SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: Reggie Jackson and Billy Martin face off during Yankees game

Billy Martin of the New York Yankees was one of the toughest managers in Major
League Baseball. He liked to see his players get the most out of their abilities and would
ride them if he did not feel they gave their best. Outfielder Reggie Jackson was his star
player and one of the biggest stars in professional baseball. Jackson could be fiery,
just like Martin, and eventually, those differences came to a head on June 18, 1977.

Then New York Yankees manager Billy Martin, left, and his premier slugger, Reggie Jackson, laugh during a post-victory news conference at New York's Yankee Stadium, on Oct. 18, 1977.  Photo credit: The Associated Press
Then New York Yankees manager Billy Martin, left, and his premier slugger, Reggie Jackson, laugh during a post-victory news conference at New York’s Yankee Stadium, on Oct. 18, 1977. Photo credit: The Associated Press

Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice hit a flyball toward Jackson in the sixth inning resulting in a hit for Rice. Martin felt Jackson did not hustle to get the flyball and
pulled Jackson from the game. That did not go over well, as eventually, Jackson and
Martin got into a dugout altercation and had to be separated.

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