The Athletics' last home game in Oakland against the Texas Rangers this Thursday afternoon signifies the end of an era for the city's baseball community. For decades, the Athletics have been an integral part of Oakland's identity, but this game marks their final appearance in the city before they embark on a new chapter in Sacramento.
While the relocation itself is a major shift, it is merely the prelude to another monumental move—an eventual new ballpark situated off the Las Vegas Strip. Oakland fans will no doubt reflect on the rich history of the Athletics, a team that has provided countless memories and legendary moments.
Rickey Henderson: Oakland’s Icon
Among the most iconic figures in Athletics history is Rickey Henderson. An unparalleled star whose career spanned nine teams, Henderson left an indelible mark on Oakland. Winning the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player Award and earning six All-Star nods in the green and gold, Henderson’s statistics speak volumes. Over more than 1,700 games with the Athletics, he batted .288/.409/.430, amassed 167 home runs, and stole an astounding 867 bases. His 72.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) stand 20 points higher than any other player in franchise history.
As analyst Bill James once magnificently put it, "If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers." Such was the prowess and versatility of Rickey Henderson that his contributions have transcended mere numbers, elevating him to the realm of cultural mythology. Sportswriter Tom Verducci aptly remarked, "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."
Milestones and Legends
While Henderson's accolades might shine the brightest, he is far from the only legend to don the Athletics’ colors. The storied past of the team includes names like Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson, and Mark McGwire. The early 2000s saw pitchers Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder becoming standout figures on the mound. The Athletics’ achievements include four World Series titles and six American League pennants, solidifying their place in baseball's annals.
The late Jim “Catfish” Hunter also holds a special place in the franchise’s history. Hunter made history by becoming baseball’s first modern free agent in 1974, later signing a lucrative five-year, $3.2 million contract with the New York Yankees. Dennis Eckersley, another Athletics great, achieved an astounding 51 saves in 1992 and earned the Cy Young Award the same year.
The Moneyball Revolution
The Athletics have also been at the forefront of baseball’s evolving strategies, prominently featuring in the philosophy known as "Moneyball." Popularized by Michael Lewis, the Moneyball approach was influenced by the analytical insights of Bill James and works like Eric Walker’s "The Sinister First Baseman." Sandy Alderson and Billy Beane were pivotal figures in the adoption of these principles. A central tenet of their strategy was, as Michael Lewis framed it, "It was more efficient to create a closer than to buy one."
A New Chapter
While the relocation might feel like a bittersweet end for Oakland fans, it's also a necessary evolution for the franchise. The move to Sacramento promises a fresh start, and eventually, the allure of a brand new ballpark in Las Vegas looms large on the horizon. The spirit of the team and its illustrious history will always be a part of Oakland’s legacy.
As original owner Charles Finley 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." While the city bids farewell to its beloved Athletics, fans can take solace in knowing that the rich history and indomitable spirit of the team will continue in new locales, carrying forward the legacy forged in Oakland.