DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Josh Donaldson spends a lot of time before every game talking hitting to anyone who will listen. Whether it's in the clubhouse, or on the field, players will come and go as they exchange information on opposing pitchers, mechanics and overall philosophy.
That's not unusual, but Donaldson's audience during batting practice on Saturday morning certainly was. It was none other than Yankees Hall of Famer -- and Mr. October -- Reggie Jackson. Normally it's the current players picking the brains of the all-time greats, but this time it was the other way around.
Jackson approached Donaldson on the field to seek out information instead of handing it out like he usually does. His playing career came to an end 30 years ago, but Jackson is currently a coach in the Yankees' system and it's clear that, even at age 70, his desire to learn remains strong.
"It's humbling," Donaldson said after the encounter. "Reggie Jackson is one of the greatest of all time. It's one of those things, you wouldn't expect people to continue to try to learn. And not necessarily learn from what I'm doing but maybe it's terminology, maybe it's a different way of thinking about it, but you just don't expect that. It's very humbling."
Jackson wanted to chat with Donaldson because Toronto's star third baseman is often used as a point of comparison for players looking to implement a leg kick into their mechanics. The all-time great also saw a lot of similarities between how Donaldson approaches each at-bat and the way he spent most of his 21-year career.
The conversation wasn't about state secrets, it was more about language and terminology. Jackson understands hitting as well as anyone, but he wanted to hear Donaldson describe his approach and what he's trying to accomplish in the batter's box. As a coach, those descriptions are invaluable, because ultimately they are responsible for guiding each player through the difficult process of hitting.
"I've got 50 years in," Jackson said. "I'm trying to learn, trying to understand. ... I get the move. I know what that is. I don't need to describe it, I can tell you to go Google me. I'd tell you that I understood the swing, but I want to hear it because I need to communicate it. I have a job to do with the Yankees, a job to help this staff and organization to win. So I need to take the time to learn the new words, whatever you want to call it."
Following the on-field discussion, Jackson was full of praise for Donaldson, a three-time All Star. He admires the type of hitter Donaldson has become and believes the two have a lot in common when it comes to their style of play. Coming from someone who received more than 90 percent of the vote to gain entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame, that means something.
"Josh Donaldson does what I did," Jackson said. "He has a different way of seeing it, but in the zone, he's collecting the same dues and he's collecting the same production. Taking the same groceries home that I did, and he's doing it the same way. His terminology is very similar to mine. How he starts his barrel and things like that. Look at the video."
Gregor Chisholm