a pretty golden era for baseball.

Jackson decided to retire from professional baseball on October 13, 1959. He was just 33, wrapping up a 10-year career with the Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cleveland Indians.

His journey started as a college student in the Navy V-12 program and ended in the big leagues. That’s not exactly the path most folks expect, but it worked for him.

People called him “Handsome Ransom,” and he became known as a steady player who saw both the tough years with rebuilding teams and the thrill of championship races.

From dominating Southwest Conference baseball in college to his last season back with the Cubs, Jackson’s career gives you a peek into a changing era of baseball. He had some big moments, too, like smashing the last home run for the Brooklyn Dodgers and batting cleanup for the defending World Series champs.

He really saw the game change up close, and his story gives baseball history a personal twist.

Randy Jackson’s Early Life and Athletic Background

Randy Jackson grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. He turned into a natural athlete even though he didn’t really follow the usual route to pro baseball.

During his college years at Texas Christian University and the University of Texas, he showed off his big-time hitting skills, winning three straight Southwest Conference batting titles.

Childhood and Education

Ransom Joseph Jackson Jr. was born on February 10, 1926, in Little Rock, Arkansas. His parents, Ransom Joseph Jackson Sr. and Ann Polk Coolidge Jackson, both came from Arkansas and had English and Scottish roots.

His dad graduated from Princeton and worked in cotton brokerage. The family did well until the 1929 stock market crash, which forced his father to switch to John Hancock Life Insurance Company, where he became a top salesman.

Jackson didn’t fit the mold of most future major leaguers. He played sock-ball in his neighborhood instead of joining organized baseball as a teen.

His high school didn’t even offer football because of wartime restrictions.

Jackson actually focused on golf during his school days. His dad taught him the game when he was 12, and he joined the high school golf team.

He kept playing golf for over 70 years, which is kind of amazing.

Jackson graduated high school in 1943 and started at the University of Arkansas, but World War II changed his plans.

College Sports Achievements

With the war going on, Jackson joined the Navy V-12 officer program, which sent him to Texas Christian University in 1944. Coach Dutch Meyer spotted Jackson’s 6-foot-1 athletic frame and asked him to join the football team as a punter and backup halfback.

Jackson’s punting helped TCU beat Kansas 7-0 in his first game. Meyer also got him to play baseball as the team’s third baseman.

Jackson’s College Baseball Success:

• Led Southwest Conference with a .500 batting average at TCU
• Won three straight Southwest Conference batting titles (1945, 1946, 1947)
• Transferred to University of Texas with the V-12 program in May 1945
• Played for coach Bibb Falk with the Longhorns

After the war ended in 1945, Jackson finished his V-12 commitments at Texas. He graduated with a business degree in 1947 and took a reserve commission in the Navy.

Minor League Development

Jackson joined the Conroe Wildcats semipro team in 1947 because they offered $400 a month to top college players. The Wildcats won the Texas state semipro championship that year.

Cubs scout Jimmy Payton reached out to Jackson while he was still at the University of Texas. When the Wildcats’ season ended, Payton set up a tryout at Wrigley Field in September 1947.

The Cubs brought in pitcher Russ Meyer to see if Jackson could handle major league pitching. Jackson later said Meyer “threw fastballs, curves, screwballs, everything except the resin bag,” and Jackson just kept hitting line drives everywhere.

Minor League Career Path:

• Signed with the Cubs for $6,000 a year on October 9, 1947
• 1948: Des Moines Bruins (Class-A) – hit .322 under manager Stan Hack
• 1949: Short stint with Los Angeles Angels (Triple-A), then Oklahoma City (Double-A) – hit .298 with 19 home runs

Scout Jimmy Payton told Chicago sportswriter Edgar Munzel, “The kid is just a natural athlete. You just watch. He’ll be at third base for the Cubs by 1949.”

Major League Debut and Career Overview

Randy Jackson debuted in Major League Baseball on May 2, 1950, with the Chicago Cubs. He played for ten seasons, retiring in 1959.

He played for three National League teams and earned two All-Star selections during the 1950s, which were pretty wild years for the sport.

Breaking Into Major League Baseball

Jackson’s path to the majors started with a tryout at Wrigley Field in September 1947. The Cubs had pitcher Russ Meyer test Jackson’s hitting against big-league pitching.

“Meyer threw fastballs, curves, screwballs, everything except the resin bag,” Jackson remembered in his memoir. “It was one of those days everything clicked. Line drives were flying all over the place, a couple out of the park.”

The Cubs signed him to a two-year deal for $6,000 a year on October 9, 1947. Jackson then spent two years in the minors before getting his shot.

He made his big league debut on May 2, 1950, against Philadelphia at Wrigley Field. Batting sixth, he picked up two hits, including an RBI double that helped the Cubs win.

Just three days later, on May 5, he hit his first home run—a dramatic 10th-inning shot to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers 7-6.

Position and Playing Style

Jackson played almost exclusively at third base. He batted and threw right-handed, stood 6-foot-1, and weighed about 180 pounds.

Former Cubs star Stan Hack really helped Jackson improve his defense. In 1951, Jackson led all National League third basemen in putouts, assists, and total chances, though he tied for most errors.

Jackson’s athleticism wasn’t limited to baseball. He’d played college football at TCU and Texas as a punter and backup halfback.

That multi-sport background definitely gave him a leg up on the baseball field.

Fans called him “Handsome Ransom” early in his career, partly because of his movie-star looks and partly because he was just fun to watch.

Key Career Milestones

Jackson’s breakout season came in 1951 when he hit .275 with 16 home runs and 76 RBIs for the Cubs.

His numbers that year were right up there with Willie Mays’ Rookie of the Year campaign.

He made two National League All-Star teams. His biggest spotlight came in 1956 when he batted cleanup for the defending World Series champion Brooklyn Dodgers.

Jackson played for three teams:

• Chicago Cubs (1950-1955, 1959)
• Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1956-1958)
• Cleveland Indians (1958-1959)

He hit the last home run for the Brooklyn Dodgers before they moved to Los Angeles. Jackson finished his career back with the Cubs in 1959, retiring at age 33.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

Randy Jackson spent most of his big league years with the Chicago Cubs, playing from 1950 to 1955 and making a brief return in 1959.

His time with the Cubs turned him into a reliable third baseman and a National League All-Star, even though the team didn’t win much.

Performance with the Cubs

Jackson made his big league debut on May 2, 1950, against Philadelphia at Wrigley Field. Batting sixth, he got his first hit—a single that chased Phillies starter Ken Heintzelman from the game.

His rookie season started rough. By late May, his batting average dropped to .150, so the Cubs sent him to Triple-A Springfield for more work under manager Stan Hack.

That minor league stint paid off. Jackson came back in September 1951 with better skills and confidence, hitting .315 with 20 home runs at Springfield.

1951 was Jackson’s breakout year. He took over third base after Bill Serena injured his wrist and put up his best numbers: .275 average, 16 home runs, and 76 RBIs.

He also showed some speed with 14 stolen bases. Defensively, he led National League third basemen in putouts, assists, and total chances, though he tied for most errors.

All-Star Appearances

Jackson made the National League All-Star team twice while with the Cubs. His great 1951 season, where he hit .275 with 16 home runs, put him among the league’s top third basemen.

Those All-Star nods were really the high point of his Cubs days.

Even though the Cubs finished near the bottom most years, Jackson’s numbers stood out. His 1951 stats even compared well with Willie Mays, who won Rookie of the Year that season.

Jackson’s 34 games in 1950 probably cost him a shot at that award.

Statistical Highlights

Jackson put up solid offensive numbers with the Cubs, even as the team struggled. He was a consistent power hitter and got better at the plate each year.

His best year was 1951, when he set career highs in several categories. Those 16 home runs were his peak with Chicago.

He showed good plate discipline, too. In 1951, Jackson walked 47 times and struck out only 44 times.

Season	Games	Batting Average	Home Runs	RBIs	Hits
1950	34	.225	2	9	18
1951	149	.275	16	76	150
1952	113	.232	9	34	86

Jackson’s defense at third base got better over the years. In 1951, he led National League third basemen in putouts and assists, showing he was settling in at the position.

Brooklyn Dodgers and World Series Participation

Randy Jackson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in December 1955 after a trade with the Chicago Cubs. He arrived at a pretty dramatic moment in Dodgers history.

His time with the Dodgers included a trip to the 1956 World Series and the honor of hitting the last home run in Brooklyn Dodgers history before the team moved to Los Angeles.

Trade to the Brooklyn Dodgers

The Brooklyn Dodgers picked up Randy Jackson from the Cubs in December 1955. In return, the Cubs got third baseman Don Hoak and outfielder Walt Moryn.

The Dodgers wanted Jackson to take over at third base, hoping he could eventually replace the aging Jackie Robinson, who was still playing there.

Jackson brought his All-Star reputation from Chicago to Brooklyn. He’d proven himself as a reliable third baseman with the Cubs.

The trade came at a big moment. The Dodgers had just won their first World Series in 1955 and wanted to stay on top in the National League.

Role in the 1956 World Series

Jackson got into the 1956 World Series as the Dodgers faced the New York Yankees. He mostly came in as a pinch hitter, though, not as a regular starter.

He made three pinch-hitting appearances in the series but didn’t get a hit. Those were his only World Series at-bats in his career.

The Dodgers lost the 1956 World Series to the Yankees in seven games. That was Brooklyn’s last World Series before moving to Los Angeles.

Injuries had limited Jackson’s playing time during the 1956 season. Manager Walter Alston kept him on the bench for most of the series.

Historic Home Run as Final Brooklyn Dodger

Randy Jackson holds the distinction of hitting the last home run in Brooklyn Dodgers history. This moment happened during the team’s final season at Ebbets Field in 1957.

The Dodgers were preparing for their controversial move to Los Angeles when Jackson hit that home run. His blast really marked the end of an era for one of baseball’s most beloved franchises.

After Jackie Robinson retired following the 1956 season, Jackson took over Robinson’s starting role at third base. Unfortunately, a knee injury knocked him out after fewer than ten games in the 1957 season.

That injury limited what he could do during Brooklyn’s final year. Still, Jackson secured his place in baseball history thanks to that last home run.

That home run stands as a footnote to one of the most significant franchise moves in baseball. Jackson’s connection to the moment ties him forever to Brooklyn Dodgers lore.

Cleveland Indians and Retirement in 1959

Randy Jackson joined the Cleveland Indians during the 1958 season. He played his final major league games with them in 1959.

The Indians finished second in the American League that year with an 89-65 record. Jackson announced his retirement from professional baseball on October 13, 1959, at age 33.

Joining the Cleveland Indians

Jackson joined the Cleveland Indians organization in 1958. He split that season between the Indians and the Los Angeles Dodgers as his career wound down.

Cleveland turned out to be Jackson’s final stop in the majors. After spending most of his career with the Chicago Cubs and Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, he closed out his decade-long journey in Cleveland.

Jackson played for the Indians during a pretty competitive stretch for the franchise. The team showed strong offensive punch in 1959, leading the American League in runs scored.

Final Major League Games and Retirement

The 1959 season became Jackson’s last in the majors. Cleveland finished with a strong 89-65 record, just missing out on the league title.

Jackson played his final major league game on September 25, 1959, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. He didn’t get an at-bat in that game, so his career ended without a final hit.

The Indians put up impressive offensive numbers that season. They scored 745 runs, leading the American League.

Jackson’s major league career lasted exactly ten years, from his debut on May 2, 1950, to his final game in September 1959. His career batting average and hit totals showed he was a solid contributor during the 1950s.

Transition Out of Professional Baseball

Jackson announced his retirement from professional baseball on October 13, 1959, from Athens, Georgia. He and his wife Ruth had made Athens their winter home after the 1956 season.

At 33, Jackson felt ready to move on from playing. He had already started preparing for life after baseball, getting into the insurance business in Chicago during the fall of 1955.

Jackson found real success in insurance sales. He started that work during the offseasons while still playing, which gave him a head start before his retirement.

He announced his retirement from Athens, which made sense since he and Ruth had settled there. Athens had become their permanent home during the last part of his playing days.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Randy Jackson put together a respectable .261 batting average over 10 seasons. He collected 835 hits, 103 home runs, and 415 RBIs across 955 games.

His best years came with the Chicago Cubs in the mid-1950s. Jackson earned two All-Star selections and built a reputation as a reliable third baseman in the National League.

Batting Performance Overview

Jackson’s career batting statistics show he was a steady, productive hitter. Throughout his decade in Major League Baseball, he contributed consistently.

His .261 career batting average put him among the reliable everyday players of his time.

Core Career Numbers:

• Games Played: 955
• Hits: 835
• Home Runs: 103
• RBIs: 415
• Runs Scored: 412

Jackson’s power numbers weren’t flashy, but they were steady. He averaged 17 home runs per 162 games during his career.

His best power season came in 1955, when he hit 21 home runs for the Cubs.

Jackson’s plate discipline improved over time. He walked 281 times and struck out 382 times in his career.

This led to a career on-base percentage of .320, which was pretty solid for that era.

Seasonal and Career Records

Jackson played his best baseball with the Chicago Cubs from 1950 to 1955. The 1951 season stands out as his top year.

Best Season (1951):

• Batting Average: .275
• Home Runs: 16
• RBIs: 76
• Runs: 78
• Games: 145

He peaked again in 1954 and 1955. In 1954, he hit .273 with 19 home runs and 67 RBIs. The next year, he matched his career high with 21 home runs and drove in 70 runs.

After leaving Chicago, Jackson’s numbers dipped. He played less and hit less with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. His last seasons in Cleveland, 1958-1959, were brief.

Notable Game Performances

Jackson made his Major League debut on May 2, 1950, against the Philadelphia Phillies. He got 2 hits in 5 at-bats and drove in a run in his first game.

That strong debut gave a hint of what was to come.

During the Cubs’ competitive years in the mid-1950s, Jackson delivered several multi-hit games and clutch performances. He became a steady presence at third base.

Jackson’s last game came on September 25, 1959, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He didn’t get an at-bat in that game, so he finished his career quietly after ten years in the majors.

League Rankings and Awards

Jackson earned two All-Star selections in 1954 and 1955 for his consistent play. Those honors came during his best years with the Chicago Cubs.

His All-Star appearances marked the high point of his career achievements. Jackson got picked thanks to his solid offensive numbers and steady defense at third base.

He never played in a World Series, but he helped several Cubs teams compete for the National League pennant in the 1950s. His steady work made him a valued player, even as he changed teams in his final years.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball History

Randy Jackson’s ten-year career left its mark on baseball, thanks to his defensive skills at third base and his unique place in franchise history. Teammates and organizations respected his professionalism and his knack for coming through in big moments during the 1950s.

Influence on Third Baseman Position

Jackson became one of the most active third basemen in the National League during his prime. In 1951, he led all NL third basemen in putouts, assists, and total chances while playing for the Cubs.

He developed his defensive skills under Cubs legend Stan Hack. Hack managed Jackson in the minors and helped him work on his fielding technique and positioning.

Jackson improved a lot, going from a raw college player to what one observer called “a whiz defensively.”

Key Defensive Statistics (1951 season):

• Most putouts among NL third basemen
• Most assists among NL third basemen
• Most total chances among NL third basemen

Jackson focused on fundamentals and positioning at third base. At 6-foot-1, he combined size and athletic ability to cover plenty of ground.

The techniques he learned stuck with him and became part of his legacy at the position.

Reputation Among Teams and Peers

Jackson earned respect across Major League Baseball for his versatility and clutch hitting. Fans and teammates called him “Handsome Ransom,” which says something about his popularity.

The Brooklyn Dodgers valued Jackson enough to trade for him ahead of their 1956 World Series run. Manager Walter Alston put him in the cleanup spot, showing real trust in his bat.

That role with the defending champs highlighted how much teams counted on him.

Jackson’s professionalism stood out to organizations throughout his career. The Cubs kept him for most of his time in the majors, only trading him when roster needs forced their hand.

Both the Cleveland Indians and Brooklyn Dodgers saw him as a valuable addition to their lineups.

He kept strong relationships with teammates, too. Players respected his work ethic and approach to the game, especially during baseball’s integration era.

Post-Retirement Recognition

Jackson’s historical significance really took off after he wrapped up his playing days in 1959. People now remember him as the last player to hit a home run for the Brooklyn Dodgers before they packed up for Los Angeles.

That little bit of trivia made him a favorite among baseball historians and die-hard Brooklyn Dodgers fans. His link to the end of an era in baseball gave him a kind of recognition that goes way beyond just stats and numbers.

Jackson actually wrote about his journey in his 2016 memoir, “Handsome Ransom Jackson: Accidental Big Leaguer.” The book gives a glimpse into 1950s baseball and keeps his take on how the game changed over the years.

Notable Historical Distinctions:

• Last home run hitter for Brooklyn Dodgers
• Two-time National League All-Star (1954, 1955)
• World Series participant (1956)

When he passed away in 2019 at age 93, baseball communities paid tribute. Writers and fans looked back on what he brought to the Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Cleveland Indians.