Although the Athletics have only played in Oakland since 1968, the long-standing franchise actually goes back to 1901.  In their 100+ years of existence, the Athletics have been talented enough to win baseball’s most prestigious championship, the World Series, 9 times.  It was not until the 1970s that a World Series victory would come to the Athletics in the city Oakland.

On this day, October 22nd, in 1972, the Oakland A’s won their first World Series.  The 1972 World Series came down to the wire with all seven games becoming necessary.  The A’s began the series winning three of the first four games, but their opponent, the Cincinnati Reds, rallied back with two consecutive wins.  Game 7 was decided by a one run margin with a final score of 3-2.

The Oakland A’s 1972 World Series victory was especially impressive, because it was done without their star player, Reggie Jackson. Gene Tenace was named the World Series’ Most Valuable Player.