The Team Without a Home Still Dominates Across Four Cities
The Oakland Athletics, a franchise rich in history and tradition, are set to embark on a new chapter with plans to relocate to Las Vegas for the 2028 season. This move will mark the fourth city to host this storied team in its 124-year existence. Often seen as a nomadic franchise, the A’s have faced their share of skepticism. Yet, one cannot overlook their impressive track record as one of Major League Baseball’s most successful teams from the outset.
A Legacy Born in Philadelphia
The Athletics’ journey began in Philadelphia, where they played from 1901 to 1954. Even after the Phillies enjoyed a longer tenure in the City of Brotherly Love, the A’s still hold the title of the more decorated franchise. During their time in Philadelphia, the Athletics claimed three consecutive World Series championships in 1910, 1911, and 1913. Though they were initially outshined by the Boston Red Sox, the A’s reclaimed their dominance with additional titles in 1929 and 1930, solidifying their legacy in the early 20th century.
The Phillies, on the other hand, struggled for decades. By the time the A’s departed Philadelphia, the Phillies had yet to secure a World Series title. It wasn’t until 1980 that they finally broke through, while the A’s had already established themselves in Oakland with three more championships under their belt. In total, the A’s accumulated five titles during their Philadelphia era, far outpacing the Phillies’ two. At this rate, it could take until the year 2100 for the Phillies to catch up to the A’s early accomplishments, highlighting the stark contrast in their historical success.
Transition and Success in Oakland
In 1968, following a brief stint in Kansas City, the Athletics settled in Oakland, quickly establishing a dynasty that peaked with three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. This period marked a significant resurgence for the franchise, as they developed a robust core that would become synonymous with success.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants, while also part of the Bay Area landscape, had their struggles. They reached the World Series in 1962 but fell short against the New York Yankees. The Giants redeemed themselves with postseason appearances in the late 1980s, yet ultimately faced defeat against their crosstown rivals in the infamous Earthquake Series of 1989. The A’s swept the Giants that year, capturing their fourth title in the Bay Area and their ninth overall.
In the years that followed, the Giants found success, winning championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Despite this resurgence, the A’s still hold a slight edge in the rivalry, currently sitting at 4-3 in World Series victories. The Giants are poised to make a comeback, however, with strategic moves aimed at returning to championship contention.
The Complex Identity of the A’s
The Athletics’ history is uniquely complicated, marked by relocations and a series of successes that are hard to ignore. Their time in Kansas City was brief, lasting from 1955 to 1967, but it was during this era that the foundation for future titles was laid. The Royals, who have surpassed the A’s in Kansas City lore, won their first championship in 1985 and followed it up with another in 2015.
Today, the A’s are in Sacramento, nurturing a promising roster filled with young talent. This development mirrors the team that left Kansas City all those years ago, suggesting a potential return to glory may be on the horizon.
As the Athletics prepare for their move to Las Vegas, they carry with them a legacy of resilience and excellence. Their nomadic journey, while often criticized, is a testament to their ability to thrive in various cities, making them a unique and celebrated franchise in the annals of baseball history.
