Al was selected by the Mets from Pittsburgh with the 62nd pick in the 1961 expansion draft. What a great pick it turned out to be. Al turned in 138 starts over 6 seasons for the Metropolitans, posting a 4.26 ERA despite his 43-80 record. 10 of Jackson's 43 wins were shutout victories. Despite his small frame, "Little Al" was the definition of a work horse. Al was dealt the St. Louis in '65 for Ken Boyer, but was then reacquired in '67 for Jack Lamabe. Al's contract was later sold to Cincinnati during the stretch run in 1969 after logging 11 innings for the Miracle Mets.
I picked up both of these balls rather cheaply on eBay. Mr. Jackson doesn't sign through the mailanymore. I read that he had a stroke a few years back and has been in poor health.
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