Larry Jackson
Larry Jackson
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Larry Jackson was a renowned American baseball player, coach, and executive who served as the general manager of the Houston Colt .45s/Astros from 1961 to 1980. His full name was Lawrence Robert "Larry" Jackson.
Birth and Death Dates
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Larry Jackson was born on October 8, 1926, in Mobile, Alabama. He passed away on November 20, 1999, at the age of 73.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Jackson held American nationality and was a professional baseball player, coach, and executive throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
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Born into a family of modest means, Jackson grew up in Mobile, Alabama. His early life was marked by a strong interest in sports, particularly baseball. He played high school baseball and went on to attend the University of Southern California (USC), where he excelled as a pitcher.
Major Accomplishments
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Jackson's impressive baseball career spans over two decades. He began playing professionally in 1951 with the St. Louis Cardinals, later joining the Chicago Cubs in 1966. Jackson was an accomplished pitcher who earned five All-Star selections and finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting in 1964.
As a coach and executive, Jackson's tenure as general manager of the Houston Colt .45s/Astros from 1961 to 1980 left a lasting impact on the team. He played a crucial role in shaping the franchise's early years, overseeing several key trades and signing important players.
Notable Works or Actions
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Jackson was instrumental in introducing the American League to Houston in 1962. Under his leadership, the Colt .45s/Astros transitioned into a competitive team, eventually winning the National League West division title in 1980.
As an executive, Jackson worked tirelessly behind the scenes to improve player talent and develop a strong farm system. His legacy extends beyond the baseball field, as he played a significant role in shaping the city's cultural identity through sports.
Impact and Legacy
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Larry Jackson's impact on baseball extends far beyond his impressive playing career and leadership roles. He was an early advocate for African American players in professional baseball, paving the way for future generations of athletes.
Jackson's tenure as general manager laid the foundation for the Houston Astros' long-term success. The team has since won several division titles and appeared in a World Series championship series in 2005.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Larry Jackson's enduring legacy stems from his trailblazing contributions to baseball, both on and off the field. As one of the first African American players and coaches in professional baseball, he broke barriers for future generations.
Jackson's dedication to building strong teams through player development and strategic decision-making has inspired numerous baseball executives and fans worldwide. His commitment to his craft and passion for the sport have cemented his place as a legendary figure in Major League Baseball history.
Quotes by Larry Jackson
It was a serious incident. Thanks to the great skills of the pilots and calmness of the paramedics, they made a gentle and successful landing.
It was a serious incident. Thanks to the great skills of the pilotsÊand calmness of the paramedics,Êthey made a gentle and successful landing.
It's a tough thing. But I think the Rowland Hall kids really have a lot of discipline. These kids, because their school work is so hard, they carry that discipline over to swimming.
There should be high expectations, but the expectations should come from Reagan on down.
We need to figure out how do we reshape the curriculum, home issues, teachers and money issues, ... In order for all of the school districts to be successful, all the factors must be at play including parents, schools and the districts.
We have used an eclectic approach to dealing with the moisture concern at Greenwood by employing the services of clean-up crews, air quality control experts, engineers, school nurses and maintenance workers in order to fix this problem.
We continue to be vigilant regarding this concern. We will provide the public with an update in regards to this matter as soon as the information has been made available to us.
Most of them have an individual drive, knowing they have to come in at a state level.
From the mental aspect, it's going to help the team morale a lot. You come out off the bat down, 24-0, and it wears the mental edge of the kids down a lot.