Reggie

This year's REGGIE is a perhaps overdue documentary about a gifted athlete known as Reggie Jackson, noted not only for his exceptional ballplaying and associated instincts (often when the pressure was on) but also his rather outspoken, frequently controversial personality.  I had to laugh out loud when an early scene had him on the phone with another such baseball legend, Pete Rose.  Reggie never had that kind of scandal, though.  Director Alex Stapleton's film, which debuted on Amazon Prime last month, creates a more than adequate portrait, but I wanted more insight.  More fire from this fiery guy.  

REGGIE often falls to 21st century doc conventions (including that sometimes syrupy, sometimes mildly foreboding score by Ryan Bullet Shield), so frustratingly sterile.   But there are plenty of great clips and photographs throughout.  His early years are only touched upon, though memories of racism die hard, and will provide the main theme to the film, one Reggie voices concern over, his lament of his lack of control over the project.   But his stamp is felt as he recalls his days in the minors and then with the As, recalling as much about how he wasn't allowed to sleep and eat in certain places because of his skin color as he does home run records.  Rollie Fingers and others share stories that inspire their (and our) smiles and laments.

Then we get to the most fascinating part of Jackson's career, his wildly successful but stormy time with the New York Yankees.  When some fans held "REGGIE IS A BOZO" banners in the stands before cheering on the clutch as he lead his team to back to back World Series wins in 1977 and '78.  Still remember those.  Originally from New York, I was a big Yankee fan in those years, and would remain one until the local cable company in Palm Beach County, circa 1988, dropped WOR and picked up WGN from Chicago, which in part led to my becoming a Cubs fan (to this day).  Billy McMillin's editing creates a riveting montage of footage as Reggie battles manager Billy Martin (who should have his own doc, honestly) and teammate Thurman Munson, who dubbed Reggie "Mr. October" rather sarcastically in the press.  It stuck.

Even now, many still dislike Reggie Jackson for reasons too numerous to mention.  Whatever gripes one may have about his directness and reputed ill manner toward autograph seeking fans, you have to admire the guy for his advocacy for players of color.  Not just on the field but in management positions.  He discusses as much with Hank Aaron (in his kitchen) and Derek Jeter (at Loan Depot Park in Miami, where he served as Marlins CEO).  The infamous failed bid for the Los Angeles Dodgers - in which Jackson pooled his money with the likes of Bill Gates - is also mentioned and will do nothing to improve the reputation of MLB commish Bud Selig.   Reggie went into a depression following that debacle.

These days, Jackson works for the Houston Astros as a "special advisor", assisting team foundations and serving communities to encourage diversity in athletic and academic school programs.  The film concludes with some moments with Reggie and Astros owner Jim Crane.  I wasn't aware of the fourteen time All-Star's new role until last month, when I attended an Astros/Mets Spring Training game.  Reggie threw out the first pitch.  Free "Reggie" bars were handed out as we entered the stadium.   It was at that game that I also first learned about this documentary, which will be essential for baseball fans at the very least.  Even if there was so much more to cover.  Even if I can't help to wonder how different and potentially more interesting Stapleton's film would be with other points of view added to the mix.  A complex guy; I wished I could've learned a bit more about him. 

 P.S. - There is also no mention of Reggie's rather significant cameo in THE NAKED GUN.   Would've been nice, if nothing else than to see the old cuss crack a smile at that memory.