Roger vs. Reggie…….Who was the Greater “N.Y. Yankee”
At baseballsgreatesthitters.com. we have heard over the past several years a lot of discussion and debates about the top All-Time Yankee greats. The idea to do this particular player comparison actually came listening to a sports talk show hosted by Marc Malusis, one of the industries most talented, knowledgeable and respected sports talk radio personalities. Using our rating system, we decided to do a comparison of the N.Y.Yankee careers of Roger Maris and Reggie Jackson. When looking back at the careers of both Reggie and Roger, there is no comparison. Reggie is a Hall of Famer and by far had the better lifetime numbers, but keep in mind, our player comparison is Jacksons’ five years as a Yankee compared to the first five Yankee years of Maris.
Who was the greater New York Yankee?
RATING: Roger Maris-3.525 Reggie Jackson- 3.395
(Career Rating- Roger Maris 3.453 Reggie Jackson- 4.114 )
| 5 Year Total | At Bats | Runs | Hits | 2B | 3B | H.R.’s | R.B.I’s | S.B. | B.B. | K’s | Ave. |
| Roger Maris | 2,504 | 461 | 679 | 94 | 15 | 182 | 477 | 7 | 348 | 328 | 272 |
| Reggie Jackson | 2,349 | 380 | 661 | 115 | 14 | 144 | 461 | 41 | 326 | 573 | 281 |
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| Player | Year | A.B. | Runs | Hits | 2B | 3B | H.R.’s | R.B.I’s | B.B. | K’s | S.B. | Ave. |
| R. Maris | 1960 | 499 | 98 | 141 | 18 | 7 | 39 | 112 | 70 | 65 | 2 | 283 |
| 1961 | 590 | 132 | 159 | 16 | 4 | 61 | 141 | 94 | 67 | 0 | 269 | |
| 1962 | 590 | 92 | 151 | 34 | 1 | 33 | 100 | 87 | 78 | 1 | 256 | |
| 1963 | 312 | 53 | 84 | 14 | 1 | 23 | 53 | 35 | 40 | 1 | 269 | |
| 1964 | 513 | 86 | 144 | 12 | 2 | 26 | 71 | 62 | 78 | 3 | 281 | |
| 5 yr Total | 2,504 | 461 | 679 | 94 | 15 | 182 | 477 | 348 | 328 | 7 | 281 | |
| R. Jackson | 1977 | 525 | 93 | 150 | 39 | 2 | 32 | 110 | 74 | 129 | 17 | 286 |
| 1978 | 511 | 82 | 140 | 13 | 5 | 27 | 97 | 58 | 133 | 14 | 274 | |
| 1979 | 465 | 78 | 138 | 24 | 2 | 29 | 89 | 65 | 107 | 9 | 297 | |
| 1980 | 514 | 94 | 154 | 22 | 4 | 41 | 111 | 83 | 122 | 1 | 300 | |
| 1981 | 334 | 33 | 79 | 17 | 1 | 15 | 54 | 46 | 82 | 0 | 237 | |
| 5 yr Total | 2,394 | 380 | 661 | 115 | 14 | 144 | 461 | 326 | 573 | 41 | 279 |
- Roger Maris had back to back M.V.P. seasons (1960 and 1961)- Reggie Jackson never won an M.V.P.as a Yankee.
- In Roger’s first 5 seasons, the Yankees went to the World Series 5 times winning 2 championships, in Reggie’s 5 seasons, the Yankees went to the World Series 3 times winning 2 championships.
- Roger Maris won a Gold Glove award in 1960, Reggie Jackson never won a Gold Glove.
- Roger Maris had 3 consecutive 30 plus Home Run seasons. Reggie Jackson had never topped the 30 Home Run mark in consecutive seasons, and while hitting 563 career Home Runs, he had never topped the 30 H.R. mark in consecutive seasons his 21 year career.
When comparing these two historic players, about the only commonality was both wore pinstripes in right field. Roger Maris, chasing the Ruthian legend and eclipsing the untouchable record, had the biggest moment in Yankee history and perhaps baseball history in 1961. Unfortunately, because of a reprehensible media no doubt swayed by Ruth’s God-like status, this unbelievable accomplishment, rather than enhance his career with earned and deserved status, actually made him an unpopular and disliked Yankee and ball player generally. Mickey Mantle called Maris the best athlete on the team and he was a multi-tool, complete ball player for which he was never credited. He could do it all – hit for power,advance base-runners, bunt, run with speed and intelligence and was an outstanding fielder with a rocket throwing arm. Reggie Jackson does not compare to Maris in terms of the complete package. He was unquestionably a strong power hitter who consistently sought the long ball. He also sought center stage and on many occasions achieved it. Mr. October’s ability to shine with the spotlight on certainly made him heroic in the eyes of many but also may have skewed perceptions of his overall performance. Without question, Reggie grabbed the headlines often with his big personality, clutch hitting in post season and big moments on the national stage and was a great power hitter but we think that as a complete player during their “Yankee Years”, Maris outshone this superstar.
