ANAHEIM, Calif. — Reggie Jackson figures Mariano Rivera is at least as worthy of the nickname as he, and is leaving open the possibility that Alex Rodriguez, too, will join the club.
How about Misters October I, II and III?
“I would take it as a compliment,” Jackson told The Post yesterday when asked about Rodriguez claiming a share of the nickname.
“I would welcome that. Mr. October II wears No. 42, and he might really be Mr. October I. But Mr. October is already here.
“Now, Mr. October III, I can’t wait for him to come in, because if that happens, we win, and I’m involved in the ‘we.’ I would have no problem. Please do it. Come in and do the things that are necessary.”
Rodriguez is on the right track. He will take a .407 batting average with five home runs and 11 RBIs this postseason into tonight’s Game 5 of the ALCS and potential pennant clincher.
There isn’t much Rodriguez can do for an encore in this series. Maybe a ninth-inning homer that sends the Yankees to their first World Series in six years would be the exclamation point on what has been a wild ride for Rodriguez through these first two rounds of playoffs.
Jackson said he certainly can appreciate where Rodriguez is mentally.
“About as good as you can get,” Jackson said. “He’s defending and he’s running the bases right now.
“He’s playing heads-up baseball and taking the opportunity in helping lead the team. His offense is as good as it can get — like Michael Jordan or like when Tiger [Woods] is focused or any great player. It’s enjoyable to watch.”
Rodriguez needs one homer to tie Bernie Williams’ team record of six in a single postseason. Williams accomplished the feat in 1996, which ended with the Yankees beating the Braves in the World Series.
Above his huge numbers, Rodriguez has been consistent: He’s driven in at least one run in each of the Yankees’ seven playoff games. It’s a far cry from his last three postseason appearances, during which Rodriguez wore goat horns.
“We’ve got the big guy in a good place hitting,” Johnny Damon said. “He’s not chasing any more tough pitches. He knows what kind of team we have. He knows if he doesn’t get it done, someone else possibly will.”
Jackson, who has mentored Rodriguez over the years, loves the view.
“It’s not like he hasn’t earned it,” Jackson said. “He’s a tremendous worker, a tremendous player, so it’s nice to see. I’m enjoying it.”
mpuma@nypost.com