Jackson ‘shocked’ by Boston ouster

Despite helping the Red Sox win the 2004 World Series and lead the American League in hitting in three of the last four years, batting instructor Ron Jackson was let go by Boston after last season.

Jackson, hitting coach for the Round Rock Express -- which beat the 51s 11-5 in 10 innings at Cashman Field on Monday -- still isn't sure why he got released.

"They just called me in and said 'We're going to go in another direction.' That was it," said the 54-year-old Jackson, who was batting instructor for the 51s for two years before coaching Boston the last four seasons. "I was shocked, and David Ortiz and all those guys were shocked.

"I still don't understand it. I know I did a good job there. We had a great run."

Jackson, who was replaced by Dave Magadan, was hired the year before manager Terry Francona arrived, and he speculated that may have had something to do with his departure.

"I guess Francona wanted his guy in there," Jackson said. "Who knows? You don't try to figure this game out. You just try to roll with the punches, don't take it personal and go on. I know I'll be back (in the majors)."

Jackson said he accepted the position with Round Rock because of its owner, Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, who gave him his nickname, "Papa Jack," when they were teammates with the California Angels.

"When I had my first kid, Ron Damien, he said 'You're no longer Pops; you're Papa Jack,' and it stuck," he said.

Jackson entered coaching after a 10-year playing career (1974-85) for the Angels, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles in which he hit .259.

He has fond memories of coaching in Las Vegas.

"The fans made a sign saying 'Papa Jack Fan Club,' and I also have a phrase that originated from here called 'Somebody Got-ta Pay,' " he said. "I carried that saying to Boston with me, and now I'm trying to bring it here with Round Rock."

Jackson still is amazed he was part of Boston's first World Series championship in 86 years.

"I still pinch myself now," he said. "They always said 'if you guys ever win a World Series, they may put a statue up around (Fenway Park). I'm still waiting on that, but we had a bunch of guys that never gave up."

Jackson played a quiet, yet vital role in Boston's comeback from a 3-0 series deficit to the New York Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series.

With leadoff hitter Johnny Damon and No. 2 hitter Mark Bellhorn struggling, Jackson urged them to get to the batting cage. They did and played key roles in the Red Sox's resurgence.

"I'll never forget this. I said to myself 'If I don't get those guys going, it's going to be a long winter,' " he said. "I said 'You guys are messing with my ring. I don't have one, I need one and you need to get down to the cage and see Papa Jack.' And the rest is history."

• NOTES -- The 51s placed outfielder Choo Freeman on the inactive list following the death of his grandmother, and pitcher Dwayne Pollok was promoted to Las Vegas from Class-A Inland Empire. ... The 51s surpassed 300,000 in attendance for the 25th straight season, averaging 5,196 fans in 58 home games this year.