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

#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