Bo Jackson Discusses Modern Baseball Trends
Former MLB All-Star Bo Jackson recently shared insights on how the game has transformed over the years, particularly regarding players’ focus on hitting home runs. At 63 years old, Jackson noted that many players are now aiming for the long ball, even if it means striking out more often.
He pointed out that it’s common to see players earning substantial salaries—sometimes $7 million to $8 million—while maintaining low batting averages, such as .241. During a recent discussion on the show “Greenlight with Chris Long,” Jackson expressed his thoughts on the current state of the game.
“Everyone’s trying to hit a home run. You’re either going to hit it out of bounds or you’re going to strike out,” he remarked, highlighting how the emphasis on power has overshadowed traditional batting skills. For example, he referenced Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies, who had a batting average of .240 last season but still managed to hit 56 home runs and drive in 132 runs, placing second in the National League MVP voting. Schwarber’s performance earned him a lucrative five-year, $150 million contract earlier this offseason.
Jackson also compared contemporary hitters to those in the NFL who receive high salaries but may not perform consistently well. He remarked, “It’s like someone making minimum wage, a scout team player who knows he’s not supposed to play, making $7.8 million to $8 million a year.”
Additionally, Jackson lamented the decline of small-ball tactics in baseball, noting that players today rarely attempt to steal bases or utilize hit-and-run strategies. “Stealing bases was a must back then. You don’t see many players, aside from Ellie Delacruz of the Cincinnati Reds, doing that anymore,” he observed. He reminisced about how the game used to prioritize these elements more significantly than it does now.
Throughout his career, Jackson spent eight seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Kansas City Royals, followed by time with the Chicago White Sox and California Angels. His stats include a career batting average of .250 with 141 home runs and 415 RBIs across 694 games. Jackson was also recognized as an All-Star in 1989.
In addition to his baseball career, he played for the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders, accumulating 2,782 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns during his time there.
