On August 5, 1952, in the bustling streets outside Shibe Park, history was about to be made. The Philadelphia Athletics were gearing up to play, with fans eagerly anticipating lefty pitcher Bobby Shantz’s shot at his 20th win of the season. The excitement was palpable as more than 35,000 people poured into the ballpark, the largest crowd since 1948. Thousands were turned away at the gates, leaving many like young Phillies fan John Rossi disappointed.
Despite a rain delay, Shantz did not disappoint, pitching a complete game and leading the A’s to a 5-3 victory against the Boston Red Sox. It was a night to remember, marking a peak for the A’s in Philadelphia. Shantz went on to win the American League’s MVP award that season, finishing with an impressive 24-7 record and a 2.48 ERA, a performance that was a beacon of hope for the franchise.
However, the A’s glory was short-lived as the team faced financial troubles and ownership conflicts. Two years later, the A’s bid farewell to Philly, relocating to Kansas City amid dwindling attendance and shifting economics in baseball. The team’s final game in Philadelphia in 1954 saw fewer than 2,000 fans in attendance as they fell 4-2.
Now, nearly 70 years later, the A’s find themselves on the move again, this time from Oakland to Las Vegas, marking the franchise’s third relocation in modern baseball history. The departure of the A’s from Philadelphia left a void in the hearts of many dedicated fans, echoing the sentiment of current A’s supporters as they face the impending move.
Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center/Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, PA.
A’s fans crammed into Shibe Park in 1952 to see Bobby Shantz pitch. The Pottstown native won the American League MVP award by finishing 24-7 with a 2.48 ERA. He might have won 25 games had a pitched ball not broken his hand late in the season.
A Legacy Remembered
The Philadelphia Athletics may have left the city, but their impact remains etched in history, leaving behind a legacy that resonates through time. The team’s remarkable run in Philadelphia, boasting nine AL pennants and five World Series titles, featured legendary players like Eddie Plank, Jimmie Foxx, and Lefty Grove.
Despite the ups and downs, the A’s marked an era in Philadelphia sports history that still holds a special place in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts. Their departure left a void that has yet to be filled, underscoring the enduring legacy of a team that once captured the imagination of a city.
As the Oakland Athletics prepare for their new chapter in Las Vegas, fans grapple with the bittersweet reality of another relocation, mirroring the sentiments of those who witnessed the departure of the A’s from Philadelphia decades ago. The spirit of the Athletics lives on, a testament to the unbreakable bond between a team and its devoted followers.