One thing I’ve noticed about replaying the 1966 season is the relative ages of the players of that time. Those men are reaching the autumn of their lives. And sadly, on occasion I will see an obituary of someone who played an important role in the 1966 campaign.
Such is the case with Al Jackson who recently passed away. Jackson who owns the New York Mets’ first shutout, had a legacy in New York baseball. Read about his impact in Andy Esposito’s NY Sports Day article.
Al Jackson pitched for the St Louis Cardinals in ’66 and in my replay, he has been one of the rare bright spots on team (5-4, 2.08 ERA).
Recently, I have started the month of July in my 1966 replay. Jackson started my very first game of July and it was a doozy. The last place Cards were facing the tough first place Dodgers and Jackson was facing Sandy Koufax who is on the A List to start the All-Star Game for the NL.
Jackson was phenomenal pitching a complete game shutout. The Cardinals offense helped out by scoring three runs in the first inning against Koufax thanks to back-to-back triples by Mike Shannon and Julian Javier. Worst beats first in my first game of July.
A few days later, I heard of Little Jax’ passing.
RIP Al Jackson
Other 1966 tidbits
- Cincinnati is on a roll and they have Deron Johnson to thank. The Reds have won four in a row including a doubleheader sweep (including a 15-inning Game 2) against the tumbling Astros. Johnson contributed three homeruns that day.
- Al Jackson wasn’t the only pitcher named Jackson to pitch a shutout on July 1 in my replay. The Phils’ Larry Jackson also gave up goose eggs against the Cubs. Not only that Larry drove in the only run in the 1-0 masterpiece.
- Roberto Clemente went 5 for 6 with two rbis in the Pirates win against the Mets on July 1. With Al Jackson’s win over LA, that’s big.
Tom,
Is your ’66 Replay available on the BTL?
Would Love to read More!
Best,
Rick D