Roy Lee Jackson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Roy Lee Jackson spent a solid 10 years in Major League Baseball, suiting up for four different teams before he finally hung up his cleats in 1986. Born in Opelika, Alabama, Jackson grew into a reliable reliever who could jump into starting roles when his team needed it.

He wrapped up his MLB career with 28 wins, 34 saves, and 351 strikeouts across 282 games. Jackson really made a name for himself as a versatile pitcher who could adapt to whatever his team threw at him.

The journey

Early Life and Background

Roy Lee Jackson’s road to the big leagues started in the small town of Opelika, Alabama, where he was born on May 1, 1954. He grew up in a tight-knit community during the civil rights era, building the resilience and work ethic that would later serve him well in pro baseball.

Childhood in Opelika, Alabama

Jackson was the second oldest of Fred and Johnnie Jackson’s seven kids. His dad worked as a laborer, while his mom had a job at the Head Start Institute.

The Jackson family lived close to lots of relatives—just a block or two apart. Roy spent much of his childhood playing in the woods, climbing trees, and picking blackberries with his siblings and cousins.

Even though they lived through segregation in Alabama, Jackson’s parents made sure their kids grew up with strong values. His dad often told him, “Boy, ain’t nobody gonna give you nothin’. You’re gonna have to work for everything you get.”

Jackson’s older cousin, John Oscar Grady, first introduced him to sports. They’d steal their mom’s broom and cut it off to use as a bat, then grab rubber balls and play baseball before they moved on to basketball and football.

Directors at the Central Park Recreation Center kept sports affordable for Opelika’s kids. Elmer Ward, a white man, made a big difference by driving into their neighborhood to pick up Black kids so they could play competitive ball.

High School Baseball at Opelika

At Opelika High School, Jackson became a three-sport star—quarterback and wide receiver in football, forward/guard in basketball, and pitcher/first baseman in baseball. His athleticism earned him MVP honors in all three sports his senior year.

Jackson’s most jaw-dropping moment? He struck out 21 batters in a seven-inning game. That performance landed him in Sports Illustrated as a high schooler, which he still calls a highlight.

He played in a state All-Star game and spent summers in a city semipro league. Still, Jackson never saw pro baseball as a real career option back then.

The Houston Astros picked him in the 12th round of the 1972 June amateur draft. But after talking it over with his family, he decided not to sign—he figured education was more valuable than being drafted so late.

College Years and Development

Jackson wanted to play at Auburn University, but they didn’t even offer him a tryout, despite his reputation as one of Alabama’s top players. He suspected racism played a part in Auburn’s decision to pass on him.

Instead, he chose Tuskegee Institute over Florida A&M, picking the historically Black college just 30 miles from Opelika. He majored in social work and listed his hobbies as “basketball and helping poor people and underprivileged kids.”

Jackson’s college stats are pretty wild:

• Overall record: 22-9 with a 1.51 ERA
• Strikeouts: 384 in 251 innings
• Batting averages: .404 (sophomore year), .481 (junior year)

As a freshman in 1973, the Tuskegee Golden Tigers won their first league championship in 25 years. Jackson picked up All-SIAC honors every season and was named team MVP as a sophomore and junior.

In 1975, Jackson’s 160 strikeouts led all Division II pitchers. He also won the first Frank Bannister Memorial Award for excellence in academics, citizenship, and major league potential.

Path to the Major Leagues

Roy Lee Jackson’s road to pro baseball started with a tough call in 1972 when he put education ahead of an early draft shot. His journey wound through historically Black colleges and the minor leagues before he finally made the majors in 1977.

Draft History and Minor League Progression

The Houston Astros picked Jackson in the 12th round of the 1972 draft while he was still in high school. He and his family decided he shouldn’t sign.

“The decision was made by me and my family,” Jackson said. “We looked at the value of being drafted that late as opposed to what I could accomplish in getting an education.”

Jackson headed to Tuskegee Institute instead, where he dominated college ball for three years. He went 22-9 with a 1.51 ERA and 384 strikeouts in 251 innings, earning All-SIAC honors every season.

In 1975, Jackson’s 160 strikeouts led all Division II pitchers. Even though he didn’t get drafted after his junior year, he signed with the New York Mets through scout Julian Morgan on June 27, 1975.

Jackson started his minor league career in the rookie-level Appalachian League. He made the All-Star team with the Marion Mets, going 4-2 with a 1.44 ERA in eight games.

Transition to Professional Baseball

Jackson moved up through the Mets’ farm system over three seasons. He started 1976 with the Lynchburg Mets in Class A, then got promoted to Double-A Jackson.

At Double-A, Jackson flashed his potential by throwing four shutouts in 20 starts. His best outing came on August 5 against Lafayette, when he gave up just a fifth-inning single in a complete game win.

In 1977, Jackson landed at Triple-A Tidewater and led the rotation with a 13-7 record in 28 games. That strong showing earned him his first call-up to the major leagues.

Jackson debuted on September 13, 1977, against Montreal at Olympic Stadium. He didn’t get a decision in his first start, but after five years in the minors, he finally reached the top.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Roy Lee Jackson pitched for four MLB teams over 10 seasons from 1977 to 1986. He made his mark as a reliable reliever, picking up 28 wins, 34 saves, and 351 strikeouts with a 3.77 ERA.

Overview of MLB Debut and Seasons

Jackson made his MLB debut on September 13, 1977, with the New York Mets at age 23. He started against the Montreal Expos at Olympic Stadium, striking out six in 5.2 innings.

He spent his first four seasons with the Mets, from 1977 to 1980. Jackson bounced between Triple-A Tidewater and the big leagues, struggling at first to lock down a rotation spot.

Jackson’s career really took off after he joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981. He pitched in Toronto from 1981 to 1984, which turned out to be the best stretch of his career.

He split his last two seasons between the San Diego Padres in 1985 and the Minnesota Twins in 1986. Jackson retired after the 1986 season at just 32.

Roles as a Pitcher and Positional Uses

Jackson mostly worked out of the bullpen during his MLB career. He pitched in 282 games over 10 seasons, making some starts early on before settling in as a reliever.

With the Mets, Jackson bounced between starting and relieving. “With the Mets I would be starting one time, then relieving, I didn’t know what to expect,” Jackson said, recalling the lack of clarity in his role.

He found his groove as a reliever after moving to Toronto. Jackson became a reliable setup man and even closed games for the Blue Jays, racking up most of his 34 career saves there.

On May 30, 1982, Jackson and Jim Gott combined on a one-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. That game also happened to be the start of Cal Ripken Jr.’s famous consecutive games streak.

Statistical Highlights and Career Milestones

Jackson finished his career with 28 wins and 34 losses in 282 appearances. He kept a 3.77 ERA and struck out 351 batters over 10 years.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 282
• Wins: 28
• Losses: 34
• ERA: 3.77
• Strikeouts: 351
• Saves: 34

His best single-game performance came on July 19, 1980, when he threw a complete-game three-hitter against Cincinnati. He struck out 12 in a 13-3 win at Riverfront Stadium.

After becoming a born-again Christian in 1980, Jackson said he gained better control and credited his faith with helping him overcome struggles and stick around longer in the majors.

Team Contributions and Career Timeline

Roy Lee Jackson’s 10-year MLB career took him across four teams from 1977 to 1986. He picked up 28 wins and 34 saves, shifting from a starting pitcher to a steady reliever. He made his biggest impact with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he became a dependable bullpen arm.

New York Mets Years

Jackson kicked off his big league career with the New York Mets in 1977 after signing as a free agent in 1975. He debuted on September 13, 1977, against the Montreal Expos at Olympic Stadium, striking out six in 5.2 innings.

The early years weren’t easy. Jackson struggled with consistency, posting a 6.00 ERA his first season and wrestling with control issues through 1979. Manager Joe Torre pointed out that Jackson’s curveball was his best pitch, but he also showed more fastball velocity than folks expected.

Spring training in 1980 brought a turning point—Jackson became a born-again Christian. That change lined up with improved performance and more discipline. He quit smoking and drinking, which helped his conditioning.

Jackson’s breakout came on July 19, 1980, when he tossed a complete-game three-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds, striking out 12 in a 13-3 win. Still, he wrapped up his Mets stint with a 1-7 record in 1980.

Toronto Blue Jays Achievements

The Blue Jays traded for Jackson in exchange for Bob Bailor on December 12, 1980. That move worked out for both sides, as Jackson found his place in the bullpen.

His top moment in Toronto came on May 30, 1982, when he and Jim Gott combined for a one-hitter against the Orioles. That game also marked the start of Cal Ripken Jr.’s legendary streak.

During his four years in Toronto (1981-1984), Jackson became a reliable bullpen option. He shifted fully from starting to relieving and found success in that role. The Blue Jays were building a strong team, and Jackson played a part in their rise.

Toronto gave Jackson the most stability he’d had in his career. He thrived under their structure and finally had a clear role as a reliever, which he’d never really gotten with the Mets.

San Diego Padres Tenure

Jackson joined the San Diego Padres for the 1985 season, sticking to his relief role. That move brought him back to the National League after four years in the AL with Toronto.

His time with the Padres was short—just one season. The team had just come off a National League pennant in 1984 but couldn’t keep the momentum in 1985. Jackson brought veteran leadership to a pitching staff in transition.

Detailed stats from his Padres year are a bit hard to find, but he mainly worked as a middle reliever. His experience and steady hand helped the organization through a tricky period.

Minnesota Twins Final Season

Jackson wrapped up his major league career with the Minnesota Twins in 1986. He played his last game on October 1, 1986, facing the Cleveland Indians. That day, he pitched two innings, gave up one hit and one earned run, and struck out a batter.

The Twins gave Jackson a shot to finish his career in the American League. During that final season, he had a memorable moment with a young autograph seeker in the Metrodome parking lot. Jackson later called it the highlight of his entire baseball career.

He asked the young fan if he’d wait for Jesus with the same excitement he showed for ballplayers. That question stuck. Years later, the fan reached out to Jackson on Facebook and shared how much it had changed his life.

Jackson’s final season stats included a 3.77 career ERA and 351 total strikeouts over 282 major league games.

Signature Games and Career Highlights

Roy Lee Jackson pitched for ten years and had some pretty unforgettable moments, both as a starter and a reliever. His most memorable game came in 1980 when he struck out 12 batters in a dominant complete-game win. He also made his mark in history with a combined one-hitter for the Blue Jays.

Notable Performances and Records

Jackson hit a career-defining high point on July 19, 1980, at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. With 40,079 fans watching, he threw a complete-game three-hitter against the Reds, striking out 12 in a 13-3 win.

That night changed things for him. Mets manager Joe Torre said, “What impressed me most tonight about him was that after he had given up those three runs early, he didn’t panic.”

On May 30, 1982, Jackson helped make baseball history. He teamed up with Jim Gott to finish a combined one-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. That game also happened to be the start of Cal Ripken Jr.’s legendary consecutive games streak.

Back in high school at Opelika, Jackson once struck out 21 batters in a seven-inning game. Sports Illustrated even recognized him as a top prep player for that feat.

Memorable Saves and Wins

Jackson notched 34 saves in his major league career, mostly during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays from 1981 to 1984. He started working out of the bullpen in 1979, making 16 of his 33 appearances in relief for Triple-A Tidewater.

He found his groove as a reliever with Toronto, where he became a reliable closer. Jackson finished 111 games in his career, proving he could handle the pressure.

Switching from starter to reliever definitely helped him stick around in the majors. “José Pagán, the manager down there, had asked me to be a stopper in the bullpen,” Jackson said, thinking back to his winter league days that shaped his relief role.

Those 34 saves made up a big chunk of his value, especially during his Blue Jays years when he was a key bullpen piece.

Statistical Achievements

Jackson ended his career with a 28-34 record in 280 games, and only 18 of those were starts. He pitched 559 innings, struck out 351, and kept a 3.77 ERA.

Striking out batters was always his thing. In college at Tuskegee Institute, he racked up 384 strikeouts in 251 innings, posting a 1.51 ERA and a 22-9 record.

His 1980 season stood out as his best as a starter, thanks to that 12-strikeout complete game. He only had one complete game at the major league level, but it was a good one.

Jackson showed real versatility, starting games early on and then moving to the bullpen. Those 111 games finished prove how valuable he was as a closer and setup man, especially with the Blue Jays.

Retirement and Legacy

Roy Lee Jackson wrapped up his pro baseball career in 1986 after ten seasons in the majors. His journey from small-town Alabama to the big leagues made a lasting impact on the game and on people he met through his ministry work.

Retirement in 1986

Jackson’s last season was with the Minnesota Twins in 1986, capping off a career that took him through four teams. He started out struggling with the Mets but found his place as a reliable reliever in the bullpen.

He finished with 28 wins and 34 saves in 282 games. According to Baseball Almanac, he struck out 351 batters during his time in the majors.

Jackson’s career was all about perseverance and adapting to new roles. After some tough times as a starter, he switched to relief pitching and extended his career quite a bit.

In his final years, he offered value as a veteran. Playing for different organizations gave him insight, and he used that to help younger players deal with the ups and downs of pro baseball.

Post-Baseball Life

After retiring, Jackson turned his focus to ministry and helping others. He’d embraced his Christian faith while still playing in 1980, and it became the center of his life after baseball.

Jackson often said his most meaningful moment wasn’t anything on the field, but a talk with a young fan outside the Metrodome. He asked the kid if he’d wait for Jesus the same way he waited for autographs.

“Believe it or not, 30 years later, he messaged me on Facebook,” Jackson said. The fan told him he never forgot that question, and it led him to serve the Lord.

That story really shows what mattered to Jackson after baseball. He used his platform to make a difference in people’s lives through faith and community work.

Recognition and Influence

People noticed Jackson’s outstanding college career at Tuskegee Institute. In 2020, the National College Baseball Hall of Fame inducted him, honoring his remarkable college statistics.

At Tuskegee, Jackson put together a 22-9 record and struck out 384 batters in just 251 innings. He posted a 1.51 ERA and led the Golden Tigers to their first league championship in 25 years during his freshman year.

But his impact went way beyond the numbers. Jackson broke barriers as an African American player from a historically Black college who made it all the way to the top of professional baseball.

He started out in Opelika, Alabama, and reached the major leagues, which really inspired other players from similar backgrounds. His story proves that with talent and determination, you can push past obstacles and limited chances.