1974 Oakland Athletics season
Encyclopedia
The Oakland Athletics
season involved the A's winning their fourth consecutive American League West
title with a record of 90 wins and 72 losses. In the playoffs, the A's defeated the Baltimore Orioles
in the ALCS
for their third straight AL pennant
, and in the World Series
, the first ever played entirely on the West Coast, defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers
in five games to take their third consecutive World Series championship. Paid attendance for the season was 845,693. In 1974, owner Charlie Finley tried to sell the team with an asking price of $15 million.
was tapped by Oakland owner Charlie Finley to become the A's "designated runner." Despite having no professional baseball experience, and having last played baseball in high school
, Washington was signed to a major league contract prior to the season. His major league debut was on April 4, 1974 against the Texas Rangers
. Appearing as a pinch runner
for Joe Rudi
in game two of the 1974 World Series
, Washington was picked off first base in a crucial ninth-inning situation by Dodgers' reliever Mike Marshall.
, 3 games to 1.
AL Oakland Athletics (4) vs. NL Los Angeles Dodgers
(1)>
Game
Score
Date
Location
Attendance
Time of Game
1
Athletics – 3, Dodgers – 2
October 12
Dodger Stadium
55,974
2:43
2
Athletics – 2, Dodgers – 3
October 13
Dodger Stadium
55,989
2:40
3
Dodgers – 2, Athletics – 3
October 15
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
49,347
2:35
4
Dodgers – 2, Athletics – 5
October 16
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
49,347
2:17
5
Dodgers – 2, Athletics – 3
October 17
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
49,347
2:23
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
season involved the A's winning their fourth consecutive American League West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
title with a record of 90 wins and 72 losses. In the playoffs, the A's defeated the Baltimore Orioles
1974 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Orioles finishing first in the American League East with a record of 91 wins and 71 losses...
in the ALCS
1974 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 5, 1974 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CaliforniaThe Birds jumped all over the ace of the Oakland staff, Catfish Hunter, pounding him for six runs and eight hits, including three homers in less than five innings. Hunter had a skein of seven straight...
for their third straight AL pennant
Pennant (sports)
A pennant is a commemorative flag typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a...
, and in the World Series
1974 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 12, 1974 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CaliforniaReggie Jackson put the A's on the board first with a solo homer in the top of the second off 20-game winner Andy Messersmith...
, the first ever played entirely on the West Coast, defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers
1974 Los Angeles Dodgers season
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League West by four games over the Cincinnati Reds, then beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1974 National League Championship Series before losing to the Oakland Athletics in the 1974 World Series.- Offseason :...
in five games to take their third consecutive World Series championship. Paid attendance for the season was 845,693. In 1974, owner Charlie Finley tried to sell the team with an asking price of $15 million.
Offseason
- November 3, 1973: Horacio PiñaHoracio PiñaHoracio Piña García [pee'-nyah] is a former relief pitcher who played in Major League Baseball between and . Piña also played professionally in Mexico for several years...
was traded by the Athletics to the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
for Bob LockerBob LockerRobert Awtry Locker is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1965-1975 for five different teams. The sinker-balling Locker never made a start in his big-league career.- Biography :...
. - December 12, 1973: Rico CartyRico CartyRicardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty is a former professional baseball player. Nicknamed Beeg Boy, he played mostly as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from to...
was released by the Athletics.
Regular season
- June 5, 1974: Outfielders Billy NorthBilly NorthWilliam Alex North is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1971 to 1981, he played for the Chicago Cubs , Oakland Athletics , Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants...
and Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
engaged in a clubhouse fight at Detroit’s Tiger Stadium. Jackson injured his shoulder, and catcher Ray FosseRay FosseRaymond Earl Fosse is a former professional baseball player who was a catcher in the Major Leagues. He was drafted in the first round of the 1965 amateur draft by the Cleveland Indians. Fosse also holds the distinction of being the Indians' first ever draft pick, as 1965 was the first year of the...
, attempting to separate the combatants, suffered a crushed disk in his neck, costing him three months on the disabled list.
The pinch runner
In , "Hurricane" Herb WashingtonHerb Washington
Herbert Lee Washington is a former world-class sprinter in the early 1970s who parlayed his speed into a brief Major League Baseball stint, and later became the owner/operator of numerous McDonald's restaurants and a minor-league professional hockey franchise and held a number of high-ranking...
was tapped by Oakland owner Charlie Finley to become the A's "designated runner." Despite having no professional baseball experience, and having last played baseball in high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
, Washington was signed to a major league contract prior to the season. His major league debut was on April 4, 1974 against the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
. Appearing as a pinch runner
Pinch runner
A pinch runner is a baseball player substituted for the specific purpose of replacing a player on base. In the typical case, the pinch runner is faster or otherwise more skilled at base-running than the player for whom the pinch runner has been substituted...
for Joe Rudi
Joe Rudi
Joseph Oden Rudi is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics , California Angels and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
in game two of the 1974 World Series
1974 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 12, 1974 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CaliforniaReggie Jackson put the A's on the board first with a solo homer in the top of the second off 20-game winner Andy Messersmith...
, Washington was picked off first base in a crucial ninth-inning situation by Dodgers' reliever Mike Marshall.
Opening Day starters
- Sal BandoSal BandoSalvatore Leonard Bando is a former third baseman and executive in professional baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers . He batted and threw right-handed. During the A's championship years of 1971-75, he captained the team and led the club in runs batted...
- Vida BlueVida BlueVida Rochelle Blue Jr. is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 17-year career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Francisco Giants , and Kansas City Royals He won the American League Cy Young award and Most Valuable Player Award in 1971...
- Bert CampanerisBert CampanerisDagoberto Campaneris Blanco , nicknamed "Campy", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for four American League teams, primarily the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics...
- Ray FosseRay FosseRaymond Earl Fosse is a former professional baseball player who was a catcher in the Major Leagues. He was drafted in the first round of the 1965 amateur draft by the Cleveland Indians. Fosse also holds the distinction of being the Indians' first ever draft pick, as 1965 was the first year of the...
- Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
- Ángel MangualAngel MangualÁngel Luis Mangual Guilbe is a former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball over parts of 7 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Oakland Athletics. Mangual was a member of the 3-time World Series champion Athletics of the early 1970s...
- Billy NorthBilly NorthWilliam Alex North is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1971 to 1981, he played for the Chicago Cubs , Oakland Athletics , Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants...
- Joe RudiJoe RudiJoseph Oden Rudi is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics , California Angels and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
- Gene TenaceGene TenaceFury Gene Tenace , better known as Gene Tenace, is a former Italian-American professional baseball player and current coach in Major League Baseball. He was a catcher and first baseman from through . Tenace was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics from Valley High School in Lucasville, OH and...
- Manny TrilloManny TrilloJesús Manuel Marcano Trillo , also nicknamed "Indio", is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from to...
Notable transactions
- May 10, 1974: Dal MaxvillDal MaxvillCharles Dallan Maxvill is a former shortstop, coach and general manager in Major League Baseball. A graduate of St. Louis' Washington University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering, Maxvill signed a professional baseball contract in 1960 with the hometown St...
was signed as a free agent by the Athletics. - June 5, 1974: Rick LysanderRick LysanderRichard Eugene Lysander is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He had a four-season career in the majors, spread out over six years.-Major League career:...
was drafted by the Athletics in the 19th round of the 1974 Major League Baseball Draft1974 Major League Baseball draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1974 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :With the number one pick of the June regular phase, San Diego tabbed infielder Bill Almon from Brown University, one of six shortstops selected in round one...
. - August 19, 1974: Pat BourquePat BourquePatrick Daniel Bourque was a first baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for several teams in a three year career....
was traded by the Athletics to the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
for Jim HoltJim Holt (baseball)James William Holt is a former professional baseball player. He was an outfielder and first baseman over parts of 9 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics. Holt was a member of the 1974 World Series champion Athletics...
.
Roster
| 1974 Oakland Athletics | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Designated runner |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Player stats
| = Indicates team leader |
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 64 | 204 | 40 | .196 | 4 | 23 | |
| 1B | 158 | 484 | 102 | .211 | 26 | 73 | |
| 2B | 100 | 287 | 61 | .213 | 2 | 22 | |
| 3B | 146 | 498 | 121 | .243 | 22 | 103 | |
| SS | 134 | 527 | 153 | .290 | 2 | 41 | |
| LF | 158 | 593 | 174 | .293 | 22 | 99 | |
| CF | 149 | 543 | 141 | .260 | 4 | 33 | |
| RF | 148 | 506 | 146 | .289 | 29 | 93 | |
| DH | 115 | 365 | 85 | .233 | 9 | 43 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 365 | 85 | .233 | 9 | 43 | |
| 30 | 42 | 6 | .143 | 0 | 0 | |
| 10 | 15 | 2 | .133 | 0 | 0 | |
| 11 | 7 | 2 | .286 | 0 | 1 | |
| 5 | 7 | 1 | .143 | 0 | 0 | |
| 92 | 0 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 0 |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 318.1 | 25 | 12 | 2.49 | 143 | |
| 40 | 282.1 | 17 | 15 | 3.25 | 174 | |
| 39 | 255.1 | 19 | 17 | 3.07 | 117 | |
| 19 | 96 | 5 | 7 | 3.00 | 38 | |
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 117 | 7 | 4 | 3.69 | 69 | |
| 34 | 87.1 | 1 | 5 | 3.81 | 52 | |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 9 | 5 | 18 | 2.65 | 95 | |
ALCS
The Athletics defeated the Baltimore Orioles1974 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Orioles finishing first in the American League East with a record of 91 wins and 71 losses...
, 3 games to 1.
| Game | Score | Date | Location | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore - 6, Oakland - 3 | October 5 | Oakland Coliseum | 41,609 |
| 2 | Baltimore - 0, Oakland - 5 | October 6 | Oakland Coliseum | 42,810 |
| 3 | Oakland - 1, Baltimore - 0 | October 8 | Memorial Stadium Memorial Stadium (Baltimore) Memorial Stadium was a sports stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, that formerly stood on 33rd Street on an over-sized block also bounded by Ellerslie Avenue , 36th Street , and Ednor Road... |
32,060 |
| 4 | Oakland - 2, Baltimore - 1 | October 9 | Memorial Stadium Memorial Stadium (Baltimore) Memorial Stadium was a sports stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, that formerly stood on 33rd Street on an over-sized block also bounded by Ellerslie Avenue , 36th Street , and Ednor Road... |
28,136 |
Summary
1974 Los Angeles Dodgers season
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League West by four games over the Cincinnati Reds, then beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1974 National League Championship Series before losing to the Oakland Athletics in the 1974 World Series.- Offseason :...
(1)>
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
McAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
McAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
McAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
Awards and honors
- Rollie FingersRollie FingersRoland Glen Fingers is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. During his 18-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers . He became only the second reliever to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992...
, World Series Most Valuable Player Award - Catfish HunterCatfish HunterJames Augustus "Catfish" Hunter , was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1965-1979 for both the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees...
, P, American League Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
All-Stars
1974 Major League Baseball All-Star Game1974 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1974 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 45th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 23, 1974, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
- Bert CampanerisBert CampanerisDagoberto Campaneris Blanco , nicknamed "Campy", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for four American League teams, primarily the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics...
, shortstop, starter - Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
, outfield, starter
- Sal BandoSal BandoSalvatore Leonard Bando is a former third baseman and executive in professional baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers . He batted and threw right-handed. During the A's championship years of 1971-75, he captained the team and led the club in runs batted...
, reserve - Rollie FingersRollie FingersRoland Glen Fingers is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. During his 18-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers . He became only the second reliever to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992...
, reserve - Catfish HunterCatfish HunterJames Augustus "Catfish" Hunter , was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1965-1979 for both the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees...
, reserve - Joe RudiJoe RudiJoseph Oden Rudi is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics , California Angels and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
, reserve