Collection: The Athletics Baseball Cards

The Athletics baseball cards showcase the team’s storied past with players like Rickey Henderson, Dennis Eckersley, and Reggie Jackson. Collectors also hunt for rookie cards of modern prospects. Vintage Rickey Henderson rookie cards remain iconic, while Bowman and Topps releases offer autographs and parallels of new Athletics talent. A’s cards appeal to both nostalgic collectors and investors seeking fresh rookie prospects.

The Athletics, founded in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics before moving to Kansas City in 1955 and Oakland in 1968, boast a colorful history of dynasties, innovation, and legendary players. Early success under manager Connie Mack produced five World Series titles from 1910 to 1930 with stars like Eddie Collins, Home Run Baker, Lefty Grove, and Jimmie Foxx, whose power hitting and pitching dominance made the A’s one of baseball’s first great dynasties. After relocating to Oakland, the franchise captured three straight championships from 1972 to 1974 under fiery owner Charlie Finley, featuring stars like Reggie Jackson, “Mr. October,” pitcher Catfish Hunter, reliever Rollie Fingers, and the flashy Vida Blue, combining talent with colorful personalities. The 1980s and 1990s brought another golden era under manager Tony La Russa, with sluggers Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, the “Bash Brothers,” powering Oakland to three consecutive pennants (1988–1990) and the 1989 World Series title alongside ace Dave Stewart and Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley. The 2000s introduced the “Moneyball” era under general manager Billy Beane, who used analytics to build competitive teams on limited budgets with stars like Miguel Tejada, Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder, inspiring a bestselling book and film. Recent years have featured players like Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, and Sean Manaea, keeping Oakland competitive despite financial constraints and stadium challenges. With plans to relocate to Las Vegas in the coming years, the Athletics’ legacy spans early dynasties, innovative front offices, and Hall of Fame players, leaving a lasting mark on baseball history while entering a new chapter for the franchise.

Favorite Athletics Baseball Legends

Rickey Henderson  |  Reggie Jackson  |  Dennis Eckersley  |  Mark McGwire  |  Jose Canseco  |  Catfish Hunter  |  Rollie Fingers  |  Vida Blue  |  Sal Bando  |  Bert Campaneris