As the Oakland Athletics prepare to host the Texas Rangers this Thursday afternoon, it marks the end of a significant era for Oakland baseball fans. For decades, the Athletics have been synonymous with the city of Oakland, a steadfast fixture despite the many changes in the baseball landscape. After the conclusion of this season, the team will no longer represent Oakland. Instead, they will transition to Sacramento, with plans for an eventual relocation to a new ballpark off the Las Vegas Strip.
A Storied History
Oakland's loss runs deep, as the Athletics' history is punctuated with remarkable achievements and iconic players. Over more than 1,700 games wearing the green and gold, Rickey Henderson established himself as one of the greatest players in the franchise's history. Known for his electric speed and elite batting skills, Henderson's career includes a .288/.409/.430 batting line, 167 home runs, and a staggering 867 stolen bases. His performance earned him the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player Award and six All-Star selections.
"If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers," Bill James once remarked about Henderson, underscoring his exceptional talent and impact on the game. Henderson's dominance is further highlighted by his 72.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a figure that stands 20 wins ahead of any other player in Oakland's history.
From Kansas City to Oakland
The team's rich history began with its origins in Kansas City before owner Charles Finley moved the franchise to Oakland. Reflecting on this significant decision, Finley once stated, "I bought the team in Kansas City. I have brought it to Oakland. There is a difference. Bringing it to Oakland was my choice. Once I make a decision, I stand by it. I give my word of that."
Under Finley's ownership, the Athletics thrived, producing legendary players like Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson, and Mark McGwire. The team captured four World Series titles and six American League pennants, firmly establishing itself as a powerhouse in Major League Baseball.
Pitching Legends and Free Agency
In the early 2000s, the Athletics boasted a formidable trio of pitchers – Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder – who played crucial roles in the team's success. Going further back, the Athletics introduced baseball to its modern free agent era with Jim "Catfish" Hunter. In 1974, Hunter became the first modern free agent, eventually signing a five-year, $3.2 million contract with the New York Yankees.
Similarly, Dennis Eckersley made history in green and gold, securing 51 saves and winning the Cy Young Award in 1992. His contributions on the mound remain a highlight in the Athletics' extensive catalog of achievements.
The Moneyball Revolution
One cannot discuss Oakland's legacy without mentioning the "Moneyball" philosophy that revolutionized the sport. Popularized by Michael Lewis, "Moneyball" took root under the guidance of executives like Sandy Alderson, who was influenced by Bill James' yearly abstracts, and Eric Walker’s, "The Sinister First Baseman." Billy Beane, the team's general manager, embraced the economics-driven approach, realizing, "It was more efficient to create a closer than to buy one." This groundbreaking strategy helped the Athletics remain competitive despite financial constraints, cementing their place in baseball lore.
Journalist Tom Verducci eloquently captured the mystique surrounding one of Oakland's greatest players: "There are certain figures in American history who have passed into the realm of cultural mythology, as if reality could no longer contain their stories: Johnny Appleseed. Wild Bill Hickok. Davy Crockett. Rickey Henderson."
As the Athletics prepare for their final bow in Oakland, they leave behind a legacy rich with triumphs, pioneering moments, and unforgettable personalities. Fans will gather to commemorate the end of an era, knowing that while the team may relocate, the memories and history forged in Oakland will endure.