Danny Jackson

Danny Lynn Jackson

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 6' 0", Weight 205 lb.
• School University of Oklahoma, Trinidad State Junior College
• High School Aurora Central High School
• Debut September 11, 1983
• Final Game August 7, 1997
• Born January 5, 1962 in San Antonio, TX USA

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Biographical Information

Pitcher Danny Jackson was signed after being selected in the secondary phase of the 1982 amateur draft by the Kansas City Royals and scout Al Kubski. He was fast tracked through the minors, in no small part due to a sparkling 17-3 record in a 1982 season split between the Charleston Royals and Jacksonville Suns. By 1983 he got a September callup with the Royals, earning a victory in his big league debut on September 11 as he pitched 3 scoreless innings of relief against the Minnesota Twins. Jackson finished 1983 with a 1-1 record and a 5.21 ERA over 19 innings pitched. He pitched both in the minors and for the Royals in 1984, going 2-6 with a 4.26 ERA over 15 games in the bigs.

Then came 1985, a breakout year for the 23 year old Jackson and the Royals. He found himself part of a solid young starting rotation that included Bud Black, Mark Gubicza, Charlie Leibrandt and Bret Saberhagen. He went 14-12 with a 3.42 ERA as the five starters combined for 75 wins and propelled Kansas City to the playoffs and eventual 1985 World Series victory. Jackson was highly effective in the playoffs, twirling a complete game shutout in Game 5 of the 1985 ALCS and gaining a complete game victory in Game 5 of the World Series, surrendering only one run. He also struck out the side (Terry Pendleton, Tom Nieto, and Brian Harper) on nine pitches in the 7th inning of that Game 5.

Jackson remained in the Royals rotation in both 1986 (11-12 record with a 3.20 ERA) and 1987 (9-18, 4.02 ERA). Kansas City fell back in American League standings both years mainly due to poor hitting. With an excess in pitching the Royals worked out an after season trade with the Cincinnati Reds. The Royals dealt Jackson along with Angel Salazar, getting Ted Power and Kurt Stillwell from the Reds in return.

Jackson paid immediate dividends for the Reds in 1988, sporting a 23-8 record to go with a 2.73 ERA. His 23 wins and 15 complete games led the National League. He had plenty of highlights that year. He made his first All-Star selection although he didn't appear in the game. He finished 2nd in the Cy Young voting behind Orel Hershiser. He was red hot in August; over four consecutive starts during the month he went complete game shutout, complete game win 1 run allowed, complete game win 1 run allowed, complete game shutout.

Jackson's brother, Mike Jackson, was drafted by the Kansas City Kings in the 4th round of the 1983 NBA draft.

Notable Achievements

• 2-time NL All-Star (1988 & 1994)
• NL Wins Leader (1988)
• NL Complete Games Leader (1988)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1988)
• 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1988)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 5 (1985, 1987, 1988, 1992 & 1993)
• Won two World Series with the Kansas City Royals (1985) and the Cincinnati Reds (1990)