Oakland Athletics: The Top 50 Oakland A’s of All-Time

Ranking The Top 50 Oakland Athletics

It’s been nearly 50 years since the Kansas City Athletics became the Oakland Athletics, after the team moved to the Bay Area in 1968. Since then, the team has seen many players come and go under the watchful eye of several managers, general managers, and even broadcasters.

We’ve dedicated plenty of words to the A’s franchise over the past few weeks, covering the organization’s top-10 pitchers and top-20 hitters, as well as their 30 worst players. But what about the most recent version of the Athletics’ franchise?

With that in mind, we took a look at the teams that have played in Oakland and selected the 50 best players during that time. Of course, a few extra names snuck their way into the list – after all, the guys on the field aren’t the only ones who can impact the franchise in a big way. Don’t be surprised to find off-field personnel in the rankings.

Ranking 50 players is a daunting task, so be sure to let us know which names you agree or disagree with in the comments below.

Without further ado, let’s get started with number 50:

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #50

#50: Dallas Braden

Disclaimer: Dallas Braden is not one of the top 50 Athletics in terms of consistency. However, when he threw his perfect game on May 9, 2010. Braden was only the 19^th pitcher in major league history to accomplish such a feat – and in 109 pitches, no less. The game took place on Mother’s Day – a special day for Braden, given that his mom had passed away when he was in high school – and it was the Tampa Bay Rays who were on the losing end.

Braden spent five years in the Oakland Athletics organization, and did not pitch for any other team during his brief career. His 26-36 record, as well as his 4.16 ERA, are hardly memorable numbers. However, pitching a perfect game is so rare that it would have been impossible to leave him off this list entirely. Even now, five years later, only 23 perfect games have been achieved. Let’s just take a moment and admire the perfect circumstances that had to occur to make Braden’s game happen.

Editor’s note: I promise it gets better from here.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #49

#48: Kurt Suzuki

Kurt Suzuki might not be the most exciting name on this list, but he was one of the most beloved players during his time in Oakland. Suzuki is well known for his defense, which is above-average, and pitchers frequently compliment him on his ability to call games.

The A’s drafted him in 2004, and he steadily moved up through the system until 2007, when he made his debut on June 9. Suzuki was almost immediately thrust into the starting catcher role, as veteran backstop Jason Kendall was traded to the Cubs just over a month later, and Suzuki assumed the job.

His best season came in 2009, when he played in 147 games and hit .274, including 15 home runs and 37 doubles. He led the team in hits and doubles, and scored 88 RBIs – all while maintaining his excellent defense. This success led him to sign a four-year contract extension in 2010, although Billy Beane quickly dealt him away just two seasons later. In 2013, after a brief stint with the Washington Nationals, Suzuki returned to the Athletics before departing as a free agent.

In 2014, he replaced All-Star Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer, who was forced to move to first base due to his concussion history. Suzuki earned an All-Star nod of his own that season, demonstrating to Twins fans that he is capable of contributing plenty of help on the field. Suzuki also has a reputation as one of the best teammates in the major leagues.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #47

#47: Grant Balfour

After achieving no long-term success with the Twins, Reds, Brewers or Rays, Grant Balfour settled in with the Athletics in 2011. He signed a two-year, $8 million deal and became the full-time closer by the start of the 2012 season. After a rough start, he was demoted to setup man until August, when he turned into the Balfour that fans loved.

In 2013, the Athletics exercised his option and Balfour reprised his role as closer. He made the All-Star squad, went 38-for-41 in save chances, and posted a 2.59 ERA with 72 strikeouts in just over 62 innings.

More importantly, he set the Athletics’ franchise record for most consecutive saves, when he locked down 41 save chances in a row. His final save of the streak came on July 8, against the Pittsburg Pirates.

Balfour went on to pitch for the Tampa Bay Rays, but his success did not last. Perhaps it was the Athletics’ fans cheering him on, or perhaps it was something else, but Balfour’s greatest moments all seemed to come during his time in Oakland.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #46

#46: Sonny Gray

It’s always hard to rank a current player, given the variety of directions his career could be headed in, but it seems pretty safe to say that right-hander Sonny Gray has already made an impact on Athletics history.

As the 18^th overall pick in 2011, Gray had already built a reputation for himself thanks to a 12-4 record his junior year at Vanderbilt, including a 2.43 ERA and 132 strikeouts as the team made it to the College World Series semifinals.

By July of 2013, just two short years later, Gray was making his debut as an Athletic. His success in the minors helped him to quickly move through the system, and he pitched so well in his debut as a reliever that, by August, he was called back up to make a spot start. That spot start turned into a permanent rotation job, as well as the honor of being the Opening Day starter the following season.

Gray nearly won the Cy Young Award last season, despite having a rough finish to the season. He was so good in the first half – posting a 2.04 ERA and 10-3 record before the All-Star Break – that it almost made up for his poor showing in September. He finished in third place for the Cy Young Award, and he certainly has the potential to win it in the future if he continues to pitch the way he has in his young career.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #45

#45: Andrew Bailey

Andrew Bailey’s career has tailed off rapidly in the last few seasons, thanks to injuries and long-term disabled list stints that have led to a decline in performance. With the Oakland Athletics, however, it was a very different story.

Bailey was the 2009 Rookie of the Year after a stellar season that resulted in 26 saves and a 1.84 ERA. He set a record for the number of saves by a rookie Athletics pitcher, and seemed on his way to becoming a top reliever. However, after a solid stint with the Athletics that included a pair of All-Star appearances, as well as a 1.47 ERA season in 2010, his career began to decline.

After the 2011 season, Bailey was dealt to the Boston Red Sox, where he had a moderately successful stint in 2013 as the temporary closer, before an injury shut him down for the season. He was non-tendered, then spent all of 2014 on the New York Yankees’ disabled list before making a brief and disappointing return to the big leagues in September of last season.

It’s possible that at least some of Bailey’s struggles related to a late 2011 injury, when he was hit on the head with a line drive during batting practice. For whatever reason, Bailey is hardly the same All-Star closer he was with the Athletics now, but when he was in Oakland, he was exceptional.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #44

#44: Mark Ellis

Mark Ellis only has a career batting average of .262, so at first, it seems hard to include him on this list. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1999, before being traded to the Athletics with Johnny Damon and Cory Lidle in exchange for Ben Grieve, Angel Berroa and A.J. Hinch. Ellis got off to a solid start, posting respectable numbers with the A’s Triple-A team.

He made his major league debut on April 9, 2002, in a game against the Texas Rangers, and played with the Athletics until June of 2011. For a team that frequently trades away even their best players, that’s a very long time. Although he did spend some time on the disabled list, Ellis was incredibly athletic when he was healthy – especially in the field.

In 2006, Ellis managed to maintain a .99685 fielding percentage – nearly perfect – which broke the American League record set by Bret Boone. Even still, Ellis did not win the Gold Glove. His lack of power at the plate often led to him being overlooked, because even though Gold Gloves are supposed to be about defense, they are voted on by managers and coaches rather than statistically chosen, and history has shown that they tend to skew towards better hitters.

In 2011, the A’s dealt Ellis to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Bruce Billings and Eliezer Mesa. He spent just half a season there before heading to the Dodgers and then the Cardinals. In 2015, he officially retired after a very rough season for St. Louis.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #43

#43: Cory Lidle

Right-hander Cory Lidle is the forgotten member of that early 2000s rotation, the fourth man up behind a trio of very good pitchers. His very best season came in 2001, when he went 13-6 and posted a 3.59 ERA as the Athletics won the Wild Card race.

Lidle was also an important part of the rotation during the A’s infamous 20-game winning streak. He did his part, providing a strong start every time his turn came up in the rotation – and yet, most people forget about him when they discuss that streak, focusing on the so-called Big Three instead.

After his time with the Athletics, Lidle moved on to Toronto, Cincinnati and Philadelphia, before finally ending up with the New York Yankees in 2006. He arrived in July, following a mid-season trade from Philadelphia, and proceeded to pitch fairly well until the postseason. He pitched in relief during Game 4 of the American League Division Series, and it ended badly, as the Yankees fell to the Tigers to lose the series.

Less than a week after the playoffs had ended, Lidle was flying a small aircraft along with his flight instructor when a sudden gust of wind caused him to crash into an apartment building on the Upper East Side of New York City. Lidle and his instructor were both tragically killed in the accident. Although Lidle is almost always remembered for the circumstances surrounding his death rather than his time with the Athletics, certainly his time with them was a much happier memory.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #42

#42: Coco Crisp

Current Athletics outfielder Coco Crisp has had some rough seasons recently, but his early years with the Athletics were memorable ones.

Drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1999 draft, Crisp was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 2002. He made his debut that same season, becoming the everyday center fielder for the Tribe. When the Indians called up Grady Sizemore in 2005, Crisp moved to left field, but he continued to perform well offensively. After brief stints in Boston and Kansas City, he signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics in 2009.

Crisp has been injury prone throughout his career, but when he is healthy, he’s typically one of the best offensive players on the roster. He doesn’t throw well, but in all other aspects he’s also an outstanding defender.

His best skill is speed. In 2011, Crisp led the league in stolen bases, and he frequently is in the upper tier for base runners. That said, he’s also got plenty of power – with 117 home runs in his career – and he holds a .268 career average. Crisp is a great all-around player, and he’s been invaluable to the team as a clubhouse leader.

A’s fans can only hope he gets back to being a top player next season, after two very injury-plagued years.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #41

#41: Rich Harden

Rich Harden is one of two Canadian-born players on this list. The right-hander made his debut in 2003 for the Oakland Athletics, and ended his career in an A’s uniform as well, in 2011. In between, he pitched for the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers.

Harden’s win-loss record of 59-38, as well as his career 3.76 ERA, make him one of the better pitchers to appear for the Oakland A’s. But it is his ability to get strikeouts that makes him a top-50 player.

In his career, Harden struck out nearly 25 percent of the batters he faced. With a fastball that could hit 100 mph on a good day, he was hard to hit, and he relied on deception to fool hitters. His 3.71 FIP in 2004 was the seventh-best in the AL, and in 2008, he posted the tenth-highest war for pitchers in the major leagues.

Harden’s name is rarely mentioned, but he deserves recognition for his strikeout-inducing abilities.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #40

#40: Rick Monday

Outfielder Rick Monday was one of the many names on this list who made his debut as a Kansas City Athletic and stuck with the A’s into the early 1970s. Unlike those other players, however, Monday was dealt to the Cubs after the 1971 season, so he did not participate in the World Series dynasty with his teammates. Instead, Ken Holtzman took his place on the roster.

After the A’s moved to Oakland in 1968, Monday was named an All-Star for the first time in his career, an honor he would repeat a decade later in 1978. He won a World Series with the Dodgers in 1981, and went on to have a successful broadcasting career with them.

With the Athletics, Monday posted a career .780 OPS, swiped 53 bases, and hit 62 home runs in six seasons. He was a consistent defender in the outfield throughout his time with the team, playing primarily center field for the A’s.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #39

#39: Matt Stairs

Matt Stairs might be most well know for having played with more teams than any other position player in history, but the Athletics were lucky to get some of his best years. In addition to the Athletics, Stairs played for the Expos, Red Sox, Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, Royals, Rangers, Tigers, Blue Jays, Phillies, Padres, Nationals and even the Chunichi Dragons.

Stairs holds the major league record for career pinch-hit home runs, with 23 homers when called on to bat mid-game. He was also elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015, as he is one of only four Canadian-born players to hit more than 200 home runs in his career.

In 1996, Stairs made his debut as an Oakland Athletic. He hit 38 home runs and knocked in 102 runs in 1998, playing so well that he was the recipient of MVP votes at the end of the season, although he did not come close to winning.

In 2000, the Athletics dealt the slugger to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a minor league pitcher, where Stairs had a strong season. Although Stairs had a lengthy career and bounced around much more than the type of player who would normally end up on a list like this, his success with the A’s makes him one of their best non-steroid-powered sluggers in recent memory.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #38

#38: Billy North

Outfielder Billy North was known for his speed. North was a switch hitter who was drafted by the Cubs in 1969, playing two seasons with them before being dealt to the Oakland Athletics. With the A’s, North became the starting center fielder.

In his 11-year career, his swiped 395 bases and hit just 20 home runs. Obviously, power was not his strong suit. Even still, he helped the Athletics to their consecutive World Series titles and even led the league in stolen bases in 1974 and 1976.

What North was not so good at was keeping his temper. A clubhouse fight with Reggie Jackson in 1974 resulted in a shoulder injury to Jackson, who was a superstar for the Athletics, as well as a crushed disk in Ray Fosse’s neck, because Fosse had stepped in to break up the fight.

Clubhouse shenanigans aside, North was a valuable player for the A’s because of his speed and defensive abilities.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #37

#37: Mike Moore

Mike Moore was the first-overall pick in the 1981 draft, and he made his debut on April 11, 1982 for the Seattle Mariners. The right-hander spent 14 years in the majors, including four years with the Oakland Athletics and three with the Detroit Tigers.

Moore was a part of the 1989 World Series Champion Athletics, pitching in two of the four games as the A’s swept the San Francisco Giants. He was unlikely to pitch again, given that Bob Welch was slated for the third game and Dave Stewart would have pitched the fourth, but an earthquake delayed the start of the third game long enough for the rotation to reset. Welch never needed to pitch, and Stewart and Moore collected a pair of wins each.

Although Moore’s career did not necessarily include the best numbers – a 161-176 final record and a 4.39 ERA – his time with the A’s was very successful.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #36

#36: Jay Howell

Right-hander Jay Howell moved around a lot in his career, starting with his 1980 debut with the Cincinnati Reds. He spent a year with the Chicago Cubs, three years each with the Yankees and Athletics, and four years with the Dodgers. He finished his career with one-year stints with the Braves and Rangers, retiring in 1994.

During that time, Howell was a three-time All-Star – including twice with the Athletics. Although he did not play on their World Series teams, he was able to win a World Series with the Dodgers in 1988.

Howell earned 155 saves in his career, striking out 666 batters and posting a career ERA of 3.34. Overall, his 58-53 record was very strong for a reliever.

Howell’s most notorious moment came as a member of the Dodgers, when he was ejected for having pine tar on his glove in the middle of the National League Championship Series. He earned a three-game suspension, much to the joy of their opponents, the New York Mets.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #35

#35: Paul Lindblad

Left-hander Paul Lindblad had 655 appearances in his 14-year career, posting a record of 68-63 as a reliever. He struck out 671 batters, with a 3.29 ERA during his career.

Lindblad made his debut with the Kansas City A’s in 1965, before being traded in 1971 to the Washington Senators. He returned to Oakland in 1973, pitching four more seasons with the A’s before finishing his career with the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees.

In addition to winning the World Series with the A’s in 1973, Lindblad picked up another World Series ring in 1978 with the Rangers.

#34: Frank Thomas

Designated hitter Frank Thomas spent the majority of his career with the White Sox, which is why they retired his number 35 in 2010. But the slugger also spent time with the Oakland Athletics, starting in 2006 when he became their designated hitter.

That season, he led the team in homers, RBIs, and OPS, nearly winning Comeback Player of the Year honors for his efforts. He also nearly won the MVP Award.

Thomas spent part of the 2008 season with the Athletics as well, after he was benched by the Blue Jays and then released. He did not play long due to injuries, and his final game was on August 29, 2008.

In addition to retiring his number, the White Sox also allowed Thomas to sign a one-day contract with them so that he could retire in Chicago. Thomas was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2014, as a designated hitter.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #33

#33: Dave Kingman

Some might disagree with Dave Kingman as a name on this list. After all, his career .236 average is hardly impressive. But with the Athletics, he won the American League Comeback Player of the Year and even received MVP votes in 1984, after becoming the designated hitter for the A’s. He hit 35 homers and collected 118 RBIs as he powered his way into Oakland lore.

Kingman continued to impress in his final seasons with the A’s, hitting 30 home runs each year as he continued to display his slugging ability.

That said, Kingman’s personality was questionable at best. He is accused of harassing female reporters, whom he believed did not belong in the male-dominated world of baseball, especially in the locker room. In 1986, he was fined after sending a rat to the press box for Sue Fornoff, who wrote for The Sacramento Bee at the time of the incident. Despite his success on the field, the Athletics told him that any similar behavior would result in his release – an admirable move on their part.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #32

#32: Terry Steinbach

Catcher Terry Steinbach spent nearly his entire career with the Athletics, beginning in 1986 when he made his debut. He stayed with Oakland until 1997, when he spent the last three years of his career with the Minnesota Twins, whom he would later coach for.

Steinbach was an excellent defender, but also a reliable hitter. His career .271 average and 162 home runs speak to his ability to contribute from both sides of the plate. He was selected as an All-Star three times, all with the Athletics, and even won the All-Star Game MVP Award in 1988.

The veteran backstop was the starting catcher during the 1989 World Series, helping the team to a Championship. His presence behind the plate was seen as a contributing factor to the success of the A’s pitching staff.

Steinbach was behind the dish for two no-hitters during his career, one with the Athletics in 1990, with Dave Stewart on the mound. The other came in 1999 with the Twins, as Eric Milton threw a no-hitter of his own.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #31

#31: Rick Honeycutt

Although Rick Honeycutt is now the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching coach, he was at one time an excellent pitcher for the Oakland A’s.

Honeycutt made his debut in 1977 as a Seattle Mariner, and by the time he was traded to the Athletics in 1987, he had plenty of experience. Honeycutt had played for the Rangers and Dodgers as well, posting respectable numbers everywhere.

The Athletics decided to convert him into a reliever, using him as a setup man for Dennis Eckersley. Honeycutt had already been an All-Star twice by that point, as well as the AL ERA leader in 1983. However, it was with the Oakland A’s in 1989 that he won his first (and only) World Series championship.

In 1994, Honeycutt spent a year with the Rangers, then another season with the Athletics before finishing out his career with the Yankees and Cardinals. Since 2006, he’s been the pitching coach for the Dodgers, where he has shared the wisdom that led to a career 3.73 ERA and 1,038 strikeouts.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #30

#30: Darold Knowles

As a reliever, Darold Knowles had a career record of 66-74. His 3.12 ERA and 681 strikeouts are a much better representation of his work, however.

Knowles amassed 143 saves in his career, which begain in 1965 with the Baltimore Orioles. After a season with the Phillies and five years with the Washington Senators, Knowles arrived to play for the Athletics just as they began their dynasty.

Although the team didn’t win a Championship in the 1971 season when Knowles first arrived, joining arms like Rollie Fingers in the bullpen, he still performed well. He continued to prove that he was a valuable pitcher, earning saves in both his regular and postseason appearances as the Athletics cruised to three World Series victories. However, his 1974 season was a rough one, and he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs over the winter.

Knowles also played for the Rangers, Expos and Cardinals before finally retiring in 1980. His biggest claim to fame is appearing in all seven games of the 1973 World Series – a feat no other pitcher has ever accomplished.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #29

#29: Gene Tenace

The Kansas City Athletics selected Gene Tenace in the 20^th round of the 1965 draft, and he spent significant time in the minors before being called up in 1969, after the A’s had moved to Oakland. Until 1971, he served primarily as a third string catcher and didn’t see as much playing time as he likely hoped he would. The following season, however, he took home the World Series MVP Award.

Tenace was on all three of the Athletics’ Championship teams in the 1970s, providing not just stellar defense behind the plate, but some legitimate power in his bat. His best season was 1975, when he not only made an All-Star Game appearance, but drew MVP votes for his performance. He hit 29 home runs, with 83 RBIs, and he proved to be a valuable defender at both first base and catcher.

After the 1976 season, Tenace became a free agent and signed a contract with the San Diego Padres, along with fellow Athletics teammate Rollie Fingers. He spent a short time with St. Louis and Pittsburgh, as well, picking up another World Series ring as a member of the Cardinals. Tenace went on to become a skilled hitting coach, and spent significant time on the Toronto Blue Jays’ staff – including two World Series wins with them.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #28

#28: Ken Holtzman

Left-hander Ken Holtzman was a starter for the Oakland Athletics from 1972-1975, but his career spanned from 1965-1979. His best years, however, were as a member of the Green and Gold.

Holtzman was a key member of the rotation on the 1970s Championship teams, pitching in all three World Series-winning seasons. He was also a two-time All-Star during his time with the A’s, although both of his no-hitters came with the Chicago Cubs. He nearly had a third no-hitter as an Athletic, on June 8, 1975, but it was broken up by Tigers’ batter Tom Veryzer with two out in the ninth inning.

Holtzman’s best season may have been in 1973, when he posted a 2.97 ERA and a record of 21-13 in 40 starts, striking out 157 batters in the process. For a left-hander, those are even more impressive numbers. He also found success in the playoffs, winning all but one start that year.

Holtzman is not a Hall of Fame pitcher, but his consistency was vital to the success of those early 1970s teams. At the end of his lengthy career, he had played for the A’s, Cubs, Orioles and Yankees, maintaining a 3.49 ERA and posting a final record of 174-150.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #27

#27: Billy Beane

Billy Beane, the player, was featured prominently in the 30 Worst Players in A’s History, which is no surprise given that he flopped miserably on the field. However, it’s hard to discredit the impact he’s had on the game and the organization in an executive capacity. After being the general manager for the better part of two decades, Beane was promoted to Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations this fall.

Beane is famous for his “moneyball” strategies, often targeting players that other teams are not inclined to take a gamble on. This has had moments of success, and moments of failure. Trades like the Jeff Samardzija or Matt Holliday deals, in which Beane has gambled on sending a top prospect away in favor of a proven player, have not worked out well. Similarly, his biggest free agent contracts – Eric Chavez, Coco Crisp, Billy Butler and others – have often not turned out the way he might have hoped.

That said, he’s also made a lot of brilliant moves, and he’s certainly gotten results in terms of playoff appearances. Despite having one of the smallest payrolls in baseball to work with, his teams have posted a .539 win percentage in his 17 seasons as GM, including six AL West titles and a pair of Wild Card berths. Only the Yankees, Cardinals and Braves have more postseason appearances in that time frame.

Sometimes, like in the weeks after the Josh Donaldson trade, it’s hard to like Beane. However, something he’s doing must be working to make him as successful of a GM as he has been during his tenure.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #26

#26: Dave Henderson

Outfielder Dave Henderson passed away on December 27 of this year, at 57 years old. He made his debut with the Mariners in 1981, spending time with the Red Sox and Giants before joining the Athletics just in time to play in the World Series three consecutive seasons.

In addition to the World Championship ring he earned in 1989, Henderson was named an All-Star in 1991. He had a career batting average of .258 and hit 197 homers during that time.

The 1988 season was one of the best years of his career, as he hit .304 and slugged .525. Henderson was known as a terrific teammate, and he was beloved by fans.

His recent death was an extremely sad even for A’s fans, as well as the organization, but Henderson’s career is certainly something he could be proud of.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #25

#25: Huston Street

The Oakland Athletics have had more than their fair share of Rookie of the Year award-winners, with Huston Street being one of several over the last few decades. Street, who was a first round draft pick in 2004, made his debut after less than a year in the minors. After brief stops with the A’s minor league affiliates following his draft selection, Street played in the Arizona Fall League – and made his major league debut on April 6, 2005.

Street’s first season was sensational. After Octavio Dotel injured his elbow in May, Street took over as closer. He posted a 1.72 ERA – the second best among American League relievers that season – and went 23-for-27 in save opportunities, striking out 72 batters in just over 78 innings. He was truly deserving of Rookie of the Year honors after that performance.

For the next three seasons, Street’s success continued. The 2006 seasons ended with 37 saves and a 3.31 ERA, while 2007 brought a 2.88 ERA and 16 saves after he missed significant time with an injury. He didn’t perform nearly as well in 2008, even losing his job as the closer to Brad Ziegler, but he eventually turned things around enough to prove he was capable of continuing to pitch well.

Despite his lengthy run of success, Billy Beane flipped him to the Colorado Rockies, along with outfield prospect Carlos Gonzalez and starter Greg Smith, in an effort to get proven outfielder Matt Holliday. The deal did not work out in the Athletics’ favor, with Holliday being traded to St. Louis for prospects less than half a season later, and Street going on to be an excellent closer for the Rockies, as well as the San Diego Padres and now the Angels. Although he’s certainly had some injury struggles during that time, he recorded his 300^th save in 2015, and has been named an All-Star twice.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #24

#24: Mark Mulder

Mark Mulder was an anchor in the rotation during the early 2000s, often times considered the leader of the Big Three. Both Tim Hudson and Barry Zito would go on to surpass him in career length, but when Mulder was with the A’s, he was thoroughly dominant.

From 2000 to 2003, this trio of pitchers managed to get their team to the playoffs each season. Sure, their supporting cast was strong, but starting pitching is what truly wins games. Mulder’s success was always continued in the playoffs, as he posted a 2.25 ERA in his four starts during 2001 and 2002.

The 2001 season was perhaps Mulder’s best. He led the league in wins, with 21, and nearly took home the Cy Young Award that season. The following two years, he was selected to the All-Star squad thanks to strong performances.

In 2004, Mulder’s struggles resulted in a post-season trade that sent Dan Haren, Kiko Calero and Daric Barton to the Athletics in exchange for one of the best pitchers in the game. Although Mulder pitched well in his first season with the Cardinals, he was never as good as he was in Oakland, and in 2010, he announced his retirement. Briefly, he made a comeback attempt before the 2014 season, but he tore his Achilles tendon on the second day of spring training with the Los Angeles Angels and did not make it back to the majors. He was still on hand for the ceremony in 2015, however, when the Athletics celebrated the Big Three as Hudson and Zito squared off in the final game of their careers.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #23

#23: Blue Moon Odom

Like Catfish Hunter, Blue Moon Odom was a fixture in the 1970s Championship rotations after beginning his career when the team was still in Kansas City. Unlike Hunter, his number isn’t retired and he isn’t in the Hall of Fame, but he was still one of the best pitchers in Oakland history.

While the A’s were in Kansas City, Odom struggled to find an opportunity at the major league level, but he blossomed after the team landed in Oakland. Odom found himself one out shy of a no-hitter in 1968, when the Baltimore Orioles managed to escape infamy in the ninth inning.

In 1972, Odom was a star for the A’s. He posted a 2.50 ERA and a 15-6 record, and recorded a shutout and a win against the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. He recorded a 1-0 loss in his first World Series game, but took the mound again for the clinching Game 7, when he defeated Cincinnati for the first-ever Oakland World Championship win. That was easily his best season, and by 1975, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #22

#22: Carney Lansford

Carney Lansford probably could have been ranked much higher on this list, given that he won the American League batting title in 1981, picking up a Silver Slugger Award that same season. Of course, that happened when he was still with his original team, the California Angels.

After two years with the Boston Red Sox, Lansford was traded to Oakland. He was only an All-Star once in 1988, but he did nearly win the batting title again in 1989. His career .290 average reflects just how consistent of a hitter he was, even though he only smashed 151 home runs in his career.

Lansford was a key part of the 1989 World Series team, manning third base for the Athletics, swiping 37 bases and scoring 81 runs that season.

Although he was not the prototypical power hitter that teams look for in their third basemen today, Lansford was a valuable asset to the Athletics during their 1980s success.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #21

#21: Miguel Tejada

Miguel Tejada is one of many players whose career has been marred by his association with PEDs, but it doesn’t mean he wasn’t one of the Athletics’ best shortstops. He made his debut in 1997, although it wasn’t until 2000 that he finally took off as a hitter.

That season, Tejada hit .275 and smashed 30 home runs, backing slugger Jason Giambi in the lineup. He had another successful season before really breaking out in 2002, when he batted .308 as the primary slugger in the lineup. He won the AL MVP Award that season, as he hit 34 home runs and helped the Athletics to yet another division title.

Tejada played with several other teams after leaving Oakland, including the Orioles, Astros, Padres, Giants and – most recently – the Royals. Six times, he has been named to the All-Star squad, and he’s picked up the Silver Slugger Award twice. Tejada, who hasn’t played since he was suspended for steroid use while playing for the Royals in 2013, also played, 1,152 consecutive games, which is far from Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,632, but still one of the longest streaks in baseball history.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #20

#20: Ray Fosse

Oakland Athletics broadcaster Ray Fosse was a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner with the Cleveland Indians, notching the honors in both 1970 and 1971. He was the catching mastermind behind Gaylord Perry’s Cy Young Award season in ’71, and he caught Dennis Eckersley’s no-hitter against the California Angels on May 30, 1977 when they were both playing for the Tribe.

His career as a player for the Oakland A’s was not so illustrious, although he played on two World Championship teams after being traded to the Athletics in 1973. Injuries, including one sustained while breaking up a fight in the clubhouse, kept him from being as effective as he had been with Cleveland. Infamously, he separated his shoulder in a home plate collision with Pete Rose during the 1970 All-Star game, and the lingering effects from that only compounded his other health issues.

But Fosse doesn’t make the top 50 Athletics because of his time on the field. Rather, it’s his work in the booth that makes him a legend. Fosse has been the A’s color commentator either on radio or television since 1986, most recently making the majority of his contributions on the tv broadcast side of things. He was even nominated for the Ford C. Frick Award, which is the highest honor that a baseball broadcaster can win.

While there are some who have grown tired of Fosse after so many years, he’s truly one of the best at his job. After listening to fill-ins like Eric Chavez or Shooty Babitt, honestly, Fosse knows what he’s doing. After 30 years of adding personality and insight to the play-by-play, Fosse has earned himself a place in Athletics history.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #19

#19: Dwayne Murphy

Although Dwayne Murphy only hit .246 in his career, he makes this list because he’s quite possibly one of the best defensive outfielders in the history of the game, let alone in A’s history.

Murphy was the recipient of six Gold Gloves, winning the award each season from 1980 to 1985. He could make nearly every play, thanks to a combination of speed, athleticism and good judgment. If there is anyone who deserves to be a top player solely for their defense, it’s Murphy.

He also made contributions with his bat, even if they weren’t as impressive as some of the other names on this list. For the majority of his tenure in Oakland, Murphy was a base-stealing threat who could also hit for a surprising amount of power. His best season was 1984, when he hit 33 home runs – an unexpected total for someone who relied heavily on his glove for value.

Murphy also followed Rickey Henderson in the lineup, so it’s probable that he was overlooked as a driving force in the A’s lineup. But someone had to be at the plate while Henderson worked his magic on the base paths, and that person was almost always Murphy. While Henderson benefited from Murphy’s eye at the plate, Murphy benefited as well – Henderson made pitchers nervous when he was at first base, likely helping Murphy to walk more than he would have otherwise.

Following his retirement in 1989, Murphy spent some time as a coach with the Diamondbacks and the Blue Jays before retiring from that as well.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #18

#18: Barry Zito

Barry Zito often gets the most recognition of the Big Three. Perhaps it’s because he had the loudest personality – with quirks like playing music or wearing his hair differently. Perhaps it’s because he spent seven years in an A’s uniform, before returning in 2015 to retire as an Athletic. Or perhaps it’s because the three-time All-Star not only led the league in wins in 2002, but took home the AL Cy Young Award that season.

Zito split his 15-year career almost evenly between the Bay Area teams, spending seven years in San Francisco between his two stints with the Athletics. During his time with the Green and Gold, Zito earned a 102-63 record and posted a 3.58 ERA. He also struck out 1098 batters in 1437.1 innings.

The left-hander was always a fan favorite in Oakland, although that was somewhat stifled after his departure to the rival Giants. Still, when he returned as a minor leaguer with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds in 2015, hoping to make the A’s in the event of a roster opening, most fans were quick to encourage a call-up. In September, they got their wish. With every other potential pitcher injured, Zito was finally given the chance to pitch out of the bullpen, and eventually even permitted to start.

After the Giants officially fell out of the race, Zito and Tim Hudson squared off in a contest between two of the best pitchers in A’s history, with Hudson representing San Francisco in the meaningless game. Both retired at the end of the season, making it a special memory in A’s history.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #17

#17: Bill King

Athletics broadcaster Bill King is often left out of baseball history by the national media, because he worked in so many different sports. As the play-by-play announcer for not just the A’s but the Oakland Raiders and Golden State Warriors, as well as college sports, King has a very diverse resume. He even spent time with the San Francisco Giants’ broadcast crew.

But King is beloved by Athletics fans for his time as the play-by-play man for the Green and Gold. In 1981, he became the lead announcer for the A’s radio broadcast. He was well known for his signature “Holy Toledo!” call, and he’s widely acknowledged as one of the best radio broadcasters to ever grace the airwaves.

King was on the mic for the calls of plenty of extraordinary events in A’s history, such as the walk-off home run hit by Scott Hatteberg in 2002 as the Athletics extended their win streak to a major-league high 20 games.

Although King never set foot on the field as a player, his contributions to the Athletics as a play-by-play man and Bay Area legend are enough to warrant him a high place on the list of the best A’s in Oakland history.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #16

#16: Jason Giambi

In 2013, Jason Giambi became the oldest player to hit a walk-off home run, as he won a July 29 game for the Cleveland Indians. Later that season, he saved the Tribe’s season by breaking his own record on September 24. He ended his career as an Indian, retiring before the start of the 2015 season.

Before that, however, Giambi was a powerful slugging machine for the Oakland Athletics – and not too shabby of a first baseman, either. His career began in 1995, and he played with the A’s until 2001. After a seven-year stint with the Yankees, he returned to the A’s for one season in 2009.

Giambi was a five-time All-Star, making the team each season from 2000 to 2004. He also won the American League MVP Award in 2000, and a pair of Silver Slugger Awards. His other major accomplishments included winning the Home Run Derby in 2002, where he showcased his tremendous power.

Later in his career, Giambi admitted to using PEDs during his career, but his public apology has resulted in him being largely forgiven. For this reason, he’s escaped the scrutiny that has haunted players like Mark McGwire or Ryan Braun.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #15

#15: Bob Welch

Right-hander Bob Welch was a member of the Athletics from 1988 to 1994, helping them to win their 1989 World Series Championship. The two-time All-Star began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, spending ten years in an LA uniform before moving on to Oakland.

Although he was very successful in the early seasons of his Athletics’ career, posting a 17-8 record during the 1989 season, it was in 1990 that he had the best year of his career. Not only did he win the American League Cy Young, but he received votes for the AL MVP as well. That season, he won 27 games – a number that no one has matched since.

Welch retired as a player in 1994, but spent time as a pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. By the end of his career, Welch had compiled a 211-146 record, a 3.47 ERA and 1,969 strikeouts.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #14

#14: Mark McGwire

Mark McGwire is, in fact, one of the most prolific home run hitters of all time. His name can never be mentioned without also bringing up PEDs and the steroid era, but there’s no denying that he has plenty of credentials in the power department: the fewest at-bats to reach 500 career homers, the fewest career at-bats per home runs, and the most home runs in a rookie season, just to name a few.

He also holds the Athletics’ record for most career home runs, with 363 during his time as an Oakland A. He was unanimously selected as the American League Rookie of the Year in 1987, teaming up with fellow slugger Jose Canseco to help the Athletics win. Just as the A’s pitching trio of the early 2000s earned the nickname “The Big Three” with their dominance, McGwire and Canseco were coined “The Bash Brothers” a decade before Zito, Hudson and Mulder pitched, for their ability to destroy opposing pitchers with their power.

In his career, McGwire was a 12-time All-Star, including all but two seasons with the Athletics. He helped carry Oakland to their 1989 World Series victory, and even picked up a Gold Glove Award in 1990. Five times, he led the league in home runs, as well as winning the Home Run Derby in 1992.

McGwire’s legacy will always be tarnished by the mention of PEDs, whether rightly or wrongly, because so much controversy surrounds his performance. Regardless, his results during his time with the Athletics make him one of the most valuable Athletics of all time.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #13

#13: Eric Chavez

Eric Chavez is good at everything, except perhaps broadcast television. The exceptional defender racked up six Gold Glove Awards during his career, as well as a Silver Slugger Award. In addition, fans and the media alike adored Chavez – a feat that’s often as hard to accomplish as success on the field.

In 2004, the A’s signed Chavez to a six-year, $66 million contract extension, which seemed like a great deal at first. He hit 27 home runs and continued to be a defensive asset in the field during the 2005 season. But Chavez became inconsistent after that, thanks to both injuries and age. By the time 2010 was over, the Athletics were more than ready to decline his club option and send him into free agency.

Chavez holds the longest tenure of any A’s player in franchise history, in terms of continuous time. Although Rickey Henderson played 14 years in the Green and Gold uniform, he split that time between two stints, whereas Chavez was there for 13 consecutive seasons.

Chavez would go on to play with the Yankees and Diamondbacks before retiring at the end of the 2014 season.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #12

#12: Dave Stewart

Although he’s currently the general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Dave Stewart once played an important role on the field for the Oakland A’s. After an average start to his career with the Dodgers, Stewart had some rough years with the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies. In 1986, after a failed tryout with the Baltimore Orioles, Stewart signed a contract with the A’s and found himself becomimg a key member of the Athletics’ rotation.

Stewart’s most notable moments may have come in the postseason. He went 21-12 during the 1988 regular season, an impressive feat in itself, but he started two of the A’s four wins against the Boston Red Sox in the American League Champion Ship Series, as well as allowing just three runs in eight innings in his first World Series start. Although the A’s didn’t take the pennant that year, Stewart helped them try again next season.

In 1989, he again won both ALCS starts after going 21-9 during the regular season. Then, he started the World Series with a complete game shutout. After an earthquake delayed the start of Game 3, Stewart was able to get enough rest to pitch again – picking up another win and helping the Athletics to a World Championship. He was even named MVP of the series for his efforts. Stewart had two more great seasons with the A’s, but signed with the Blue Jays before the 1993 season.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #11

#11: Jose Canseco

Although Jose Canseco has certainly lost a lot of his charm, given his antics on social media over the past few years, there was a time where he was one of the best sluggers in baseball. As a 15^th round pick in the 1982 draft, he was overlooked by many teams. He made his debut in 1985, during a September call up.

The following year was his first full season, and he easily won the American League Rookie of the Year Award after an outstanding performance that included 33 home runs. It was the first of many big seasons for the Cuban-born slugger, who hit 42 homers and swiped 40 bases in 1988, becoming the first player to ever accomplish the feat.

Canseco teamed up with Mark McGwire as part of the “Bash Brothers”, and the two were feared by opposing pitchers for their power. During his career, he was a six-time All-Star, as well as a two-time World Series Champion (once with Oakland and once with the Rays in 2000). He also won the AL MVP in 1988, and four Silver Slugger Awards.

Of course, all of that is tainted by the fact that Canseco has admitted to using PEDs throughout his career, which is a shame given the kind of talent he had. His 462 career home runs included two seasons in which he led the league, but because of his connection to steroids, he’ll never be a Hall of Famer even if his numbers might otherwise have warranted at least some consideration.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #10

#10: Tim Hudson

The best of the Big Three, Tim Hudson was the star of the early 2000s rotation. When he retired in 2015, Hudson had the most wins of any active Major League pitcher, with a 222-133 record in his career. Hudson was quietly one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball for the better part of two decades. He joined a small group of pitchers who have at least one win against every team in the majors, and posted a borderline Hall of Fame-worthy win percentage.

Of course, Hudson is often overlooked because of the era in which he pitched. Not only were steroids rampant, making offense the dominant interest for fans, but he was competing with both the “moneyball” phenomenon and the success of his fellow rotation members. In the Moneyball movie, the writers conveniently left out the fact that Hudson, part of an established rotation that included Mark Mulder, Barry Zito and Cory Lidle, was a key cog in the 20-game win streak, as well as the rest of the season.

With the Athletics, Hudson was exceptional. In six seasons, he posted a 92-39 record, a 3.30 ERA, and struck out 899 batters in 1240.2 innings. After his time with Oakland, he was dealt to the Atlanta Braves where he continued to find success. He closed out his career back in the Bay Area, but this time with the San Francisco Giants. The four-time All-Star never won a Cy Young or MVP Award, but he was the runner up for both honors in 2000, and in 2010, he took home the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #9

#9: Joe Rudi

Outfielder Joe Rudi made a name for himself as an Oakland Athletic, although his career began when the team was still in Kansas City. He played just one season before the team moved, and he really blossomed as the 1970s began. Rudi hit .309 in 1970, as he practiced for the Athletics’ World Series years.

Rudi was a key factor in the success of those 1970s teams, as one of the top position players of his era. He was selected as an All-Star three times, in 1972, 1974 and 1975, and he won the Gold Glove Award in three consecutive seasons, beginning in 1974.

Charlie Finley, the Athletics’ owner, made an attempt to sell Rudi to the Boston Red Sox in 1976, but Commissioner Bowie Kuhn ruled that selling an All-Star outfielder for $1 million was hardly an acceptable deal. Rudi, along with Rollie Fingers and Vida Blue, returned to the Athletics. Rudi became a free agent at the end of the season, departing to play for the California Angels and Boston Red Sox before finally retiring as an Athletic in 1982.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #8

#8: Bert Campaneris

Former Athletics shortstop Bert Campaneris did not start his career in Oakland, but like many other names on this list, began his Athletics career in Kansas City. He made his debut in 1964, hitting a pair of home runs in his first game. By the following season, he had proven himself to be a valuable asset – leading the league in stolen bases, with 51, and leading the Athletics in batting average.

Campaneris actually led the league in stolen bases six times, including every season from 1965 until 1968, and he was rewarded for his speed with six All-Star selections.

Starting in 1972, Campaneris was a fixture on the Championship teams of the 1970s Athletics. He was with the team in all three World Series wins, playing a valuable role on the team each year. While most will focus on the offensive numbers he put up – especially stolen bases – his defense was the most phenomenal aspect of his game. He turned 934 double plays as a shortstop for the Athletics, and was one of the most capable shortstops of the era.

Of course, the Athletics weren’t always as good as they were in the early 70s, so in 1965, Campaneris participated in a promotion in which he played all nine positions during one game, even “switch-pitching” on the mound Pat-Venditte-style. This promotion has been mimicked by other players, but Campaneris was the first to do it – showing just how athletic he truly was.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #7

#7: Sal Bando

Perhaps the best third baseman in Athletics history, Sal Bando was a four-time All-Star who earned the honor of being team captain during their Championship run. He started his career in Kansas City in 1966, moving to Oakland with the team in 1968. He would spend the next 11 years as an Athletic before heading to the Milwaukee Brewers with Rollie Fingers in 1977. He retired in 1981, and was named Milwaukee’s general manager ten years later.

In his career, he hit just .254, but he also had 1,039 RBIs and 242 home runs – high marks for a third baseman in that era. He was also a strong defensive player, with 345 career double plays. Although he did play other positions with the Brewers, he was exclusively a third baseman for the A’s.

Bando was an important part of the A’s 1970s teams, and he helped them to win all three of their World Championships between 1972 and 1974. His tenure as an executive was not as successful – he only had one winning season as the GM of the Brewers.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #6

#6: Dennis Eckersley

Dennis Eckersley is such an important part of the Athletics franchise that his number 43 was retired by the A’s in 2005. But before he was an Athletic, he was a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, where he partnered with fellow Indians/Athletics alum Ray Fosse behind the dish at times. Eckersley pitched a no-hitter in 1977 for the Tribe, allowing a pair of baserunners on a walk and a wild pitch.

He was an All-Star pitcher in Cleveland, but the Indians were forced to trade him after a teammate – then-outfielder and current Indians broadcaster Rick Manning – had an affair with Eckersley’s wife. The awkwardness forced the team to trade at least one of the players, and unfortunately for Tribe fans, they chose to deal Eckersley to Boston. After a brief stop with the Chicago Cubs, Eckersley made his way to Oakland in 1987, where he was expected to be a long reliever. However, A’s closer Jay Howell was injured early in the season, and Eckersley took over the ninth inning roll and never looked back.

In 1988, Eckersley led the league in regular-season saves, as well as earning a save in each ALCS game. He gave up the fatal blow to the Athletics’ season in the World Series, when he allowed Kirk Gibson to hit a walk-off home run, but he returned with just as much fire the following season. In 1990, his ERA was just 0.61 in over 73 innings, and he allowed just 92 walks during his entire career with Oakland.

Eckersley is one of the most dominant closers the game has ever seen, and with a Cy Young, an MVP and two Relief Pitcher of the Year Awards, it’s no wonder he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2004.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #5

#5: Reggie Jackson

Although Reggie Jackson also played for the Orioles and Angels, he’s best known as Mr. October for his outstanding postseason play with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees.

Of course, Jackson’s regular season play wasn’t exactly inferior to what he did in October. The outfielder was a 14-time All-Star, as well as a five-time World Series champion. He also won the AL MVP award in 1973, as he helped the Athletics to their second of three consecutive World Series wins. With the Yankees and Angels, he picked up a pair of Silver Slugger Awards.

Jackson led the American league in home runs four times, making him unique for his ability to combine power with strong defense. He was one of the greatest athletes of all time, and although he occasionally upset his teammates with his strong personality, fans loved him, and no one could deny that he was successful.

Both the Yankees and Athletics have retired his jersey number, which was number nine with the A’s and number 44 with New York. In 1993, Jackson was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, earning 93.6 percent of the vote on his first ballot.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #4

#4: Catfish Hunter

Catfish Hunter started his career with the Kansas City Athletics, but he was with them long after they moved to Oakland. Hunter was a key part of the A’s rotation before ending his career as a New York Yankee from 1975-1979, including eight All-Star selections, five World Series rings, and an American League Cy Young Award.

On May 8, 1968, Hunter pitched a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins. It was only the ninth perfect game in history, but Hunter’s success didn’t just come on the mound. He knocked in three of the four A’s runs against the Twins, with three hits during the game.

In his Cy Young season, Hunter went 25-12 and posted a 2.49 ERA as he led the A’s to yet another World Series win in 1974. His four consecutive 20 win seasons remain one of the most impressive pitching accomplishments in Athletics history, and it’s no wonder that the A’s retired his number 27 in a ceremony during the 1991 season. It was the first number the Athletics had ever retired, even counting their years in Philadelphia and Kansas City.

He’s also in the Hall of Fame, where he refused to choose between the Athletics and the Yankees. He felt that his time with both teams was equally memorable and didn’t want to pick one over the other.

In 2004, the Athletics began handing out the Catfish Hunter Award each year, given to the “most inspirational player”. Stephen Vogt has won the award in each of the last two seasons.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #3

#3: Rollie Fingers

Although some might remember Rollie Fingers most for his trademark handlebar mustache, he’s also a seven-time All-Star with three World Series rings, an MVP Award, and a Cy Young Award. Fingers was named Relief Man of the Year four times, led the league in saves in three seasons, and was the MVP of the 1974 World Series

That probably explains why both the Oakland A’s and Milwaukee Brewers have retired his number 34, a double honor that only a few select players can claim. It also explains why, in 1992, Fingers was elected to the Hall of Fame on his second ballot.

There were two notable moments in the off-field career of Fingers, including a locker room fight shortly before the 1974 World Series was set to begin. He got in a fight with fellow pitcher Blue Moon Odom, and Fingers even needed stitches following the incident. The other off-field drama occurred in 1976, when Charlie Finley attempted to sell his star players – Fingers, Joe Rudi and Vida Blue – to the Red Sox and Yankees. Fingers was to be sent to Boston for $1 million, along with Rudi, but Commissioner Bowie Kuhn overruled the deal in the interested of the game.

Fingers was not just one of the first closers in the game; he was one of history’s best, and he deserves a very high spot on this list for his accomplishments.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #2

#2: Vida Blue

Vida Blue might be the name on this list most deserving of Hall of Fame status, despite not receiving the votes needed to get in. Blue spent the first eight years of his 17-year career in an Oakland Athletics uniform, using a fastball that blew hitters away at 100 miles per hour. As a left-hander, Blue’s ability to pitch hard and throw strikes was especially valuable.

In his 1970 season, he made six starts for the Athletics. On September 11, he pitched a one-hit shutout against the Kansas City Royals, walking four and hitting a batter in his first complete game. Ten days later, on September 21, he pitched a no-hitter in which he allowed just one walk.

That was just the early part of Blue’s career. In 1971, he made the All-Star squad and led the league in ERA, FIP, WHIP and strikeouts per nine innings, as well as posting a league-high eight shutouts. He went 24-8 for the A’s, with a 1.82 ERA in 312 innings, and won not just the Cy Young Award, but the MVP Award as well.

By the time he participated in a combined no-hitter on September 28, 1975, Blue was established as one of the best pitchers in the league. In 1978, he was dealt to the San Francisco Giants, where he spent the majority of the remainder of his career. From 1982 to 1983, Blue spent time with the Kansas City Royals, but he retired as a Giant in 1986. In his career, he was a three-time World Champion and six-time All-Star, and he’s certainly one of the greatest pitchers in the game.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #1

#1: Rickey Henderson

It’s not hard to make the case for Rickey Henderson being the most valuable player the Athletics have ever had. He was capable of doing anything, and rightfully regarded as the best lead-off hitter of all-time. With a career average of .279 and more than 3,000 hits, he was one of the most consistently productive batters in recent history.

What truly set Henderson apart, however, is his ability to steal. His 1,406 career steals destroyed the record of Lou Brock, and he holds baseball’s single-season steals record with 130 stolen bags in 1982. No one is ever going to beat that record. Henderson is the only player to notch three 100-steal seasons, let alone 130. He also holds the A’s franchise record for stolen bases.

Although not unanimous, Henderson received 94.8 percent of the vote on his first Hall of Fame ballot in 2009, showing how much respect he had as a player. And with good reason.

Just to list a few of his accomplishments, he was a ten-time All-Star with two World Series rings, and he won three Silver Slugger Awards, as well as a Gold Glove. In 12 seasons, he led the league in stolen bases, and he also took home the MVP in 1990.

Henderson’s number 24 was retired by the Athletics on August 1, 2009, just two years after Henderson himself conceded to retire.

Next: 30 Worst Players in Franchise History

Who do you think the best players are? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.