The Athletics History highlights one of baseball’s most storied teams, now the Oakland Athletics. Beginning in Philadelphia and later moving to Kansas City and Oakland, the club has produced stars and numerous championships. This legacy makes Athletics baseball an enduring part of Major League Baseball’s rich and evolving tradition.
Established
1901
City
Philadelphia – Kansas City – Oakland - Sacramento
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1901 – 1999 / American League
Team History
2025 - Present / Athletics
1968 – 2024 / Oakland Athletics
1955 – 1967 / Kansas City Athletics
1901 – 1954 / Philadelphia Athletics
Athletics Origin
Nickname
Athletics – The nickname "Athletics" has a rich history that dates back to the 1860s, originating with the Athletic Club of Philadelphia's amateur baseball team. This team turned professional in 1875, carrying over the name of the Philadelphia Athletics. The name "Athletics" is one of the oldest in professional sports, and it has endured through various relocations and changes in the team's history.
The Philadelphia Athletics, under the leadership of owner and manager Connie Mack, became a founding member of the American Baseball League, further cementing the nickname's legacy in baseball.
Championship
World Series 0
1989, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1930, 1929, 1913, 1911, 1910
Stadium
2025 - Present / Sutter Health Park
*Oakland*
2019 – 2024 / RingCentral Coliseum
1968 – 2018 / Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum
2012 – 2015 / O.co Coliseum
2011 / Overstock.com Coliseum
2004 – 2008 / McAfee Coliseum
1998 – 2004 / Network Associates Coliseum
*Kansas City*
1955 – 1967 / Municipal Stadium
*Philadelphia*
1909 – 1954 / Shibe Park
1953 – 1954 / Connie Mack Stadium
1901 – 1908 / Columbia Park
Owner
2016 - Present / John J. Fisher
2005 – 2015 / Lewis Wolff
1995 – 2005 / Steve Schott and Ken Hofmann
1981 – 1995 / Walter Haas
1960 – 1981 / Charlie Finley
1954 – 1960 / Arnold Johnson
1922 – 1954 / Connie Mack
1901 – 1922 / Ben Shibe
- 2025
-
The Athletics’ West Sacramento Chapter
The Athletics (often referred to as the A’s) are an American professional baseball team based in West Sacramento, California. The Athletics compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. The team will play its home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento for the 2025–2027 seasons before its permanent move ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Athletics History
The Athletics History is one of Major League Baseball’s longest and most fascinating stories. Founded in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics, the team became a cornerstone of the American League. Managed by Connie Mack for five decades, the club set early standards for excellence in Athletics baseball, shaping the sport’s traditions.
In 1955, the franchise moved to Kansas City, starting a new era as the Kansas City Athletics. This chapter in the Athletics History was challenging, with fewer victories and limited playoff success. Yet, the team maintained its loyal fan base and continued developing talent. The relocation paved the way for future growth and stability.
The Athletics moved again in 1968, this time to Oakland, California. Under new leadership, the team rebuilt its roster and culture. This bold transition marked the beginning of a powerhouse era in Athletics baseball, showcasing the franchise’s resilience and adaptability on and off the field.
Athletics Achievements
From 1972 to 1974, the Athletics captured three consecutive World Series titles. These championships highlighted the peak of the Athletics History, featuring stars like Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers. Later, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the team returned to prominence, winning multiple American League pennants and another World Series in 1989.
The Athletics have also been known for innovation, including the famous “Moneyball” strategy of the early 2000s. This approach helped the club compete with larger-market teams and cemented its reputation as a forward-thinking franchise. Today, the legacy of Athletics baseball continues to thrive, built on over a century of championships, star players, and groundbreaking ideas.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
9 / Reggie Jackson
24 / Rickey Henderson
27 / Catfish Hunter
34 / Rollie Fingers
34 / Dave Stewart
42 / Jackie Robinson
43 / Dennis Eckersley
– / Walter A. Haas, Jr.
*Blue is this team’s history