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Former MLB All-Star Bo Jackson said players in today’s game have one thing on their mind: go deep.
Jackson, 63, talked about how the game has changed over the years and how players are paid a lot of money despite having a low batting average because of the emphasis on hitting home runs.
“Everybody’s trying to hit the home run. Hit it out of the park or strike out. You’ve got guys making seven, $8 million 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 at the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 29, 2024. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
There are numerous players who hit around .241 but found success because of their ability to hit the long ball. Last season, Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber hit .240 but hit 56 home runs, had 132 RBIs and finished second in National League MVP voting.
The 32-year-old then signed a five-year, $150 million contract in 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 getting on base and slugging ability.
Jackson compared hitters with low batting averages who are paid to scout NFL team players who earn a high 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)
“That’s like someone who makes minimum wage, that’s a guy on the scout team that you know shouldn’t be in the game making seven to eight million a year,” Jackson said.
The former multi-sport star also talked about how players don’t steal as many bases or play small ball.
“Stealing bases back then was a necessity. You don’t see guys except (Cincinnati Reds’ Elly) De La Cruz… You don’t see a lot of guys stealing bases or making hits and runs now in baseball, or sacrifice bunts,” Jackson said.
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Former MLB and NFL player Bo Jackson and UFC champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk fool around before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Chicago White Sox and the 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 .250 batting average 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 then-Los Angeles Raiders in the NFL. In 38 games, Jackson rushed for 2,782 yards with 16 rushing touchdowns.
