When MLB legend Reggie Jackson had a near-death experience after hitting 400th home run against the White Sox

On Aug. 11, 1980, Reggie Jackson hit his 400th home run at Yankee Stadium against the White Sox. After a night full of celebrations at Jim McMullen's pub on the Upper East Side, Jackson headed to his Rolls-Royce parked outside.

Before he could depart, he was confronted by a young man who leveled a large-bore pistol at Jackson's face.

When the man reached into Jackson's car to grab the keys, he inadvertently lowered his gun. This allowed Jackson to push the door open and send the man tumbling. The gunman fled the scene while dropping the car keys nearby as people chased after him.

"It was the biggest gun I ever saw. He was pointing the gun at my head. I thought he was going to shoot me," said Jackson to the New York police while recalling the incident.

“Have you ever had a guy point a gun at your head and thought he was going to shoot you? Let me tell you it’s some trip.”

"On this date in 1980, Yankees slugger Reggie Jackson hit his 400th career HR - a solo shot off White Sox pitcher Britt Burns." - ESPN Stats & Info

Reggie Jackson cheated death on another occasion

Detroit Tigers v New York Yankees: TAMPA FL- MARCH 2: Former New York Yankees HOF Reggie Jackson waves to the crowd prior to the start of the Spring Training Game against the Detroit Tigers on March 2, 2016, during the Spring Training Game at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Two months prior to the Rolls-Royce incident, Jackson had another near-death experience when he was the victim of an attempted shooting in Manhattan.

After hitting the Yankees' game-winning home run against the Toronto Blue Jays, Jackson headed to a pub on the Upper East Side. While trying to find a parking space, he requested a car to move out of his way. Much to his shock, a passenger in the car started hurling racist insults at Jackson.

A person named Angel Viera then started hurling broken bottles at the former right fielder. He also pulled out a gun and fired three shots. Thankfully, none of them hit Jackson.

"Reggie New York City, 1980." - Baseball In Pics

Viera was later charged with attempted murder and unauthorized use of a dangerous weapon.