Jackson has agreed to donate at least $100,000 to the Oakland school district, and is expected to hand over a check to schools chief Randolph Ward on the field before the game.

The money will go to the district's campaign to raise attendance, officials said.

"That's great," school board member Greg Hodge said when told of the donation. "We really appreciate that kind of citizen involvement and goodwill."

Jackson, who works for the New York Yankees as a senior adviser, could not be reached for comment Friday.

The brash and outspoken slugger became known as "Mr. October" for amazing hitting during the postseason.

Jackson played his first nine seasons in Oakland and ended his career with the A's in 1987 after stints with the Yankees, Orioles and the Angels. Jackson retired with 563 homers, eighth on the all-time career list.

Arnold Carter, Oakland schools chief of staff, said Jackson originally contacted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's secretary of education, Richard Riordan, to ask about contributing to education in California.

Jackson ended up meeting with Oakland school officials last week and agreed to help the district's anti-truancy effort.

Although the exact amount of Jackson's donation was unclear Friday, an A's spokesman said it was more than $100,000.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
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