Franchise Timeline

1970 - Oakland uses gold-colored bases during the club's home opener. The Rules Committee subsequently bans this innovation.

1971 - The city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania declare a legal holiday to honor the A's manager on Connie Mack Day at Shibe Park. The Orioles overcome 2 Reggie Jackson HRs to complete a sweep of Oakland in the LCS with a 5-3 victory.

1972 - The A's win the first of three World Series, with the surprise hero of Gene Tenace, who became the first player to homer in his first two WS at-bats, earning him the MVP trophy. They defeated Cincinnati Reds in a seven game series.

1973 - Catfish Hunter throws a 5-hitter as Oakland wins 3-0 to take the AL flag. The A's beat the New York Mets in the World Series, 4-3, with Reggie Jackson taking MVP honors.

1974 - Joe Rudi hits Dodgers Mike Marshall's first pitch for a homer to give the the A's a third 3-2 win in the five-game series and clinch a third straight World Championship for the team. Dick Green, the A's second baseman, put on a brilliant defensive exhibition throughout the five-game Series and Rollie Fingers was named the Series MVP.

1976 - The A's trade prospective free agents Reggie Jackson and Ken Holtzman, together with a minor league pitcher, to the Orioles.

1977 - Rickey Henderson of the Modesto A's (California League) steals 7 bases to tie the minor league record. Henderson will steal 95 in 134 games.

1978 - The U.S. Court of Appeals upholds an earlier court decision in support of Commissioner Kuhn's voiding of attempted player sales by A's owner Charlie Finley in June 1976. Finley's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court will be rejected on October 2nd.

1979 - At Oakland, only 653 fans show up to watch the A's beat the Mariners 6-5.