Ray Fosse was the closest thing to a lifetime member of the Oakland A’s. Although he had left during his playing career, he came back in 1986 and remained with the franchise, essentially becoming a part of the family during those spring and summer months. His passing after his ongoing battle with cancer felt like the loss of a family member.
The A’s announced one final award for Fosse on Friday. He was named as the final member of their 2022 Hall of Fame class.
Introducing the final member of the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Here’s to you, Ray. pic.twitter.com/wcZmcfkAzL
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) November 12, 2021
Ray Fosse part of Oakland A’s 2022 Hall of Fame class
This is an honor that was long overdue. He was a key part of the organization as a player and a broadcaster, his voice one of the few constants for a team that underwent constant change. For many, Fosse was the A’s.
While he was not the same player after his infamous collision with Pete Rose during the All Star Game and torn ligaments in his hand the following year, he was still a key part of the A’s success in the mid 1970s. His overall .222/.262/.320 batting line with 11 homers and 34 doubles in 901 plate appearances may not be impressive, but that ignores the work he did with the pitching staff as Oakland won the championship in 1973 and 1974.
He returned in 1986 as a broadcaster, just in time for what would be the last A’s dynasty. They were a force in the American League in the late 1980s and into the 1990s, taking home their most recent championship in 1989.
While the A’s never reached those heights again, Fosse was there for all of the memorable moments. Unfortunately, there will be one last memory that we all have of him that he will not be there for.
The Oakland A’s announced that Ray Fosse is the final member of their 2022 Hall of Fame class. It is an honor that was long overdue.