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

#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