As the Athletics prepare to host the Texas Rangers this Thursday afternoon, it marks the end of an era for Oakland baseball fans. This will be the last time the Athletics take their home field representing the city of Oakland, as the team gears up for a relocation to Sacramento after the season concludes. Eventually, the Athletics will make another significant move to a new ballpark off the Las Vegas Strip.
The Athletics' storied past includes legends like Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson, and Mark McGwire. In the early 2000s, Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder were standout pitchers for Oakland. Such historic milestones are part of the rich tapestry that has defined the Athletics for decades.
Among the notable figures who have graced the green and gold, Rickey Henderson's career stands as a pillar of Athletics history. Spanning nine teams, Henderson’s incomparable talent set him apart. Bill James once remarked, "If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers." Henderson's accolades include winning the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player Award and earning six All-Star nods during his time in Oakland. Over more than 1,700 games with the Athletics, Henderson batted .288/.409/.430, totaling 167 home runs and 867 stolen bases. His 72.7 Wins Above Replacement are 20 more than any other player in Oakland history. Tom Verducci perfectly encapsulated Henderson's legacy, 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 have always been at the forefront of shaping baseball culture. Jim "Catfish" Hunter became baseball’s first modern free agent in 1974 when he signed a five-year, $3.2 million pact with the New York Yankees. Dennis Eckersley distinguished himself in 1992, achieving 51 saves and earning the Cy Young Award.
The team’s innovation continued into the new millennium with the "Moneyball" philosophy, popularized by Michael Lewis. Sandy Alderson was influenced by Bill James' yearly abstracts and Eric Walker’s "The Sinister First Baseman." Billy Beane, taking these insights to heart, adopted a central belief that "it was more efficient to create a closer than to buy one."
Oakland’s departure from its long-time home is bittersweet for fans who have shared in the triumphs and heartbreaks over the decades. Charles Finley, a key figure in the team’s history, 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." This sentiment echoes the deep connection between the team and the city they've called home for so long.
As we witness the Athletics' final game in Oakland, it's essential to reflect on their impact not only in the realm of baseball but also in the cultural mythology that surrounds the sport. The legacy of the Athletics is filled with key figures and foundational moments that have shaped and will continue to shape the landscape of Major League Baseball.