Since moving from Kansas City to Oakland in 1968 the A’s have appeared in six different World Series. Here is a look at each of their World Series appearances
1972 vs. Cincinnati Reds. The Oakland A’s win the first two games of the series and would eventually take a three games to one series lead. But the Reds battle back to force a decisive game seven. In game seven the A’s win by a score of 3-2 to capture their first World Championship since moving to Oakland from Kansas City. Six of the seven games are decided by one run including all four Oakland wins. Gene Tenace is voted the MVP of the series with nine runs batted and four home runs which tied the World Series record for most home runs a series.
1973 vs. New York Mets. The A’s return to the World Series for the second year in a row, this time facing the New York Mets. The Mets would take a three games to two series lead but the A’s win the final two games to capture their second consecutive World Series title. Reggie Jackson is named most valuable player with a home run and six runs batted in. Oakland relief pitcher Darold Knowles becomes the first pitcher in World Series history to appear in all seven games.
1974 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers. The Oakland A’s advance to their third consecutive World Series where they face the Los Angels Dodgers in the first all California World Series. The A’s win the series in five games to capture their third consecutive World Series title. They become the first franchise to win three consecutive World Series since the New York Yankees won five in row from 1949-1953. Relief pitcher Rollie Fingers who had a win and two saves is the series MVP.
1988 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers. The Oakland A’s enter the 1988 World Series as heavy favorites but lose the series to the Dodgers in five games. The series is best remembered for the dramatic home run hit by Kirk Gibson of the Dodgers in game one. With the A’s one out away from winning game one Dennis Eckersley walks Mike Davis and Kirk Gibson who was not playing due to injuries in both legs was sent up to pitch hit. Gibson than hit one of the most improbable home runs in World Series history to give the Dodgers a game one victory. The A’s would not recover and would lose the series four game to one.
1989 vs. San Francisco Giants. The A’s advance to their second consecutive World Series a World Series that will forever be remembered for the earthquake that hit San Francisco prior to game three. The A’s easily won the first two games of the series in Oakland before the series shifted to San Francisco. Minutes before game three was to start an earthquake hit the San Francisco bay area causing massive destruction. Game three would be postponed and the series would not resume for another ten days. When the series resumes the A’s continued their dominance and easily won games three and four to sweep the series. The A’s never trailed in the series. Dave Stewart who won two games in the series and posted a 1.69 ERA is named the MVP. It is Oakland’s fourth World Series title.
1990. vs. Cincinnati Reds. The A’s return to the World Series for the third consecutive season. They are heavy favorites against the Reds but the Reds pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Series history and sweep the A’s in four games.
