On November 29, 1976, in perhaps the most celebrated free agent signing ever, the New York Yankees ink outfielder Reggie Jackson. The slugger signs a five-year deal worth $3.5 million. Jackson had listened to offers from the Expos and Orioles, Jackson had played for the Orioles in 1976 after he was traded to them by the Oakland A’s, when the A’s refused to pay Jackson the salary he had won in arbitration. The Yankees organization had argued against signing him.

Jackson will feud with manager Billy Martin and help deliver 2 World Series Titles. The Yankees from 1921 – 1962 did not go more than 3 seasons without a title, the 1977 Title ended a 15-year drought that included 3 World series loses. Jackson became known as Mr. October. In the three World Series Jackson played in for New York, he won the Series MVP Awards and batted .400 22 – 55 and amassed 8 home runs and 17 RBI’s.

All three World Series were played against the Dodgers, and the 1981 Series was the last time these two historic franchises played against each other in the world series. Overall The Dodgers and Yankees have played 11 World Series and New York has a decisive edge winning 8.