#212 Grant Jackson

Solid, extensive career spanning well into three decades.....best success as a reliever but named to All Star team during one of the few times he was a starter.....African American, started as a Phillies chain successfully negotiating the controversies that befell Dick Allen and Alex Johnson....first season as regular 1967....mostly middle relief work first two years....kept ERA under 3.00 but had a disproportionate 1-6 record in 1968....tried as starter 1969 won 14 games but lost 18....retained starter status but lost effectiveness with 5-15 during 1970....traded to WS champs Orioles....mostly relegated to relief in the wake of Baltimore’s four 20 game winners....served in the O’s bullpen 5 ½ seasons including an undefeated 8-0 mark 1973.....after a poor start Grant in1976 is traded to Yankees where he rights his ship with 6-0 W-L mark.....Despite mid season comeback Grant is picked by Seattle in expansion draft....never becomes a Mariner, but flipped to Pirates to begin another residency....Put in 4 years time in Steel City, highlight being winning two games in 1979 postseason while not surrendering a run.....Jackson was able to keep MLB employment until 1982 wearing a Montreal and Royals uniform....last game was a two inning stint for Pirates.