Reggie Jackson Shows His Pinstripes

Reggie Jackson, a special advisor to Yankee owner George Steinbrenner, was on the field before Game 2, talking with players at the batting cage. He had returned Thursday for the first time since a heated confrontation with Steinbrenner on the team bus heading to the airport and a flight to Texas for continuation of the American League division series against the Rangers.

Steinbrenner had wondered why Jackson was on the bus, and who had invited him to accompany the team. Jackson reportedly responded that he was tired of being treated like an animal by Steinbrenner. The exchange continued until observers separated the two.

In an ensuing interview with New York Times columnist Dave Anderson, Jackson said he was considering never returning to Yankee Stadium, as Yogi Berra decided after his managerial firing by Steinbrenner. But on Thursday, Jackson said:

“I apologized for what happened. I did what I had to do and won’t take it back, but I’m not proud of it. George and I need to talk face to face as friends. I need to express my thoughts to him at his convenience. It doesn’t make sense for me not to be with the Yankees, not to be around.”

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Reggie II: Jackson said he had a personal and special reason to appreciate the “heroic performances” of Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams in the postseason.

“It gives you [reporters] a reason to talk to me and gets my name in the paper,” he said.