Oakland Athletics’ History: Jeff Samardijza, Dave Stewart and More
Each Sunday, take a look back on the most important moments in the Oakland Athletics’ organization with This Week in History:
This Week in A’s History
Last year’s Fourth of July blockbuster trade might be the most exciting thing that’s ever happened this week in Oakland’s lengthy franchise history. The trade was made overnight and wasn’t officially announced until the fifth, but a major deal like that one would have taken some prep work.
The A’s acquired both Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, at the cost of minor leaguer Billy McKinney, top shortstop prospect Addison Russell, and pitcher Dan Straily, along with cash considerations. It was widely expected that Samardzija and Hammel would be one-year rentals, and it was uncharacteristic of Billy Beane to make a trade that focused so intensely on the present season, and gave away such a big part of the team’s future.
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After the deal was announced, Tigers’ ace Justin Verlander commented that he felt that the A’s made the move with Detroit in mind, as Oakland had fallen to Detroit in the playoffs each of the prior two seasons. As it turned out, the two teams never had a chance to find out – the A’s lost their one-game Wild Card matchup with Kansas City and never made it to the actual playoffs.
Over the winter, Beane traded Samardzija for a collection of White Sox players, including shortstop Marcus Semien, catcher Josh Phegley, pitcher Chris Bassitt, and minor-leaguer Rangel Ravelo.
It was certainly one of the most eventful Fourth of July moments in A’s history.
Also This Week:
On June 29, 1990, Dave Stewart threwsa no-hitter for the A’s against the Toronto Blue Jays, on the same day that Dodgers’ pitcher Fernando Valenzuela tossed a no-hit gem of his own against the Cardinals.
This was a popular week for no-hitters – on July 3, 1970, the Angels’ Clyde Wright made history with a 4-0 victory over a hitless Oakland lineup.
Also on July 3rd, but this time in 1983, the Rangers broke a 4-4 tie in Oakland in the 15th inning, winning the game 16-4. Dave Beard was saddled with the loss after allowing five runs, and Ben Callahan sealed the A’s fate when he allowed seven more runs after coming in to relieve Beard.
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Many thanks to National Pastime, which points out all of the coolest, most historic baseball moments that should be remembered and talked about each year.