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Pair of former Oakland A’s players hope for immortality

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Huston Street of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the Texas Rangers at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on September 13, 2008. The Athletics defeated the Rangers 7-1. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Huston Street of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the Texas Rangers at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on September 13, 2008. The Athletics defeated the Rangers 7-1. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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It is that time of year when immortality comes knocking and a pair of former Oakland A’s are hoping to be on that list.

The 2023 BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot was released on Monday. 28 players, including 14 first timers, are on the ballot, hoping that they will receive that coveted 75% of the vote to be enshrined in Cooperstown, their exploits on the diamond forever immortalized.

Former Oakland A’s players hoping for Hall of Fame success

That includes a pair of players who were part of the A’s organization. Manny Ramirez is in his seventh year on the ballot and is hoping for a significant push while Huston Street is getting his first chance at the Hall.

Street made the biggest impact with the A’s of the two. He spent four seasons in Oakland, taking over as the A’s closer as a rookie. He posted a 2.88 ERA and a 1.071 WHiP in his 269 innings with the organization, notching 94 saves while striking out 271 batters and allowing just 78 walks. He won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2005 and spent four years in Oakland before being sent to Colorado for Matt Holliday.

Ramirez never actually played in the majors for the A’s but he was part of their organization. He appeared in 17 games at Triple-A Sacramento in 2012, posting a .302/.348/.349 batting line in his 69 plate appearances. Although he was still able to drive in 14 runs, he was unable to return to the majors.

There is one other player who is tangentially connected to the A’s. Carlos Beltran may have the best chance of anyone on the ballot to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. While he never actually suited up for the A’s, he was part of that three team deal with the Astros and Royals in 2004 that led to Octavio Dotel to Oakland while Mark Teahan and Mike Wood went to Kansas City.

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A pair of former members of the Oakland A’s organization are on the Hall of Fame ballot. Maybe this year, immortality will call.