Reggie Jackson on playing baseball in the 1960s in the South

I watched that live, and my jaw dropped. I was, like the author of this piece, grateful to him for injecting some reality into the occasion. (Not that I didn't appreciate the occasion, and the celebration - it was also special.)

The other point that bears making even more explicit is Jackson's enduring gratitude to his allies. For those of us privileged enough not not to be on the receiving end of social opprobrium, that's our moral duty. Beyond waving signs or signing petitions (I doubt Rollie Fingers ever did either! He doesn't seem the type), but actively, and in practical ways, to demonstrate solidarity and love. I don't know how well I do at that; however well I do, I'd like to do better.

Man, he's older than Trump, by about a month and speaks so much more coherently than either Trump or Biden. Knowing his age I was just expecting him to sound similar to them. He seems to still be incredibly sharp though, literally not missing a beat. - Reggie '24