Veteran outfielder becomes mainstay during pennant drive

Austin Jackson was in the thick of things Sept. 17 in the home clubhouse at Progressive Field.

The Indians were celebrating their clinching of the American League Central Division title. Players were pouring beer and champagne over each other in the home clubhouse

It was a wet, loud and joyful scene.

Jackson, 30, and a veteran outfielder in his eighth bigleague season, was wearing ski goggles to avoid the blinding sting of ice-cold champagne and beer being poured over heads and sprayed everywhere. He joined teammates in sharing embraces, handshakes and high-fives.

This wasn’t Jackson’s first time at the often chaotic dance of a big-league clinch party He was a core player He played in only 54 games, his season cut short in June 2016 by a knee injury that required surgery.

Francona and his staff liked what they saw of Jackson in spring training and gave him that roster spot. It proved to be a wise move. Jackson has been a consistent contributor at the plate, batting .318 in 78 games with seven home runs and 33 RBI. He’s been solid in the outfield, too, playing all three positions as needs arose because of injuries to Bradley Zimmer, Lonnie Chisenhall and Brandon Guyer.

Given his track record, it’s not surprising that a healthy Jackson has thrived with the Indians as a platoon player facing mostly left-handed pitchers..

In five seasons with Detroit, Jackson batted .277 with 46 home runs and 234 RBI.

He hasn’t matched that production since the Tigers traded him to Seattle in July 2014. He subsequently was dealt by Seattle to the Chicago Cubs in August 2015. After a brief stay with the Cubs, he was granted free agency and signed with the crosstown Chicago White Sox in March 2016.

Then came the signing with Cleveland and a season Jackson said has been as rewarding as any in his career.

Shortly before he waded back into the clinching celebration, Jackson was asked for a one-word description of a season that has seen the Indians work through inconsistencies to find their stride and have the best record in baseball since the All-Star break.

The surge produced an American-League record 22 straight wins.

“Determination, that’s the right word,” Jackson said. “We’ve had ups and downs and battled injuries. But from the start, this has been a determined team.”