1977 World Series Game 5: Yankees vs Dodgers (Reggie Jackson Three HRs)

Lore & Background

The 1977 Yankees season was the 75th for the franchise. The team finished 100–62, won the American League East, beat the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS, and then defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. The season was later brought to life in the book and drama-documentary The Bronx is Burning.

In Their Own Story

The air in the Bronx was thick with electricity. Reggie Jackson adjusted his helmet, the weight of the moment pressing down on him, yet his stance remained loose. The first pitch from Hooton came in, a fastball he crushed over the left-field wall. Two pitches later, Sosa threw a slider that sailed into the seats in right-center. The stadium seemed to hold its breath as Charlie Hough stepped onto the mound for the final at-bat of the night. Jackson watched the knuckleballer wind up, swung with lethal precision, and sent the ball soaring over the right-field fence. Three swings. Three home runs. Three pitches. As he rounded third base, the roar of the crowd drowned out everything else.

Reader's Guide

The Yankees won the World Series in six games. Reggie Jackson was named World Series MVP and also received the Babe Ruth Award. Sparky Lyle won the Cy Young Award, and Graig Nettles won the Gold Glove at third base.

Did You Know?

• The 1977 World Series was the first championship under owner George Steinbrenner.
• Yankee Stadium hosted the 1977 All-Star Game, and the Yankees became the most recent host team to win the World Series the same year.
• Reggie Jackson signed with the Yankees on November 29, 1976, for a five-year, $2.96 million contract.