The Oakland A's, officially known as the Oakland Athletics, were a professional baseball team based in Oakland, California, from 1968 to 2024. The organization was a member of Major League Baseball's (MLB) American League West Division. While the team's primary focus was on baseball, its operations involved significant business and organizational aspects, particularly in managing finances and leveraging data analytics to build competitive teams on a limited budget. ### History The Athletics franchise began in Philadelphia in 1901, moved to Kansas City in 1955, and finally settled in Oakland in 1968[1][4]. During their time in Oakland, the team experienced considerable success, winning four World Series championships, six American League pennants, and 17 Western Division titles[1]. ### Key Achievements Under the leadership of general manager Billy Beane in the early 2000s, the A's became known for their strategic use of sabermetrics, a data-driven approach to evaluating player performance. This approach allowed the team to consistently field competitive teams despite having one of the lowest payrolls in MLB[3]. Notable players include Rickey Henderson, Dennis Eckersley, and Reggie Jackson. ### Current Status In 2023, MLB owners approved the team's relocation to Las Vegas, marking the end of their tenure in Oakland. The team played a temporary stint in West Sacramento before moving to Las Vegas, where they will establish a new permanent home[1][4]. ### Notable Aspects The A's were recognized for their innovative approach to baseball management and their ability to find talent without breaking the bank. Their story inspired the book and film "Moneyball," highlighting the team's use of statistical analysis to gain a competitive edge[3]. The team's legacy includes 17 former players elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame[1].