1973: A’s Win Second Consecutive World Series
In 1973, the Oakland A’s captured their second straight World Series title, defeating the New York Mets in a tense seven-game battle. Reggie Jackson, soon to be known as “Mr. October,” delivered the decisive blow in Game 7 with a two-run homer that powered the A’s to a 5-2 win. Backed by strong pitching from Ken Holtzman, Rollie Fingers, and Darold Knowles, Oakland secured back-to-back championships, cementing its dominance and uniting the city in pride during baseball’s golden era.
Dallas Braden’s Perfect Game on Mother’s Day (May 9, 2010)
On May 9, 2010, Dallas Braden made history by pitching a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays, retiring all 27 batters on just 109 pitches. The feat, accomplished by only 23 pitchers in MLB history, was made even more poignant as it came on Mother’s Day. Having lost his mother to cancer, Braden shared an emotional embrace with his grandmother, who raised him, adding a touching layer to one of baseball’s rarest and most memorable achievements.
The Earthquake Series (October 17, 1989)
The 1989 World Series between the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants is remembered not only for the A’s decisive sweep to win their fourth Oakland title but also for the devastating 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake that struck before Game 3. The quake shook Candlestick Park, stunned players and fans, and caused severe damage across the Bay Area, leading to a 10-day postponement. When play resumed, the A’s showcased their dominance with powerful hitting and strong pitching, while the series itself became a unifying distraction for a community in recovery.
Scott Hatteberg’s Walk-Off Homer for 20th Consecutive Win (September 4, 2002)
The 2002 Oakland A’s season peaked with a record-setting 20-game winning streak, capped on September 4 when Scott Hatteberg hit a dramatic walk-off homer against the Kansas City Royals. After blowing an 11-0 lead and seeing the game tied 11-11, Hatteberg, pinch-hitting in the ninth, crushed a solo shot to secure the milestone win. The Coliseum erupted in celebration, and the moment—later immortalized in Moneyball—symbolized the A’s innovative, budget-conscious approach to building a contender.
2012: Coco Crisp’s Walk-Off Single in ALDS (October 10, 2012)
In the 2012 ALDS, the Oakland A’s were on the brink of elimination against the Detroit Tigers. With the series at 2-1 in Detroit’s favor and the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, Crisp came to the plate with two outs and lined a single to right field, driving in the winning run. The walk-off hit forced a decisive Game 5 and sent the Coliseum crowd into a frenzy.
2012: Josh Hamilton Drops the Ball (October 3, 2012)
The A’s entered the final day of the 2012 regular season, tied with the Texas Rangers for the AL West division lead. On October 3, 2012, a pivotal moment occurred With the A’s trailing, Rangers’ outfielder Josh Hamilton dropped a routine fly ball. Allowing two runs to score and opening the floodgates for a six-run inning. The A’s went on to win the game 12-5, completing an incredible comeback from a five-game deficit with just nine games left in the season. This marked one of the most dramatic regular-season finales in MLB history.
1990: Rickey Henderson Breaks the Stolen Base Record (June 12, 1990)
On June 12, 1990, Rickey Henderson, one of baseball’s greatest leadoff hitters, set the single-season stolen base record at the Oakland Coliseum. Facing the New York Yankees, Henderson stole his 939th base, surpassing Ty Cobb‘s long-standing record. After stealing third base, Henderson famously lifted the bag above his head, basking in the adoration of the home crowd and proclaimed himself the greatest!
His speed and base-running intelligence were unmatched in baseball history.
1972: The Birth of the “Swingin’ A’s” (October 13, 1972)
The 1972 season marked the beginning of the A’s dynasty. On October 13, 1972, they clinched their first pennant in Oakland by defeating the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series. The victory was sealed with a 2-1 win, thanks to clutch performances from players like Gene Tenace and Vida Blue. This win propelled them to the World Series, where they defeated the Cincinnati Reds. This triumph marked the start of the “Swingin’ A’s”, who went on to win three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974.
1991: Rickey Henderson Hits 1,000th Stolen Base (August 11, 1991)
Adding another milestone to his illustrious career, Rickey Henderson became the first player in MLB history to reach 1,000 stolen bases on August 11, 1991. When against the Detroit Tigers, Henderson successfully stole third base, achieving the unprecedented feat. The game paused as fans and players honored his accomplishment. Henderson’s career totals—1,406 stolen bases—set a bar that remains unchallenged, highlighting his exceptional talent.
2006: Marco Scutaro’s ALDS Heroics (October 5, 2006)
In the 2006 ALDS, utility infielder Marco Scutaro emerged as an unlikely hero for the A’s against the Minnesota Twins. Scutaro delivered crucial hits throughout the series, including key doubles and RBIs that swung momentum in the A’s favor. The A’s swept the Twins, advancing to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 1992. Scutaro’s heroics were a significant factor in their postseason success.