Oakland Athletics: The Athletics’ All-Time 25-Man Roster

Setup Man: Rollie Fingers

Like many of the Oakland Athletics’ greats, Rollie Fingers started off his MLB career with the Athletics in 1968, the year they moved to Oakland. Even though he had been a starting pitcher for much of his Minor League career and during his first few years in the majors, he was officially sent to bullpen to pitch in relief for the 1972 season.

While in the bullpen, Fingers helped the Oakland Athletics win the World Series three consecutive years in a row from 1972-1974. After the 1974 World Series win, Fingers was given the World Series MVP award because he had collected two saves and one win during that series. In the 16 total games in which he pitched for the Oakland Athletics during a World Series, he earned two wins and six saves.

Throughout his entire career, Fingers saved a total of 341 games. He pitched during a time where relief pitching was starting to become significant and he further proved the importance of relievers to the game of baseball. Additionally, the closer role was not really a permanent position until Fingers excelled in that role. Fingers was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Oakland Athletics retired his number just a year later in 1993.

Runner Up: Billy Koch

Even though Billy Koch only pitched for the Oakland Athletics for one season back in 2002, he made an impact on the bullpen. Koch was the closer for the A’s that year and he saved a total of 44 games. Throughout the 93.2 innings pitched, he posted a 3.27 ERA with 93 strikeouts. Despite his success, Koch is remember for giving up the a critical ninth inning homer during the first round of the playoffs that year.

Next: The Bullpen: Middle Reliever #1