Most fans in Oakland likely didn't notice when they signed Dave Stewart in May of 1986, as he was cast off from Philadelphia, who had released him earlier.  It didn't take them long to notice him after.  Adding a forkball to his repertoire, Stewart finished the season 9-5, and he would then embark on a four-year run where he was the workhorse of the American League.

Rube Walberg holds the dubious distinction of serving up the most home runs to Babe Ruth with 17.  That might seem like a strange way to open, but remember the Athletics thought enough of him to keep putting him on the mound.

Eric Chavez may not have been chosen for an All-Star team over his long career, but in his prime, he was one of the better all-around Third Basemen in the American League.  That prime was with the Oakland A’s.

When the Chicago Cubs traded Dennis Eckersley in 1987 to the Oakland A’s, this was considered a demotion, or even a last chance of sorts.  “Eck” had been a starter in the Majors since 1975, and he had made two All-Star Games, but his alcoholism was threatening to take him out.  Oakland’s Manager, Tony LaRussa, envisioned him as a set-up man, which Is the role he took until Jay Howell, their existing closer got hurt.  Eckersley took on that new position, and it would eventually put him into the Baseball Hall of Fame.