1981 Oakland Athletics season
Encyclopedia
The Oakland Athletics
' 1981 season
involved the A's finishing with the best overall record in the American League West
with a record of 64 wins and 45 losses. The season was suspended for 50 days due to the infamous 1981 players strike, and the league resorted to a split-season format with the winners of both halves of the season playing in the first divisional playoff in MLB history. The A's beat the Kansas City Royals
in the AL West playoff
, then lost to the New York Yankees
in the 1981 American League Championship Series
.
and would not accept part of a baseball team in a property settlement. With most of his money tied up in the A's or his insurance empire, Finley had to sell the team. Though Finley found a buyer in businessman Marvin Davis
, who would have moved the Athletics to Denver, the tentative deal hit a snag when the Raiders announced their move to Los Angeles. Oakland and Alameda County officials, not wanting to be held responsible for losing Oakland's status as a big-league city in its own right, refused to let Finley break the lease with the Coliseum. Finley then looked to local buyers, selling the A's to San Francisco clothing manufacturer Walter A. Haas, Jr.
, president of Levi Strauss & Co.
prior to the season.
Haas restored the official name of the club to "Athletics" in 1981, but retained the nickname "A's" for marketing purposes. At first, the word "Athletics" was restored only to the club's logo, underneath the much larger stylized-"A" that had come to represent the team since the early days. Former owner Charlie Finley banned the word "Athletics" from the club's name because he felt that name was too closely associated with former Philadelphia Athletics owner Connie Mack
.
During the Finley era, average home attendance from 1968–1980 was 777,000 per season, with 1,075,518 in 1975 being the highest attendance for a Finley-owned team. In marked contrast, during the first year of Haas' ownership, the Athletics drew 1,304,052—in a season shortened by a player strike. Were it not for the strike, the A's were on a pace to draw over 2.2 million in 1981. The A’s finished with the second-best overall record in baseball, and the best record in the American League.
, manager Billy Martin
was given the additional title of general manager in 1981. The team won the division title for the first time since 1975
, winning the first half of the split season, then defeating the Royals in the divisional playoffs before losing to the Yankees in the ALCS.
While the team was successful, it came at a high price, both for the team and for the pitching staff. Following a season in which the team led the league in complete game
s with 94—an astonishing number for the time—the Athletics again led the league with 60 complete games out of 109 total games in the strike-shortened season. For the second time, the pitching staff completed more than half their total number of games and more than double the number of the team with the second-highest total (The Indians
and Tigers
each had 33). The workload of the pitchers over the two seasons was blamed by the team's ownership for the team's fall to fifth place in 1982
, which led to Martin's firing from both positions. Many of the pitchers suffered injuries, and none of the four main starting pitchers (Rick Langford
, Steve McCatty
, Mike Norris, Matt Keough
) ever duplicated their success of 1980-81.
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....
' 1981 season
1981 Major League Baseball season
-First half:-Second half:-Overall record:-Statistical leaders:-Postseason:NOTE: Due to a strike in mid-season, the season was divided into a first half and a second half...
involved the A's finishing with the best overall record in the 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...
with a record of 64 wins and 45 losses. The season was suspended for 50 days due to the infamous 1981 players strike, and the league resorted to a split-season format with the winners of both halves of the season playing in the first divisional playoff in MLB history. The A's beat the Kansas City Royals
1981 Kansas City Royals season
The Kansas City Royals season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Royals finishing 4th in the American League West with a record of 50 wins and 53 losses...
in the AL West playoff
1981 American League Division Series
-New York Yankees vs. Milwaukee Brewers:-Game 1, October 6:Royals Stadium in Kansas City, MissouriMike Norris faced Dennis Leonard and the defending AL Champions in Game 1. Both pitchers were on their game and the game was scoreless through three innings. But in the top of the fourth, the A's got a...
, then lost to the New York Yankees
1981 New York Yankees season
The New York Yankees' 1981 season was the 79th season for the Yankees. In the ALCS, the Yankees swept the Oakland Athletics for their only pennant of the 1980s. However, they lost in the World Series in 6 games to the Los Angeles Dodgers. New York was managed by Gene Michael and Bob Lemon...
in the 1981 American League Championship Series
1981 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 13, 1981 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkIn Billy Martin's return to Yankee Stadium , the Yankees drew first blood in front of their old skipper...
.
Offseason
- October 23, 1980: Randy ElliottRandy ElliottRandy Lee Elliott is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played parts of four seasons in the majors, spread out over nine years. After being drafted by the San Diego Padres during their inaugural season, he played for them in and . He later played for the San Francisco Giants in and...
was released by the Athletics. - December 8, 1980: Brian DoyleBrian Doyle (baseball)Brian Reed Doyle is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played for the New York Yankees and Oakland A's. He played primarily as a second baseman. His brother, Denny Doyle, was also a Major League baseball player...
was drafted by the Athletics from the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
in the 1980 rule 5 draftRule 5 draftThe Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to...
. - December 9, 1980: DeWayne Buice was drafted by the Oakland Athletics from the San Francisco Giants in the 1980 minor league draft.
- December 11, 1980: Michael King (minors) 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 Cliff Johnson and Keith Drumright. - January 13, 1981: Steve KieferSteve KieferSteven George Kiefer is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. He played in parts of six seasons in the major leagues from until . Most of his career-best totals were set in while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers....
was drafted by the Athletics in the 1st round of the 1981 Major League Baseball Draft1981 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1981 Major League Baseball draft.- Other notable players :*John Elway was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2nd round of the 1981 amateur draft...
. - February 10, 1981: The Athletics traded a player to be named later to the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
for Jimmy SextonJimmy SextonJimmy Dale Sexton was a Major League Baseball infielder, and played in professional baseball from 1970–1984. He played with the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals at the major league level. Sexton signed his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh...
. The Athletics completed the trade by sending 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:...
to the Astros on October 20. - March 27, 1981: Bob LaceyBob LaceyRobert Joseph Lacey, Jr. is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, California Angels, and San Francisco Giants....
and Roy Moretti (minors) were traded by the Athletics to the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for Kevin BellKevin Bell (baseball)Kevin Robert Bell is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of six seasons in Major League Baseball between 1976 and 1982, primarily as a third baseman....
, Tony PhillipsTony PhillipsKeith Anthony Phillips is a former Major League Baseball utility player who had an 18-year career from to . He played regularly at three infield positions, primarily as a second baseman, but also had significant time as a shortstop and third baseman...
and Eric Mustad (minors). - March 30, 1981: Alan WirthAlan WirthAlan Lee Wirth is a former professional baseball pitcher. Wirth pitched in parts of three seasons in Major League Baseball, from until , for the Oakland Athletics.- Playing career :...
was released by the Athletics.
Ownership
Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley's wife sought a divorceDivorce
Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
and would not accept part of a baseball team in a property settlement. With most of his money tied up in the A's or his insurance empire, Finley had to sell the team. Though Finley found a buyer in businessman Marvin Davis
Marvin Davis
Marvin H. Davis was an American industrialist and philanthropist...
, who would have moved the Athletics to Denver, the tentative deal hit a snag when the Raiders announced their move to Los Angeles. Oakland and Alameda County officials, not wanting to be held responsible for losing Oakland's status as a big-league city in its own right, refused to let Finley break the lease with the Coliseum. Finley then looked to local buyers, selling the A's to San Francisco clothing manufacturer Walter A. Haas, Jr.
Walter A. Haas, Jr.
Walter A. Haas, Jr. was a president and CEO and chairman of Levi Strauss & Co, succeeding his father Walter A. Haas. He led the company in its growth from a regional manufacturer and wholesaler of work clothes to one of the world’s leading apparel companies...
, president of Levi Strauss & Co.
Levi Strauss & Co.
Levi Strauss & Co. is a privately held American clothing company known worldwide for its Levi's brand of denim jeans. It was founded in 1853 when Levi Strauss came from Buttenheim, Franconia, to San Francisco, California to open a west coast branch of his brothers' New York dry goods business...
prior to the season.
Haas restored the official name of the club to "Athletics" in 1981, but retained the nickname "A's" for marketing purposes. At first, the word "Athletics" was restored only to the club's logo, underneath the much larger stylized-"A" that had come to represent the team since the early days. Former owner Charlie Finley banned the word "Athletics" from the club's name because he felt that name was too closely associated with former Philadelphia Athletics owner Connie Mack
Connie Mack (baseball)
Cornelius McGillicuddy, Sr. , better known as Connie Mack, was an American professional baseball player, manager, and team owner. The longest-serving manager in Major League Baseball history, he holds records for wins , losses , and games managed , with his victory total being almost 1,000 more...
.
During the Finley era, average home attendance from 1968–1980 was 777,000 per season, with 1,075,518 in 1975 being the highest attendance for a Finley-owned team. In marked contrast, during the first year of Haas' ownership, the Athletics drew 1,304,052—in a season shortened by a player strike. Were it not for the strike, the A's were on a pace to draw over 2.2 million in 1981. The A’s finished with the second-best overall record in baseball, and the best record in the American League.
Regular season
- April 19, 1981: In the first game of a doubleheader with the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, the A's won 6-1 to win their then-record 11th consecutive game to start a season. - April 25, 1981: Prior to a game against the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, Seattle manager Maury WillsMaury WillsMaurice Morning "Maury" Wills is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitting batter who played most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers , and also with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos...
advised the Kingdome groundskeepers to enlarge the batter's box by a foot. A's manager Billy MartinBilly MartinAlfred Manuel "Billy" Martin, Jr. was an American Major League Baseball second baseman and manager. He is best known as the manager of the New York Yankees, a position he held five different times...
noticed. Martin showed umpire Bill Kunkel that the batter's box was seven feet long instead of six feet. Martin felt that batters being able to move up a foot in the box could cut at pitches before a curveball broke. Wills was suspended for two games and fined $500.
Notable transactions
- April 6, 1981: The Athletics traded a player to be named later and cash to the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
for Bob OwchinkoBob OwchinkoRobert Dennis Owchinko is a former professional baseball pitcher. A left-handed pitcher, he played all or part of ten seasons in Major League Baseball, between 1976 and 1986, for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Montreal...
. The Athletics completed the trade by sending Ernie CamachoErnie CamachoErnest Carlos Camacho is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1980–1981 and 1983-1990.In 1984, Camacho lead the Cleveland Indians in saves with 23.-External links:...
to the Pirates on April 10. - April 9, 1981: Dave HeaverloDave HeaverloDavid Wallace Heaverlo is a former right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher.He attended Moses Lake High School in Moses Lake, Washington, graduating in 1968. He then went on to Central Washington University, in Ellensburg, Washington, where he graduated in 1973...
was signed as a free agent by the Athletics. - April 10, 1981: Gorman HeimuellerGorman HeimuellerGorman John Heimueller is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Heimueller pitched parts of two seasons for the Oakland Athletics in and .-Sources:...
was signed as a free Agent by the Athletics. - April 14, 1981: Chris CodiroliChris CodiroliChristopher Allen Codiroli , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1982–1988 and 1990.-Teams:* Oakland Athletics 1982-1987* Cleveland Indians 1988...
was signed as a free Agent by the Athletics. - April 22, 1981: Chuck Hensley was signed as a Free Agent with the Oakland Athletics.
- May 20, 1981: Dave ReveringDave ReveringDavid Alvin Revering , is a former Major League Baseball first baseman from 1978-1982. Revering graduated from Bella Vista High School...
, Mike PattersonMike Patterson (baseball)Michael Lee Patterson is a former Major League Baseball Outfielder. Patterson played for the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees in and . He batted left and threw right-handed....
and Chuck Dougherty (minors) were traded by the Athletics to the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for Jim SpencerJim SpencerJames Lloyd Spencer was a Major League Baseball first baseman. Born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, the left-handed Spencer was recognized for his excellent fielding ability, but also served in later years as a designated hitter....
and Tom UnderwoodTom UnderwoodThomas Gerald Underwood was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies , St...
. - June 10, 1981: Rick BosettiRick BosettiRichard Alan Bosetti is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder who played from to for the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Oakland Athletics....
was purchased by the Athletics from the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. - August 27, 1981: Tim HosleyTim HosleyTimothy Kenneth Hosley is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played parts of nine seasons in the majors between and . He played for the and World Series champion Oakland Athletics, though he was never on a postseason roster....
was released by the Athletics.
Draft Picks
- June 8, 1981: 1981 Major League Baseball Draft1981 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1981 Major League Baseball draft.- Other notable players :*John Elway was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2nd round of the 1981 amateur draft...
- Mike GallegoMike GallegoMichael Anthony Gallego is the Oakland Athletics third base and infield coach, and a former Major League Baseball infielder who played for the Athletics, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals from 1985 to 1997.-Baseball career:Gallego was the A's starting second baseman during their three-year...
was drafted by the Athletics in the 2nd round (33rd pick). Player signed June 12, 1981. - Rick RodriguezRick Rodriguez (baseball)Ricardo "Rick" Rodriguez is a professional baseball coach and former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched in parts of four seasons in the major leagues between and...
was drafted by the Athletics in the 2nd round (41st pick). - Mickey TettletonMickey TettletonMickey Lee Tettleton , is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers...
was drafted by the Athletics in the 5th round.
- Mike Gallego
Billyball, year two
Following the team's surprising success in 19801980 Oakland Athletics season
The 1980 Oakland Athletics season was a season in American baseball. It involved the A's finishing second in the American League West with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses.- Offseason :* March 21, 1980: Jim Todd was released by the Athletics....
, manager Billy Martin
Billy Martin
Alfred Manuel "Billy" Martin, Jr. was an American Major League Baseball second baseman and manager. He is best known as the manager of the New York Yankees, a position he held five different times...
was given the additional title of general manager in 1981. The team won the division title for the first time since 1975
1975 Oakland Athletics season
The Oakland Athletics' 1975 season involved the A's finishing first in the American League West with a record of 98 wins and 64 losses. They went on to play the Boston Red Sox in the 1975 American League Championship Series, losing in three straight games....
, winning the first half of the split season, then defeating the Royals in the divisional playoffs before losing to the Yankees in the ALCS.
While the team was successful, it came at a high price, both for the team and for the pitching staff. Following a season in which the team led the league in complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
s with 94—an astonishing number for the time—the Athletics again led the league with 60 complete games out of 109 total games in the strike-shortened season. For the second time, the pitching staff completed more than half their total number of games and more than double the number of the team with the second-highest total (The Indians
1981 Cleveland Indians season
- Offseason :* December 8, 1980: Dan Spillner was signed as a free agent by the Indians. * December 9, 1980: Gary Alexander, Víctor Cruz, Rafael Vásquez, and Bob Owchinko were traded by the Indians to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Bert Blyleven and Manny Sanguillen....
and Tigers
1981 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers finished in fourth place in the American League East with a record of 31-26 in the first half of the season, and in third place with a record of 29-23 in the second half, for an overall record of 60-49. They outscored their opponents 427 to 404...
each had 33). The workload of the pitchers over the two seasons was blamed by the team's ownership for the team's fall to fifth place in 1982
1982 Oakland Athletics season
The Oakland Athletics' 1982 season involved the A's finishing fifth in the American League West with a record of 68 wins and 94 losses.Although a disappointing season standings-wise, a major highlight of the 1982 campaign for the A's was left fielder Rickey Henderson breaking the record for most...
, which led to Martin's firing from both positions. Many of the pitchers suffered injuries, and none of the four main starting pitchers (Rick Langford
Rick Langford
James Rick Langford , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1976-1986...
, Steve McCatty
Steve McCatty
Steven Earl McCatty is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Oakland Athletics from 1977 to 1985. He graduated from Troy High School in Troy, Michigan in 1972. On June 2nd, 2009 McCatty was named interim pitching coach of the Washington Nationals following Randy St...
, Mike Norris, Matt Keough
Matt Keough
Matthew Lon Keough Drafted by the Oakland A's out of Corona del Mar High School in 1973. Keough is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from through for the Oakland Athletics , New York Yankees , St. Louis Cardinals , Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros...
) ever duplicated their success of 1980-81.
Roster
| 1981 Oakland Athletics | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Batting
| = 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 | R | H | Avg. | HR | RBI | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Mike Heath Mike Heath Michael Thomas Heath is a former catcher in Major League Baseball. Heath played fourteen seasons in the major leagues with the New York Yankees , Oakland Athletics , St... |
84 | 301 | 26 | 71 | .236 | 8 | 30 | 3 |
| 1B | Jim Spencer Jim Spencer James Lloyd Spencer was a Major League Baseball first baseman. Born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, the left-handed Spencer was recognized for his excellent fielding ability, but also served in later years as a designated hitter.... |
54 | 171 | 14 | 35 | .205 | 2 | 9 | 1 |
| 2B | Shooty Babitt Shooty Babitt Mack Neal "Shooty" Babitt was an American baseball second baseman. Babitt was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 25th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. He began his career with a seven-game hitting streak, the second such longest streak in Oakland A's history... |
54 | 156 | 10 | 40 | .256 | 0 | 14 | 5 |
| 3B | Wayne Gross Wayne Gross Wayne Dale Gross , is a former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball primarily as a third baseman from 1976-1986. Gross was an All-Star as a rookie in 1977, belting 22 home runs that year... |
82 | 243 | 29 | 50 | .206 | 10 | 31 | 2 |
| SS | Rob Picciolo Rob Picciolo Robert Michael Picciolo is a former Major League Baseball player who currently serves as the bench coach of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He played nine seasons in the major leagues, from 1977–1985, for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, and California Angels, the predecessor of his... |
82 | 179 | 23 | 48 | .268 | 4 | 13 | 0 |
| LF | Rickey Henderson Rickey Henderson Rickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner... |
108 | 423 | 89 | 135 | .319 | 6 | 35 | 56 |
| CF | Dwayne Murphy Dwayne Murphy Dwayne Keith Murphy is a former Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career playing for the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder. He is currently the hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1973 and made his Major League debut in 1978... |
107 | 390 | 58 | 98 | .251 | 15 | 60 | 10 |
| RF | Tony Armas Tony Armas Antonio Rafael Armas Machado is a former Venezuelan professional baseball player who played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball. He was one of the top sluggers in the American League in the early 1980s. Twice Armas led the league in home runs, and led all of Major League Baseball in RBIs in... |
109 | 440 | 51 | 115 | .261 | 22 | 76 | 5 |
| DH | Cliff Johnson | 84 | 273 | 40 | 71 | .260 | 17 | 59 | 5 |
Other batters
| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave McKay | 79 | 224 | 59 | .263 | 4 | 21 |
| Jeff Newman | 68 | 216 | 50 | .231 | 3 | 15 |
| Fred Stanley | 66 | 145 | 28 | .193 | 0 | 7 |
| Mitchell Page Mitchell Page Mitchell Otis Page is a former Major League Baseball player. He finished second to Hall of Famer Eddie Murray in American League Rookie of the Year balloting when he came up with the Oakland Athletics in .-Early years:... |
34 | 92 | 13 | .141 | 4 | 13 |
| Dave Revering Dave Revering David Alvin Revering , is a former Major League Baseball first baseman from 1978-1982. Revering graduated from Bella Vista High School... |
31 | 87 | 20 | .230 | 2 | 10 |
| Keith Drumright | 31 | 86 | 25 | .291 | 0 | 11 |
| Kelvin Moore Kelvin Moore (baseball) Kelvin Orlando Moore is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. He played parts of three seasons in the major leagues, from until , for the Oakland Athletics.-Sources:... |
14 | 47 | 12 | .255 | 1 | 3 |
| Mickey Klutts Mickey Klutts Gene Ellis "Mickey" Klutts is a retired Major League Baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from 1976 to 1983 with the New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays... |
15 | 46 | 17 | .370 | 5 | 11 |
| Brian Doyle Brian Doyle (baseball) Brian Reed Doyle is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played for the New York Yankees and Oakland A's. He played primarily as a second baseman. His brother, Denny Doyle, was also a Major League baseball player... |
17 | 40 | 5 | .125 | 0 | 3 |
| Mark Budaska Mark Budaska Mark David Budaska is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder who is minor league baseball coach, currently the hitting coach with the Memphis Redbirds Triple-A team within the St. Louis Cardinals organization.... |
9 | 32 | 5 | .156 | 0 | 2 |
| Mike Patterson Mike Patterson (baseball) Michael Lee Patterson is a former Major League Baseball Outfielder. Patterson played for the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees in and . He batted left and threw right-handed.... |
12 | 23 | 8 | .348 | 0 | 1 |
| Tim Hosley Tim Hosley Timothy Kenneth Hosley is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played parts of nine seasons in the majors between and . He played for the and World Series champion Oakland Athletics, though he was never on a postseason roster.... |
18 | 21 | 2 | .095 | 1 | 5 |
| Mike Davis | 17 | 20 | 1 | .050 | 0 | 0 |
| Rick Bosetti Rick Bosetti Richard Alan Bosetti is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder who played from to for the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Oakland Athletics.... |
9 | 19 | 2 | .105 | 0 | 1 |
| Jimmy Sexton Jimmy Sexton Jimmy Dale Sexton was a Major League Baseball infielder, and played in professional baseball from 1970–1984. He played with the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals at the major league level. Sexton signed his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh... |
7 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
| Jeff Cox | 2 | 0 | 0 | .--- | 0 | 0 |
| Bob Kearney Bob Kearney Robert Henry Kearney , is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, and Seattle Mariners from to .... |
1 | 0 | 0 | .--- | 0 | 0 |
| Jim Nettles Jim Nettles James William Nettles is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played all or part of six seasons in the majors, between 1970 and 1981, for the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics. In 1975, he played for the Nankai Hawks in Japan, and in 1976 he played... |
1 | 0 | 0 | .--- | 0 | 0 |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games played; IP = Innings Pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned Run Average; SO = Strikeouts; BB = Bases on Balls| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rick Langford Rick Langford James Rick Langford , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1976-1986... |
24 | 195.1 | 12 | 10 | 2.99 | 84 |
| Mike Norris | 23 | 172.2 | 12 | 9 | 3.75 | 78 |
| Steve McCatty Steve McCatty Steven Earl McCatty is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Oakland Athletics from 1977 to 1985. He graduated from Troy High School in Troy, Michigan in 1972. On June 2nd, 2009 McCatty was named interim pitching coach of the Washington Nationals following Randy St... |
22 | 185.2 | 14 | 7 | 2.33 | 91 |
| Matt Keough Matt Keough Matthew Lon Keough Drafted by the Oakland A's out of Corona del Mar High School in 1973. Keough is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from through for the Oakland Athletics , New York Yankees , St. Louis Cardinals , Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros... |
19 | 140.1 | 10 | 6 | 3.40 | 60 |
| Brian Kingman Brian Kingman Brian Paul Kingman was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1979 to 1983 for the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants.... |
18 | 100.1 | 3 | 6 | 3.95 | 52 |
Other pitchers
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Underwood Tom Underwood Thomas Gerald Underwood was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies , St... |
16 | 51 | 3 | 2 | 3.18 | 46 |
| Ed Figueroa Ed Figueroa Eduardo Figueroa Padilla , is a former Major League Baseball player. He holds the distinction of being the only pitcher from Puerto Rico to win twenty games in a season.-USMC:... |
2 | 8.1 | 0 | 0 | 5.40 | 1 |
Relief pitchers
| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Jones | 33 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3.39 | 43 |
| Bob Owchinko Bob Owchinko Robert Dennis Owchinko is a former professional baseball pitcher. A left-handed pitcher, he played all or part of ten seasons in Major League Baseball, between 1976 and 1986, for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Montreal... |
29 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3.20 | 26 |
| Bo McLaughlin Bo McLaughlin Michael Duane "Bo" McLaughlin was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher from 1976 to 1982 for the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and Oakland Athletics. He is currently the pitching coordinator for the Colorado Rockies... |
11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11.57 | 3 |
| Dave Beard Dave Beard Charles David Beard is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and Detroit Tigers from to .... |
8 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2.77 | 15 |
| Craig Minetto Craig Minetto Craig Stephen Minetto is a former professional baseball pitcher. Minetto pitched in parts of four seasons in Major League Baseball from 1978 until 1981 for the Oakland Athletics.... |
8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.70 | 4 |
| Dave Heaverlo Dave Heaverlo David Wallace Heaverlo is a former right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher.He attended Moses Lake High School in Moses Lake, Washington, graduating in 1968. He then went on to Central Washington University, in Ellensburg, Washington, where he graduated in 1973... |
6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.59 | 2 |
| Rich Bordi Rich Bordi Richard Albert Bordi is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played from -. He played for the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. Bordi threw and batted right-handed, was 6'7" tall, and weighed 220 pounds. He attended Fresno State... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 |
ALDS
Oakland wins series, 3-0.| Game | Score | Date | Location | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland 4, Kansas City 0 | October 6 | Royals Stadium Kauffman Stadium Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium is a Major League Baseball stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri, and home to the Kansas City Royals of the American League. Together with Arrowhead Stadium, home of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs, it is a part of the Truman Sports Complex... |
40,592 |
| 2 | Oakland 2, Kansas City 1 | October 7 | Royals Stadium Kauffman Stadium Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium is a Major League Baseball stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri, and home to the Kansas City Royals of the American League. Together with Arrowhead Stadium, home of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs, it is a part of the Truman Sports Complex... |
40,274 |
| 3 | Oakland 4, Kansas City 1 | October 9 | Oakland Coliseum | 40,002 |
ALCS
Yankees win the Series, 3-0| Game | Score | Date | Location | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland - 1, New York - 3 | October 13 | Yankee Stadium | 55,740 |
| 2 | Oakland - 3, New York - 13 | October 14 | Yankee Stadium | 48,497 |
| 3 | New York - 4, Oakland - 0 | October 15 | Oakland Coliseum | 47,302 |
Awards and honors
- Rickey Henderson, American League leader, Hits
- Billy MartinBilly MartinAlfred Manuel "Billy" Martin, Jr. was an American Major League Baseball second baseman and manager. He is best known as the manager of the New York Yankees, a position he held five different times...
, Associated Press AL Manager of the Year
Farm system
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: MedfordThe source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.