MLBbro.com Celebrating Legends In Oakland A’s History As the Era Comes To A Close

Baseball is a game. However, the professional sport called Major League Baseball is a business. Moving professional teams away from their fanbase, no matter how loyal they are, is part of the dark side of it.

After 56 years, the Oakland A’s despite efforts they said fell short, announced in April of 2023 of the decision to move to Las Vegas.

 

An Era Is Over In Oakland: Las Vegas A’s? 

 

With the final series starting this week along with the statement from the A’s, it is real.

 

“We are deeply grateful to Oakland for being home to the A’s for nearly 60 years. In that span, the team and its fans celebrated four World Series championships, served as home to seven American League MVPs, made countless lasting memories, and achieved a storied place in baseball history. After an earnest and unprecedented effort to bring a visionary ballpark to downtown Oakland, we were unable to reach a deal, and more importantly, secure a reliable path to a fully approved project.

We appreciate the community members, local leaders and staff who worked diligently to build a new home in Oakland and applaud the fans who passionately advocated for the team to stay. The A’s time in Oakland will always be a cherished part of this franchise’s history, and we carry that spirit forward on this journey to Sacramento and eventually to our new home in Las Vegas. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the loyal fans for their unwavering support throughout the years.”

 

To make things worse, with the stadium details in Vegas being worked out, the owners’ decision to move to Sacramento only angered fans and local media alike.

Sports reporter Larry Beil of KGO, the ABC affiliate, summed up the frustration of the situation thoroughly.

 

MLBbro.com could go on forever trying to cover all of the MLBbros that put on a uniform and added to the Oakland A’s legacy.

 

 

But here’s the ones that need to be honored.

Rickey Henderson:

 

When it comes to stolen bases, this MLBbro is the standard for which all players have to live up to. The end. Rickey Henderson is the stolen base king holding the record with 1,406. Since 1991 when he passed Lou Brock’s total of 938, the mere discussion of breaking Rickey’s record is non-existent.

 

The ten-time All-Star and 1990 AL MVP led the league in runs scored five times, in walks four times and in hits once. He hit .300 or better eight times and is in the 3,000 hit club. He played for multiple teams but his star shines brightest in Oakland while swiping bases. His single season record of 130 was in an A’s uniform.

 

Dave “Smoke” Stewart:

 

This brother was cold. His demeanor along with that mean look on the mound made him a household name. Along with the fact that he’s one of only 15 MLBbro pitchers to win 20 or more games in a season and he did it multiple times (1987, 1988, 1989, 1990).

 

 

MLBbro.com has covered Stewart’s progress to bring an MLB expansion team to Nashville. With the front office experience “Smoke” had that matched his pitching prowess, it’s sad that he couldn’t save the A’s for the Oakland faithful.

That’s not to say that an MLBbro legend didn’t try…

 

Reggie Jackson:

 

We could talk about the great things the MLBbro did on the baseball field to earn the nickname “Mr. October”. But the fact that Reggie Jackson actually had a group together to buy the Oakland A’s that included Bill Gates should be enough.

Reggie talked about it on Howard Stern’s radio show…

 

 

The group at the time was willing to pay $25 million more than the highest bidder. Despite promises from then MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, the team was sold to Lewis Wolff.

 

For this effort alone, this MLBbro is the most influential and loyal person ever attached to the Oakland A’s.