Former New York Yankees legends have been ripping the team over the past few days, indicating that the organization has failed to incorporate some of their most prominent voices over the years.
First, former World Series and MVP winner Alex Rodriguez voiced his concern over the fact that his No. 13 wasn’t retired, but the criticisms didn’t stop there, as legend Reggie Jackson also gave his two cents.
Speaking with Derek Jeter and Rodriguez via “MLB on Fox,” he indicated that the Yankees have refused to include some of the veterans who want to apply their knowledge of the game and help the team in any way possible. Unfortunately, the organization has been unwilling to listen to experienced players like Jackson, but it seems as though he would’ve been happy to assist if asked.
“I’d say the biggest difference between us, and really most other teams and especially with the Yankees… your voice isn’t heard,” Jackson said. “You didn’t participate. You know, I walked away because I wanted to be involved and leave my knowledge in the game. I certainly think that I know that Derek Jeter still loves the Yankees. Andy Pettitte still loves the Yankees. (Rodriguez) is still a Yankee and I’m still a Yankee, but we didn’t get a chance to be involved in some of the say-so in our opinions really didn’t get valued.”
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Jackson played from 1967 to 1987, starting when he was 21 years old and finishing when he was 41 years old. Twenty years of MLB experience certainly goes a long way, considering he played 2,820 games, recording 563 homers, 1,702 RBIs, and a career average of .262 with a .356 OBP. While some of his later years didn’t display the same efficiency, he was one of the game’s best players for the better part of a decade.
Now 77 years old, Jackson has stayed in touch with the game and seems as though he’d be happy to give his opinion and help the Yankees get back on track after a disappointing 2023 season. Jackson has spent the last two years with the Houston Astros as a special advisor, meaning the Yankees may want to consider bringing him in to help apply some of the information from Houston that has helped them build a consistently competitive team.