The Athletics are one of the oldest and most traveled franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1901 as a charter member of the American League, the franchise has called Philadelphia, Kansas City, Oakland and West Sacramento home. Along the way, the A’s have won nine World Series championships, produced legendary players and managers, and become one of baseball’s most recognizable franchises. The franchise was known as the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901-1954, the Kansas City Athletics from 1955-1967, and the Oakland Athletics from 1968-2024. Beginning in 2025, the club began its temporary stay at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, with a planned move to a new Las Vegas ballpark in 2028. The Beginning: The Philadelphia Athletics The Athletics began play in Philadelphia in 1901. Connie Mack was brought in to run the baseball operation, while sporting-goods businessman Benjamin F. Shibe became the club’s principal early owner. The original ownership group included Benjamin Shibe, Connie Mack, Tom Shibe, John Shibe, Sam Jones and Frank Hough. Mack gradually acquired additional ownership and eventually became the dominant figure in the organization. The Philadelphia Athletics quickly became one of the American League’s premier clubs. They won American League pennants in 1902, 1905, 1910, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1929, 1930 and 1931. Five of those pennant-winning teams captured the World Series. Athletics Home Parks Columbia Park — Philadelphia 1901-1908 The first home of the Athletics was Columbia Park in North Philadelphia. The park opened in 1901 and originally held about 9,500 fans. Capacity was later increased to approximately 13,600. Shibe Park — Philadelphia 1909-1954 The Athletics moved into Shibe Park in 1909. It was one of baseball’s first major concrete-and-steel stadiums. The park was named for owner Benjamin Shibe. In 1953 it was officially renamed Connie Mack Stadium in honor of the legendary manager. The Athletics played there until leaving Philadelphia after the 1954 season. Municipal Stadium — Kansas City 1955-1967 After the franchise was sold and moved to Kansas City, the Athletics played at Municipal Stadium. The stadium had previously been associated with the Kansas City Blues and Kansas City Monarchs. The facility was extensively rebuilt before the Athletics began play there in 1955. Oakland Coliseum — Oakland 1968-2024 The Athletics moved to Oakland in 1968 and played their first game at the Coliseum on April 17, 1968. The Coliseum became the longest-running home in Athletics history and witnessed four World Series championships, the 20-game winning streak of 2002, The Bash Brothers era, the Moneyball era and many other memorable moments. The final Athletics game in Oakland was played in September 2024. Sutter Health Park — West Sacramento 2025-2027 The Athletics moved temporarily to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento beginning with the 2025 season. The agreement calls for the Athletics to play there through 2027, with an option for 2028 if the planned Las Vegas stadium is not ready. Las Vegas — Planned Future Home The Athletics are planning to move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas for the 2028 season. The Las Vegas facility is intended to become the franchise’s permanent home after the temporary Sacramento period. Athletics Ownership Through the Years The ownership history of the Athletics is almost as interesting as the playing history. Philadelphia Athletics 1901-1921 — Benjamin F. Shibe and Connie Mack, with other original minority owners including Tom Shibe, John Shibe, Sam Jones and Frank Hough. 1922-1936 — Tom Shibe, John Shibe and Connie Mack 1936-1937 — John Shibe and Connie Mack 1937-1950 — Connie Mack and the Mack/Shibe ownership interests 1950-1954 — Connie Mack, Roy Mack and Earle Mack The Mack family ultimately controlled the club before selling it after the 1954 season. Kansas City Athletics 1954-1960 — Arnold Johnson Arnold Johnson purchased the Philadelphia Athletics and moved the franchise to Kansas City. 1960-1980 — Charles O. “Charlie” Finley Finley became one of the most colorful owners in baseball history. He purchased controlling interest in 1960 and eventually acquired the remaining ownership interests. Finley moved the team to Oakland in 1968 and was the owner when the Athletics won three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 through 1974. Oakland Athletics 1980-1995 — Walter A. Haas Jr. Haas purchased the Athletics from Finley following the 1980 season. During his ownership, Oakland won three consecutive American League pennants from 1988-1990 and the 1989 World Series. 1995-2005 — Stephen Schott and Ken Hofmann Schott and Hofmann purchased the Athletics in 1995. The team reached the postseason four consecutive years from 2000-2003. 2005-2016 — Lewis Wolff and John Fisher Wolff, Fisher and a limited partnership group purchased the Athletics in 2005. 2016-present — John Fisher Fisher became managing partner in 2016 after Wolff stepped down from the position. Fisher remains the Athletics’ owner and managing partner. The Athletics’ Nine World Series Championships The Athletics have won nine World Series championships, with titles spread across three different cities. Year Opponent Result Athletics Series Record 1910 Chicago Cubs Won 4-1 1911 New York Giants Won 4-2 1913 New York Giants Won 4-1 1929 Chicago Cubs Won 4-1 1930 St. Louis Cardinals Won 4-2 1972 Cincinnati Reds Won 4-3 1973 New York Mets Won 4-3 1974 Los Angeles Dodgers Won 4-1 1989 San Francisco Giants Won 4-0 That gives the Athletics an all-time World Series record of 36 wins and 18 losses in their nine championship series. The nine championships occurred in 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, 1930, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1989. The Philadelphia Dynasties The first Athletics dynasty was built around stars such as Eddie Collins, Home Run Baker, Chief Bender and Eddie Plank. The 1910, 1911 and 1913 Athletics won three World Series championships in four years. The second Philadelphia dynasty came in the late 1920s and early 1930s. That team featured: Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Cochrane. Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Eddie Collins Connie Mack Philadelphia won the World Series in 1929 and 1930 and reached the World Series again in 1931. The Oakland Dynasty The greatest modern Athletics dynasty came during the early 1970s. Oakland won… Continue reading The Complete History of the MLB Athletics: From Philadelphia to Sacramento and Las Vegas
Tag: George Kell
Chicago White Sox: Complete History
[ Chicago White Sox: Complete History, Owners, Ballparks, Hall of Famers, MVPs, Rookies and World Series Championships: The Chicago White Sox are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball. Their history stretches back to the formation of the American League, and the team has been part of Chicago baseball since 1900. The White Sox have won three World Series championships — 1906, 1917 and 2005 — and have produced an impressive collection of Hall of Famers, MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners and legendary players. The franchise has also experienced some of the most dramatic events in baseball history, including the 1919 Black Sox scandal, the rise of the “Go-Go” White Sox of the 1950s, the 1959 American League pennant, the powerful teams of the 1980s and 1990s, and the 2005 championship team that finally ended an 88-year World Series drought. The Beginning of the Chicago White Sox The franchise originated in 1900 when Charles Comiskey moved the Western League’s St. Paul franchise to Chicago. The club initially became known as the Chicago White Stockings, although sportswriters soon shortened the name to White Sox. In 1901, the American League became a major league, and Chicago was one of its charter franchises. The White Sox won the first American League pennant in 1901. The franchise has remained in Chicago ever since. Chicago White Sox Home Ballparks Unlike some franchises that have moved between several cities, the White Sox have always played their home games in Chicago. There have been three primary home-ballpark names/venues in franchise history. 1. 39th Street Grounds 1900–June 27, 1910 The first home of the White Sox was the 39th Street Grounds, located at 39th Street and Princeton. Charles Comiskey built a wooden grandstand on the site in 1900. The small ballpark had a capacity of fewer than 7,500 spectators. The White Sox played there until June 27, 1910. The 39th Street Grounds later became an important location in Chicago Negro Leagues history. 2. Comiskey Park 1910–1990 Comiskey Park opened July 1, 1910. It was built by Charles Comiskey and quickly became known as the “Baseball Palace of the World.” The stadium stood at 35th Street and Shields Avenue. Comiskey Park hosted some of the greatest moments in White Sox history, including: The 1917 World Series The 1919 World Series The 1959 American League pennant The 1959 World Series The 1960s “Go-Go” White Sox era The 1977 South Side Hitmen The 1983 American League West championship The final White Sox game there in 1990 The White Sox played their final game at old Comiskey Park on September 30, 1990. 3. New Comiskey Park / U.S. Cellular Field / Guaranteed Rate Field / Rate Field 1991–Present The new stadium opened April 18, 1991, directly across the street from old Comiskey Park. It originally carried the name New Comiskey Park. The ballpark was renamed: U.S. Cellular Field — 2003 Guaranteed Rate Field — 2016 Rate Field — 2024 The White Sox still play there today. MLB currently identifies the stadium as Rate Field. All White Sox Owners Ownership of the White Sox has changed considerably over the club’s history. Owner Years Charles Comiskey 1900–1931 J. Louis Comiskey 1931–1939 Grace Comiskey 1940–1956 Dorothy Comiskey Rigney 1956–1959 Bill Veeck 1959–1961 Arthur Allyn Jr. 1961–1969 John Allyn 1969–1975 Bill Veeck 1975–1981 Jerry Reinsdorf & Eddie Einhorn 1981–2016 Jerry Reinsdorf 2017–present The White Sox’s official ownership history records Charles Comiskey as the man who brought the franchise to Chicago, the Comiskey family succession, Bill Veeck’s two ownership periods, the Allyn ownership and the Reinsdorf/Einhorn purchase in 1981. Charles Comiskey Charles Comiskey was much more than an owner. He was a former major league player and manager who became one of the founders of the American League. He moved the St. Paul franchise to Chicago and built the White Sox into one of the original American League powers. Comiskey owned the club from 1900 through 1931. He is also a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame as an executive. The Comiskey Family After Charles Comiskey died, ownership passed to his son, J. Louis Comiskey. Following J. Louis Comiskey’s death, his widow, Grace Comiskey, controlled the club. Ownership later passed to their daughter, Dorothy Comiskey Rigney. The Comiskey family controlled the White Sox for almost six decades. Bill Veeck Bill Veeck was one of baseball’s most colorful owners. He first gained control of the White Sox in 1959 and later returned in 1975. Veeck was famous for promotions, unusual ideas and his willingness to challenge baseball traditions. During his ownership, he introduced such ideas as: Bat Day Exploding scoreboards Player names on uniforms Creative promotions Unusual fan attractions Veeck was eventually inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His 1959 White Sox won the American League pennant. Jerry Reinsdorf Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn purchased the White Sox in January 1981. Reinsdorf remains the chairman and controlling owner of the franchise. The Reinsdorf era includes the organization’s 1983 division championship, the 1993 division championship, the 2000 division championship and, most importantly, the 2005 World Series championship. MLB notes that Reinsdorf has served as White Sox chairman for more than four decades. White Sox World Series Championships The White Sox have won three World Series championships. Year Opponent White Sox Result 1906 Chicago Cubs Won 4–2 1917 New York Giants Won 4–2 2005 Houston Astros Won 4–0 The 1906 championship was the only World Series between two Chicago teams. MLB records the White Sox defeating the Cubs four games to two. 1906 World Series White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs The 1906 World Series was the first championship between two Chicago major-league teams. The Cubs had won an astonishing 116 games during the regular season. The White Sox, nicknamed the “Hitless Wonders,” upset the heavily favored Cubs. Series Result White Sox 4, Cubs 2 Individual Game Results Game Result Game 1 White Sox 2, Cubs 1 Game 2 Cubs 7, White Sox 1 Game 3 White Sox 3, Cubs 0 Game 4 Cubs… Continue reading Chicago White Sox: Complete History
Detroit Tigers History: Baseball’s MotorCity Team
The Detroit Tigers are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most historic franchises. The Tigers were one of the original American League franchises when the league became a major league in 1901. Over more than a century, Detroit has produced some of baseball’s greatest players, including Ty Cobb, Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, Al Kaline, Hal Newhouser, Alan Trammell and Jack Morris. The Tigers have won four World Series championships, in 1935, 1945, 1968 and 1984, and have won 11 American League pennants. The Beginning of the Detroit Tigers Professional baseball in Detroit actually predates the modern Tigers. Detroit had professional clubs in the 19th century, including the Detroit Wolverines, who won the National League championship and World Series in 1887. The franchise that became the modern Detroit Tigers traces its immediate roots to the Western League’s Detroit club. When the American League declared itself a major league in 1901, Detroit became one of its charter franchises. The Tigers have remained in Detroit ever since. That makes Detroit one of the rare MLB cities where a franchise has spent its entire American League existence in the same city. Detroit Tigers Ownership History The Tigers have had a relatively small number of ownership groups compared with many other major-league franchises. According to the Tigers’ official ownership history, the ownership sequence is: Years Owner 1901 James D. Burns 1902–1903 Samuel F. Angus 1904–1907 William H. Yawkey 1908–1935 Frank J. Navin 1935–1952 Walter O. Briggs Sr. 1952–1956 Walter O. Briggs Jr. 1956–1960 Fred Knorr & John Fetzer 1960–1983 John Fetzer 1983–1992 Tom Monaghan 1992–2017 Michael Ilitch 2017–present Christopher Ilitch The early years included several ownership changes. In 1902 the club switched from James Burns and George Stallings to a stock company headed by Samuel F. Angus. The Navin Years Frank Navin became one of the most important early owners. He purchased control in 1908 and remained involved until his death in 1935. The Tigers reached three consecutive World Series during the early Navin years, from 1907 through 1909, although they lost all three to the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates. Walter Briggs Walter O. Briggs Sr. took control in 1935, the same year Detroit won its first World Series. The Briggs family owned the Tigers through the great teams of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. John Fetzer John Fetzer became the dominant owner in 1960. Under Fetzer, the Tigers won the spectacular 1968 World Series, one of the most memorable championships in franchise history. Tom Monaghan The founder of Domino’s Pizza, Tom Monaghan, purchased the Tigers in 1983. One year later, the Tigers won the 1984 World Series. Mike Ilitch Mike Ilitch, founder of Little Caesars Pizza, purchased the Tigers in 1992. Ilitch remained owner until his death in 2017. His ownership eventually produced the powerful Tigers teams of the 2000s and early 2010s, including the 2006 and 2012 American League pennants. Christopher Ilitch Christopher Ilitch became owner in 2017 and remains chairman and CEO of the Tigers. Every Tigers Home Ballpark The Tigers have had a fascinating ballpark history. Recreation Park 1894–1895 Recreation Park was home to the Detroit club that preceded the modern American League Tigers. It is therefore part of Detroit’s professional baseball history but predates the 1901 Tigers. Bennett Park 1896–1911 Bennett Park was the Tigers’ principal home during their first decade as an American League franchise. The park was located in Detroit and became the scene of some of the earliest great Tigers teams. Burns Park 1901–1902 For a short period, the Tigers also used Burns Park. Other Temporary Parks in 1903 During 1903, the Tigers played games at several temporary locations, including: Ramona Park — Grand Rapids, Michigan Armory Park — Toledo, Ohio Neil Park II — Columbus, Ohio These were unusual temporary arrangements and are sometimes overlooked in lists of Tigers ballparks. Navin Field 1912–1934 The Tigers moved into a new ballpark in 1912. It was originally known as Navin Field, named for owner Frank Navin. This became the home of Ty Cobb’s final Tigers seasons and the great Tigers teams of the 1930s. Briggs Stadium 1935–1960 After Walter Briggs gained control of the team, the stadium was renamed Briggs Stadium. The Tigers won their first two World Series championships while playing there: 1935 1945 Tiger Stadium 1961–1999 The ballpark became known as Tiger Stadium in 1961. For generations of Detroit fans, Tiger Stadium was simply “The Corner.” It was home to: Al Kaline, Willie Horton, Denny McLain, Mickey Lolich, Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Jack Morris The Tigers won the 1968 and 1984 World Series at Tiger Stadium. Comerica Park 2000–present The Tigers moved downtown to Comerica Park in 2000. The new stadium gave Detroit a modern baseball facility while maintaining strong connections to Tigers history. Detroit Tigers Hall of Famers The Tigers’ Hall of Fame history is enormous. The Tigers’ official list includes players who played for Detroit as well as Hall of Fame managers who managed the club. Below are the Hall of Famers associated with Detroit, with their birthplace or hometown. Hall of Famer Position/Role Tigers Years Hometown/Birthplace Ty Cobb OF/Manager 1905–1926 Royston, Georgia Hughie Jennings Manager/Player 1907–1920 Pittston, Pennsylvania Sam Crawford OF 1903–1917 Wahoo, Nebraska Harry Heilmann OF/1B 1914–1930 San Francisco, California Heinie Manush OF 1923–1927 Tuscumbia, Alabama Charlie Gehringer 2B 1924–1942 Fowlerville, Michigan Mickey Cochrane C/Manager 1934–1938 Bridgewater, Massachusetts Hank Greenberg 1B 1930–1946 New York, New York Goose Goslin OF 1934–1937 Salem, New Jersey Earl Averill OF 1939–1940 Snohomish, Washington Hal Newhouser P 1939–1953 Detroit, Michigan George Kell 3B 1946–1952 Swifton, Arkansas Al Kaline OF 1953–1974 Baltimore, Maryland Jim Bunning P 1955–1963 Southgate, Kentucky Larry Doby OF 1959 Camden, South Carolina Eddie Mathews 3B 1967–1968 Texarkana, Texas Jack Morris P 1977–1990 St. Paul, Minnesota Alan Trammell SS 1977–1996 Garden Grove, California Iván Rodríguez C 2004–2008 Manatí, Puerto Rico Sparky Anderson Manager 1979–1995 Bridgewater, South Dakota Jim Leyland Manager 2006–2013 Toledo, Ohio Bucky Harris Manager/Player 1929–1933, 1955–1956 Port Jervis, Illinois Waite Hoyt P 1930–1931 Brooklyn, New York Al Simmons OF 1936… Continue reading Detroit Tigers History: Baseball’s MotorCity Team
Complete History of Baltimore Orioles
[custom_countdown width=”100px”] Baltimore Orioles History: The Owners, Ballparks, Hall of Famers, Rookie of the Year Winners, World Series and the Stars They Traded Away. The Baltimore Orioles are one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises. The modern Baltimore Orioles began play in 1954 after the St. Louis Browns franchise moved to Baltimore and adopted the Orioles name. From that beginning, Baltimore developed into a franchise known for outstanding pitching, defense, player development and some of the greatest players in baseball history. The Orioles have won three World Series championships, seven American League pennants, and have produced a remarkable collection of Hall of Fame players. Their history includes legendary names such as Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore has also been involved in some fascinating trades. Some brought future championships to Baltimore, while others sent players away who later became stars elsewhere. The Beginning of the Baltimore Orioles The American League approved the relocation of the St. Louis Browns to Baltimore in September 1953. The franchise began its Baltimore era in 1954 and became the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles played their first Baltimore season at American League, beginning a relationship with the city that would last for nearly seven decades. The early years were difficult. Baltimore finished 1954 with a 54-100 record, but the club immediately developed a loyal following. The Orioles eventually became one of the American League’s strongest organizations. The franchise’s first winning season came in 1960. Only six years later, Baltimore reached the top of baseball. Baltimore Orioles Owners The official Orioles ownership history lists five principal ownership eras since the franchise moved to Baltimore: Owner Years Jerold Hoffberger 1953–1979 Edward Bennett Williams 1979–1989 Eli Jacobs 1989–1993 Peter Angelos 1993–2024 David Rubenstein 2024–present The Orioles’ official history lists these five ownership periods. Jerold Hoffberger — 1953–1979 Hoffberger was the dominant owner during the organization’s transformation from a struggling franchise into one of baseball’s premier clubs. His ownership period included the Orioles’ first three World Series appearances, including the 1966 championship and the 1970 championship. Edward Bennett Williams — 1979–1989 Williams purchased the club in 1979. His ownership began during one of the most successful periods in Orioles history. The Orioles reached the World Series in 1979 and won it again in 1983. Eli Jacobs — 1989–1993 Jacobs owned the Orioles during the transition from Memorial Stadium to the revolutionary new Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The new ballpark opened in 1992 and became a model for baseball stadium design throughout the country. Peter Angelos — 1993–2024 Angelos purchased the Orioles in 1993 and became the club’s longest-serving owner of the modern era. His ownership included the Orioles’ return to postseason baseball in 1996 and 1997, the 2012 playoff appearance, the 2014 American League East championship, the 2014 ALCS appearance and the 2016 and 2023 postseason teams. David Rubenstein — 2024–Present David Rubenstein became the Orioles’ principal owner in 2024. His ownership began after the Angelos era and represents the newest chapter in Orioles history. Every Home Ballpark of the Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles have had two primary home stadiums since moving from St. Louis. Memorial Stadium — 1954–1991 Location: 33rd Street, Baltimore, Maryland The Orioles played 38 seasons at Memorial Stadium. The stadium had originally been constructed as a football and baseball facility and was also famous as the longtime home of the Baltimore Colts. Memorial Stadium hosted some of the greatest moments in Orioles history, including the 1966 World Series championship celebration. The Orioles played their final game there on October 6, 1991. Oriole Park at Camden Yards — 1992–Present Location: Baltimore, Maryland Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened on April 6, 1992. The Orioles defeated the Cleveland Indians in the first game at the new stadium, with Rick Sutcliffe pitching a shutout. Camden Yards became one of the most influential ballparks in modern baseball. Its downtown location, asymmetrical dimensions, exposed steel and brick construction and incorporation of the old warehouse helped establish the “retro-classic” ballpark movement that spread throughout Major League Baseball. The Orioles played their final season at Memorial Stadium in 1991 after 38 years and have played at Camden Yards ever since. Baltimore Orioles World Series History The Orioles have appeared in the World Series six times since moving to Baltimore and have won three championships. Year Opponent Result Orioles Record 1966 Los Angeles Dodgers Won 4–0 1969 New York Mets Lost 1–4 1970 Cincinnati Reds Won 4–1 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates Lost 3–4 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates Lost 3–4 1983 Philadelphia Phillies Won 4–1 Baltimore’s overall World Series record during these six appearances was 19 wins and 14 losses. The Orioles’ three championships came in 1966, 1970 and 1983. 1966 World Series — Orioles Sweep the Dodgers Baltimore Orioles 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 0 The 1966 Orioles shocked baseball by sweeping the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers had Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, but Baltimore’s pitching was even better. Frank Robinson was the star of the series and had already produced one of the greatest individual seasons in Orioles history. He won the American League Triple Crown and AL MVP Award in his first season in Baltimore. Jim Palmer, only 20 years old, pitched a complete-game shutout in Game 2. The Orioles won the series four games to none. World Series MVP: Frank Robinson 1970 World Series — Orioles Defeat the Big Red Machine Baltimore Orioles 4, Cincinnati Reds 1 The 1970 Orioles defeated Cincinnati’s powerful “Big Red Machine.” The series is remembered particularly for Brooks Robinson’s spectacular defensive performance at third base. Robinson was named World Series MVP after making one remarkable defensive play after another. Baltimore won four games to one. World Series MVP: Brooks Robinson 1983 World Series — Orioles Defeat the Phillies Baltimore Orioles 4, Philadelphia Phillies 1 The 1983 Orioles won their third World Series championship by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies four games to one. The Orioles were led by a veteran pitching staff and a… Continue reading Complete History of Baltimore Orioles
