Five of the A's luminaries in the Baseball Hall of Fame have enjoyed the honor of having their number retired by the organization.
That select roster is impressive: Dennis Eckersley, Rollie Fingers, Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, Reggie Jackson and Dave Stewart. Yet, it's also quite exclusive for a club with such a storied history in the game.
B-T: R-R
HT: 6' 2" WT: 200
BORN: February 19, 1957 in Oakland, CA
YEARS WITH THE A's: 1986-92
NUMBER RETIRED: September 11, 2022
Notable Facts:
Dave Stewart's famous "Death Stare" was nearly as merciless as his pitching. He won 20 games in four consecutive seasons from 1987 to 1990 and recorded two wins in the 1989 World Series, earning MVP honors in the A's sweep of the Giants. Stewart was an All-Star in 1989. The Oakland native takes great pride in his community and charitable involvement. In 1990, he was named Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Award winner, honoring the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual's contribution to his team. To honor his commitment to the community, the A's created the Dave Stewart Community Award that annually recognizes an A's player for his charitable contributions in the Bay Area and nationwide.
B-T: R-L
HT: 5' 10" WT: 190
BORN: December 25, 1958 in Chicago, IL
YEARS WITH THE A's: 1979-84, 1989-95, 1998
NUMBER RETIRED: August 1, 2009
Notable Facts:
Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner. He holds the major league records for career stolen bases, runs scored, unintentional walks, and leadoff home runs. In addition to the career steals record, Henderson also holds the single-season record for stolen bases (130 in 1982) and is the only player in AL history to steal 100 bases in a season, having done so three times. Henderson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
B-T: R-R
HT: 6' 2" WT: 190
BORN: October 3, 1954 in Oakland, CA
YEARS WITH THE A's: 1988-92
NUMBER RETIRED: August 13, 2005
Notable Facts:
Dennis Eckersley blazed a unique path to the Hall of Fame that most likely will never be repeated, beginning his career as a highly-touted starting pitcher before transforming into arguably the best closer the game has ever see. From 1988 to 1992, Eck averaged 44 saves a season and helped the A's to four American League West crowns, three AL pennants and a World Series title in 1989. The six-time All-Star ended his 24-year major league career with a record of 197-171 to go along with 390 saves and a 3.50 ERA.
B-T: L-L
HT: 6' 0" WT: 200
BORN: May 18, 1946 in Wyncote, PA
YEARS WITH THE A's: 1968-75, 1987
NUMBER RETIRED: 2004
From his Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque:
"Exciting performer who played for 11 division winners and found special success in World Series spotlight with 10 home runs, 24 RBI's and .357 batting average in 27 games. In the 1977 Series, hit record five homers, four of them consecutive, including three in one game on three first pitches off three different hurlers. Mammoth clout marked 1971 All-Star Game. 563 homers rank sixth on all-time list. A.L. MVP, 1973."
B-T: R-R
HT: 6' 4" WT: 195
BORN: August 25, 1946 in Steubenville, OH
YEARS WITH THE A's: 1968-76
NUMBER RETIRED: 1993
From his Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque:
"Career epitomized emergence of modern-day relief ace as he approached legendary status with consistent excellence coming out of bullpen. Relied upon sinking fast ball to become all-time Major League leader with 341 career saves. Appeared in 16 World Series games for Oakland, winning two and saving six. AL MVP and Cy Young Awardee in 1981."
B-T: R-R
HT: 6' 0" WT: 195
BORN: April 8, 1946 in Hertford, NC
DIED: September 9, 1999
YEARS WITH THE A's: 1965-74
NUMBER RETIRED: June 9, 1991
From his Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque:
"The bigger the game, the better he pitched. One of Baseball's most dominant pitchers from 1970-76, winning over 20 five straight times. Compiled 224-166 mark with 3.26 ERA before arm trouble ended career at age 33. Hurled perfect game vs. Twins in 1968. 1974 AL Cy Young Award winner. 5-3 in 12 World Series games."
Notable Facts:
The nickname "Catfish" was invented by A's owner Charlie Finley, who made up a story for the media about Hunter catching fish in the backwoods creeks of North Carolina.
B-T: R-R
HT: 5' 11" WT: 204
BORN: January 31, 1919 in Cairo, GA
DIED: October 24, 1972
YEARS WITH THE BROOKLYN DODGERS: 1947-56
NUMBER RETIRED: 1997
From his Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque:
"Leading N.L. batter in 1949. Holds fielding mark for second baseman playing in 150 or more games with .992. Led N.L. in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949. Most Valuable Player in 1949. Lifetime batting average .311. Joint record holder for most double plays by second baseman, 137 in 1951. Led second baseman in double plays 1949-50-51-52."
Notable Facts:
In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American man to play in the Major Leagues.
BORN: 1916
DIED: September 20, 1995
YEARS WITH THE A's: 1980-95
NUMBER RETIRED: Honorary jersey retired in 1995
Notable Facts:
One of the most beloved owners in the history of the Athletics organization, Walter A. Haas, Jr. purchased the A's from Charles O. Finley in 1980, saving the team from potentially moving out of the area. During his 15-year ownership period, the A's won one World Championship (1989) and captured three consecutive American League pennants (1988-90). The team broke franchise attendance records in each of those seasons, attracting a record 2.9 million fans to the Coliseum in 1990. Long considered one of the top business and civic leaders in the United States, Haas headed some of the finest corporations in the country, including Levi Strauss, Bank of America, United Air Lines and the Pacific Telephone Company.
