Forty years in the making

Sex, drugs, rock-n-roll, and rioting the 60's had it all, right?

Not really, the 60's in California were desperately lacking. Until 1968, when Oakland fans obtained the Athletics, and the A's first winning season in 16 years. On May 8, 1968, Jim "Catfish" Hunter took to the mound and threw the first regular season perfect game in 46 years.

A strong start which didn't go unnoticed by sports enthusiasts. The following year, Reggie Jackson continued to impress A's fans hitting 39 homeruns during the first half of the season. The early season glory, however, faded quickly for both Jackson and the A's. Jackson hit only 8 homeruns during the second half of the season, and the A's struggled to overcome youth and inexperience. Despite a dismal second half, the A's managed to secure second place with an 88-74 record.

If the game play and headlining names weren't enough to seize national attention for the team, owner Charles O. Finley was certain to. For the A's home opener, in 1970, Finley employed a sensational tactic on par with Joseph Pulitzer. Creating a stir in Major League Baseball, Finley had the traditional white bases exchanged for yellow. While the bases received only one game of use, the stunt continues to earn recognition.

The following year, Finley continued to shuffle along the path of yellow journalism and offered his players bonuses for growing mustaches. The mustache quickly became a trademark for the team, with Rollie Fingers reviving the classic handlebar. Whether it was the new facial sprouts or the addition of Vida Blue, the A's won 101 games and the Western Division Title in 1971.

Beyond the legendary players, experimental hair, and a stuntman owner there are many reasons to adore the A's which go far beyond baseball. First off, it's highly unlikely the monster catfish featured in both "Grumpy Old Men" and "Grumpier Old Men" would have been called "Catfish Hunter" without the famed A's, Jim "Catfish" Hunter. Secondly, Mark McGwire.

And thirdly, MC Hammer may never have made it as a best selling rap artist without the aid and encouragement of Finley and the A's. In 1979, Stanley Burrell (AKA MC Hammer) was the bat boy for the A's, and Finley's major source of contact with the team during the troubled years. Without the A's springboard for the aspiring star, the 90's may have lacked parachute pants, women in second-skin lycra, and the running man. Let's face it, you just can't touch that for garnering laughs.

Back to the baseball, the A's have played some incredible seasons, produced Hall of Famers, and won numerous World Championships. But sadly, have failed to secure a World Series. I hope this is the year for the A's- The year that's been forty in the making.