Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner. He holds the major league records for career stolen bases, runs scored, unintentional walks, and leadoff home runs. In addition to the career steals record, Henderson also holds the single-season record for stolen bases (130 in 1982) and is the only player in AL history to steal 100 bases in a season, having done so three times. Henderson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Henderson's career stats »
Dennis Eckersley blazed a unique path to the Hall of Fame that most likely will never be repeated, beginning his career as a highly-touted starting pitcher before transforming into arguably the best closer the game has ever see. From 1988 to 1992, Eck averaged 44 saves a season and helped the A's to four American League West crowns, three AL pennants and a World Series title in 1989. The six-time All-Star ended his 24-year major league career with a record of 197-171 to go along with 390 saves and a 3.50 ERA.
"Exciting performer who played for 11 division winners and found special success in World Series spotlight with 10 home runs, 24 RBI's and .357 batting average in 27 games. In the 1977 Series, hit record five homers, four of them consecutive, including three in one game on three first pitches off three different hurlers. Mammoth clout marked 1971 All-Star Game. 563 homers rank sixth on all-time list. A.L. MVP, 1973."
Jackson's career stats »
"The bigger the game, the better he pitched. One of Baseball's most dominant pitchers from 1970-76, winning over 20 five straight times. Compiled 224-166 mark with 3.26 ERA before arm trouble ended career at age 33. Hurled perfect game vs. Twins in 1968. 1974 AL Cy Young Award winner. 5-3 in 12 World Series games."
The nickname "Catfish" was invented by A's owner Charlie Finley, who made up a story for the media about Hunter catching fish in the backwoods creeks of North Carolina.
Hunter's career stats »
"Leading N.L. batter in 1949. Holds fielding mark for second baseman playing in 150 or more games with .992. Led N.L. in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949. Most Valuable Player in 1949. Lifetime batting average .311. Joint record holder for most double plays by second baseman, 137 in 1951. Led second baseman in double plays 1949-50-51-52."
In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American man to play in the Major Leagues.
Robinson's career stats »
One of the most beloved owners in the history of the Athletics organization, Walter A. Haas, Jr. purchased the A's from Charles O. Finley in 1980, saving the team from potentially moving out of the area. During his 15-year ownership period, the A's won one World Championship (1989) and captured three consecutive American League pennants (1988-90). The team broke franchise attendance records in each of those seasons, attracting a record 2.9 million fans to the Coliseum in 1990. Long considered one of the top business and civic leaders in the United States, Haas headed some of the finest corporations in the country, including Levi Strauss, Bank of America, United Air Lines and the Pacific Telephone Company.
"Career epitomized emergence of modern-day relief ace as he approached legendary status with consistent excellence coming out of bullpen. Relied upon sinking fast ball to become all-time Major League leader with 341 career saves. Appeared in 16 World Series games for Oakland, winning two and saving six. AL MVP and Cy Young Awardee in 1981."
Fingers' career stats »
