"Don’t believe all that you hear; most is heard 3rd or 4th hand. This is an example of ‘didn’t go down that way, brother.’"
Jackson’s professional but firm rebuttal highlights his commitment to setting the record straight. But what’s the truth about the Rolls-Royce and the Yankees deal?
An article published by ESPN in 2003, recounting the events of November 1976, provides some context. According to the report, “George Steinbrenner's Thanksgiving Day is complete with the signing of free-agent Reggie Jackson to a $3-million, five-year contract that included a Rolls-Royce.” This anecdote has since become a hallmark of Steinbrenner’s flamboyant style, though its accuracy is still debated.
At the time, Jackson was coming off a strong season with the Baltimore Orioles and was one of the most sought-after free agents in baseball. Describing Steinbrenner’s relentless courtship, Jackson famously compared it to “trying to hustle a girl in a bar.” Determined to rebuild after the Yankees were swept by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1976 World Series, Steinbrenner initially set his sights on Bobby Grich. However, when Grich opted to sign with the California Angels, Steinbrenner shifted his focus to Jackson and refused to be outmaneuvered.
The effort proved worthwhile. Signing Jackson gave the Yankees not only one of the game’s most formidable sluggers but also a major box-office draw. As Jackson later put it, "The reason I'm a Yankee is that George Steinbrenner outhustled everybody else," a testament to the owner's unyielding determination.
While the story of the Rolls-Royce remains part of the legend, what’s undeniable is that Jackson’s arrival marked a turning point for the Yankees, laying the groundwork for their resurgence as baseball’s dominant franchise.
--Alvin Izzo
An article published by ESPN in 2003, recounting the events of November 1976, provides some context. According to the report, “George Steinbrenner's Thanksgiving Day is complete with the signing of free-agent Reggie Jackson to a $3-million, five-year contract that included a Rolls-Royce.” This anecdote has since become a hallmark of Steinbrenner’s flamboyant style, though its accuracy is still debated.
At the time, Jackson was coming off a strong season with the Baltimore Orioles and was one of the most sought-after free agents in baseball. Describing Steinbrenner’s relentless courtship, Jackson famously compared it to “trying to hustle a girl in a bar.” Determined to rebuild after the Yankees were swept by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1976 World Series, Steinbrenner initially set his sights on Bobby Grich. However, when Grich opted to sign with the California Angels, Steinbrenner shifted his focus to Jackson and refused to be outmaneuvered.
The effort proved worthwhile. Signing Jackson gave the Yankees not only one of the game’s most formidable sluggers but also a major box-office draw. As Jackson later put it, "The reason I'm a Yankee is that George Steinbrenner outhustled everybody else," a testament to the owner's unyielding determination.
While the story of the Rolls-Royce remains part of the legend, what’s undeniable is that Jackson’s arrival marked a turning point for the Yankees, laying the groundwork for their resurgence as baseball’s dominant franchise.
--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor
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