The Oakland Athletics have a storied history dating back to their beginnings in Philadelphia in 1901. Over the decades, they have developed devoted fanbases and produced many baseball legends whose exploits have been commemorated on classic baseball cards. Here we will take an in-depth look at some of the most notable A’s players and periods featured prominently on vintage cards from the early 20th century up through the late 1980s.
One of the earliest dominant eras for the A’s franchise came in the 1910s and 1920s when legendary pitcher and manager Connie Mack led his “$100,000 Infield” teams to three World Series titles. Stars like Home Run Baker, Eddie Collins, and Frank “Home Run” Baker achieved heights of stardom during this time period. Their accomplishments live on through early 1910s and 1920s era tobacco cards from companies like T206, E90, and similar sets that showcase these Athletics heroes of yesteryear. Mack’s star players and teams from this golden age established the A’s as one of baseball’s premier franchises.
After years of struggles, the A’s reemerged as contenders in the 1930s behind legendary slugger Jimmie Foxx. Foxx put up jaw-dropping power numbers, including 58 home runs in 1932 to this day remains the National League single season record. His domination is best remembered on 1930s playings cards such as those from Goudey and Play Ball which featured colorful artwork capturing Foxx in his batting stance. The A’s failed to win it all during Foxx’s tenure, but he remains one of the franchise’s most prominent figures celebrated on cards.
The next great A’s dynasty arose following their move to Kansas City in 1955 and then to Oakland in 1968. Under legendary owner/general manager Charles O. Finley, the A’s fielded star-studded lineups that took home World Series championships in 1972, 1973, and 1974, establishing the franchise’s new identity on the west coast. Countless classic 1970s cards like those from Topps portray the swagger and success of this era’s A’s, with the colorful uniforms and personalities blending perfectly with the card aesthetics of the period. Stars like Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, Catfish Hunter, and Vida Blue made card collectors across America green with envy over Oakland’s prosperous times.
Some other exceptionally notable A’s featured prominently on 1970s/1980s cards include pitcher Vida Blue, who won the AL Cy Young and MVP awards in 1971 at age 21. His fiery fastball and motion are captured perfectly in his iconic 1971 Topps rookie card. First baseman/DH Reggie Jackson memorably blasted three home runs in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series, cementing his “October Hero” reputation. Topps and other companies propagated “Mr. October’s” popularity through many cards. Rickey Henderson set the all-time stolen base record in 1991 and his electric speed translated to eye-catching designs. Rollie Fingers’ pinpoint control as the dominant closer of the early 1970s earned him well-deserved cardboard recognition as well.
The A’s run of championships came to an end in the late 1970s, but they remained a competitive club into the 1980s behind stars like Henderson, pitcher Dave Stewart, and manager Tony La Russa. The late ’80s Topps sets feature many key players who kept the green and gold relevant, like Henderson, Stewrt, and young slugger Jose Canseco, who brought renewed nationwide interest to the franchise before shoulder injuries limited his career. The A’s fell on harder times afterwards but their history was cemented in baseball card collections nationwide.
Spanning nearly a century from their Philadelphia glory days to Oakland dynasties, the Athletics franchise produced numerous Hall of Famers and legions of other stars whose achievements on the diamond translated perfectly to compelling baseball card designs still prized in collections today. From Connie Mack’s $100,000 Infield to Reggie, Rollie, and Hurricane Hazel, green and gold shines bright on cardboard from the team’s classic eras. It’s no wonder loyal A’s fans hold Oakland’s rich history—and the classic cards that immortalize it—in such high regard. These pieces of baseball’s past ensure the Athletics’ place in the national pastime will never fade from memory.
