Charles O. Finley

Charles Finley
Birthdate 02/22/1918
Death Date 02/19/1996
Debut Year 1960
Year of Induction
Teams Athletics
Positions Executive, Owner

A strong proponent of the designated hitter rule, Charlie Finley ruled the Athletics from 1960-81 and saw his teams win three World Series titles.

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In the collection:

Finley moved the Athletics from Kansas City to Oakland and won 3 straight World Series

Finley moved the Athletics from Kansas City to Oakland and won 3 straight World Series

Charles Finley first made an offer to purchase the Philadelphia Athletics in 1954. Rebuffed in favor of Arnold Johnson, Finley bided his time until Johnson died in 1960. When Johnson’s estate sold the team, then located in Kansas City, Finley stepped forward. Once in control, Finley quickly ma
Only the Yankees and Finley's A's have won as many as three straight World Series titles

Only the Yankees and Finley's A's have won as many as three straight World Series titles

Based on his baseball accomplishments, Charles Finley warrants a plaque in Cooperstown. As team owner he controlled everything concerning his team. His guidance led the A’s to back-to-back-to-back World Series titles. The New York Yankees are the only other franchise to accomplish the feat. So
Charles Finley’s A’s won their first of three consecutive World Series in 1972

Charles Finley’s A’s won their first of three consecutive World Series in 1972

In the collection is this letter from Finley nemesis, baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn. The baseball chief gushes about his sport and how it crowns its champion. “The World Series is the premier event of American Sports. “No other event has been able to capture it’s special appeal or match its
Manager Williams guided the A's to the post season in all three of his seasons in Oakland

Manager Williams guided the A's to the post season in all three of his seasons in Oakland

Dick Williams piloted the Oakland A’s for only three years but won the World Series twice. Though three seasons might seem like a short stint, working for Athletics owner Charlie Finley made the time almost unbearable. After guiding the A’s to the title in 1973, Williams and Oakland beca
Both Finley and Dick Williams were passed over in 2003 Veterans Committee balloting

Both Finley and Dick Williams were passed over in 2003 Veterans Committee balloting

Players are first eligible for Hall of Fame consideration in a vote by the baseball writers. All others are subject to the Veterans Committee vote. Charles Finley appeared on the Veterans Committee multiple times. Though he had an outstanding career as owner and architect of the three-time champion
As late as the 1970s, big league players had roommates on the road

As late as the 1970s, big league players had roommates on the road

Jesus Alou and his brothers Matty and Felipe made history on September 15, 1963. The three men formed the starting outfield for the San Francisco Giants. Ten years later A’s owner Charles Finley signed Jesus to play across the bay in Oakland. The 15-year MLB veteran played 132 games over two season for Finley’s A’s.

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"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball…"

~Jacques Barzun, 1954