Who's Number Will The A's Retire Next?

[Chisox73]

I was thinking today at work,with the recent retirement of Reggie Jackson's #9,it got me to think,who would you like to see as the next Oakland Athletic to have thier number retired?

[Bucketfoot Al]

The Philadelphia Athletics are a huge part of Oakland Athletics history. That Jimmie Foxx has not had his number retired is unbelieveable. Other Philadelphia A's deserve consideration also; Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Mickey Cochrane.

But Jimmie Foxx should be the first of the Philadelphia A's to go in and the very next of any A's player added. I believe he wore #3 when he played for the Athletics as the early numbers were based on position (first base).

Foxx's numbers speak for themselves. There are several members of Jimmie's family that would love to attend such a ceremony I'm sure. While the A's are wise in being very selective about retiring numbers, this is a no brainer.

[Connie_Mack916]

The Philadelphia Athletics are a huge part of Oakland Athletics history. That Jimmie Foxx has not had his number retired is unbelieveable. Other Philadelphia A's deserve consideration also; Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Mickey Cochrane.

But Jimmie Foxx should be the first of the Philadelphia A's to go in and the very next of any A's player added. I believe he wore #3 when he played for the Athletics as the early numbers were based on position (first base).

Foxx's numbers speak for themselves. There are several members of Jimmie's family that would love to attend such a ceremony I'm sure. While the A's are wise in being very selective about retiring numbers, this is a no brainer.

I absolutely agree. The one thing the Oakland club does not do is acknowledge the Philadelphia legacy enough. I started out as a kid worshiping the A’s of the early 70’s but as I got older and read up on the complete history of the Athletics I came to revere the teams of the early 1900’s 20’s and 30’s. I would love to see a blue and white #3 on the outfield wall.

[westsidegrounds]

Not that sold on the whole idea of clubs covering the outfield walls with retired jerseys.

It's not a disgrace to not have your number retired.

[Zito75]

I gotta say the next OAKLAND A's player has to be McGwire. He's heading to the hall and has been out of the game for a while already. Since Henderson hasn't officially retired yet, his time will come, but after Big Mac's. Also, I am willing to bet that it's #24 for him. I can also see the Yanks retiring his number as well.

[Connie_Mack916]

Ok this may sound a little strange and it's hard to explain why I feel this way but....
I spent my 20ishs years (87 - 95) sharing season tickets along the first base side just on the home plate side of the visiting bull pin. I found my new hero then in McGwire. Here was this kid who hit the drinks out of passenger’s hands on flights leaving SF international. He did it quietly and with humility unlike the preceding rookie of the year and already big headed teammate Canseco. Later, as his personal life drifted efected his hitting I watched him become an exceptional glove man at the 3 spot winning the Golden Glove in 1990. He was always easy going and willing to talk with fans, at least during spring training and many times after batting practice which is when my wife and I had a few occasions to exchange a few words with him. Once in spring training in 91 I mentioned in passing while he was signing autographs with some kids that I thought the Golden Glove was bigger than his rookie HR record and congratulated him. He finished up with the kids and walked over to us and said "I just wanted to thank you for saying that to me. I'm very proud of it"
What I'm getting to with this is McGwire in my mind is one of the all time greatest. Not just for his bat and sometimes glove, but as much so for the quiet grace and humility he showed throughout his career. Even in the final act of retirement he was doing what was right for the game.

But I some how feel if asked he would choose not to have his number retired in either St Louis or Oakland. He wouldn't care, at least not yet. He has only appeared in St Louis once since retiring and only attended the All-Star game because of the 500 home run club celebration. He appears to be close to taking a shot at the PGA tour and couldn’t seem happier to not be apart of the game. I would not want him to have to answer the endless questions about Andro while having his number retired. Maybe it is for this reason most that I feel to wait another 5-10 years would make more sense.

Besides look how long it took for Reggie to get his number retired and were talking mister October. World Series MVP 1973. I think he did ok in the WS with New York as well.

[westsidegrounds]

They could retire a dark grey suit jacket in honor of Mr Mack.

[The Dude]

THe first Athletic should be FOxx, then Grove, then Cochrane, then McGwire.

It's a shame they don't have more retired numbers. They're in a head-2-head combat with the Yanks for the greatest All-Time Team.

[tmc_6882]

I'm only counting Oakland players:
5. Jose Canseco
4. Vida Blue
3. Mark McGwire
2. Dennis Eckersley
1. Rickey Henderson

[Connie_Mack916]

Among the players only from the Oakland Era....
The individuals who’s #'s I would most like to see retired are those who made others around them better and provided leadership that lead to rings. These names are in no particular order but stand out in my memory as individuals who’s actions both on and off the field were keys to success.

Rickey Henderson
Mark McGwire
Carney Lansford
Bert Campaneris

Vida Blue
Dennis Eckersley
Dave Stewart

Just in case anyone thinks Carney Lansford is an odd choice
1989 OPS = .803 / OPS with A's = .747 / Lifetime OPS= .753
Take that and add his leadership skills and his personality and you get one of my all time favorite players to put on a Athletics uniform.

[PoloGroundsKid]

Bert Campaneris was the sparkplug of the A's teams that won five straight division titles and three World Series in the 1970s. Didn't have the ego or talent of Reggie, but he played a heck of a shortstop, stole a ton of bases and got more than his share of timely hits.

[Connie_Mack916]

Pologrounds tell me you actually spent time in that park. Just lie to me and say "yea I grew up taking the train up to the Pologround and I can still smell it today" I agree! Campy played the game the right way. That’s all that need be said.

[The Kid]

[QUOTE=Bucketfoot Al]The Philadelphia Athletics are a huge part of Oakland Athletics history. That Jimmie Foxx has not had his number retired is unbelieveable. Other Philadelphia A's deserve consideration also; Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Mickey Cochrane.

Grove and Foxx are red sox. period.

[soberdennis]

[QUOTE=Bucketfoot Al]The Philadelphia Athletics are a huge part of Oakland Athletics history. That Jimmie Foxx has not had his number retired is unbelieveable. Other Philadelphia A's deserve consideration also; Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Mickey Cochrane.

Grove and Foxx are red sox. period.
Nothing like reopening a 2 year old poll. But I agree with everything you said.
As for the choices in the poll, I'd say Rickey.

[Catfish27]

The A's policy is to only retire those players inducted into the Hall of Fame. Given the cloud on McGwire due to steroids, I'd say that Rickey Henderson is the best candidate. My guess is they'd retire #24 rather than #35. Rickey wore #35 when he broke in, but wore #24 most of his career.

Cochrane, Foxx, Grove, and Simmons were among the all-time best, but I don't see the A's retroactively retiring any of the players numbers from Philadelphia.