The Good, the Bad and the Ridiculous: The Eccentric and Successful Antics of Charlie Finley

Charlie Finley was an innovative, and often ridiculous, owner who brought a modern twist to the game. Through his antics, the A's saw some of its most successful years with 3 consecutive World Series.
Sports Contributor Archive 2018
Sports Contributor Archive 2018 | Ron Vesely/GettyImages
3 of 3
Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson - Oakland Athletics - File Photos | Chuck Rydlewski/GettyImages

Time for Fresh Ideas

Finley was a man with unusual ideas, some of which were innovative for the day and others that were unnecessary and distracting. But as an owner, he fostered a glorious decade with multiple championships for the A's. Clearly not taking his own satirical advice, Finley took action.

When fans shout "sell the team" these days, it's not just a cry for more productive and enthusiastic ownership within one organization. The lack of effort to change has persisted since Finley made his statement 50 years ago.

This slogan signals a need for overall change among the majority of MLB owners. To increase their effort, at some cost, instead of maintaining an, at best, average status quo.

Also hot pink foul poles and traveling live mascots would be pretty great.

More Oakland A's News

Schedule