#28 Reggie Jackson, RF, DH (1982-1986)

One of the biggest free agent signings in Angels’ history has to be the signing of Reggie Jackson on Jan.22, 1982. The self-proclaimed “straw that stirs the drink” brought his mighty bat to Anaheim. At first, many Angel fans had mixed feelings toward the news – particularly those who were also Dodger fans. Reggie had been the enemy, but now he wore a halo.

Jackson quickly won over most of the Angel faithful during his first season; a year in which he led the league with a team record 39 HR (currently T3^rd), drove in 101 runs, scored 92 runs, received 12 intentional walks (T10th), and had a LL 13.6 AB/HR (2^nd) en route to the ’82 AL West title. After his initial season, Jackson’s production declined. On 09/18/86, Reggie tied an Angel record for most HR in a game (3), and helped the Angels reach the postseason with his .379 OB%.

Whether viewed as a hero or villain, Reggie sold more tickets than anyone else who donned the Halo – as evidenced by their ’82 attendance record of 2,807,360 (a record that stood until after their World Series title 20 years later). As an Angel, Reggie made the All-Star team from ’82-’84, won the ’82 Silver Slugger Award, and hit his 500^th home run. Unfortunately, Mr. October didn’t deliver for the Angels in the postseason – batting .111/.200/.278 in ’82 and .192/.250/.269 in ’86. He did, however, finish his illustrious career with the following postseason numbers: 318 plate appearances (10^th, career PS), 18 HR (T4th, career PS), and 48 RBI (5^th, career PS).

Reggie only played 5 seasons for the Halos, leaving as a Free Agent following the 1986 season. He finished among the Angels’ career Top Ten with:

- 123 HR (10^th)

- 47 IBB (5^th)

- 19.0 AB/HR (5^th)