Happy 40th Anniversary!

[sanjosefuji]

Today marks the 40th Anniversary of the Oakland A's win over the Cincinnati Reds in Game 7 of the 1972 World Series. The 3-2 win captured the A's first World Championship since its move to Oakland in 1968.


As a lifelong Athletics fan this team is very special to me, because I was born in 1972. At the time of their victory, I was less than two months old. So, obviously I didn't watch the series... but that doesn't keep me from collecting memorabilia from that memorable World Series.

1972 World Series Program



Game 6 Ticket Stub



1972 World Series Pennant

Plus in addition to this World Series being special for sentimental reasons, it was a great series altogether.


Besides the 8-1 pounding the Reds gave the Athletics in Game 6... every other game in the series was decided by one run.

World Series MVP

Gene Tenace had four home runs in the series. To put things into perspective, he only hit five home runs during the regular season. And the only other Athletic to hit a home run during the series was Joe Rudi and he only had one. Tenace also drove in 9 runs in the series. The other Athletics? Nobody on the team had more than one RBI and outside of Tenace, the team had only 7 RBI's combined.

Jim "Catfish" Hunter was the Athletics best starter during the regular season. And he was the best starting pitcher during the series. He was 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA against the Reds and pitched a solid 16 innings in three games.

And Rollie Fingers pitched in six games, allowing only 2 earned runs in 10.1 innings pitched. He recorded 2 saves and struck out 11 in the series.

In his second season as the Oakland Athletics manager, Williams led the team to the best record in the American League. His Athletics led the AL in home runs (134), shutouts (23), and saves (43). Unfortunately, Williams didn't get along with Charlie Finley, the A's owner. He resigned after the 1973 season.

Remarkably, the Athletics were able to win the World Series without their star right fielder, Reggie Jackson. Jackson had injured his hamstring stealing home against the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALCS.

Congratulations to the 1972 World Champions! You'll forever be a huge part of my PC and baseball fanhood.


Most of us have a favorite franchise... possibly two. But...

Is there a specific team from a specific year that stands out in your collection?

Happy Monday and sayonara!

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