- 1954
- 1960
-
Move to Kansas City – Athletics
In 1954, Chicago real estate magnate Arnold Johnson bought the Philadelphia Athletics and moved them to Kansas City. Although he was initially a hero for making Kansas City a major-league town, it soon became apparent that he was motivated more by profit than any regard for the baseball fans of Kansas City. He had long been a business associate of ... -
Charles Finley New Owner
On December 19, 1960, Charles “Charlie” O. Finley purchased a controlling interest in the team from Johnson’s estate after losing out to Johnson six years earlier in Philadelphia. He bought out the minority owners a year later. Finley promised the fans a new day. In a highly publicized move, he purchased a bus, pointed it in the direction of New ...
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!
Athletics Products
Established
1901
City
Philadelphia – Kansas City – Oakland
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1901 – 1999 / American League
Team History
1968 – Present / Oakland Athletics
1955 – 1967 / Kansas City Athletics
1901 – 1954 / Philadelphia Athletics
Nickname
Athletics – The Kansas City Athletics is one of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). While their history has many great moments, fans may not know how and why they were named "Athletics." We need to look back at the team's origins to understand this.
The Athletics began as an American League (AL) charter member in 1901. The original owner was Benjamin Shibe, who chose “Athletics” as an homage to Philadelphia’s amateur baseball teams from years prior. He believed that it reflected his commitment to fielding competitive and successful teams year after year; henceforth, he dubbed them “the A's."
Over time, they became known simply as "the A's" or sometimes even "the 'A,'" which has become synonymous with their name today. It is also worth noting that during World War II when metal was scarce for making uniforms and equipment, some players wore jerseys emblazoned with a large letter ‘A.' This further cemented its association with Kansas City athletics over time!
Although much has changed since then - including several moves across cities - one thing remains constant: the nickname 'Athletics.' No matter where you go or what era you're from, if someone says 'Kansas City Athletics,' everyone knows precisely who they're talking about!
Championship
World Series 0
1989, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1930, 1929, 1913, 1911, 1910
Stadium
2019 – Present / 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
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.
Retired Number
9 / Reggie Jackson
24 / Rickey Henderson
27 / Catfish Hunter
34 / Rollie Fingers
42 / Jackie Robinson
43 / Dennis Eckersley
– / Walter A. Haas, Jr.
*Blue is this team’s history
