Austin Jackson was born February 1, 1987 in Denton, Texas where he graduated from Ryan High School. While there he was a 2 sport star and offered a scholarship by Georgia Tech to play Basketball. After he was drafted by the New York Yankees, he decided to bypass college and sign with the New York team when offered an $800,000 contract, which at the time was a record for an 8th round draft pick.

Austin said he had second thoughts after signing and considered also playing basketballhttp://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=1096383. After talking to quite a few two sport athletes, including some at Georgia Tech, he decided to stay with Baseballhttp://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/03/20/austin-jackson-gave-up-hoop-dreams-for-baseball/.

Jackson throws and hits from the right side of the plate. He is considered to have above average speed and arm strength, and possesses a lot of pop in his bat. He has not shown a lot of power, but the Tigers hope that develops as he matures.

He was acquired in a 3 team trade, with the Tigers sending Curtis Granderson to the New York Yankees and Edwin Jackson to the Arizona Cardinals. In return they received Austin Jackson and Phil Coke from the Yankees, and Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona also received Ian Kennedy from the Yankees to complete the trade. http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/hardball/after_setback_yankees_granderson_iQYDj1G4AqzN3n9kokryPI

Won the starting Center-field job out of Spring Training with the Detroit Tigers.

After the first 8 games Austin was hitting .306 with 4 doubles, 1 triple and 4 RBIs. In 36 official At Bats he had stuck out 11 times, a number the organization feels is too high and must be improved.

He made his Major League debut April 5 against the Kansas City Royals, and also had his first Major League hit in the same game.

The Tigers and manager Jim Leyland are pleased with his early season performance, but have indicated they are waiting to see how he handles his first slump. They believe he is mature enough to not let it break him.

2010, May 13

After 34 games, Austin is hitting .354 and has scored 27 runs. He has driven in 10 and banged out 9 doubles and 3 triples to go along with a single home run.

2010, June 11

Jackson has suffered through the first extended slump of his rookie season and has seen his batting average drop to .306. Even with his struggles at the plate, ne has been perhaps the best defensive Centerfielder in the game.

2010 Awards

American League Rookie of the Month for April

Spent his time in the Yankees system at Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and was named the International Leagues' "Rookie of the Year".

He led the league with 9 triples and was second with 151 hits. He was selected to the Mid Season All Star team and tabbed by Baseball America as the best hitting prospect in the league.

Ausitn was named the third best prospect and best Defensive outfielder in the Detroit organization after coming over from the Yankees. http://tigers.mlb.com/components/team/player/bio_iframe.html?is_mug_shot=true&roster_cid=det&cid=det&player_id=457706

2008 Season

• Played at Double A Trenton in the Yankees system.
• Was named to the Eastern League's Mid Season All Star team.
• Named best Defensive outfielder in the Eastern League by Baseball America.
• Most Valuable Player of the Eastern League playoffs

2007

• Played at Single A Charleston, Single A Tampa, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees system
• Won the Kevin Lawn Award as the Yankees top minor league position player.
• He was named the second best prospect in the Yankees organization.

2006

• Played at Single A Charleston in the Yankees System
• Selected to the South Atlantic League's Mid Season All Star team.
• He was Named the 18th best prospect in the Yankees organization by Baseball America.