[Nick Soulis]

Series #58



1974 Oakland Athletics
Record: 90-72
Finish: World Champions
Manager: Al Dark
Ball Park: Oakland Coliseum
WAR Leader: Catfish Hunter (6.9)
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/1974.shtml

1933 Philadelphia Athletics
Record: 79-72
Finish: 3rd in AL
Manager: Connie Mack
Ball Park: Shibe Park
WAR Leader: Jimmie Foxx (9.0)
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHA/1933.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battle Of Philly Eras Goes To Oakland
Champion Club Lead By Blu No No Take Charge



Game 1
At Oakland Coliseum
1933 Philadelphia Athletics 4
1974 Oakland Athletics 5 (12 inn)
WP: R. Fingers (1-0) LP: G. Earnshaw (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Catfish Hunter (9 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 136 P)
1974 Athletics Lead Series 1-0

In a spectacular opener of the Best of Seven series between the 1974 Oakland Athletics and the 1933 Philadelphia Athletics, the '74 Athletics secured a thrilling 5-4 victory in 12 innings, taking a 1-0 series lead. The game was marked by a pitching duel between Oakland's Catfish Hunter and Philadelphia's Lefty Grove, who pitched 8.2 strong innings, leaving the game with a 4-4 tie. In the bottom of the 12th inning, with one out, Sal Bando delivered a game-winning sacrifice fly off George Earnshaw, propelling the Oakland 1974 Athletics to a walk-off triumph. Bando's heroics capped a game filled with drama and intensity, showcasing the resilience of the '74 Athletics. The series will continue tomorrow at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, with both teams eager to seize control of the championship quest. Catfish Hunter earned Player of the Game honors for his outstanding 9-inning performance, while the weather at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum featured clear skies and a temperature of 55 degrees. The game lasted nearly four hours, with an attendance of 19,251 witnessing the thrilling postseason clash.

Game 2
At Oakland Coliseum
1933 Philadelphia Athletics 0
1974 Oakland Athletics 4
WP: V. Blue (1-0) LP: J. Marcum (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Vida Blue (9 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K, 115)
1974 Athletics Lead Series 2-0
NO HITTER!

In a historic Game 2 of the Series between the 1974 Oakland Athletics and the 1933 Philadelphia Athletics, the '74 A's continued their dominance, securing a 4-0 victory to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The star of the night was Oakland's left-handed ace, Vida Blue, who pitched a spectacular no-hitter, leaving the Philadelphia 1933 Athletics baffled and hitless. Blue's masterful performance included 9 innings of shutout ball, facing 30 batters, allowing no hits, and striking out 9 while issuing 3 walks. The A's offense provided ample support, with Joe Rudi leading the way with a key 2-run double. The series now heads to Shibe Park in Philadelphia for Game 3, where the '74 Athletics aim to continue their impressive performance. The weather at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum featured clear skies and a temperature of 53 degrees, creating the perfect backdrop for this historic postseason contest. The game lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes, with an attendance of 19,317 witnessing Vida Blue etch his name into history with a memorable no-hit gem.

Game 3
At Shibe Park
1974 Oakland Athletics 3
1933 Philadelphia Athletics 7
WP: R. Mahaffey (1-0) LP: K. Holtzman (0-1)
HR: D. Williams (1), J. Foxx (1), R. Jackson (1)
POG: Dib Williams (2-4, HR, 2B, 5 RBI, R)
1974 Athletics Lead Series 2-1

In a pivotal Game 3 of the best-of-seven series between the 1933 Philadelphia Athletics and the 1974 Oakland Athletics, the 1933 Athletics emerged victorious with a 7-3 win at Shibe Park. Despite the 1974 Athletics taking an early lead with three runs in the fourth inning, the 1933 Athletics mounted a comeback. Shortstop Dib Williams played a crucial role in the victory, going 2-4 with a home run and a double, driving in five runs and scoring once. Williams had a key at-bat in the seventh inning, hitting a bases-clearing double that contributed to the decisive three-run inning. The win narrowed the series gap to 2-1 in favor of the 1974 Athletics. The next game is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Shibe Park in Philadelphia.

Game 4
At Shibe Park
1974 Oakland Athletics 4
1933 Philadelphia Athletics 0
WP: G. Abbott (1-0) LP: R. Walburg (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Glenn Abbott (7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, W)
1974 Athletics Lead Series 3-1

In a pivotal Game 4 of the World Series between the 1933 Philadelphia Athletics and the 1974 Oakland Athletics, the 1974 Athletics secured a commanding 3-1 series lead with a decisive 4-0 victory at Shibe Park. Pitcher Glenn Abbott delivered a masterful performance, tossing 7 shutout innings and keeping the potent 1933 Athletics lineup at bay. Reggie Jackson emerged as the offensive hero, driving in three crucial runs with a key 2-run double in the top of the fourth inning. The 1974 Athletics' defense also played a significant role, highlighted by an outfield assist from center fielder Billy North. With this win, the 1974 Athletics stand on the verge of a World Series triumph, needing just one more victory to clinch the championship. The series now shifts to Shibe Park for Game 5, where the 1933 Athletics face a daunting task in their quest to mount a comeback.

Game 5
At Shibe Park
1974 Oakland Athletics 5
1933 Philadelphia Athletics 1
WP: R. Fingers (2-0) LP: B. Dietrich (0-1)
HR: M. Cochrane (1), S. Band0 (1), R. Fingers (1)
POG: Catfish Hunter (7.2 IP< 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 94 P)


In a historic clash between baseball eras, the 1974 Oakland Athletics secured their first league championship with a resounding 5-1 victory over the 1933 Philadelphia Athletics in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series at Shibe Park. Catfish Hunter pitched a stellar 7.2 innings, allowing only one run and striking out six batters. Rollie Fingers closed out the game, maintaining the dominance of the 1974 A's pitching staff. The offensive highlights for the 1974 Athletics included a two-run home run by Sal Bando and a late surge with additional runs driven in by Bert Campaneris and Rollie Fingers. Reggie Jackson contributed significantly with a two-run home run and a double. Despite a home run from Mickey Cochrane in the sixth inning for the 1933 Athletics, it wasn't enough to overcome the pitching prowess of the 1974 A's. Manager Jim Smith expressed the overwhelming joy of winning the World Series, marking a momentous occasion for the franchise's history. The 1974 Athletics sealed the series 4-1, etching their name in baseball lore.

1974 Oakland Athletics WIn Series 4 Games To 1


Series MVP:

(.333, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .409 OBP, 1.020 OPS, 4 R, 2 2B)