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Former MLB All-Star Bo Jackson said players in today’s game have only one thing on mind: going deep.
Jackson, 63, explained how the game has changed over the years and how players are paid big money despite having a low batting average because of the emphasis on home runs.
“Everybody’s trying to hit a home run. Hit it out of the park or strike out. You’ve got guys making seven or eight million dollars a year, and they’re hitting .241,” Jackson said during a recent appearance on “Green Light with Chris Long.”
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Former Kansas City Royals player Bo Jackson speaks during his Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on June 29, 2024. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Many players hit around .241 but found success due to their ability to hit the long ball. Last season, Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber hit .240 but had 56 homers, 132 RBIs and finished second in National League MVP voting.
The 32-year-old then signed a five-year, $150 million contract during the offseason. Schwarber is Jackson’s example of how batting average has been devalued in today’s game, as the emphasis has shifted more toward on-base and hitting ability.
Jackson compared hitters with low batting averages who are paid to draft NFL team players who earn a large salary.
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Former Kansas City Royals player Bo Jackson (left) talks with Michael Massey (right) before a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on June 28, 2024. (Peter Aiken/USA TODAY Sports)
“It’s like someone who makes minimum wage, he’s a guy on the scout team who you know isn’t supposed to be in the game making seven to eight million a year,” Jackson said.
The former multi-sport star also explained that players aren’t stealing as many bases or playing small ball as much.
“Stealing bases back then was a must. You don’t see guys except (Cincinnati Reds’ Elly) De La Cruz…You don’t see a lot of guys stealing bases or getting hits now in baseball, or sacrificing bunts,” Jackson said.
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Former MLB and NFL player Bo Jackson and UFC champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk have fun before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers at US Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois on July 21, 2016. (David Banks/USA TODAY Sports)
Jackson spent eight seasons in the big leagues. He began his career with the Kansas City Royals, then spent two seasons with the Chicago White Sox and one with the California Angels. In 694 games, Jackson had a career batting average of .250 with 141 home runs and 415 RBIs, with 82 stolen bases.
He made the All-Star team with the Royals in 1989.
Jackson also played four seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders in the NFL. In 38 games, Jackson totaled 2,782 yards with 16 rushing touchdowns.
