Orioles’ Alex Jackson Goes Full ‘Happy Gilmore’ With 401-Foot Blast During Baltimore’s 18-0 Blowout Win Over Helpless Rockies
Alex Jackson doesn’t usually draw comparisons to Happy Gilmore, the golf-club-swinging, hockey-tempered character from the cult classic film. But during the Orioles’ 18-0 annihilation of the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, Jackson pulled off a moment that left fans at Camden Yards howling with laughter and amazement — and the internet ablaze.
The journeyman catcher, now firmly part of the Orioles’ energized roster, went full theatrical in the bottom of the fifth inning. After launching a no-doubt 401-foot solo shot into the left field bleachers, Jackson completed his follow-through with an exaggerated Happy Gilmore-style swing, sending the bench and crowd into a frenzy.
“It wasn’t planned,” Jackson said with a smirk postgame. “We were just having fun. I’ve been watching a lot of Adam Sandler movies lately, and it kind of slipped out.”
While the gesture was all in good fun, there was nothing unserious about the beatdown Baltimore delivered. In their most dominant offensive showing of the season, the Orioles showcased their depth, power, and pure joy — a warning to American League contenders that this team isn’t just dangerous, it’s loose and loving every second.
A Historic Beatdown
The 18-0 blowout was Baltimore’s most lopsided win in nearly two decades. Every Orioles starter recorded at least one hit, with six players logging multi-hit performances. The Rockies, by contrast, looked flat and overwhelmed from the first pitch.
“We weren’t trying to run up the score,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “But when guys are locked in like that, it’s hard to stop the momentum. Today was special.”
Jackson’s homer was one of five for the Orioles on the day, but it was unquestionably the most memorable — not just because of the showboating finish, but because of what it represented: a player stepping up, fitting in, and enjoying the game on one of baseball’s most electric teams.
Jackson Finding His Place
Alex Jackson, once a first-round pick by the Mariners in 2014, has bounced around the majors — with brief stops in Atlanta, Miami, and Milwaukee — but Baltimore may finally be the place where he sticks. Injuries to the Orioles’ catching corps opened the door, and Jackson has responded with power and poise.
“He’s earned his shot,” said teammate Adley Rutschman, who’s rehabbing a minor injury. “Alex has been working hard behind the scenes, and now fans are seeing what we already knew — he can hit, and he’s got personality.”
Jackson is now hitting .289 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in limited action, giving the Orioles much-needed depth behind the plate and another slugger capable of changing a game with one swing.
Camden Yards Electric
The sellout crowd of over 42,000 roared with every hit, and Jackson’s fifth-inning blast sent a ripple of energy through the ballpark. The Orioles’ dugout erupted in laughter at his swing celebration, with teammates mimicking Happy Gilmore swings after the inning ended.
“The chemistry here is unreal,” said Jackson. “It’s not just about winning, it’s how we win. Everyone contributes, and we’re having fun while doing it.”
Fans flooded social media with side-by-side clips of Jackson’s swing and Sandler’s iconic scene from Happy Gilmore, tagging the Orioles, Sandler himself, and even the Rockies’ social media team. “That’s the swing that just ended us,” one Rockies fan jokingly tweeted.
The Rockies Left Reeling
For Colorado, the loss marked a new low in what has been a miserable 2025 campaign. They managed just four hits against Baltimore’s pitching, struck out 11 times, and committed two errors. Manager Bud Black didn’t mince words postgame.
“We weren’t ready. That’s on me,” Black said. “We didn’t execute. We didn’t compete. We have to take a long look in the mirror.”
Pitcher Karl Kauffmann, who gave up seven earned runs in just 2.1 innings, took full accountability. “I didn’t have it today, and they made me pay. That lineup is relentless.”
Statement Game for Baltimore
Baltimore, sitting atop the AL East, used the win not only to maintain its lead but to make a statement: They can mash, pitch, and entertain with the best of them. With stars like Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and Adley Rutschman leading the way — and unexpected contributors like Jackson stepping up — the Orioles look like a complete team.
“We’re not here to be cute or cool,” said Brandon Hyde. “But if we can have fun and win? Even better.”
Baltimore has now won five straight and appears poised for a second-half push toward a deep playoff run. With the offense clicking and the pitching staff performing consistently, it’s hard not to view the Orioles as legitimate World Series contenders.
What’s Next
The Orioles will close out the series against the Rockies with one final afternoon game before a critical stretch against division rivals Tampa Bay and Toronto.
As for Jackson?
“I might have a couple more [movie moves] in the bag,” he joked. “I’m not saying I’ll do the ‘Karate Kid’ next time… but I’m not saying I won’t either.”
In a season already filled with highlight-reel plays and breakout performances, Alex Jackson’s “Happy Gilmore” moment may not be the most important — but it might be the most unforgettable. For a team as good as the Orioles, sometimes, moments of joy and chemistry are what separate good from great.
And right now, Baltimore is looking downright great
