It is a peculiar, uncomfortable, and above all tragic story. One that demonstrates that in the United States—the world’s great economic and sporting power—success is neither guaranteed nor permanent. The Athletics are one of baseball’s oldest franchises, founders of the American League, and owners of nine World Series titles. Yet few teams in MLB history have been forced to flee their home cities as many times as they have.
The franchise has relocated three times already, with a fourth move confirmed for 2025 and a fifth expected in 2028. It is the closest thing to “third-world sports instability” within American professional baseball.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1901, the original Philadelphia Athletics emerged as one of the American League’s eight charter members. The franchise took its name from the Athletic Baseball Club of Philadelphia (1860–1876), whose players were known simply as “the Athletics.” Even their name is inherited—perhaps the origin of their long-running curse.
Under manager Connie Mack, the team became a powerhouse, winning multiple World Series titles, including a historic three-peat from 1910 to 1913. But despite on-field dominance, financial pressure and competition with the Philadelphia Phillies pushed the club out of the city. Unlike New York or Los Angeles, Philadelphia could not sustain two major franchises.
In 1954, the Mack family sold the team to real-estate developer Arnold Johnson, who immediately relocated it to Kansas City. There, the Kansas City Athletics enjoyed enthusiastic fan support but continued suffering from poor finances and limited success. Even with stars like Roger Maris and Clete Boyer, the team remained uncompetitive.
In 1968, the franchise moved again—this time to the West Coast—to become the Oakland Athletics. Curiously, the team’s trajectory mirrors the geography of the United States: born in the East (Philadelphia), displaced to the Midwest (Kansas City), and finally exiled to the Pacific Coast (Oakland). In a symbolic sense, they abandoned the Atlantic entirely.
The A’s debuted in the Bay Area on April 17, 1968, before a sold-out crowd of 50,164. For a moment, it appeared that all financial troubles had been resolved.
Under owner Charlie Finley, the Athletics entered a golden era with stars such as Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers. The franchise won three straight World Series from 1972 to 1974, securing its place in baseball history.
But by the 1990s, financial instability resurfaced. Led by Billy Beane, the team pioneered Sabermetrics—a data-driven approach born not from ambition but from necessity. The goal was simple: survive with one of MLB’s lowest budgets by identifying undervalued players. Their model revolutionized baseball, but rival franchises with deeper pockets quickly adopted and improved it.
Sabermetrics was never designed to win championships—it was an economic survival strategy. It remains primarily a model of austerity, not a blueprint for World Series rings.
How do you actually win championships?
Through a combination of talent, clubhouse chemistry, managerial excellence, postseason acquisitions, and a front office willing to invest in victory. It is difficult—very difficult—but it is the only proven formula.
The Future: Sacramento and Las Vegas
The Athletics’ saga is far from over. In 2025, the franchise will move once again—this time to Sacramento. The city has embraced the opportunity, but the transition raises several concerns. The A’s will temporarily play in a Triple-A stadium shared with the Giants’ affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. Will both teams coexist? Will the minor-league club be forced out?
Even more uncertain is the long-term plan: a permanent move to Las Vegas in 2028. Although approved by the Commissioner and MLB owners, the stadium project does not yet have city permits, nor has construction begun. Engineers warn that, under normal conditions, the stadium will not be ready by 2028.
Still, the vision is ambitious: a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art stadium intended to become the finest in baseball and a new landmark in the heart of Las Vegas.
Whether the Athletics finally break their century-long curse and establish permanent roots remains to be seen. Their past has been glorious; their present, chaotic; their future—uncertain but full of possibilities.
English 
Spanish 