#438) DARRIN JACKSON

Darrin Jackson was traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to the New York Mets in exchange for Tony Fernandez on June 11, 1993. The trade was as much to move the disappointing shortstop as it was to acquire Jackson. The Mets true need at the time as a starting pitcher. "An outfielder is clearly not our No. 1 need," said general manager, Al Harazin at the time of the trade. "But he's a outfielder with power who can play defense. June is not a great time to be trying to make this caliber of trade. And this was the best deal I could make for Tony Fernandez."

Shortly after Darrin arrived in New York he was diagnosed with hyerthyroidism. The condition was causing him to sweat profusely and shake uncontrollably. He spent nearly two months on the disabled list while undergoing radioactive-iodine treatment and ingesting 10 pills a day. "I was relieved it wasn't cancer," said Jackson, "but it was an extremely disappointing set-back. I'd had good years and was about to get to the top and—boom—this hits. Suddenly I had to prove myself all over again."

He was able to play in 31 games and only hit for a .195 batting average, with one home run and seven RBIs. Darrin left the Mets at the close of the season to sign a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox on December 28, 1993.

After his playing career he worked as the color commentator for the White Sox television broadcasts. Jackson moved to the Chicago radio broadcasts in 2009.

Darrin Jackson signed his card in the set for my friend, Lou when the Chicago White Sox visited the New York Yankees on April 30, 2010.