MLB
5 Greatest Athletics Players of All-Time + Fan Rankings
Create your own all-time rankings of the top 5 greatest players in Athletics history from Rickey Henderson to Jimmie Foxx to Lefty Grove
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Rickey Henderson was born on December 25, 1958 exactly 66 years ago so it’s a great time to look at the top 5 Athletics players of all time with him headlining the list.
Founded in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics, the team relocated to Kansas City in 1955 and then finally made their way to Oakland in 1968. The Athletics boast a storied history in Major League Baseball. Over the decades, the franchise has evolved into one of the sport’s most distinguishable teams, achieving remarkable success with nine World Series titles and producing some of baseball’s greatest players.
From the early days in Philadelphia to their championship runs in Oakland, the Athletics have consistently been home to legendary talents who left an indelible mark on the game. The top players in Athletics history represent the perfect blend of individual brilliance and team success.
Rickey Henderson, the all-time leader in stolen bases, redefined leadoff hitting with his unmatched speed and power. Jimmie Foxx, a dominant force in the 1930s, was one of the most prolific power hitters of his era, collecting three MVP awards during his Hall of Fame career. Lefty Grove, widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers ever, anchored the Athletics’ pitching staff during their early championship years.
These players, among others, embody the essence of the Athletics’ legacy: excellence, innovation, and a knack for rising to the occasion. By exploring the careers of these franchise cornerstones, we celebrate the athletes who not only shaped the team’s identity but also influenced the history of baseball itself.
Honorable mention includes: OFAl Simmons, SP Dennis Eckersley, 1B Mark McGwire, SP Rollie Fingers, & SS Bert Campaneris.
Here are the top 5 greatest Athletics players of all time. Create your own rankings below!
– 6x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, 1990 MVP, 1981 Gold Glove
– 5x MLB SB & 2x MLB Runs leader; 1989 WS Champ
– 1st in Runs Scored (1,270), BB (1,227), & SB (867) in A’s history
Rickey Henderson, often referred to as the “Man of Steal,” is widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball history. His record-breaking 1,406 stolen bases remain untouched, and his ability to combine speed and power was revolutionary. Henderson also brought significant power to the plate, hitting 297 career home runs and becoming a consistent force in the lineup.
A 10x All-Star and the 1990 AL MVP, Henderson was instrumental in leading the Athletics to their 1989 World Series victory. His longevity, consistency, and ability to dominate games at the top of the order solidified his place as one of the most impactful players in MLB history.
Rickey Henderson’s MLB records:
– Career SB (1,406) & Runs (2,295)
– HR (81) to leadoff a game
– Modern Era Season SB (130)
– Seasons of 20+/50+/80+ SB or 20+/40+/60+ Runs
– GP of 1/2/3/4 SB or 1+ Run (1,652)
– Career Hits (3,055) by LF [min 67% GP at LF]
pic.twitter.com/OBmChvlA3W— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) August 28, 2022
– 3x All-Star, 2x MVP, 2x WS Champ (1932 & 1933)
– 3x MLB HR, 2x MLB RBI, & 3x AL SLG leader
– 1st in OBP (.440), SLG (.640), & OPS (1.079) in A’s history
Jimmie Foxx, known as “The Beast,” was a cornerstone of the Athletics during their dominant run in the late 1920s and early 1930s. As a rare 3x MVP (1932, 1933, 1938), Foxx displayed extraordinary power and precision, leading the Athletics to back-to-back World Series championships in 1929 and 1930.
Over his career, he compiled an impressive .325 batting average and smashed 534 home runs, showcasing his unmatched offensive dominance. Foxx’s ability to excel under pressure made him a critical player in securing the Athletics’ legacy as a powerhouse during his era.
Jimmie Foxx’s #Athletics records:
– Career OBP (.440)
– Career OPS (1.079)
– Career SLG (.640)
– Season HR (58)
– Season RBI (169)
– Season TB (438)
– Season OPS (1.218)
– Season SLG (.749)pic.twitter.com/8XRpVuEgY1— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) December 3, 2022
– 6x All-Star, 1973 MVP, 3x WS Champ (consecutive)
– 2x AL Runs, 2x AL HR, & 2x AL OPS leader
– 3rd in career HR (269) in OAK history; #9 retired
Reggie Jackson, famously known as “Mr. October,” became a postseason legend during his tenure with the Athletics. His clutch hitting and flair for the dramatic were pivotal in leading the team to three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. Jackson’s power at the plate was unmatched, as evidenced by his 563 career home runs, many of which were hit during his time in an Athletics uniform.
As the 1973 World Series MVP, he cemented his status as a dominant force in playoff baseball. Jackson’s charisma and leadership made him the face of the franchise during one of its most successful eras and leaves him Athletics lore forever.
Reggie Jackson’s HOF resume:
– 14x All-Star
– 5x Champion
– 2x World Series MVP
– 2x Silver Slugger
– 1973 AL MVP
– 1969 MLB Runs Leader
– 4x AL HR Leader
– 3rd most HR (269) in A’s history
– #9 retired by #Atheltics
– #44 retired by #Yankees
pic.twitter.com/Mh26FFQfYD— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) May 19, 2021
– 6x All-Star, 1974 Cy Young, 3x WS Champ (consecutive)
– 1974 AL ERA (2.49) & WHIP (0.986) leader
– Top-5 in Ks (1,520), WHIP (1.126), & Wins (161) in OAK history
Catfish Hunter was a cornerstone of the Athletics’ dynasty in the 1970s, known for his consistency and durability on the mound. As the winner of the 1974 AL Cy Young Award, Hunter’s dominance was clear, achieving five consecutive 20-win seasons from 1971 to 1975.
He made history in 1968 by pitching a perfect game, a rare feat that demonstrated his precision and skill. A key contributor to the Athletics’ three straight World Series championships from 1972 to 1974, Hunter’s clutch performances in big moments made him an invaluable asset to the team’s success.
Catfish Hunter's HOF resume:
– 8x All-Star
– 5x World Series Champion
– 1974 AL Cy Young
– 2x MLB Wins & WHIP leader
– 1975 MLB IP (328) & CG (30) leader
– Only SP with 5+ WS titles & 20+ Win seasons in MLB history
– 1st # (27) retired by #Athleticspic.twitter.com/eqWOwBsx1m— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) November 1, 2022
– 1933 All-Star, 2x WS Champ (back-to-back), 1931 MVP
– 7x AL Ks, 5x AL ERA ,3x AL WHIP, & 3x MLB Wins leader
– 1st in W-L% (.712) & 2nd in Wins (195) in Oakland history
Lefty Grove was one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history as a driving force behind the Athletics’ success in the late 1920s and early 1930s. With 300 career wins and a remarkable 3.06 ERA, Grove established himself as a generational talent. His nine ERA titles and two Triple Crowns underscored his consistent excellence on the mound.
Grove played a crucial role in the Athletics’ back-to-back World Series victories in 1929 and 1930, delivering clutch performances that cemented his legacy. His fiery competitiveness and precise pitching made him an irreplaceable part of the team’s success.
#OTD in 1931, Lefty Grove improves to 31-3 as the @Athletics beat the Red Sox 9-4. No pitcher has won more games in a season since. https://t.co/KVOIPDX3Nn pic.twitter.com/ePH6fTqixJ
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) September 24, 2018
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