As the Oakland Athletics prepare to host the Texas Rangers this Thursday afternoon, it marks the end of an era that has left an indelible mark on the city of Oakland and its passionate baseball fans.
This game will be the last time the Athletics take their home field representing the city of Oakland. After the season concludes, the team is set for relocation to Sacramento, marking a pivotal shift in their storied history. The franchise will then set their sights on another significant move — to a new ballpark off the Las Vegas Strip.
The Athletics’ journey through Major League Baseball has been marked by numerous iconic moments and legendary players. Among them, Rickey Henderson stands out as a towering figure. Over a career that spanned nine teams, Henderson made a significant impact with the Athletics, earning the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player Award and six All-Star nods while donning the green and gold.
Henderson’s statistics during his time with the Athletics are nothing short of impressive. Over more than 1,700 games, he batted .288/.409/.430, amassing 167 home runs and 867 stolen bases. His 72.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) remains 20 more than any other player in Oakland history. Reflecting on Henderson's immense talent, Bill James once remarked, "If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers," a testament to Henderson’s unparalleled skills.
The Athletics have a rich history filled with celebrated players like Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson, and Mark McGwire. In the early 2000s, the team’s pitching triumvirate of Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder brought significant attention and success to the franchise.
Notably, the team has claimed four World Series titles and six American League pennants, showcasing their competitive prowess over the years. One of the most significant milestones in baseball history tied to the Athletics involves Jim "Catfish" Hunter, who became baseball’s first modern free agent in 1974 before signing a five-year, $3.2 million contract with the New York Yankees.
Another monumental figure is Dennis Eckersley, whose record-breaking 51 saves in 1992 earned him the prestigious Cy Young Award. Such milestones highlight the Athletics' capacity to nurture and develop exceptional talent.
A defining chapter in the Athletics’ narrative is their embrace of the "Moneyball" philosophy, which was popularized by Michael Lewis. General Manager Billy Beane, influenced by Bill James' yearly abstracts and Eric Walker’s "The Sinister First Baseman," revolutionized the way baseball teams operated by emphasizing the importance of undervalued assets. Michael Lewis captured the essence of this philosophy when he stated, "It was more efficient to create a closer than to buy one."
Sandy Alderson, who initially spearheaded this analytical approach, passed the mantle to Billy Beane, who adopted the principle with vigor. Beane's strategy and insights have since been a major influence not only on the Athletics but also on the broader world of professional baseball.
The Athletics' departure from Oakland is not just a relocation; it represents the end of a long-standing connection between the team and its loyal fan base. The memories of watching greats like Rickey Henderson stealing bases, or Dennis Eckersley closing out games, will endure in the hearts of many. As Tom Verducci poignantly noted, "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."
Ownership shifts also paint a vivid picture of the Athletics' history. Charles Finley, who owned the team when it moved from Kansas City to Oakland, once reflected on his decisive nature, saying, "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 spirit of determination and resolve has often defined the team’s history and its decisions.
As the Athletics bid farewell to Oakland, fans will hold onto the remarkable memories and legendary figures that have graced the Oakland Coliseum. The future holds the promise of new beginnings in Sacramento and Las Vegas, but the legacy of the Athletics' time in Oakland will forever be cherished.