As the Oakland Athletics prepare to host the Texas Rangers this Thursday afternoon, it marks the end of an era for baseball fans in Oakland. This will be the final time that the Athletics take the field representing the city of Oakland, with the team set to relocate to Sacramento at the conclusion of the season. Eventually, the Athletics will make another significant move, transitioning to a new ballpark off the Las Vegas Strip.
Over the years, the Athletics have built a storied history filled with iconic moments and legendary players. Perhaps no player epitomizes the green and gold legacy better than Rickey Henderson. Known for his unparalleled speed and base-stealing prowess, Henderson's career saw him don the uniforms of nine different teams, but his most memorable moments were undoubtedly with the Athletics. Henderson's accolades include winning the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player Award and earning six All-Star nods while playing for Oakland. Across more than 1,700 games with the Athletics, Henderson maintained an impressive .288/.409/.430 batting line, complemented by 167 home runs and a staggering 867 stolen bases. His 72.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) are 20 more than any other player in the history of Oakland baseball.
The Athletics' illustrious past is decorated with names that have left an indelible mark on the sport. Players like Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson, and Mark McGwire have all donned the Athletics jersey with pride and distinction. During the early 2000s, a dominant trio of pitchers – Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder – captured the imagination of fans and led the team through several memorable seasons. The team’s history also boasts four World Series titles and six American League pennants, cementing their place in the annals of baseball history.
One of the more remarkable stories in Athletics history involves Jim "Catfish" Hunter, who in 1974 became baseball’s first modern free agent. Hunter’s departure to the New York Yankees on a five-year, $3.2 million contract was a watershed moment, showcasing the increasing financial muscle in baseball. Dennis Eckersley, another iconic figure in Athletics lore, reached the pinnacle of closer dominance with 51 saves in 1992, a performance that earned him the Cy Young Award that same year.
The Athletics were also at the forefront of baseball’s analytical revolution. The "Moneyball" philosophy, popularized by Michael Lewis in his book of the same name, fundamentally changed how teams evaluated and valued players. Sandy Alderson, influenced by Bill James' yearly abstracts and Eric Walker’s "The Sinister First Baseman," laid the groundwork for this approach. Billy Beane, taking the helm as general manager, adopted a central tenet that "it was more efficient to create a closer than to buy one." This innovative mindset allowed the Athletics to compete and thrive despite having a relatively modest payroll compared to their competitors.
As the Athletics bid farewell to Oakland, it is impossible not to reflect on the immense impact the team and its players have had on the fabric of baseball. Rickey Henderson remains a figure of near-mythic status. As Tom Verducci eloquently put it, "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." And indeed, Bill James once remarked, "If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers."
Charles Finley, who moved the team from Kansas City to Oakland, encapsulated the spirit of determination and resolve that has characterized the Athletics: "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 for their relocation, the legacy they leave behind in Oakland will not be forgotten. The memories, the triumphs, and the trailblazing moments will continue to resonate with baseball fans, ensuring that the green and gold forever have a cherished place in the heart of Oakland.