Reggie Jackson and Mike Schmidt Both Hit 500 Home Runs — So Why Does One Feel Bigger?

June 17, 2026June 26, 2024 by Jake Cain

Last Updated: June 17, 2026

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Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jake Cain

Reggie Jackson and Mike Schmidt are two of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball history. Jackson dazzled fans with his clutch postseason performances and power-hitting prowess. Schmidt, known for his incredible home run totals and extraordinary defensive skills at third base, is frequently cited as the best third baseman ever. For baseball fans, comparing these two legends means diving into their statistics, awards, and the impact they had on the game. So let’s get to it…

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Reggie Jackson vs Mike Schmidt — via Stathead

Early Careers and Rise to Stardom

Reggie Jackson: The Birth of “Mr. October”

Reggie Jackson stepped into the Major Leagues with the Kansas City Athletics in 1967. By 1969, he had already hit 47 home runs in a season, briefly flirting with the single-season home run record.

Jackson’s early years were characterized by his explosive slugging and his penchant for dramatic, game-changing moments. His career would span 21 seasons, during which he played for the Athletics, Orioles, Yankees, and Angels. Jackson’s ability to hit home runs during crucial moments earned him the nickname “Mr. October,” a testament to his postseason heroics.

Mike Schmidt: From Ohio to Philadelphia Stardom

Mike Schmidt’s journey to greatness began at Ohio University, where he led his team to the College World Series. Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1971, Schmidt made his Major League debut in 1972. His first few seasons were a learning curve, but by 1974, Schmidt’s potential became evident as he hit 36 home runs and received his first All-Star nod.

Schmidt’s combination of power and defensive prowess at third base quickly set him apart. Over his 18-season career, Schmidt would spend all his time with the Phillies, becoming the face of the franchise.

Power Hitting and Statistical Comparison

Reggie Jackson’s Power and Consistency

Reggie Jackson’s career statistics are a testament to his power and consistency:

Batting Average: .262
Hits: 2,584
Home Runs: 563
Runs Batted In (RBI): 1,702

Jackson’s 563 home runs rank him 14th on the all-time home run list. His ability to hit home runs in clutch situations was legendary, particularly highlighted by his three consecutive home runs in Game Six of the 1977 World Series. Jackson was also a 14-time All-Star and led the American League in home runs four times (1973, 1975, 1980, 1982).

Standard Batting
Year	Age	Tm	Lg	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB	Pos	Awards
1967	21	KCA	AL	35	135	118	13	21	4	4	1	6	1	1	10	46	.178	.269	.305	.574	71	36	1	5	1	1	0	79/8H
1968	22	OAK	AL	154	614	553	82	138	13	6	29	74	14	4	50	*171*	.250	.316	.452	.768	138	250	3	5	4	2	5	*98/H7	MVP-17
1969	23	OAK	AL	152	678	549	*123*	151	36	3	47	118	13	5	114	142	.275	.410	.608	1.018	189	334	8	12	1	1	20	*98/H	AS,MVP-5
1970	24	OAK	AL	149	514	426	57	101	21	2	23	66	26	17	75	135	.237	.359	.458	.817	127	195	10	8	2	3	11	*98H
1971	25	OAK	AL	150	642	567	87	157	29	3	32	80	16	10	63	*161*	.277	.352	.508	.860	144	288	7	6	0	6	5	*9/H8	AS,MVP-14
1972	26	OAK	AL	135	573	499	72	132	25	2	25	75	9	8	59	125	.265	.350	.473	.823	149	236	5	8	4	2	7	*89	AS,MVP-18
1973	27	OAK	AL	151	629	539	99	158	28	2	32	117	22	8	76	111	.293	.383	.531	.914	161	286	13	7	0	7	11	*9/HD8	AS,MVP-1
1974	28	OAK	AL	148	604	506	90	146	25	1	29	93	25	5	86	105	.289	.391	.514	.905	166	260	8	4	0	8	20	*9D/8H	AS,MVP-4
1975	29	OAK	AL	157	669	593	91	150	39	3	36	104	17	8	67	133	.253	.329	.511	.840	137	303	10	3	0	6	5	*9/DH	AS,MVP-5
1976	30	BAL	AL	134	558	498	84	138	27	2	27	91	28	7	54	108	.277	.351	.502	.853	155	250	17	4	0	2	7	*98D/H	MVP-16
1977	31	NYY	AL	146	606	525	93	150	39	2	32	110	17	3	74	129	.286	.375	.550	.925	150	289	3	3	0	4	4	*9D/H	AS,MVP-8
1978	32	NYY	AL	139	581	511	82	140	13	5	27	97	14	11	58	133	.274	.356	.477	.834	136	244	8	9	0	3	2	9D/H	AS,MVP-17
1979	33	NYY	AL	131	537	465	78	138	24	2	29	89	9	8	65	107	.297	.382	.544	.926	150	253	17	2	0	5	3	*9/HD	AS,MVP-24
1980	34	NYY	AL	143	601	514	94	154	22	4	41	111	1	2	83	122	.300	.398	.597	.995	172	307	7	2	0	2	15	9D/H	AS,MVP-2,SS
1981	35	NYY	AL	94	382	334	33	79	17	1	15	54	0	3	46	82	.237	.330	.428	.758	120	143	8	1	0	1	2	9D/H	AS
1982	36	CAL	AL	153	621	530	92	146	17	1	39	101	4	5	85	*156*	.275	.375	.532	.907	147	282	10	2	0	4	12	*9H/D	AS,MVP-6,SS
1983	37	CAL	AL	116	458	397	43	77	14	1	14	49	0	2	52	140	.194	.290	.340	.630	74	135	5	4	0	5	5	D9H	AS
1984	38	CAL	AL	143	584	525	67	117	17	2	25	81	8	4	55	141	.223	.300	.406	.706	95	213	10	3	1	0	7	*D/H9	AS
1985	39	CAL	AL	143	541	460	64	116	27	0	27	85	1	2	78	138	.252	.360	.487	.847	130	224	16	1	0	2	12	9DH
1986	40	CAL	AL	132	517	419	65	101	12	2	18	58	1	1	92	115	.241	.379	.408	.787	116	171	14	3	0	3	11	*DH/9
1987	41	OAK	AL	115	374	336	42	74	14	1	15	43	2	1	33	97	.220	.297	.402	.699	89	135	3	4	0	1	0	DH9
21 Yrs				2820	11418	9864	1551	2584	463	49	563	1702	228	115	1375	2597	.262	.356	.490	.846	139	4834	183	96	13	68	164
162 Game Avg.				162	656	567	89	148	27	3	32	98	13	7	79	149	.262	.356	.490	.846	139	278	11	6	1	4	9
				G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB	Pos	Awards
OAK (10 yrs)				1346	5432	4686	756	1228	234	27	269	776	145	67	633	1226	.262	.355	.496	.851	145	2323	68	62	12	37	84
CAL (5 yrs)				687	2721	2331	331	557	87	6	123	374	14	14	362	690	.239	.343	.440	.782	114	1025	55	13	1	14	47
NYY (5 yrs)				653	2707	2349	380	661	115	14	144	461	41	27	326	573	.281	.371	.526	.897	148	1236	43	17	0	15	26
BAL (1 yr)				134	558	498	84	138	27	2	27	91	28	7	54	108	.277	.351	.502	.853	155	250	17	4	0	2	7

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/28/2024.

Mike Schmidt’s All-Around Excellence

Mike Schmidt’s statistics showcase his dominance in both hitting and fielding:

Batting Average: .267
Hits: 2,234
Home Runs: 548
RBI: 1,595

Schmidt led the National League in home runs eight times, a record for third basemen. His career home run total of 548 ranks him 16th all-time. Schmidt’s ability to hit home runs and drive in runs, combined with his exceptional defense, made him a perennial MVP candidate.

Defensive Mastery

Reggie Jackson’s Outfield Prowess

While Jackson is primarily remembered for his batting, his defensive skills in the outfield were also noteworthy. Playing right field, Jackson had a strong arm and made several memorable plays. However, his defensive accolades do not approach those of Schmidt, who was a wizard at third base.

Mike Schmidt’s Gold Glove Dominance

Schmidt’s defensive abilities were nothing short of extraordinary. Over his 18-year career, he won 10 Gold Glove Awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest defensive third basemen of all time. Schmidt’s range, arm strength, and consistent play earned him accolades from fans and peers alike.

Awards and Accolades

Reggie Jackson’s Trophy Case

World Series Titles: 5 (1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978)
World Series MVP: 2 (1973, 1977)
AL MVP: 1 (1973)
Silver Slugger Awards: 2 (1980, 1982)
All-Star Appearances: 14 (1969, 1971–1975, 1977–1984)
AL Home Run Leader: 4 times (1973, 1975, 1980, 1982)
AL RBI Leader: 1 time (1973)

Jackson’s contributions were not limited to the regular season; he was a clutch performer in the playoffs, earning his moniker “Mr. October.”

Mike Schmidt’s Hall of Fame Career

World Series Title: 1 (1980)
World Series MVP: 1 (1980)
NL MVP: 3 (1980, 1981, 1986)
Gold Glove Awards: 10 (1976–1984, 1986)
Silver Slugger Awards: 6 (1980–1984, 1986)
All-Star Appearances: 12 (1974, 1976, 1977, 1979–1984, 1986, 1987, 1989)
NL Home Run Leader: 8 times (1974–1976, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986)
NL RBI Leader: 4 times (1980, 1981, 1984, 1986)

Schmidt’s combination of power hitting, stellar defense, and leadership on and off the field earned him numerous accolades and a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Standard Batting
Year	Age	Tm	Lg	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB	Pos	Awards
1972	22	PHI	NL	13	40	34	2	7	0	0	1	3	0	0	5	15	.206	.325	.294	.619	76	10	0	1	0	0	0	5/4H
1973	23	PHI	NL	132	443	367	43	72	11	0	18	52	8	2	62	136	.196	.324	.373	.697	92	137	8	9	1	4	3	*5H/436
1974	24	PHI	NL	162	686	568	108	160	28	7	36	116	23	12	106	*138*	.282	.395	.546	.941	158	310	4	4	3	5	14	*5	AS,MVP-6
1975	25	PHI	NL	158	674	562	93	140	34	3	38	95	29	12	101	*180*	.249	.367	.523	.890	142	294	7	4	6	1	10	*56/H	MVP-16
1976	26	PHI	NL	160	705	584	112	153	31	4	38	107	14	9	100	*149*	.262	.376	.524	.900	151	*306*	7	11	3	7	8	*5	AS,MVP-3,GG
1977	27	PHI	NL	154	667	544	114	149	27	11	38	101	15	8	104	122	.274	.393	.574	.967	151	312	10	9	1	9	4	*5/H64	AS,MVP-10,GG
1978	28	PHI	NL	145	616	513	93	129	27	2	21	78	19	6	91	103	.251	.364	.435	.798	122	223	4	4	0	8	12	*5/H6	GG
1979	29	PHI	NL	160	675	541	109	137	25	4	45	114	9	5	120	115	.253	.386	.564	.950	154	305	13	3	2	9	12	*5/H6	AS,MVP-13,GG
1980	30	PHI	NL	150	652	548	104	157	25	8	48	121	12	5	89	119	.286	.380	.624	1.004	171	*342*	6	2	0	13	10	*5/H	AS,MVP-1,GG,SS
1981	31	PHI	NL	102	434	354	78	112	19	2	31	91	12	4	73	71	.316	*.435*	*.644*	*1.080*	*198*	*228*	9	4	0	3	18	*5/H	AS,MVP-1,GG,SS
1982	32	PHI	NL	148	631	514	108	144	26	3	35	87	14	7	107	131	.280	*.403*	.547	.949	161	281	11	3	0	7	17	*5	AS,MVP-6,GG,SS
1983	33	PHI	NL	154	669	534	104	136	16	4	40	109	7	8	*128*	148	.255	.399	.524	.923	156	280	10	3	0	4	17	*5/6H	AS,MVP-3,GG,SS
1984	34	PHI	NL	151	632	528	93	146	23	3	36	106	5	7	92	116	.277	.383	.536	.919	155	283	15	4	0	8	14	*5/H36	AS,MVP-7,GG,SS
1985	35	PHI	NL	158	645	549	89	152	31	5	33	93	1	3	87	117	.277	.375	.532	.907	149	292	10	3	0	6	8	35/H6
1986	36	PHI	NL	160	657	552	97	160	29	1	37	119	1	2	89	84	.290	.390	.547	.937	153	302	8	7	0	9	25	*53/H	AS,MVP-1,GG,SS
1987	37	PHI	NL	147	613	522	88	153	28	0	35	113	2	1	83	80	.293	.388	.548	.936	142	286	17	2	0	6	15	*5/3H6	AS,MVP-14
1988	38	PHI	NL	108	451	390	52	97	21	2	12	62	3	0	49	42	.249	.337	.405	.742	112	158	11	6	0	6	10	5/H3
1989	39	PHI	NL	42	172	148	19	30	7	0	6	28	0	1	21	17	.203	.297	.372	.668	91	55	6	0	0	3	4	5	AS
18 Yrs				2404	10062	8352	1506	2234	408	59	548	1595	174	92	1507	1883	.267	.380	.527	.908	148	4404	156	79	16	108	201
162 Game Avg.				162	678	563	101	151	27	4	37	107	12	6	102	127	.267	.380	.527	.908	148	297	11	5	1	7	14
				G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB	Pos	Awards

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/28/2024.

Postseason Performances

Reggie Jackson: The Ultimate Clutch Hitter

Jackson’s postseason numbers are impressive, with 18 home runs and 48 RBIs in 77 playoff games. His most iconic moment came during the 1977 World Series, where he hit three consecutive home runs in Game Six, leading the Yankees to a championship. Jackson’s ability to perform under the brightest lights made him a legend in October.

Mike Schmidt: Rising to the Occasion

Schmidt’s postseason career included several pivotal performances. In the 1980 postseason, Schmidt hit .381 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs in the World Series, earning the MVP award and leading the Phillies to their first championship.

Legacy and Impact on the Game

Reggie Jackson’s Charisma and Influence

Reggie Jackson’s impact on baseball goes beyond his statistics. His larger-than-life personality, charisma, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him a household name. Jackson’s influence extended into pop culture, and his post-playing career as a special advisor and ambassador for the game continues to impact baseball.

Mike Schmidt’s Enduring Excellence

Mike Schmidt’s legacy is one of sustained excellence and professionalism. His work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the game set a high standard for future generations. Schmidt’s records and accolades, particularly his combination of power hitting and defensive prowess, have solidified his place as the greatest third baseman in MLB history.

Conclusion

Comparing the careers of Reggie Jackson and Mike Schmidt reveals two different but equally remarkable paths to baseball greatness. Jackson’s flair for the dramatic and postseason heroics made him an unforgettable figure, while Schmidt’s consistent excellence, both at the plate and in the field, earned him a place among the game’s all-time greats. Both players left an indelible mark on baseball, and their legacies continue to inspire and captivate fans.