Rudi debuted for 19 Games in the organization’s final season in Kansas City, and he would infrequently play in the first two seasons in Oakland, as he was unable to get his Batting Average over .200. This changed in 1970 when the now powerful Oakland A's would see Rudi's numbers rise as the permanent Leftfielder, and he would bat .309.
Oakland began their run of post-season championships in 1972, where Rudi was the AL's leader in Hits (181) and Triples (9), and this combined with his 19 Home Runs and .305 Batting Average would see him go to his first All-Star Game, and he was second to Dick Allen in MVP voting. His production slipped in '73 during Oakland's second title, but in 1974, he was the American League Leader in Doubles (39), with a career-high 22 Home Runs, and was again the runner-up for the MVP, this time losing to Texas' Jeff Burroughs. This year, Rudi would also win his first of three straight Gold Gloves.
He would have 21 Home Runs in 1975 and was sold to Boston for pennies during the 1976 season as part of Oakland owner, Charlie Finlay's fire sale. The deal was voided, and Rudi returned to Oakland but left as a Free Agent at season's end to the California Angels.
He would come back in 1982 for one final season. Rudi would contribute 1,468 Hits with 179 Home Runs for the Athletics.
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