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

By Beau Adams

Jul 20, 1991; Oakland, CA, USA; Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics in action against his former team the New York Yankees at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 1991; Oakland, CA, USA; Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics in action against his former team the New York Yankees at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports /
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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)
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.

Next. The 4 players on the Yankees Mt. Rushmore. dark

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