The new Prime Video documentary series, Reggie, follows the life of iconic baseball player Reggie Jackson. The documentary, which premiered on March 24, offers a firsthand account of Jackson's experience as a Black athlete playing in the minor leagues in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1967 amid the height of the Civil Rights movement in the United States. In addition to Jackson's perspective, the documentary features sports icons like Julius Erving, Hank Aaron, and Derek Jeter, who share their experiences with race relations as professional athletes.
Here are some key points about Jackson's life and career that the documentary covers:
Jackson made his MLB debut for the Oakland Athletics in 1967, eight months after the founding of the Black Panther Party with headquarters in Oakland.
After 10 seasons with the A's and one season with the Baltimore Orioles, Jackson became one of the first free agents in Major League Baseball history.
He signed a five-year, $3 million contract with the New York Yankees in November 1976.
Jackson earned the moniker "Mr. October" for hitting three homers and driving in five runs in the Yankees' series-clinching Game 6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1977 World Series.
A 14-time All-Star, Jackson won five World Series titles and hit 563 career homers in 21 seasons.
Jackson's No. 9 jersey with the A's and No. 44 jersey with the Yankees have been retired by both clubs.
The documentary not only highlights Jackson's accomplishments on the field but also sheds light on his journey off the field. Director Alexandria Stapleton shares that Reggie is the first time Jackson has shared the vulnerable parts of his life and the mental and physical strength he embodied as a player in his own words. She hopes it serves as a tale of both a baseball icon and a strong-willed man that's realistic, inspirational, and authentic.
The impact of the Reggie documentary is not limited to baseball fans. The film offers valuable insights into the experiences of Black athletes during the Civil Rights era and sheds light on the progress made in race relations in sports. It serves as an inspiring story for anyone striving to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
Reggie Jackson's mission to change the color of the executive suite throughout the MLB organization is fully in sync with BPM's mission to change the color of the executive suite and boardrooms in organizations worldwide. By sharing his experiences and advocating for change, Jackson is inspiring a new generation of athletes and leaders to break barriers and create a more equitable world.
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