Reggie Jackson's 'Mr. October Celebrity Golf Classic' raising money for children
PALM CITY — Reggie Jackson is fast turning into Mr. January.
That’s because of how super hot his “Mr. October Celebrity Golf Classic” has become since coming to the “The Floridian National” golf course in Palm City.
Legend after legend poured into Martin County Monday morning in the rare chill for a golfing event that raises money for Jackson’s children’s foundation he created 25 years ago.
Jackson, who earned his World Series moniker as a lefty slugger for the Oakland A’s and New York Yankees - “The Bronx (Zoo) Bombers’’ - in the 1970s, got choked up as he addressed the star-studded throng.
His audience included sporting greats from Lawrence Taylor to Jack Nicklaus, Julius Erving to Roger Clemens, newly retired Nick Saban to Ken Griffey Jr., Warren Moon to Ozzie Smith, Marcus Allen to Gary Sheffield. And plenty of other elites.
A former advisor for the New York Yankees, Jackson now works as a special advisor to the Houston Astros, who hold spring training at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
“It’s a wonderful feeling,’’ Jackson said. “(Sunday) night (at the dinner), I got emotional. When I think of the quality of people that came, not only the fact you’re super athletes and superstars, the common thread we have here and makes it easy to bond with is I understand the path you all have went on in order to become the athlete and person you are. That’s the common thread.
“I get who you are and the character comes out when you come to something like this because you’re coming for the good of the kids. From my heart, I can stand next to you and can feel your kindness.’’
Moon, the former Houston Oilers All-Pro quarterback who now lives in Seattle, looked around the practice driving range and said, “It’s amazing. These guys don’t just come out for anything. It shows the respect Reggie has from everyone.’’
A List of pro athletes played golf, including Sugar Ray Leonard, George Brett, Mike Singletary
Rapper Travis Scott helped sponsor the event that also featured boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, George Brett, Jorge Posada, Johnny Bench, Mike Schmidt, Pedro Martinez, Thurman Thomas, Albert Pujols, Andruw Jones, John Smoltz, Mike Singletary, Marshall Faulk, Terrell Owens, Brooks Koepka, Grant Hill, Michael Brantley and a handful of other Astros.
Singers “50-Cent’’, Bun B, Slim Thug and actors Anthony Mackie and Dave Chapelle graced the course.
The event was expected to raise nearly $900,000.
Jackson still had moist eyes when he met with a small group of media. “It’s overwhelming’’ Jackson said. “It makes my eyes water. I remember friendships I had with Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Bob Gibson and Bill Russell. When those guys called me, I stumbled over chairs to answer it. Bill Russell would say, 'Hi, it’s Russ. My golf tournament is May 28th. I’ll see you there.' And I was.’’
Jackson’s celebrity golf fundraiser moved around the country for 15 years but found a home at the Floridian in 2022. The course is owned by Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, who hired Jackson in 2021. Jackson and Crane had been longtime friends.
When asked about the Astros’ potential for a 2024 World Series title, Jackson praised the team's owner.
“Our leader is Jim Crane and he’s very hands-on, supportive, very giving, smart, knowledgeable," he said. "He’s probably the best owner I‘ve been associated with. And I’ve been with George Steinbrenner, a great owner, and Charley Finley, who knew the business. If you run side by side with Steinbrenner – because Steinbrenner was the guy and template for greatness and championships – then you’re a pretty good dude.’’
'Reggie' bars are back - and present on the golf course
In a whiff of nostalgia, “Reggie’’ bars - the iconic candy bar marketed in the late 1970s after Jackson signed in New York - were distributed in their orange wrappers to participants.
After a “Reggie’’ bar giveaway for the 1978 season opener, Yankee Stadium fans threw thousands onto the field after Jackson hit a homer in his first at-bat, causing a long delay.
“The Reggie bar is back, getting in the stores,’’ Jackson said. “We’re having fun with it and it will contribute to the charity.’’
Jackson started his foundation more than 25 years ago to help disadvantaged kids whose circumstances prevent them from a solid education. The next project is a “Mr. October curriculum” focused on STEM classes (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math).
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While Jackson held court, Clemens came over and gave Jackson a bear hug. “He’s the reason I got to the big leagues so quick because I wanted to face Reggie,’’ the Hall-of-Fame pitcher said. “It didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to though.’’
They both chuckled. On the contrary, there was Saban, who retired from Alabama on Jan. 11th after losing in the college football semifinals to Michigan. Saban seemed super serious as he whaled away on some of his drives.
Saban recently moved to Jupiter Island by Hobe Sound where he reportedly bought a waterfront home for $17.5 million. “It’s been good, having a great time,’’ Saban said, but added his golf game is “not as good as I’d like it to be.’’
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Reggie Jackson, Jack Nicklaus, Lawrence Taylor part of 'Mr. October' golf classic
