As the Athletics prepare to host the Texas Rangers this Thursday afternoon, Oakland baseball fans are bracing for a poignant moment. This game 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, marking the end of an era for a team deeply rooted in Oakland's sports history.
The Athletics have woven a storied past that resonates not just with their loyal fanbase but with the larger tapestry of Major League Baseball. Central to this rich history is Rickey Henderson, whose career spanned nine teams but whose heart clearly beat for the green and gold. Henderson won the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player Award and earned six All-Star nods while with the Athletics. His statistics are a testament to his prowess: over more than 1,700 games with the Athletics, he batted .288/.409/.430, totaling 167 home runs and an astounding 867 stolen bases. Henderson’s 72.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) are 20 more than any other player in Oakland history, securing his place as a legendary figure in the franchise's history. Bill James once said of Henderson, "If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers."
Indeed, Henderson’s influence was immense. As Tom Verducci intriguingly 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." Such profound words capture the essence of Henderson's larger-than-life persona and his undeniable impact on the field.
The Athletics' history is adorned with other legendary names like Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson, and Mark McGwire, each contributing to the team's legacy in significant ways. In the early 2000s, the Athletics' pitching rotation featured standout pitchers Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder, whose performances electrified fans and solidified the team's competitive edge.
Over their time in Oakland, the Athletics have won four World Series titles and six American League pennants, a testament to the team's enduring excellence. Jim "Catfish" Hunter, another iconic figure, became baseball’s first modern free agent in 1974 when he signed a five-year, $3.2 million pact with the New York Yankees. Fast forward to 1992, and Dennis Eckersley was making history by achieving 51 saves and earning the Cy Young Award that same year.
One of the more modern influences on the team's strategy was the "Moneyball" philosophy, popularized by Michael Lewis. Sandy Alderson’s forward-thinking approach was heavily influenced by Bill James' yearly abstracts and Eric Walker’s "The Sinister First Baseman." This new wave of baseball strategy found a fervent disciple in Billy Beane, who embraced the idea that "it was more efficient to create a closer than to buy one."
The impact of these philosophies and the indomitable spirit of its players has afforded the Athletics a unique place in baseball history. Charles Finley, the former owner who played a crucial role in cementing the Athletics' move 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."
As the Athletics prepare to turn a new page with their upcoming relocations, they carry with them a legacy filled with triumphs, iconic figures, and an unyielding resolve. This Thursday’s game against the Texas Rangers will be more than just another game; it will be a heartfelt farewell to a chapter replete with history, memories, and milestones that have defined the team’s journey in Oakland.