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

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.