As the Oakland Athletics prepare to host the Texas Rangers this Thursday afternoon, it signals a bittersweet moment for Oakland baseball fans. This game marks the last time the Athletics will take the field representing the city of Oakland, as the team readies for a relocation to Sacramento after the season concludes. This move initiates another significant transition, eventually taking the Athletics to a new ballpark off the Las Vegas Strip.
Rich in history, the Athletics franchise boasts an illustrious past that includes iconic players and moments. Notably, Rickey Henderson, one of baseball's most electrifying talents, played a significant portion of his career in Oakland. His tenure with the Athletics was nothing short of legendary, spanning over 1,700 games where he batted an impressive .288/.409/.430, including 167 home runs and an astounding 867 stolen bases. Henderson’s impact is underscored by his 72.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a figure that outstrips any other player in Oakland's history by a commanding 20 WAR margin.
Earning multiple accolades during his time with the Athletics, Henderson won the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player Award and garnered six All-Star selections while donning the green and gold. Reflecting on his unparalleled prowess, baseball historian Bill James famously remarked, "If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers." His place in cultural lore was aptly summarized by Tom Verducci, stating, "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."
The Athletics' rich tapestry is woven with other prominent figures, from Sal Bando and Reggie Jackson to Mark McGwire. Jim "Catfish" Hunter, a seminal figure in baseball history, became the sport’s first modern free agent in 1974, subsequently signing a monumental five-year, $3.2 million contract with the New York Yankees. This move set the stage for future free agents and underscored Oakland's role in pivotal baseball moments.
In the early 2000s, a trio of pitchers—Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder—dominated on the mound, embodying the Athletics' competitive spirit. During this era, the innovative "Moneyball" philosophy was popularized by Michael Lewis, revolutionizing how baseball teams were assembled. Sandy Alderson, the team's general manager before Billy Beane took the helm, was influenced significantly by Bill James’ yearly abstracts and Eric Walker’s analytical work, "The Sinister First Baseman." This analytical approach led Beane to embrace the insight that "it was more efficient to create a closer than to buy one," a principle central to the Moneyball strategy.
The Athletics’ legacy also includes four World Series titles and six American League pennants, achievements that solidify their place in baseball annals. Dennis Eckersley, another key figure, epitomized excellence in the early '90s, achieving 51 saves in 1992 and earning the Cy Young Award the same year.
As the Athletics make their final appearance representing Oakland, the sentiment among fans and players is a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. Team owner Charles Finley, reflecting on the journey that brought the Athletics to Oakland, once said, "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."
With their impending move, the Athletics are poised to embark on a new chapter. The storied past of the franchise will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, as they bring their legacy of innovation, talent, and triumph to new locales.