The 1974 Oakland A's | The Team That Won 3 Consecutive World Series Titles | Year in Review

50 Years ago, the 1974 Oakland As were the quintessential dominant team during the early to mid 70s previously winning the last 2 championships of baseball in 1972 and 1973 respectively. The previous teams that Oakland beat in the World Series, respectively, was in 1972 when they defeated the Cincinnati Red and in 1973 it was the New York Mets.

These Oakland A's were the premiere team of MLB Baseball during this period now in 1974, the A's had an ample opportunity to do something special in terms of putting themselves in an exclusive class with the teams that came before them that were repeated champions of baseball.

For example the 1974, Oakland A's became the first team to win 3 consecutive World Series championships since the New York Yankees who previously won 5 consecutive championships from 1949-1953. That was special company in that VIP section in baseball annals. This accomplishment cemented the 1974 Oakland A's as the dominant team of the 70s even more than the Big Red Machine of the Cincinnati Reds who won back to back championships in 1975 and 1976.

The Oakland A's were known as the Swingin' A's led by the owner Charlie O’ Finley featuring players like Reggie Jackson ,Sal Bando, Vida Blue, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers. The manager that managed this team was Dick Williams and Alvin Dark. Alvin Dark was the manager of the 74 Oakland As. Dick Williams had managed the previous 2 teams of the Oakland As in 1972 and 1973.

The Oakland A's of 1974 had a record of 90-72. When they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers who had a better record which was 102-60. This World Series was the first of its kind because it featured 2 teams from the state of California.

During the 1974 MLB Baseball Regular Season, Reggie Jackson hit 29 home runs and had 93 RBIS. Billy North stole 54 bases including Pitcher Catfish Hunter won 25 games. The Oakland A's beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in 5 games:4-1. Rollie Fingers was the World Series MVP.

Overall, the Oakland A's of 1974 was a special team that won 3 consecutive championships and this special feat would not be accomplished until 26 years later when the New York Yankees won their third consecutive World Series title in 2000 in the 21st century after winning the previous 2 consecutive championships in 1998 and 1999 during the 20th century. It is very difficult to win 1 championship, let alone 3 championships in a row. You have to have a drive that is tenacious and relentless to win championships consecutively. The Swingin' As of the early to mid 70s displayed that approach putting themselves on the pantheon of the all-time great dynastic teams.