Charles O. 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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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 made changes.
He built the farm system that produced Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers. He also drafted or signed all stars Vida Blue, Gene Tenace, Sal Bando, and Joe Rudi. As the de facto general manager of his team, Finley made the A’s competitive.
In every facet of his team, Finley was in charge. His A’s made the postseason each year from 1971-1975, and won the consecutive World Series from ’72-’74.
In the collection is this personal check signed by owner of the three-time World Champion Oakland Athletics, Charles O. Finley.
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 what’s keeping Finley out of the Hall of Fame?
According to his SABR biography, “Nearly everyone, including fellow owners, players, the fans of his teams, the media, and the baseball commissioner, disliked or even despised him.”
When his team lost, he blamed everyone but himself. When they won, he was apt to call the radio booth during the game if his name was not mentioned often enough. He was a self-made millionaire who, in the words of sportswriter Jim Murray, “worshipped his creator.”
In the collection is the first of two handwritten letter in which Dick Williams opines about Athletics owner Charlie Finley. Williams writes, “I was the first manager he had to go longer than one year with him — I managed three years and won division championships all three years plus two World Series Championships. Three years was long enough!”.
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 magnificent history.”
Kuhn later writes of the 1971 seven-game thriller. His final sentence alludes to the first of the Finley championships.
“To our loyal fans, I dedicate the 1972 World Series.”
Finley’s A’s won the first of their three consecutive Fall Classic titles in ’72.
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 became baseball’s first repeat champs since the 1961-1962 Yankees. Despite this, Williams resigned at the end of the season.
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 Oakland A’s, he’s always fallen short.
In 2003 both Finley and his manager of three years Dick Williams appeared on the committee’s ballot. Though both men fell short that year, Williams was eventually inducted in 2008.
In this letter from 2003, Williams writes about the Hall of Fame chances for himself and for Charlie Finley. Williams adheres to Margaret Atwood’s advice, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
“Mr. Finley is one of fifteen baseball people to be considered for the Hall of Fame this year at the managerial and executive level. I am also one who is considered. The vote was due by the 26th of Jan. and will be announced Feb. 27. Other than that I shouldn’t say anything else.”
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.
Back in the 1970s Major League players actually had roommates on the road. In the collection is a supplemental contract for Jesus Alou to have a room all to himself on the road for the 1974 season.
Of course the money for the room is to come out of Alou’s paycheck. The document is signed by Alou, Finley, and American League president Lee MacPhail.
