Top 10 Oakland A’s Players of All Time | Meet the Legends

The Oakland Athletics, also known as the A’s, is a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. Established in 1901, the A’s have a rich history and have been home to some of the best baseball players in the world. Over the years, they have won nine World Series titles and fifteen American League pennants.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 Oakland A’s players of all time and their incredible contributions to the team.

Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics, also known as the A’s, are a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California. The team was founded in 1901 in Philadelphia, and moved to Kansas City in 1955 before settling in Oakland in 1968. The A’s have a storied history, with nine World Series championships and fifteen American League pennants to their name.

One of the things that makes the A’s stand out is their innovative approach to baseball operations. The team has been known to use advanced statistical analysis and unconventional strategies to build successful rosters. This approach has led to some of the most memorable teams in baseball history, including the “Moneyball” team of the early 2000s, which was chronicled in a book and later turned into a movie.

Despite having a relatively small payroll compared to other MLB teams, the A’s have consistently been competitive over the years. The team has had a number of talented players over the years, including Hall of Famers such as Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, and Dennis Eckersley, among others.

In recent years, the A’s have continued to be competitive, thanks in part to the leadership of general manager Billy Beane and manager Bob Melvin. The team has a talented young core of players, including Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, and Ramón Laureano, who have helped lead the team to the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

Overall, the Oakland Athletics have a rich history and a unique approach to building a successful baseball team. With a talented young roster and a commitment to innovation, the A’s are sure to remain a competitive force in the years to come.

Top 10 Oakland A’s Players

Rickey Henderson

Rickey Henderson is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and certainly one of the best Oakland A’s players in history. Born in Chicago in 1958, Henderson began playing baseball at a young age and quickly developed his skills as a speedy, powerful outfielder.

After being drafted by the Oakland A’s in 1976, Henderson quickly made his way through the minor leagues and made his major league debut in 1979. He quickly established himself as one of the best leadoff hitters in the game, using his speed and agility to get on base and wreak havoc on the base paths.

Henderson’s career with the A’s spanned three different stints, from 1979 to 1984, 1989 to 1993, and 1994 to 1995. During his time with the team, he helped lead the A’s to three consecutive American League pennants from 1988 to 1990, and played a key role in their World Series championship in 1989.

Over the course of his 25-year career, Henderson set numerous records and achieved numerous milestones. He is the all-time leader in stolen bases, with 1,406, and runs scored, with 2,295. He also holds the record for most leadoff home runs in MLB history, with 81.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Henderson was also known for his flamboyant personality and colorful antics. He famously referred to himself in the third person and was known for his signature “Rickey Henderson walk”, in which he would take a long, exaggerated stride after drawing a walk.

Today, Henderson is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history, and is a member of both the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame. His impact on the game is still felt today, and his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the sport is secure.

Jimmie Foxx

Jimmie Foxx, also known as “Double X,” was a professional baseball player who played as a first baseman and a third baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 20 seasons. He was born on October 22, 1907, in Sudlersville, Maryland, and grew up playing baseball in his hometown.

Foxx made his MLB debut in 1925 with the Philadelphia Athletics, where he quickly established himself as one of the most feared hitters in the league. He won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1932, 1933, and 1938, and led the league in home runs four times. He also helped lead the Athletics to three consecutive American League pennants from 1929 to 1931, and a World Series championship in 1930.

In 1936, Foxx was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he continued his impressive hitting performance. He hit 50 home runs in his first season with the team, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 50 or more home runs in a season twice. He retired from baseball in 1945 with 534 career home runs, which ranked second all-time at the time of his retirement.

Foxx was known for his powerful swing and his ability to hit for both power and average. He was a nine-time All-Star, won two World Series championships, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951.

Off the field, Foxx was known for his humble personality and his commitment to his family. He passed away on July 21, 1967, at the age of 59.

Today, Foxx is remembered as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history and as one of the all-time greats to play for the Philadelphia Athletics. His impressive career and his legacy as a dominant hitter have made him a beloved figure in the sport of baseball.

 

Reggie Jackson

Reggie Jackson, also known as “Mr. October,” is a former professional baseball player who played for the Oakland A’s from 1967 to 1975. Born in Pennsylvania in 1946, Jackson was a standout athlete in high school and went on to attend Arizona State University, where he played both football and baseball.

After being drafted by the Kansas City Athletics in 1966, Jackson quickly made his way through the minor leagues and made his major league debut with the team in 1967. Over the course of his eight seasons with the A’s, Jackson established himself as one of the best power hitters in the game, hitting 269 home runs and helping lead the team to three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 to 1974.

Jackson’s accomplishments with the A’s were legendary, but it was his performance with the New York Yankees in the postseason that earned him his famous nickname. In the 1977 World Series, Jackson hit five home runs in six games, helping lead the Yankees to their first championship in 15 years. He would go on to win two more World Series titles with the team in 1978 and 1981.

Over the course of his 21-year career, Jackson was a 14-time All-Star and won numerous awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993, and his number 9 jersey was retired by both the Oakland A’s and the New York Yankees.

Off the field, Jackson was known for his charismatic personality and his love of the spotlight. He was one of the first athletes to embrace the concept of athlete-as-celebrity, and his larger-than-life persona helped make him one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in sports history.

Today, Jackson’s legacy as one of the greatest players in baseball history is secure, and his impact on the game is still felt today. He remains a beloved figure among fans of both the Oakland A’s and the New York Yankees, and his contributions to the sport will be celebrated for generations to come.

 

Catfish Hunter

Catfish Hunter, born as James Augustus Hunter, was a professional baseball player who played for the Oakland A’s from 1965 to 1974. He was born in Hertford, North Carolina, in 1946, and began his baseball career at the age of 19, when he was signed by the Kansas City Athletics as an amateur free agent.

Hunter quickly made his way up through the minor leagues and made his major league debut with the A’s in 1965. Over the course of his 10 seasons with the team, Hunter established himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball, winning five consecutive 20-game seasons from 1971 to 1975 and helping lead the team to three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 to 1974.

Hunter was known for his incredible control and his ability to throw strikes with pinpoint accuracy. He was a three-time All-Star and won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Cy Young Award in 1974. He was also a key member of the 1972 United States Olympic baseball team, which won a silver medal in Munich.

Off the field, Hunter was known for his laid-back personality and his love of hunting and fishing. He was a fan favorite in Oakland and was known for his devotion to the team and the community.

In 1974, Hunter became a free agent and signed with the New York Yankees, where he continued to have success, winning two more World Series championships in 1977 and 1978. He retired from baseball in 1979, finishing his career with 224 wins, 3,349 strikeouts, and a 3.26 ERA.

In 1987, Hunter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his number 27 jersey was retired by the Oakland A’s. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 53 due to complications from ALS, but his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history lives on.

 

Mark McGwire

Mark McGwire, also known as “Big Mac,” is a former professional baseball player who played for the Oakland A’s from 1986 to 1997. He was born in 1963 in Pomona, California, and was a standout baseball player at the University of Southern California before being drafted by the A’s in the first round of the 1984 MLB draft.

McGwire quickly made his mark in the majors, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 1987 after hitting 49 home runs, which was a rookie record at the time. He continued to be a dominant force in the league over the next decade, hitting a career-high 70 home runs in 1998 while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Throughout his career, McGwire was known for his incredible power and his ability to hit long home runs. He was a 12-time All-Star and won numerous awards and accolades, including a Gold Glove in 1990 and the Silver Slugger award three times.

In 1998, however, McGwire’s legacy was tarnished when he admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs during his career. Despite this, he remains one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history, finishing his career with 583 home runs and a .263 batting average.

After retiring from baseball in 2001, McGwire served as a coach for several teams, including the Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was also a hitting coach for the United States national baseball team during the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

While McGwire’s admission of PED use has cast a shadow over his career, his incredible power and dominance at the plate have earned him a place in baseball history.

 

Dennis Eckersley

Dennis Eckersley is a former professional baseball player who played for the Oakland A’s from 1987 to 1995. He was born in 1954 in Oakland, California, and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the third round of the 1972 MLB draft.

Eckersley began his career as a starting pitcher, but he found his greatest success after transitioning to a relief pitcher. He became one of the best closers in baseball history, recording 390 saves over the course of his career, which was then the third-highest total in MLB history.

Eckersley was known for his devastating fastball and slider, as well as his calm demeanor on the mound. He was a six-time All-Star and won numerous awards and accolades, including the American League Cy Young Award and the American League Championship Series MVP award in 1992.

Despite his success as a pitcher, Eckersley also had his share of struggles off the field. He battled alcoholism throughout his career, and he was arrested for driving under the influence in 1989. However, he was able to turn his life around and became a vocal advocate for sobriety, helping to inspire others who were struggling with addiction.

After retiring from baseball in 1998, Eckersley became a broadcaster, working for the Boston Red Sox and later for the A’s. He was also inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004, cementing his place as one of the greatest relief pitchers of all time.

Today, Eckersley continues to be a beloved figure in the world of baseball, known not only for his dominant performances on the mound but also for his courage and resilience in the face of personal challenges.

 

Eddie Collins

Eddie Collins was a professional baseball player who spent the majority of his career playing for the Philadelphia Athletics and later the Chicago White Sox. He was born in 1887 in Millerton, New York, and began his professional career in 1906 with the Athletics.

Collins was known for his outstanding skills as a second baseman, as well as his speed on the basepaths. He was a key member of the Athletics’ legendary “$100,000 infield” alongside players such as Frank “Home Run” Baker and Jack Barry. During his time with the Athletics, Collins won four World Series championships and was a six-time All-Star.

In 1915, Collins was traded to the White Sox, where he continued to excel on the field. He helped lead the team to a World Series championship in 1917, and he was named the American League MVP in 1914 and 1917. Collins’ excellent play on the field continued throughout his career, and he retired in 1930 with a lifetime batting average of .333.

Off the field, Collins was known for his intelligence and leadership. He was a vocal advocate for players’ rights and was a key figure in the creation of the Major League Baseball Players Association. He also served as a coach and manager for several teams after his playing career ended.

Collins was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, cementing his place as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history. Today, he is remembered not only for his exceptional talent on the field but also for his contributions to the game as a whole.

 

Al Simmons

Al Simmons was a professional baseball player who spent the majority of his career playing for the Philadelphia Athletics and later the Chicago White Sox. He was born in 1902 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and began his professional career in 1924 with the Athletics.

Simmons was known for his exceptional hitting ability, as well as his strong throwing arm in the outfield. He was a key member of the Athletics’ lineup during their championship runs in the late 1920s and early 1930s, and he won two batting titles during his time with the team. Simmons was also a seven-time All-Star and won three World Series championships during his career.

In 1932, Simmons was traded to the White Sox, where he continued to be a productive player. He played for several other teams during the later years of his career, including the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Braves, before retiring in 1944.

Off the field, Simmons was known for his quiet and reserved personality. He rarely spoke to the media and was known for his dedication to his craft. Despite this, he was widely respected by his teammates and opponents alike for his exceptional talent and work ethic.

Simmons was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953, cementing his place as one of the greatest outfielders in baseball history. Today, he is remembered not only for his exceptional hitting ability and strong arm in the outfield, but also for his quiet and dedicated personality that helped him excel on the field.

 

Vida Blue

Vida Blue is a former professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for 17 seasons. He was born on July 28, 1949, in Mansfield, Louisiana, and was raised in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana.

Blue began his MLB career with the Oakland Athletics in 1969 at the age of 19. He quickly established himself as a dominant pitcher, earning the American League Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. In 1971, he won both the Cy Young Award and the Most Valuable Player award, becoming the youngest player ever to win both awards in the same season.

During his career, Blue played for several teams including the San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals, and the Oakland Athletics again. He was known for his powerful left arm and a fastball that could reach up to 100 miles per hour. He was also a four-time All-Star and won three World Series championships with the Athletics in 1972, 1973, and 1974.

Off the field, Blue was known for his charismatic personality and his love of music. He released a record album in 1971, which featured him singing and playing guitar.

After retiring from baseball in 1986, Blue remained active in the sport by coaching and working as a broadcaster. In 2003, he was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and in 2012, he was inducted into the African-American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame.

Today, Blue is remembered as one of the greatest pitchers of his era and as a pioneer for African-American players in baseball. His outstanding career and charismatic personality made him a beloved figure both on and off the field.

 

Dave Stewart

Dave Stewart is a former professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for 16 seasons. He was born on February 19, 1957, in Oakland, California, and grew up in East Oakland.

Stewart began his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1978, but it wasn’t until he joined the Oakland Athletics in 1986 that he established himself as a dominant pitcher. He was a key member of the A’s teams that won three consecutive American League pennants from 1988 to 1990, and he helped lead the team to a World Series championship in 1989.

Stewart was known for his fierce competitiveness and his ability to pitch effectively in big games. He was a two-time 20-game winner, a three-time All-Star, and won the World Series Most Valuable Player award in 1989. He also led the league in shutouts twice and was a four-time Gold Glove award winner.

After retiring from baseball in 1995, Stewart worked as a pitching coach and later became a successful sports agent. In 2015, he was named the general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a position he held until 2020.

Off the field, Stewart has been active in philanthropy and has supported various charitable causes. He also wrote an autobiography titled “Dave Stewart’s Diamond Gems: Games, Astounding Events, and Magic from the Dugout.”

Today, Stewart is remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in Oakland A’s history and as a fierce competitor who always rose to the occasion in big games. His impressive career and continued success in baseball after retirement have made him a beloved figure in the sport.

 

Conclusion

The Oakland A’s have a rich history of great players who have contributed to the team’s success over the years. From Rickey Henderson to Dave Stewart, these players have left their mark on the team and the sport of baseball. They have inspired countless fans and continue to be remembered as some of the greatest players of all time.

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