History of the Athletics

The Kansas City Athletics was a Major League Baseball team that played in the American League from 1955 to 1967. The team was based in Kansas City, Missouri, and was owned by Arnold Johnson for most of its existence. The Athletics had a long and storied history during their twelve years in the league, with three World Series appearances and six division titles.

The A's first season began on April 11th, 1955, when they opened up against the New York Yankees at Municipal Stadium. Although they lost this game 8-2, it marked a significant milestone as it was the first time since 1901 that professional baseball had been played in Kansas City after several decades of minor league teams operating there instead. That same year saw them finish second place behind Cleveland Indians with an 84-70 record which earned them their first-ever playoff berth; where they faced off against eventual champions Brooklyn Dodgers but eventually lost 4 games to 3 despite taking a 2–0 lead early on into series due to some stellar pitching performances from Art Ditmar (who pitched two complete games) & Bob Grim (who threw one).

In 1957 under new manager Lou Boudreau’s leadership, things started looking up for KC as he led them all way through post-season play before losing out ultimately 5–4 against Milwaukee Braves, who went on to win the world championship title later that year; however, his efforts weren’t unnoticed as he won AL Manager Of Year award himself thanks primarily due his ability motivate players like Vic Power or Jim Finigan among others whose contributions helped make sure franchise stayed competitive over following seasons too!

By the 1960s, though, things started slowing down a bit again, especially after owner Johnson passed away in 1964, leaving ownership limbo until Charlie Finley bought the club in 1965 – which then brought about changes both positive and negative such as moving home stadium Oakland Coliseum 1966 and renaming themselves “Oakland Athletics” next year thus ending era KCAs altogether…but not without leaving a mark upon city nor sport itself having made playoffs five times winning three pennants along the way!