1988 Oakland Athletics season

Last updated

1988  Oakland Athletics
American League Champions
American League West Champions
League American League
Division West
Ballpark Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum
City Oakland, California
Record104–58 (.642)
Divisional place1st
Owners Walter A. Haas Jr.
General managers Sandy Alderson
Managers Tony La Russa
Television KPIX/KICU-TV
(Monte Moore, Ray Fosse)
Radio KSFO
(Bill King, Lon Simmons, Ray Fosse)
KNTA
(Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, Evilio Mendoza)
←  1987 Seasons 1989  →

The 1988 Oakland Athletics season was the 88th season for the Oakland Athletics franchise, all as members of the American League, and their 21st season in Oakland. The Athletics won their first American League West title since 1981, with a record of 104 wins and 58 losses (the best record in the La Russa era). In 1988, the elephant was restored as the symbol of the Athletics and currently adorns the left sleeve of home and road uniforms. The elephant was retired as team mascot in 1963 by then-owner Charles O. Finley in favor of a Missouri mule. The A's defeated the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS, but lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, including a dramatic, classic walk-off home run by the Dodgers' Kirk Gibson in game one.

Contents

1988 was the first of three straight years the A's would represent the AL in the World Series.

Offseason

Regular season

José Canseco led the American League with 42 home runs, 124 RBIs and a .569 slugging percentage. Canseco became the first member of the Athletics to have three straight 100 RBI seasons. He also had 40 stolen bases and became the first major leaguer ever to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season.

Season standings

AL West
Team W L Pct. GB Home Road
Oakland Athletics 10458.642—54‍–‍2750‍–‍31
Minnesota Twins 9171.5621347‍–‍3444‍–‍37
Kansas City Royals 8477.52219½44‍–‍3640‍–‍41
California Angels 7587.4632935‍–‍4640‍–‍41
Chicago White Sox 7190.44132½40‍–‍4131‍–‍49
Texas Rangers 7091.43533½38‍–‍4332‍–‍48
Seattle Mariners 6893.42235½37‍–‍4431‍–‍49

Record vs. opponents

1988 American League record

Sources:
TeamBALBOSCALCWSCLEDETKCMILMINNYYOAKSEATEXTOR
Baltimore —4–95–74–74–95–80–124–93–93–104–87–56–65–8
Boston 9–4—8–47–58–56–76–610–37–59–43–96–68–42–11
California 7–54–8—9–48–45–75–83–94–96–64–96–78–56–6
Chicago 7–45–74–9—3–93–97–66–64–93–95–89–48–57–5
Cleveland 9–45–84–89–3—4–96–69–45–76–74–85–76–66–7
Detroit 8–57–67–59–39–4—8–45–81–118–54–89–38–45–8
Kansas City 12–06–68–56–76–64–8—3–97–66–68–57–57–64–8
Milwaukee 9–43–109–36–64–98–59–3—7–56–73–98–48–47–6
Minnesota 9–35–79–49–47–511–16–75–7—3–95–88–57–67–5
New York 10–34–96–69–37–65–86–67–69–3—6–65–75–66–7
Oakland 8–49–39–48–58–48–45–89–38–56–6—9–48–59–3
Seattle 5–76–67–64–97–53–95–74–85–87–54–9—6–75–7
Texas 6–64–85–85–86–64–86–74–86–76–55–87–6—6–6
Toronto 8–511–26–65–77–68–58–46–75–77–63–97–56–6—

Notable Transactions

Roster

1988 Oakland Athletics
Roster
PitchersCatchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Other batters

Manager

Coaches

Player stats

= Indicates team leader

Batting

Starters by position

Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

PosPlayerGABHAvg.HRRBI
RF José Canseco 158610187.30742124
CF Dave Henderson 146507154.3042494
3B Carney Lansford 150556155.279757
1B Mark McGwire 155550143.2603299
C Ron Hassey 10732383.257745
2B Glenn Hubbard 10529475.255333
SS Walt Weiss 147452113.250339
DH Don Baylor 9226458.220734
LF Luis Polonia 8428884.292227

Other batters

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs, RBI = Runs batted in

PlayerGABHAvg.HRRBI
Stan Javier 125397102.257235
Dave Parker 10137797.2571255
Terry Steinbach 10435193.265951
Mike Gallego 12927758.209220
Tony Phillips 7921243.203217
Doug Jennings 7110121.208115
Orlando Mercado 16243.12511
Matt Sinatro 1093.33305
Félix José 862.33301
Lance Blankenship 1030.00000
Ed Jurak 310.00000

Pitching

Starting pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

PlayerGGSIPWLERASO
Dave Stewart 3737275.221123.23192
Bob Welch 3636244.21793.64158
Storm Davis 3333201.21673.70127
Curt Young 2626156.11184.1469
Todd Burns 1714102.2823.1657
Steve Ontiveros 101054.2344.6130
Rich Bordi 227.2014.706

Other pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

PlayerGIPWLERASO
Dave Otto 310.0001.807

Relief pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

PlayerGWLSVERASO
Dennis Eckersley 6042452.3570
Greg Cadaret 585232.8964
Rick Honeycutt 553273.5047
Gene Nelson 549633.0667
Eric Plunk 497253.0079
Jim Corsi 110103.8010
Jeff Shaver 10000.000

ALCS

Game 1

October 5, Fenway Park

Team123456789RHE
Oakland000100100260
Boston000000100160
W: Rick Honeycutt (1-0)   L: Bruce Hurst (0-1)  S: Dennis Eckersley (1)
HR: OAK– José Canseco (1)

Game 2

October 6, Fenway Park

Team123456789RHE
Oakland0000003014101
Boston000002100341
W: Gene Nelson (1-0)   L: Lee Smith (0-1)  S: Dennis Eckersley (2)
HR: OAK– José Canseco (2)   BOS– Rich Gedman (1)

Game 3

October 8, Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum

Team123456789RHE
Boston3200001006120
Oakland04201012X10151
W: Gene Nelson (2-0)   L: Mike Boddicker (0-1)  S: Dennis Eckersley (3)
HR: OAK– Mark McGwire (1)   Carney Lansford (1)  Ron Hassey (1)   Dave Henderson (1)  BOS– Mike Greenwell (1)

Game 4

October 9, Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum

Team123456789RHE
Boston000001000140
Oakland10100002X4101
W: Dave Stewart (1-0)   L: Bruce Hurst (0-2)  S: Dennis Eckersley (4)
HR: OAK– José Canseco (3)

World Series

NL Los Angeles Dodgers (4) vs. AL Oakland Athletics (1)

GameScoreDateLocationAttendanceTime of Game
1A's – 4, Dodgers – 5October 15 Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles)55,9833:04
2A's – 0, Dodgers – 6October 16 Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles)56,0512:30
3Dodgers – 1, A's – 2October 18 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum (Oakland)49,3163:21
4Dodgers – 4, A's – 3October 19 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum (Oakland)49,3173:05
5Dodgers – 5, A's – 2October 20 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum (Oakland)49,3172:51

Awards and honors

All-Star Game

Farm system

LevelTeamLeagueManager
AAA Tacoma Tigers Pacific Coast League Brad Fischer
AA Huntsville Stars Southern League Tommie Reynolds
A Modesto A's California League Jeff Newman
A Madison Muskies Midwest League Jim Nettles
A-Short Season Southern Oregon A's Northwest League Lenn Sakata
Rookie AZL Athletics Arizona League Dave Hudgens

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jose Canseco</span> Cuban baseball player (born 1964)

José Canseco Capas Jr. is a Cuban-American former professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). During his time with the Oakland Athletics, he established himself as one of the premier power hitters in the game. He won the Rookie of the Year (1986), and Most Valuable Player award (1988), and was a six-time All-Star. Canseco is a two-time World Series champion with the Oakland Athletics (1989) and the New York Yankees (2000).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1988 World Series</span> 85th edition of Major League Baseballs championship series

The 1988 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 1988 season. The 85th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff played between the American League (AL) champion Oakland Athletics and the National League (NL) champion Los Angeles Dodgers, with the Dodgers upsetting the heavily favored Athletics to win the Series in five games to win their sixth championship.

The 1986 New York Yankees season was the 84th season for the Yankees. The team finished with a record of 90–72, finishing in second-place, 5.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox. New York was managed by Lou Piniella. The Yankees played at Yankee Stadium.

The 2000 New York Yankees season was the 98th season for the Yankees. New York was managed by Joe Torre. The team finished first in the American League East with a record of 87–74, 2.5 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox, after losing 15 of their final 18 games, including their last 7. Despite having the lowest winning percentage of any postseason qualifier in 2000, the Yankees won the World Series over the New York Mets in 5 games to win their 26th World Series title. They are, as of 2025, the last team to win World Series titles in consecutive years.

The 1995 Texas Rangers season was the 35th of the Texas Rangers franchise overall, their 24th in Arlington as the Rangers, and their 2nd season at The Ballpark in Arlington. The Rangers finished third in the American League West with a record of 74 wins and 70 losses. They also hosted the 1995 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1992 Texas Rangers season</span> Major League Baseball team season

The 1992 Texas Rangers season was the 32nd of the Texas Rangers franchise overall, their 21st in Arlington as the Rangers, and the 21st season at Arlington Stadium. The Rangers finished fourth in the American League West with a record of 77 wins and 85 losses.

The Oakland Athletics' 1997 season was the 97th season in franchise history. The team finished fourth in the American League West with a record of 65–97.

The Oakland Athletics' 1992 season was the team's 25th in Oakland, California. It was also the 92nd season in franchise history. The team finished first in the American League West with a record of 96–66.

The Oakland Athletics' 1991 season was the team's 24th in Oakland, California. It was also the 91st season in franchise history. The team finished fourth in the American League West with a record of 84–78.

The Oakland Athletics' 1990 season was their 23rd season in Oakland, California and the 90th in franchise history. The team finished first in the American League West with a record of 103 wins 59 losses.

The 1989 Oakland Athletics season was the 89th season for the Oakland Athletics franchise, all as members of the American League, and their 22nd season in Oakland. The Athletics finished the season in first place in the American League West, with a record of 99 wins and 63 losses, seven games in front of the Kansas City Royals. Oakland dominated the American League, earning their second consecutive AL West title, as well as marking the second straight year in which they finished with the best record in all of baseball. A's pitcher Dave Stewart recorded his third straight season of earning 20 or more wins while Rickey Henderson put on a dazzling offensive performance in the postseason as he approached the prospects of landing a three million dollar contract for the following season. The team defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in five games in the ALCS, then swept their cross-Bay rivals, the San Francisco Giants, in an earthquake-marred World Series. The Athletics looked to be a future dynasty by the close of the 1989 season.

The 1987 Oakland Athletics season was the 87th season for the Oakland Athletics franchise, all as members of the American League, and their 20th season in Oakland. The Athletics finished third in the American League West with a record of 81 wins and 81 losses. Mark McGwire set a rookie record by hitting 49 home runs. At the beginning of the season, the word "Athletics" returned, in script lettering, to the front of the team's jerseys. Former A's owner, Charles O. Finley banned the word "Athletics" from the club's name in the past because he felt that name was too closely associated with former Philadelphia Athletics owner Connie Mack. In his first full Major League season, Mark McGwire hit 49 home runs, a single-season record for a rookie; he was named the American League Rookie of the Year. McGwire would be the first American League rookie since Al Rosen of the Cleveland Indians in 1950 to lead the American League in home runs. The 1987 season also saw the return of Reggie Jackson to Oakland.

The 1986 Oakland Athletics season was the 86th season for the Oakland Athletics franchise, all as members of the American League, and their 19th season in Oakland. The Athletics finished third in the American League West with a record of 76 wins and 86 losses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1985 Oakland Athletics season</span> Major League Baseball team season

The 1985 Oakland Athletics season was the 85th season for the Oakland Athletics franchise, all as members of the American League, and their 18th season in Oakland. The Athletics finished fifth in the American League West with a record of 77 wins and 85 losses. While the Athletics' on-field performance continued to disappoint, the debut of slugger Jose Canseco gave fans a measure of hope.

The 1982 Oakland Athletics season was the 82nd season for the Oakland Athletics franchise, all as members of the American League, and their 15th season in Oakland. The Athletics finished fifth in the American League West with a record of 68 wins and 94 losses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1981 Oakland Athletics season</span> Major League Baseball team season

The 1981 Oakland Athletics season was the 81st season for the Oakland Athletics franchise, all as members of the American League, and their 14th season in Oakland. The Athletics finished with an overall record of 64 wins and 45 losses. They finished the season with the best record in the American League. Due to the infamous 1981 players strike, the league resorted to a split-season format; this new format saw the winners of both halves of the season playing in the first divisional playoff in MLB history. The A's qualified by posting the American League West's best record in the first half of the season. While they swept the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS, they were themselves swept by the New York Yankees in the ALCS.

The 1988 season was a memorable one for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a squad that was picked to finish fourth wound up winning the World Series, beating the heavily favored New York Mets and Oakland Athletics along the way. Kirk Gibson carried the Dodger offense, winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award. Orel Hershiser dominated on the mound, throwing a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings on his way to winning the Cy Young Award.

The 2001 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 102nd season, and their 101st in Major League Baseball. They finished with a record of 83–79, good enough for third place in the American League Central, 8 games behind the champion Cleveland Indians.

The 1991 Montreal Expos season was the 23rd season in franchise history. After several winning seasons, the Expos faltered in 1991, winning only 20 of its first 49 games. Manager Buck Rodgers was replaced as manager by Tom Runnells. The team ultimately finished 71–90. The highlight of the season was Dennis Martinez pitching a perfect game at Dodger Stadium on July 28, 1991.

The 1993 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 93rd season and the 82nd season at Tiger Stadium. The team wasn't expected to do much after a sixth-place finish the previous season. The pitching staff was riddled with inconsistencies, but the Tigers were in first place as late as June 25 before a 10-game losing streak ended their hopes of a turnaround. This would be the Tigers last winning season of the 20th century, the next time the team finished with the winning record was 2006, by then the team had been playing in Comerica Park for 7 years.

References

  1. ↑ "Brian Harper Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Jerry Willard Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Ron Hassey Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Gary Lavelle Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  5. ↑ "Dave Parker Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Jesse Orosco Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  7. ↑ "Dave Henderson Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Rick Rodriguez Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Glenn Hubbard Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Rich Bordi Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Don Baylor Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Tony Phillips Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Mickey Tettleton Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Darren Lewis Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.