“In all the years I watched him, playing with him and against him, I never saw him make a mistake.” – Rogers Hornsby.
Travis Jackson was a standout shortstop for the Giants from 1922 to 1936, spending his entire career in New York. His exceptional range earned him respect throughout the league, and his leadership earned him the role of team captain.
Jackson established himself as an everyday player in 1924. In 151 games, he batted .302 with 11 home runs, finishing the season with two grand slams and helping the Giants win the pennant.
The slick-fielding shortstop played on five National League pennant-winning teams and won one World Series Championship in 1933. Jackson scored three runs and drove in two in a winning cause, helping the Giants win in five games over the Washington Senators.
In Game 4 of the Series, Jackson led off the 11th inning in a 1-1 game with a drag-bunt single and scored the winning run to give the Giants a 3-1 series advantage. He cited it as his greatest accomplishment at the time.
“I’ve punched out quite a few hits in my time, but none that have given me greater gladness than the one I punched out yesterday in the 11th to start our rally,” Jackson said.
Jackson batted .300-or-more six times, hitting a career-high 21 home runs in 1929 and driving in a career-best 101 runs in 1934.
Regularly among the league leaders in assists and double plays, he was voted the Most Outstanding Shortstop by the Sporting News in 1927, 1928 and 1929. His throwing arm and quick release were among the best in the majors. Jackson led the league in fielding average and double plays each twice, and led in assists four times.
Jackson became a coach when his playing days were over, helping out the Giants, and then lending a hand to several minor league clubs.
Jackson was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982. He passed away on July 27, 1987.
