Jackson made his MLB debut with the Royals in 1983. Over the next few years, he developed into a reliable starting pitcher. His breakout season came in 1985 when he played a crucial role in helping the Royals win the World Series. In Game 5 of the series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Jackson pitched a complete game, allowing just one run and securing a vital victory for Kansas City. This performance was instrumental in the Royals' eventual seven-game triumph.
Following his success with the Royals, Jackson was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1987. His tenure with the Reds was highlighted by an outstanding 1988 season. That year, Jackson posted a 23-8 record with a 2.73 ERA, earning him a spot on the National League All-Star team and finishing second in the Cy Young Award voting. His 23 wins were the most by a Reds pitcher since 1965, and he became a fan favorite for his competitive spirit and tenacity on the mound.
In 1990, Jackson was traded to the Chicago Cubs, but his time there was marred by injuries, limiting his effectiveness. Despite these setbacks, he managed to contribute to the Cubs' pitching staff when healthy. After a brief stint with the Cubs, Jackson signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992. However, his time in Pittsburgh was short-lived, and he soon found himself on the move again.
Jackson's career experienced a resurgence when he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1993. That season, he played a vital role in the Phillies' rotation, helping the team reach the World Series. Although the Phillies ultimately fell to the Toronto Blue Jays, Jackson's performance throughout the season was a key factor in their success. He finished the year with a 12-11 record and a 3.77 ERA, providing stability and experience to the Phillies' pitching staff.
After his time with the Phillies, Jackson signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1995. He spent two seasons with the Cardinals, where he continued to be a dependable presence in the rotation. In 1997, Jackson joined the San Diego Padres, where he concluded his MLB career. Over his 15-year career, Jackson compiled a 112-131 record with a 4.01 ERA and 1,282 strikeouts.
Danny Jackson's career was characterized by moments of brilliance and resilience in the face of adversity.
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