Every MLB team’s Mount Rushmore

Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics’ best days came in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Their Mount Rushmore, which includes the best leadoff hitter in MLB history and one of the most famous mullets in MLB history, reflects this.

Rickey Henderson is without question not just the best position player in Athletics history, but also the most special personality. Rickey would tell you he was going to steal second base and then he would do it. Among all Oakland players, he ranks first in runs scored, stolen bases, doubles, hits, walks and games played, among other stats.

Dennis Eckersley has the Athletics to thank for saving his career. He had a decent career as a starting pitcher, but Oakland turned him into a reliever. In Eckersley’s nine seasons in Oakland, he was one of the most feared closers in baseball history. He won both a Cy Young and an MVP in 1992 after leading the league in saves with 51. Eckersley owns the highest strikeout ratio and lowest walk ratio in franchise history.

Reggie Jackson was a leader of the 1970’s Athletics, who won two World Series. Mr. October was the MVP of the 1973 Series. He also won his lone MVP with the Athletics after leading the league in home runs and RBIs during the 1973 season.

Catfish Hunter led the A’s to three World Series titles in the 1970’s. He won the Cy Young in his last season in Oakland. Among Athletics pitchers who have played for the California version of the franchise, he is the career leader in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched.

Honorable mentions: It came down to Eckersley or Rollie Fingers. Both men were excellent, but I went with the one who won an MVP and Cy Young in Oakland. Vida Blue is one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history.