As the Athletics gear up to host the Texas Rangers this Thursday afternoon, a significant chapter in Oakland's storied baseball history comes to a poignant close. The game will be the last time the Athletics take their home field representing the city of Oakland, as the team prepares for a relocation to Sacramento following the conclusion of this season.
Over the years, the Athletics have etched an indelible mark on the baseball landscape, with a storied past rich with legendary names and unforgettable moments. Rickey Henderson, one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Athletics, stands tall among them. Henderson's illustrious career spanned nine teams, but his most impactful years were in the green and gold of Oakland. Over a remarkable span of more than 1,700 games with the Athletics, Henderson batted .288/.409/.430, amassing 167 home runs and a staggering 867 stolen bases. His 72.7 Wins Above Replacement are 20 more than any other player in Oakland history, a testament to his extraordinary influence on the team.
Henderson's accolades are numerous. He won the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player Award and earned six All-Star nods while representing Oakland. His prowess on the field prompted baseball historian Bill James to famously remark, "If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers." Tom Verducci likewise captured Henderson's legendary stature, 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 rich tapestry of the Athletics' history is adorned with names such as Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson, and Mark McGwire. In the early 2000s, the team boasted a formidable trio of pitchers in Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder. Underpinning these success stories is a philosophy that revolutionized baseball — "Moneyball." Popularized by Michael Lewis, the Moneyball ethos, embraced by executives like Sandy Alderson and Billy Beane, emphasized the efficient creation of players, particularly closers, over purchasing them. As Lewis succinctly put it, "It was more efficient to create a closer than to buy one."
The Athletics' legacy also includes historic milestones. Jim "Catfish" Hunter became baseball's first modern free agent in 1974, later signing a five-year, $3.2 million contract with the New York Yankees. Dennis Eckersley, another key figure, achieved an astounding 51 saves in 1992, the same year he earned the Cy Young Award.
The impending move to Sacramento and the eventual relocation to a new ballpark off the Las Vegas Strip mark a significant transition for the Athletics. However, this evolution does not diminish the memories and accomplishments that define the team's time in Oakland. Charles Finley, a pivotal 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."
As Oakland fans bid farewell to their beloved team, they do so with a trove of memories and a legacy that will continue to inspire. The Athletics may be embarking on a new journey, but the essence of Oakland baseball, forged through decades of triumphs and challenges, will endure.