1946 - Reggie Jackson, “Mr. October,” Is Born

On May 18, 1946, Reginald “Reggie” Jackson was born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. He would go on to become one of the most electrifying African American athletes in Major League Baseball history. Known as “Mr. October” for his legendary postseason performances, Jackson’s career included five World Series championships and 563 home runs. He played for the Oakland A’s, New York Yankees, and California Angels, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993. Jackson’s career broke cultural barriers, symbolizing the power and presence of Black athletes on the national stage during an era of social transformation. He was outspoken about race and identity, often confronting racism head-on in the media and within baseball’s institutions. Reggie Jackson’s birth on May 18 is a milestone in both sports history and African American cultural achievement. His story highlights the intersection of Black excellence, athleticism, and social commentary in modern American life.