Jackson spent 12 years playing in the majors, breaking in with the Houston Colt .45’s in 1963 and finishing with the Atlanta Braves in 1974. In between he appeared in 936 games, hitting .251 with seven home runs and 126 stolen bases. His best year came for Houston in 1966 when he hit .292 with 49 steals and 80 runs scored. As he’d only played in 20 total MLB games the previous three seasons, this counted as Jackson’s rookie year and he finished second to Tommy Helms in the National League Rookie of the Year vote. He would never again replicate his success at the plate as his next highest batting average was .259 for the Braves in 1970.
Jackson played his first game on September 27, 1963 at Colt Stadium in Houston against the New York Mets. He started at shortstop and led off for the Colt .45’s. He did not register a hit as the Mets won 10-3.
Following his playing career Jackson coached for the Braves and San Francisco Giants.
Sonny Jackson – career stats
