Oakland Athletics: The 4 legends on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

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The Oakland Athletics, a team with a rich history and a legacy of success, has seen many legendary players grace their roster over the years. From the early dominance of the 70s to the late 80s era, the A’s have had their fair share of ups and downs. While the team may be best known for their portrayal in the movie “Moneyball,” the true greatness of the franchise extends well before the Billy Beane era.

The Oakland Athletics Mount Rushmore is a testament to the rich history and success of the franchise. These players, with their exceptional performances, leadership, and impact on the team’s success, embody the spirit of the Oakland Athletics and are forever etched in the hearts of the fans.

While other players may have come close to securing a spot on the Mount Rushmore, the contributions of these four legends are truly unparalleled. The legacy they left behind will forever be celebrated in the annals of baseball history. Lets explore the players who deserve a spot on the Oakland Athletics Mount Rushmore, celebrating their contributions, achievements, and impact on the team’s history.

OAKLAND, CA – MAY 1: Outfielder Rickey Henderson #24 of the Oakland Athletics steals third base against the New York Yankees during a Major League Baseball game May 1, 1991 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The stolen base was 939 for Henderson breaking the record of 938 held by former St. Louis Cardinal Lou Brock. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Rickey Henderson: A known thief for the Oakland Athletics

Position: Outfield

Career: 1979-2003

Years with Athletics: 1979-1984, 1989-1995, 1998

Primary Stats: .279 batting average, 297 home runs, 2295 Runs, 1115 RBI, 1406 stolen bases

Accolades: HOF, AL MVP, 10-time All-Star, 3 Silver Slugger, Gold Glove

Rickey Henderson, often hailed as the best base stealer of all time, is undoubtedly a player deserving of a place on the Oakland Athletics Mount Rushmore. Henderson’s love for the A’s and dedication to the team is evident, as he even advocated for the construction of their new stadium.

During his time with the A’s, Henderson accumulated an impressive 68.6 fWAR, the highest of any player in Oakland history. His record-breaking 1406 stolen bases stands in a league of its own, making him a true force on the base paths. Henderson’s remarkable career .401 OBP and incredible speed made him a nightmare for pitchers to contend with.

Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Athletics’ 1989 World Series win and was named the ALCS MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, with his number 24 retired by the team, Rickey Henderson is undoubtedly among the greatest A’s of all time.

“You have to keep running. I always believed I was going to be safe.” – Rickey Henderson

OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 15, 1974: Picher Jim “Catfish” Hunter #27 of the Oakland Athletics pitches to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 1974 World Series at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 1974 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Herb Scharfman/Sports Imagery/Getty Images) /

Catfish Hunter: Dominance on the mound

Position: Starting Pitcher

Career: 1965-1979

Years with Athletics: 1965-1974

Primary Stats: 224 Wins, 3.26 ERA, 2012 SO,

Accolades: HOF, AL Cy Young, 8-time All-Star

Jim “Catfish” Hunter, the first player to have his number retired by the A’s, was an integral part of the powerhouse Athletics in the 1970s. His exceptional performance on the mound earned him the honor of having an award named after him, given to the team’s most inspirational player.

Hunter’s four consecutive 20-win seasons as a member of the Athletics, coupled with his 3.06 ERA and 27.3 fWAR, solidify his place in Oakland history. In 1968, during the team’s first season in Oakland, he threw the ninth-ever perfect game in baseball history.

Hunter’s dominance and durability played a crucial role in the A’s winning three consecutive World Series titles, with an impressive 50 complete games during the regular season from 1972 to 1974.

Left to right, Hornsby and Wilson of the Chicago Cubs and Simmons and Foxx of the Athletics. (Photo by George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Jimmie Foxx: Hard-hitting first base beast

Position: First Baseman

Career: 1925-1945

Years with Athletics: 1925-1935, 45

Primary Stats: .325 batting average, 534 home runs, 1922 RBI, 2646 Hits

Accolades: HOF, 3-time MVP, 9-time All-Star, 1933 AL Triple-Crown

Jimmie Foxx signed his first professional contract with the Easton minor league club and made his major league debut before the end of his junior year in high school. Despite his talent, he was initially blocked at the catcher position by another future Hall of Famer, Mickey Cochrane.

Hall of Famer Rick Ferrell noted that Foxx had the potential to be a great catcher if it hadn’t been for Cochrane. He finally earned regular playing time at first base in 1929, leading the Athletics to two consecutive World Series titles. Foxx was one of the most prolific offensive forces in the majors, with 12 30-home run seasons and 13 100-RBI seasons, and he won three MVP Awards and was selected to nine All-Star teams. He would go on to win back-to-back MVP awards in 1932-33 as a member of the Philadelphia A’s and teamed with Al Simmons as a feared 1-2 punch in the lineup almost equal to Ruth-Gehrig

He was known as “The Beast” due to his powerful right-handed swing, but he was also known for his kind and generous nature. Foxx was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1951 and then went on to manage the Fort Wayne Daisies in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1952.

Hall of Fame hurler Lefty Gomez recalled a home run hit off of him by Foxx in 1937 that was so powerful it was mistaken for a white object on the moon. Foxx passed away on July 21, 1967.

“If I were catching blindfolded, I’d always know when it was (Jimmie) Foxx who connected. He hit the ball harder than anyone else.” – Bill Dickey

OAKLAND, CA – MAY 25: President David Kaval of the Oakland Athletics presents Sal Bando and Ken Holtzman as members of the Athletics 50th Anniversary Team during a pregame ceremony prior to the game between the Athletics and the Arizona Diamondbacks at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum on May 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Diamondbacks defeated the Athletics 7-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

Sal Bando: The A’s captain and leader

Position: Third Baseman

Career: 1966-1981

Years with Athletics: 1966-1976

Primary Stats: .255 batting average, 242 home runs, 1039 RBI, 197 stolen bases

Accolades: 4-time All-Star, 3-time World Series winner

Sal Bando, with the second-highest fWAR (47.5) in Oakland Athletics history, was an integral part of the team’s success during their three World Series wins in the early 70s. Bando’s leadership and exceptional playing ability solidified the A’s as a formidable force in the league.

With his presence at third base and alongside shortstop Bert Campaneris, the left side of the infield was locked down. While Bando’s offensive numbers may not have been as impressive as those of Reggie Jackson or Rickey Henderson, he maintained an above-average 129 wRC+ and slashed .255/.359/.418.

Sal Bando’s impact on the team and his association with the most dominant teams in A’s history secure him the final spot on Mount Rushmore.

Honorable Mentions: The Legends Who Almost Made It

While they may not have secured a spot on the Oakland Athletics Mount Rushmore, several players deserve honorable mentions for their contributions to the team’s history.

From Vida Blue to Connie Mack, the iconic manager who led the Athletics to numerous championships, Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire, the power-hitting sluggers known as the Bash Brothers. Dennis Eckersley and Rollie Fingers, two dominant closers, played a significant role in the team’s success. Their contributions, though not enough to secure a spot on the Mount Rushmore, should not be overlooked when celebrating the legends of the Oakland Athletics.

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