"I lied" - When Reggie Jackson came clean about home run philosophy to Derek Jeter
When Derek Jeter first showed up at the New York Yankees' facility as a 19-year-old, he quickly met Reggie Jackson. It was then that Jackson told Jeter, alongside 150 other minor league players, that he never tried to hit a home run.
That statement was something that Jeter held onto throughout his career in the big leagues and as a baseball analyst. He held onto hope that he would get the chance to further discuss the wild statement.
Last October, Jackson joined the FOX broadcast for the ALCS Pregame Show. As Jackson was to discuss the Houston Astros' performance, Jeter had to ask just how truthful Jackson was back then.
"You told a story when I was about 19-years-old in Minor League Spring Training. You sat there in front of about 150 players and you said you actually never tried to hit a home run in your career. Can you tell us all the truth right now, please?" - said Jeter.
"I lied" - said Jackson"
The truth finally came out. All this time, Derek Jeter knew that Reggie Jackson was lying. He just wanted him to admit it in front of a nationally televised audience.
After Jackson admitted that he lied, Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz could not contain himself. He knows just as well as anybody that there are certainly times you try to muscle one out at the plate.
Derek Jeter and Reggie Jackson recently honored by Yankees' mural
In late April, the Yankees announced they had completed a mural inside the Bronx Children's Museum. The mural depicts the six Black living players who have meant a ton to the organization.
Both Derek Jeter and Reggie Jackson are featured in the mural. The other players include Willie Randolph, Dave Winfield, CC Sabathia, and Aaron Judge.
The mural is meant to inspire kids, especially those of color, to live out their dreams. The mural was made in conjunction with The Players Alliance, and it was created by Andre Trenier.
Each mural depicts a pair of Yankees teammates, with Randolph and Jackson presented right in the middle. These two helped Jeter form his Turn 2 Foudnation, which is still going strong today.
This is the first installment that the museum plans on doing. They have more in the works, but details around them are sparse.