Reggie Jackson leaves Astros’ pseudo executive job, vows ‘I’m still a Yankee’

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Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson has officially parted ways with the Houston Astros, ending his nearly four-year role with the organization. Sources indicate he recently informed Astros owner Jim Crane of his decision to step down from his “pseudo executive” role.

Jackson cited family priorities in California as the primary reason for his departure, though he remains open to future opportunities in baseball, particularly with the New York Yankees—a franchise he’s long been closely connected with.

“It’s always been a home for me,” The Post cited him saying. “I’m a Yankee. I’m still a Yankee.” 

The timing of Jackson’s decision is notable, coming shortly after he met with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner at a World Series game in New York last month. While no formal job discussions took place, Yankees insiders have not ruled out the possibility of Jackson returning to the team where he made history.

Jackson’s bond with the Yankees spans five years as a standout player and over 20 years in an official role. He was part of seven World Series victories with the team, including his unforgettable three-home-run game and five titles during what he affectionately calls the “Jeter era.”

Currently, Jackson has no official role lined up, choosing instead to spend more time with family, including his daughter, three grandchildren, and five siblings—four of whom are now in their 80s.

As he nears his 78th birthday, Jackson remains upbeat about his age. While he still has a love for the game, he acknowledges that the heavy travel demands have become increasingly taxing. For now, he’s embracing a slower pace, hoping to stay connected to the sport he loves without the pressures of constant travel.

The door remains open for a potential return to baseball, but Jackson’s immediate focus is on family, where he feels he’s most needed.

Jackson remains a baseball mind who the Yankees need

Reggie Jackson’s shift to the Houston Astros in early 2021 came after a gradual reduction of influence with the Yankees, where his role had diminished since George Steinbrenner’s passing in 2010. Mr. October described his last years with New York as largely symbolic, once comparing his role to a mere “hood ornament.”

The move to Houston’s analytics-driven organization was initially surprising, given the Astros’ data-heavy approach. However, recent moves by the Astros, such as hiring seasoned scout Dana Brown as general manager and appointing former stars Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio to leadership roles, have added a broader perspective to the organization.

While Jackson acknowledges baseball’s evolution, he insists the core elements—hitting, fielding, and pressure performance—are constants. Despite enjoying his position with the Astros, the frequent travel, averaging two to three trips a month, became unsustainable.

Jackson looks back on his time with the Astros with high regard, praising owner Jim Crane’s leadership and Houston’s passionate fanbase. Though he holds deep connections with the Yankees, his focus is now on his business ventures, including a car collection, dealership work, endorsement deals, and the revival of the classic Reggie Bar.

During a visit to the Bronx in October, Jackson reconnected with former teammates like Willie Randolph and shared insights on the Yankees’ recent Game 5 World Series loss. His sharp analysis highlighted defensive missteps and the impact of extended innings, even against a pitcher as skilled as Gerrit Cole.

Jackson’s thoughtful breakdown of the game showed his enduring connection to the Yankees and the insight that marked his days in pinstripes.

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