Futility at the All-Star Break

I guess I should update this now that we are at the All-Star Break. Since I wrote my last article, the A's have gone 3-5, and now stand at 25-67 (.271). I track starts by the A's because I am a weird nerdy stathead A's fan.

After 92 games, the all-time worst Athletic start was in 1916, where Connie Mack's original sell-off team were 19-72-1 at this point. They finished 36-117-1, a .235 winning percentage. I am pretty sure the 2023 A's are a better team than this one, relative to their league.

Since they moved to Oakland, the worst A's team was the 1979 team, who finished 54-108, a .333 winning percentage. However, that team was 25-67 (.271), just like the 2023 A's. They went 29-41 the rest of the way, an almost respectable .483 pace. I sincerely doubt the 2023 A's will play at that pace. Projecting their current winning percentage puts them at 44-118; their Pythagorean is 43-119, which would tie them at 119 wins for second-worst in the 20th century, with the 2003 Detroit Tigers.

I don't track the Kansas City Royals nearly as closely, because unlike Bill James and Rany Jazayerli, I am not a fan of the team, and don't think much about them normally. Since my last article, they have gone 3-6, and now sit at 26-65, a .286 pace. Still terrible, but they are not actively sabotaging their team in an attempt to extort a new stadium (well, not yet. They are making rumblings, though. They are just not good.

So, let's look at the all-time standings, shall we?

By Wins

All-time: The 2023 A's, 25-67, are tied with three two other teams at 59th-worst all-time win totals, with the 2020 Arizona Diamondbacks and the 2020 Baltimore Orioles. They are ahead of 3 teams with 24 wins, two of which were not in pandemic seasons. They are one win ahead of the 2023 Royals (26-65) and 9 other teams, 2 of which are not from 2020, the 1890 AA Brooklyn Gladiators (26-73) and the 1877 NL Chicago White Stockings (26-33). In 2020, the Rockies, Royals, Angels, Mets, and Nationals all finished 26-34. Next at 27 wins are the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (27-111, yuck), the 1879 NL Cleveland Blues (27-55), and the 2020 Seattle Mariners (27-33).

Since 1876: #27 1880 NL Buffalo Bisons (24-58), 1878 NL Indianapolis Blues (24-36), and the 2020 Red Sox (24-36). #30 2023 Oakland A's (25-67), 2020 Diamondbacks (25-35), and 2020 Orioles (25-35). #33. 1890 Broolyn Gladiators (26-73), 2023 Kansas City (26-65), 2020 Rockies, Royals, Angles, Mets, and Nationals (26-34), 1877 Chicago White Stockings (26-33). #41 1899 Lousiville Colonels (27-111), 1879 Cleveland Blues (27-55), and the 2020 Mariners (27-33).

American League: #3 2020 Red Sox (24-36); #4 2023 A's (25-67) and the 2020 Orioles (25-35). #6 2023 Roayls (26-65), and the 2020 Royals and Angels (26-34). #9 2020 Mariners (27-33)

Since 1901: (tired of the Pandemic teams yet?) #4 2020 Red Sox (24-36); #5 A's (25-67), the 2020 Diamondbacks and Orioles (25-35), #8 2023 Royals (26-65), 2020 Rockies, Royals, Angels, Mets, Nationals (26-34); #14 2020 Mariners (27-33)

Since 1871, >100 games: #1 Cleveland Spiders (20-134; .130), #2 2023 Oakland A's (25-67, .272), #3 2023 KC Royals (26-65, .286); #4 1889 Louisville Colonels (27-111, .196)

By Winning Percentage

All-time: #47 1884 AA Indianapolis Hoosiers (29-78, .271), #48 2023 AL Oakland Athletics (25-67, .272), #49 1872 NA Cleveland Forest Citys (6-16, .273) .... #59 1915 AL Philadelphia Athletics and the 1928 NL Philadelphia Phillies (43-109, .283). #61 1884 AA Richmond Virginians (12-30, .286) and the 2023 AL Kansas City Royals (26-65, .286). #63 1896 NL Louisville Colonels

Since 1876: #31 1884 Hoosiers (29-78, .271), #32 2023 White Elephants (25-67, .272), #33 1890 NL Buffalo Bisons (36-96) and 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112) at .273

American League: #4 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119, .265), #5 2023 Oakland (25-67, .272), #6 1909 Washington Senators (42-110, .276) ... #9 1915 Philadelphia Athletics (43-109, .283), #10 2023 KC (26-65, .286), #11 2018 Baltimore Orioles (47-115, .290)

Since 1900: #6 2003 Tigers (43-119, .265), #7 2023 A's (25-67, .272), #8 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112, .273) ... #14. The Philadelphia losers, 1915 A's and the 1928 Phils, 43-109, .283; #16 2023 Royals (26-65, .286), #17 2018 Orioles (41-115, .290)

Since 1871, >100 games: #16 1884 Indianapolis (29-78, .271), #17 2023 Oakland (25-67, .272), #18 1890 Buffalo (36-96) and 1952 Pirates (42-112), .273 .... #27 1915 A's and 1928 Phillies (43-109, .283), #29 2023 Kansas City (26-65, .286), 1896 Louisville Colonels (38-93, .290)

Finally

The 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and the Seattle Mariners all now have more wins than the 1962 New York Mets. I am sure that they are all sleeping better at night. The leaves seven teams, including the two under scrutiny, who have not won more than everybody's favorite bad team, those Lovable Losers from Queens.

Realistically, the A's and Royals will clear that hurdle, but there is no guarantee. And they still could finish 41-121, thus winning more games and losing more games than the Mets, who had one tie, and one rain-out that was not made up.

The A's need to win 16 out of their last 70 (.229 pace) games, and the Royals need to win 15 out of 71 (.211 pace). In normal years, one might scoff that those goals might not be met, but these are not normal times.

 

More futility; Less futility

The Oakland Athletics have actually gone 2-3 since I last wrote, and now stand at 22-62, a .262 winning percentage. They should easily pass the 1962 New York Mets (40-120) in wins at this pace. Of course, this also happened. Not everyday a scumbag tosses a perfecto against you. It's so on brand for this team to have good news and a gut punch in the same week.

The other really bad team, the Kansas City Royals have gone 1-4 since I wrote last, and are now at 23-59, a .280 winning percentage. That is starting to creep into the winning percentage of some fairly recent teams, like the 2018 Baltimore Orioles (47-115, .292). Of course, their owner is now doing the charade of "Build me a new ballpark because I can't make a real estate empire where our currently awesome ballpark is located right now" dance. Some things never change.

I think that some franchise moves needed to happen. The Boston National League team moving to Milwaukee, the Browns moving to Baltimore, and the Philadelphia Athletics leaving Philadelphia made some since. Even the Giants leaving New York made some sense.

But usually, it just stinks. The owner is very greedy, and wants new shiny toys, and they get the league behind them, and they go on a sabotage campaign with their current city, and either get a shiny new ballpark out of the deal (Marlins Stadium, Citi Field, New Yankee Stadium), or they move (Expos->Nationals, Senators->Rangers, KC A's->Oakland, Milwaukee-Atlanta). This is a hugely profitable business, propped up by laws that exist for no other business, and a LOT of public money.

The only team I somewhat admire for how they got their most recent stadium is the Giants. They built what is now Oracle Park themselves. The city did do improvements around the neighborhood (some), but taxpayers were not soaked terribly much. And the Giants have been building their own real estate empire themselves. While I hated what they were doing before the current ownership bought the team and built the stadium, I admire what they did to stay in San Francisco.

None of the other 29 teams have such a clean story about their stadiums.

Sometimes I wonder why I follow this sport. Oh, yeah. That's right. It's about the players. Go watch the good ones. They are all kinds of fun.

On to the LeaderLoser boards.

By Wins (sorted from worst to best)

We are going to be seeing all of the pandemic teams over the next few weeks. That season generated a lot of stat pollution, that's for sure.

All-time: The A's are in a four-way tie for 51st worst with the 1879 NL Syracuse Stars (22-62), the 2020 AL Texas Rangers (22-38), and the 1874 NA Brooklyn Atlantics (22-33). They are ahead of a five-way tie with 21 wins which I am not going to enumerate. Next with 23 wins are the 1890 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys (23-113), the 2020 AL Detroit Tigers (23-35), and the 2023 AL Kansas City Royals (23-59), all tied for 55th worst all time. Next for the Royals at 24 wins are the 1880 NL Buffalo Bisons (24-58), the 1878 NL Indianapolis Blues (24-36), and the 2020 AL Boston Red Sox (24-36).

Since 1876: 4-way tie for 19th, then at 23rd, the A's (22-62), 1879 Syracuse (22-48), and the 2020 Rangers (22-38). Next is 1890 Pittsburgh (23-113), the 2023 Royals (23-59), and the 2020 Tigers (23-35). Next up: The 1880 Bisons (24-58), 1878 Indianapolis (24-36), and the 2020 Red Sox (24-36).

American League: The White Elephants (22-62) are still the worst all time, although they are tied with the 2020 Rangers (22-38). Next at 3rd are the Royals at 23-59, and the 2020 Tigers (23-35). Next on the leaderboards are the 2020 Red Sox. Whee.

Since 1900: The A's are 2nd, ahead of the 2020 NL Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41), and tied with the 2020 Rangers (22-38). The Royals are tied for 4th with the 2020 Tigers (23-35). Next is the 2020 Red Sox (24-36).

Since 1876, >100 games (otherwise known as the list I actually care about): The A's are 2nd, ahead of the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134). The Pale Blue Hose are next. 4th on the list are the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (27-111).

By Winning Percentage

All-time: #41 1882 NL Baltimore Orioles (19-54; .260) (there have been many many different franchises in Baltimore called the Orioles); #42 2023 AL Oakland Athletics (22-62; .262); #43 1880 NL Cincinnati Stars (21-59; .263)... #56 (3-way tie) 1941 NL Philadelphia Phillies, the 1939 AL St. Louis Browns, and the 1932 Boston Red Sox (43-111, .279); #59 2023 Kansas City Royals (23-59; .281); #60 1915 NL Philadelphia Athletics and 1928 AL Philadelphia Phillies (43-109; .283).

Since 1876: Same list except the 1882 Orioles are #25, the A's are #26, the Stars are #27... the three way tie at #39; Royals at #42; and the Wonder Twins of Philadelphia at #43.

American League: #3 1919 AL Philadelphia Athletics (36-104; .257); #4 A's (22-62; .262); #5 2003 AL Detroit Tigers (43-119; .265)... #7 (tie) 1932 Red Sox and 1939 Browns (43-111; .279); #9 Royals (23-59; .281); #10 1915 A's (43-109; .283)

Since 1900: #5 1919 A's (36-104; .257); #6 2023 Mt. Davis Specials (22-62; .262); #7 2003 Tigers (43-119; .265)... #11 Dynamic Trio of badness (43-111; .279); #14 The Fountain Drainage Sludge (23-59; .281); #15 Two forgotten Philadelphia teams (43-109; .283)

Notes

The 2023 Red Sox, Twins, Brewers, and Phillies all now have more wins than the 1962 New York Mets. Hurray! They don't suck!

Update on the 2023 futility teams

Since I last wrote, the Oakland Athletics (who had just won seven in a row) followed that with an eight game losing streak and went 1-9, and now stand at 20-59, a winning percentage of .253. The good news is that they have now tied the 1899 Cleveland Spiders (20-134, .123) in wins, and they will almost certainly win one of their last 83 games to pass them. They are also playing considerably better than the Spiders, but that's not saying much. The key question is, are they going to be better than the 1962 New York Mets (40-120, .250). They are playing slightly better, but they have to win 21 of those last 83, and that is still in doubt.

On the news front, the Nevada Legislature passed the public funding of the proposed stadium plan. The fans held an emotional reverse boycott, and more than 27000 showed up. And Rob Manfred showed his butt with his tone deaf remarks. What a train wreck (really trying not to curse. It's hard.)

The Kansas City Royals had just lost eight in a row, but since I last wrote, they have gone 4-6, which is not actually terrible. They stand at 22-55, a .286 winning percentage. It looks like they are going to be merely bad, but not historically so. We will see.

On to the history.

By Wins

All-time: The A's are tied for 44th all time with 20 wins with the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134), and the 1871 NA Boston Red Stockings (20-10). They are ahead of four teams. Next on the list are five teams: the 1880 NL Cincinnati Stars (21-59), the 1884 UA Philadelphia Keystones (21-46), the 1876 NL New York Mutuals (21-35), the 1891 AA Milwaukee Brewers (21-15), and the 1871 NA Philadelphia Athletics (21-7). The 2023 Royals (22-55) are next, tied at 52nd with 3 other teams, the 1879 NL Syracuse Stars (22-48), the 2020 AL Texas Rangers (22-38), and the 1874 NL Brooklyn Athletics (22-33). Next on their list are the truly execrable 1890 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys (23-113), and the 2020 Detroit Tigers (23-35).

Since 1876: The A's (20-59) are tied for 18th with the Spiders (20-134). Next, the 1880 Cincinatti Stars (21-59), the 1884 UA Philadelphia Keystones (21-46), the 1876 NL New York Mutuals (21-35), and the 1891 AA Milwaukee Brewers (21-15). Next are the Royals (22-55), tied at 24th with the 1879 Syracuse Stars (22-48), and the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38). And after that, the 1890 Pittsburghs (23-113), and the 2020 Tigers (23-35).

American League: A's are worst at 20-59; Royals (22-59) are tied for 2nd-worst with the pandemic-era 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38). Next on the list is the 2020 Detroit Tigers (23-35). We are going to see a lot of pandemic teams in these reports the next few weeks.

Since 1900: The A's are 2nd-worst, ahead of the 2020 Pirates (19-41). Royals and 2020 Rangers are tied for 3rd. Next up after them are the 2020 Tigers (23-35).

Since 1871; >100 games: The A's are 2nd, ahead of the Spiders. Royals are 3rd. Next on the lists are the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (27-111). I thought that a good book could be written about that Louisville team, but they were really bad, and owned by a syndicate, and I realized that it would be entirely too depressing.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: Oakland (.2532) is 38th worst, ahead of the 1904 AL Washington Senators (.252), and behing the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (.2533). Kansas City (22-55; .286) is tied for 61st with the 1884 AA Richmond Virginians (12-30; .286), ahead of the 1915 AL Philadelphia A's and the 1928 NL Philadelphia Phillies (both 43-109; .283). Next on their list are the 1896 NL Louisville Colonels (38-93; .290)

Since 1876: #21. 1904 Washington Senators (38-113; .252), #22 2023 Oakland Athletics (20-59; .2532), #23 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56; .3533).... #42 1915 A's and 1928 Phillies (43-109; .383), #44 (tie) 1884 AA Richmond Virginians (12-30; .286) and 2023 KC Royals (22-55, .286), #46 1896 Louisville Colonels (38-93; .290)

American League: #2 1904 Senators (.252), #3 2023 Oakland (.2532), #4 1919 A's (.257)... #9 1915 A's (.283), #10 2023 KC (.286), 2018 Baltimore Orioles (.290)

Since 1900: #4 1904 Senators (.252), #5 Oakland (.253), #6 1919 A's (.257)... #14 (tie) 1915 A's and 1928 Phillies (.283), #16 2020 Royals (.286), #17 2018 Orioles (.290)

Since 1871; >100 games: #11 1904 Senators (.251), #12 2023 White Elephants (.253), #13 1919 A's (.257)... #27 1915 A's/1928 Phillies (.283), #29 2020 Powder Blue Wonders (.286), #30 1896 Louisville (.290)

Last Note

Since I last wrote, the following teams have won more than the 1962 New York Mets: Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, and the Cincinnati Reds. They can sleep better, knowing that they won't be the worst team in the past 123 years.

I am traveling, so my resolve to write every time the A's win until they pass the '62 Mets may not be strictly kept. I'll do my best. Fortunately for me, they only won 1 since the last time I wrote, and I am only a day late.

A's have won 7 in a row; Royals have lost 8 in a row

Well, then. The A's (19-50; .275) have more wins than the Royals (18-49; .269), and now have a better record. Will either team end up with more wins than the 1962 New York Mets?

Frankly, it's looking almost certain at this point. The Mets were 40-120, for a .250 winning percentage, and both teams are doing better than that right now.

It certainly looks better for the A's now than it did 10 days ago.

I will track this with every win either team posts until they both win more than 20 games, which is the threshold of the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134; .123). I will then post sporadically until they have each won more than the Mets. I will pick it up again when any team has lost 100 games. I have been updating every A's win, but I think I will just do every few days.

By Wins

All-time: Kansas City is tied for the 39th all-time wins total with the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs. Next on the list at 41st, are the 2023 A's, the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56; .253), the 1882 NL Baltimore Orioles (19-54; .260), and the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41; .317). Next on the list is the legendary 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134; .123), and the 1871 NA Boston Red Stockings (20-10; .667)

Since 1876: KC is tied for 14th worst with the good ol' Ruby Legs, and the A's are next on the list at 16th, tied with the Trojans, Orioles, and Pirates listed above. Next on the list are the 1899 Spiders (20-134).

American League: The Royals and the A's are #1-#2. Next on the list is the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38; .367)

Since 1900: Kansas City #1; Oakland tied at #2 with the Pirates. Rangers are #4.

Since 1871, >100 games: Royals #1; Oakland #2; Spiders next.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: KC (18-49; 269) is 47th worst all-time, at .269. They are ahead of the 1895 NL Louisville Colonels (35-96; .267), and behind the 1884 AA Indianapolis Hoosiers (29-78; .271). The A's (19-50; .275) are 52nd-worst of all time, ahead of the 1872 NA Cleveland Forest Citys (6-16; .273), the 1890 Buffalo Bisons (36-96; .273), and the 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112; .273). They are behind the 1909 Washington Senators (42-110; .276).

Since 1876: 1895 Lousiville #30; 2023 Royals #31; 1884 Indianapolis #32; 1890 Bisons and 1952 Pirates #33, 2023 Oakland #35, 1909 Senators #36.

American League: #4 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119; .265), #5 Royals, #6 A's, #7 1909 Senators

Since 1900: 2003 Tigers #6; Royals #7; 1952 Pirates #8; A's #9; 1909 Senators #10

Since 1871, >100 games: 1895 Lousiville #15, Royals #16, 1884 Indianapolis #17, 1890 Buffalo and 1952 Pirates #18, Oakland #20, 1909 Senators #21

And finally

The surprising Arizona Diamondbacks (41-26) have now won more games than the 1962 Mets.

Six

The Oakland Athletics (18-50; .265) have won six in a row; the Kansas City Royals (18-48; .273) have lost seven. that means the A's have caught up to the Royals in wins, and are only one game back.

Oakland through 68 games now has a better record than the 1916 and 1920 Philadelphia A's, which were 17-50-1 through 68 games. They are still behind the worst Oakland start through 68 games; the 1979 A's were 20-48.

So, let's go to the history.

By Wins

All-time: The A's and Royals are tied for 39th worst win totals with the 1883 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (18-66; .214). They are ahead of the 1873 NA Brooklyn Atlantics and the 1883 Philadelphia Quakers, and they are behind the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56; .253), the 1882 NL Baltimore Orioles (19-54; .260), and the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41; .317).

Since 1876: They are tied for 14th with the 1882 Ruby Legs. Ahead of the 1883 Philadelphia Quakers. Next on the list are the Trojans, Orioles, and Pirates.

American League: Tied for worst. Next on the list is the 2020 AL Texas Rangers (22-38, .367).

Since 1901: Tied for worst. Next on the list is the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirages (19-41; .317)

Since 1876, >100 games: Tied for worst. Next on the list are the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134; .123)

By Winning Percentage

All-time: Oakland (.265) currently sports the 45th worst all-time winning percentage, ahead of the 1877 NL Cincinnati Reds (15-42; .263), and behind the 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119; .265). The Royals are tied for 49th with the 1872 NL Cleveland Forest Cities (6-16; .273), 1890 Buffalo Bisons (36-96, .273), and the 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112). They are ahead of the 1884 AA Indianapolis Hoosiers (29-78; .271), and behind the 1909 AL Washington Senators (42-110; .276).

Since 1876: The A's are 29th worst, ahead of the 1877 Reds (.263), and behind the 2003 Tigers (.265). Kansas City (.273) is tied for 33rd with the 1890 Bisons and the 1952 Pirates. Ahead of the 1884 Hoosiers (.271). Ahead of the 1909 Senators (.276)

American League: #3 1919 Philadelphia Athletics (36-104, .257), #4 2023 Oakland Athletics (18-50; .2647), #5 Detroit Tigers (43-119, .2654), #6 2023 Kansas City Royals (18-48; .272), #7 1909 Washington Senators (42-110; .276)

Since 1901: #5 1919 A's (.257), #6 2023 A's (.2647), #7 2003 Tigers (.2654), #8 (tie) 1952 Pirates and 2023 Royals (.273), #9 1909 Senators (.276)

 Since 1876, >100 games: #13 1898 NL St. Louis Browns (39-111, .260), #14 2023 Oakland (.2647), #15 2003 Detroit (.2654), #16 1894 NL Louisville Colonels (36-94; .277), #17 1884 AA Indianapolis Hoosiers (29-78; .271), #18 (tie) 1890 Bisons, 1952 Pirates, 2003 Royals (.273), #21 1909 Senators (.276)

Note

The Arizona Diamondbacks (41-25) are the fourth team this season that can rest easy because they have more wins than the 1962 NL New York Mets (40-120).

(Yawn) Oakland wins its fifth in a row.

At 17-50, they are becoming merely a very bad team rather than an historically bad team.

Notes:

• Their winning percentage (.254) is now better than the 1962 New York Mets (.250).
• They are one win behind the Kansas City Royals, who have lost six in a row.
• This is their longest winning streak since they won five in a row since September 15-September 19, 2021, against the Royals and Angels.
• Their Pythagorean Projection is now 41-121, which is still more losses than the 62 Mets (40-120), but is much closer than they were a couple of weeks ago.

By Losses

All-time: The A's are tied for 37th worst win-total all-time with the 1883 NL Philadelphia Quakers (17-81), and the 1873 Brooklyn Atlantics (17-37). They are ahead of the 1884 UA Kansas City Cowboys (16-63), the 1874 NA Hartford Dark Blues (16-37), and the 1871 NA New York Mutuals (16-17). Next up are the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (18-66), and the 2023 Kansas City Royals (18-66). Next up for the Royals are four teams, three from the nineteenth century, and one from the 2020 pandemic season.

Since 1876: Oakland is tied for 13th with the 1883 NL Philadelphia Quakers (17-18). They are ahead of the 1884 UA Kansas City Cowboys. They are one behind the Royals and the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (18-66). The Royals are one behind the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56), the 1882 AA Baltimore Orioles (19-54), and the 2020 NL Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41).

American League: Oakland #1; Kansas City #2. Next on this list is the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38).

Since 1900: Oakland #1; Kansas City #2. Next on this list is the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41).

Since 1871, >100 games: A's #1; Royals #2. Next on the list is the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134). Both of these teams will finish ahead of the Spiders.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: Oakland (17-50; .254) is #39 all time, ahead of the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56; .253), and behind the 1919 AL Philadelphia Athletics (36-104; .257). Royals (18-47; .277) are tied at #53 with the 1894 NL Louisville Colonels (36-94; .277). They are ahead of the 1909 AL Washington Senators (42-110; .276), and behind the 1884 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys (30-78; .278).

Since 1876: The same teams surround both the A's and Royals, but the A's are #23 and KC is tied for #36.

American League: The White Elephants are #3 ahead of the 1904 AL Washington Senators (38-113; .252) and behind the 1919 Philadelphia A's (36-104). The Royals are at #7, ahead of the 1909 Senators (42-110; .276) and ahead of the 1932 Boston Red Sox (43-111; .279).

Since 1900: Oakland is #5, ahead of the 1904 Senators and ahead of the 1919 A's. The Royals are #10, ahead of the 1904 Senators, and behind the 1942 NL Philadelphia Phillies (42-109; .278).

Since 1871, >100 games: A's are #12, ahead of the 1904 Senators, and behind the 1919 Philadelphia A's. The Royals are #21, ahead of the 1894 Louisville Colonels, and ahead of the 1884 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

Note: The 2023 Baltimore Orioles (41-24) now have more wins than the 1962 New York Mets (40-120). They are third team to be clear of infamy.

Four in a row! This team is becoming less interesting by the day...

So, at 18-50 (.242), the 1923 Athletics are virtually guaranteed to finish with more wins that the 1899 Spiders; they only need to win 3 out of their final 94 games. That seems easy enough. If you project out their current winning percentage, however, they would still project to 39-123, which would be worse by wins, losses, and winning percentage than the 1962 New York Mets. Still worth writing about. And they are beating their Pythagorean expectation of 38-124 by one win. So hang on.

However, their winning percentage is now better than the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117, .235). We'll see if they can sustain this breakneck pace.

And they are catching up the with the 2023 Kansas City Royals (18-46), who are on a losing streak.

As usual, let's see how they stack up historically.

By Wins

All-time: The 2023 Oakland Athletics are now tied for 34th for the worst all-time wins total. They are ahead of the 1877 NL Cincinnati Reds (not the same Reds; 15-42), the 1876 Milwaukee Grays (15-45), the 1890 AA Baltimore Orioles (15-19), and the 1871 NA Washington Olympics (15-15). They are tied with the 1884 UA Kansas City Cowboys (16-63), the 1874 NL Hartford Dark Blues (16-37), and the 1871 NA New York Mutuals (16-17). Next on the list are the 1883 NL Philadelphia Quakers (now the Phillies; 17-81), and the 1873 NA Brooklyn Athletics (17-37). The Royals are tied for 40th on this list.

Since 1876: The A's are tied for 12th worse with the 1884 KC Cowboys, ahead of the 1878 Grays, 1877 Reds, and the 1890 Orioles. Next on the list are the 1883 Quakers. The Royals are tied for 15th on this list.

American League: Oakland #1, Kansas City #2. Next on the list are the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38).

Since 1901: Oakland #1, Kansas City #2. Next on the list are the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41).

Since 1876, >100 games: A's #1, Royals #2. Next on the list are the worst reasonably modern team, the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134).

By Winning Percentage

All-time: The White Elephants at .242 currently have the 30th worst all-time winning percentage, ahead of 1884 US Altoona Mountain City (6-19; .240), and behind the 1872 NA Brooklyn Atlantics (9-28; .243). The Royals (.281) are 59th on this list.

Since 1876: The East Bay team is 15th on this list, ahead of Altoona, but behind the 1886 NL Kansas City Cowboys (30-91; .245). Kansas City is 42nd on this list.

American League: Here is where things get interesting. The 2023 A's now have a better winning percentage than the 1916 Philadelphia A's (36-117; .235), the second worst-team of the 20th century. The A's are still behind the #3 1904 Washington Senators (38-113; .252). The Royals are 9th on this list.

Since 1900: 1916 A's #1; 2023 A's #2. Next on this list is the 1935 Boston Braves (38-115), the second worst National League team of the 20th century. KC is 14th on this list.

Since 1876, >100 games: Oakland is now #7 on this list, ahead of the 1916 White Elephants, and behind the 1886 Kansas City Cowboys (30-91; .245). The Kansas City Royals are 27th on this list.

When and if the A's pass the 1962 New York Mets in wins, I will stop writing about it until they have lost 100 games. Actually, I'll start writing about this topic again when any of the teams have lost 100 games.

And note, the Texas Rangers (41-22) now have more wins than the 1962 New York Mets. They are the second team that has past that threshold.

What is going on?

The Oakland Athletics have won three in a row! For the first time since they won the last 4 games of the 2022 season against the Mariners and Angels.

If they keep this up, I won't have anything to write about. I will write until their win total and winning percentage are better than the 1962 New York Mets. We have a ways to go; Oakland is 15-50 (.231), and the Mets were 40-120 (.250).

Oh, and the Kansas City Royals (18-45, .286) are also in danger of being worse than the Mets, although they are on pace to be merely very bad, not historic.

By Wins

All-time: Oakland (15-50) is 29th worst on the least-wins list, tied with the 1876 NL Milwaukee Grays (15-45), 1877 NL Cincinnati Reds (15-42), 1890 AA Baltimore Orioles (15-19) (who were the only AA team not to finish the season), the 1871 NA Washington Olympics (15-15), and the 1872 NA Troy Trojans (15-10). Next on the list is 16 wins by the 1884 UA Kansas City Cowboys (16-63), 1874 NA Hartford Dark Blues (16-37), and the 1871 NL New York Mutuals (16-17). The Royals (18-45) are 40th on this list, ties with the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (18-66), whose team was taken away from their owners in the offseason. There are four teams with 19 waiting for them.

Since 1876: The A's are tied at 9th with the 1878 Grays, 1877 Reds, and 1890 Orioles. Next are the Cowboys. Royals tied at 15th; next on the list is the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56).

American League: The White Elephants have the least amount of wins all-time in the AL, followed by the Royals at #2. Next on the list is the 2020 AL Texas Rangers (22-38).

Since 1900: Both teams are #1-#2. Next on this list is the 2020 NL Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41)

Since 1871, >100 games: #1-#2. Next on this list is the first interesting team, the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134), the worst modern normal full season team in baseball history.

By Winning Percentage

Note that if any team is over .300, I am not tracking them hear. The Royals have sometimes been that high, but they aren't now.

All-time: Oakland (15-50; .231) is 26th worst, better than the 1872 NA Washington Olympics (2-7, .222), and worse than the 1886 NL Washington Nationals (28-92, .233). Kansas City (18-45, .286) are ahead of the 1884 AA Richmond Virginians (12-30, .286), and ahead of the 1896 NL Louisville Colonels (38-93, .290).

Since 1876: The A's are 11th worst, ahead of the 1897 NL St. Louis Browns (now Cardinals; 29-102 .221), and worse than the 1886 NL Washingotn Nationals (28-92 .233). The Royals are tied at 44th with the 1884 Richamond Virginians (12-30, .286). They are ahead of the 1915 Philadelphia Athletics (43-109, .283), and the 1928 Philadelphia Phillies (43-109, .283), and behing the 1896 NL Louisville Colonels (38-93, .290)

American League: Oakland has the worst AL winning percentage so far. Next on the list is the team that gave up completely, the 1916 AL Philadelphia Athletics (36-117, .235). Kansas City is the 10th worst, better than the 1915 Athletics (.283), and worse than the quite recent 2018 AL Baltimore Orioles (47-115, .290).

Since 1901: Oakland worst here as well, behind their 1916 counterparts. Royals are #16, ahead of the 1915 A's and 1928 Philles (43-109, .283), and behind the 2018 Baltimore Orioles (.290)

Since 1871, >100 games: Oakland is #5 on the worst wining percentage list, ahead of the 1897 St. Louis Browns (now the Cardinals; 29-102, .221), and behind the 1886 Washington Nationals (28-92, .233). Kansas City is #29, ahead of the two Philly teams from 1915 and 1928 (.283), and behind the 1896 NL Louisville Colonels (.290)

By Losses

Not significant yet. I only have lists down to 100 losses. Oakland has 50; KS has 45.

BTW, I am NOT rooting for either team to be bad. I would be happy to stop writing about these teams being this depressing. It is interesting seeing the carnage of 19th century "major" league non-integrated teams, and see broken team from the 20th century, but I don't want any modern team to ever be this bad.

I had Oakland Athletics 2000 post-season tickets, and season tickets from 2001-2006. I was at the Moneyball game and the other home games in that magic 20-game win streak. I was at the game with the famous Derek Jeter play. While I don't live there anymore, I still root for them against every time except my hometown Astros.

I am documenting this because this might actually be historic. Hopefully, it won't be.

I don't approve of what the A's are trying to do here. They are playing in the Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Even in it's best days, it wasn't the best stadium. When they added Mt. Davis, they destroyed any charm it had. I loved the view of the Oakland Hills and the BART line, and the flower boxes i the outfield. I did love how easy it was to get in and out of your seats (I could use the bathroom or get a hot dog most games during the inning break), and having it on BART was great as well. Oakland weather is spectacular, so having outdoor baseball there makes all kinds of sense.

The A's should logically be in San Jose now, but MLB screwed that up when they bent over backwards to keep the Giants in the Bay Area in the early nineties, declaring that Santa Clara county was "Giants territory", prohibiting any other team from moving there.

The current stadium is rotting in place. The plumbing is backing up, and there are feral critters in the stadium. It's also not in the best neighborhood. There is nothing in walking distance (except one bar near the steps up to BART). It is bounded by a freeway on the west, and BART on the east, with warehouses on the north and south.

The team is not interested in remodeling the stadium. I think they could have probably worked with the city to take down Mt. Davis, and maybe destroy the arena where the Warriors used to play, and make that a multi-purpose business park, with shops, apartments, and the like. But the team wants a new stadium/real-estate complex, like the one they built in Cobb Country Georgia.

The team has raised ticket prices, and sold off all interesting parts, driving down attendance. They, of course, can then complain that they can't support there team with that attendance. And with regional sports network revenue drying up, they are feeling the pinch.

But the city isn't taking the bait. The Bay Area already has a team who build their own stadium, and built their own real estate empire across the Bay. The city was willing to negotiate when it was just a stadium, but they don't seem to have an appetite for the BS claim that a new stadium complex would generate a lot of tax revenue and jobs, something that many many studies have shown doesn't actually happen.

So the A's are trying to get Las Vegas to give them billions and billions of dollars, and acres of high-priced real estate. And they could not keep that quiet, so they announced that they were moving without having a deal in place. 

The Nevada legislature has not played ball like expected, so now they are in limbo. I can't imaging that that Oakland and Alameda County will renew the least on the Coliseum, which is expiring soon. And they don't have a stadium deal in place yet.

This has totally blown up in their face. I can't imagine this ownership group can fix this situation; somebody else is going to have to buy this team and build a stadium.

We are going to see a lot more very bad baseball out of this team. And it's really a shame; they went to the playoffs from 1970-1975, 1988-1992 (with one year skipped), 2000-2003, 2006, and off an on from 2012-2020), and won 6 pennants and 4 World Series during their time in Oakland. That's outstanding.

And it's over.

Oakland wins their third series of the year

The A's won 2 out of 3 from the surprisingly good Pittsburgh Pirates. They have now won one series against a bad team (Kansas City Royals) and two verses good teams (Atlanta and Pittsburgh). Of course, they have won 8 games against the rest of the field, and sit at 14-50. Still, they outscored the Pirates 24-12. Their run differential is still terrible, at -200, and their Pythagorean projected record is 36-126. At least they are projected to be better than the Spiders.

Let's see how they are doing on the historical charts.

By Wins

All-time: They are tied at 28th with the 1876 NA Philadelphia Athletics (no relation) (14-45). Next on the list is a group of five nineteenth century clubs at 15 wins: 1878 NL Milwaukee Grays (15-45), 1877 NL Cincinatti Reds (not the modern Cincy) (15-42), 1890 AA Baltimore Orioles (15-19), the 1871 NA Washington Olympics (15-15), and the 1872 Troy Trojans (15-10).

Since 1876: 8th on the list, tied with the 1876 Athletics. Next is the three teams mentioned above not in the National Association.

American League: 1st worst win total. Next on the list is 2023 Kansas City Royals (19-43). Next after that is the 2020 Texas Rangers.

Since 1900: 1st worst win total. Next on the list is is the Royals (19-43) and the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41).

Since 1871 > 100 games: A's 1st, Royals 2nd. Next on this list is the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134). Which, of course, is the race I actually care about.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: A's are 24th on this list, sandwiched between the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (the National League would take this team away from their owners, and a new ownership group used the wreckage to establish the Philadelphia Phillies) at .214, and the 1897 NL St. Louis Browns (now the Cardinals) at .221.

Since 1876: 10th between the Ruby Legs and Browns.

American League: Still worst, behind the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (.235), a good blueprint for tanking.

Since 1900: #1 Oakland; #2 1916 Philadelphia

Since 1871 > 100 games: Sandwiched at #4 between the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (.196), and the aforementioned 1897 Browns (.221)

By Losses

Too soon.

If the A's keep winning, I won't have a reason to write about them any more!

Oakland Lastletics Update - Win #13

The 2023 Oakland Athletics won their 13th game last night and are now 13-50. Since they won their 12th game, they have gone 1-5 and have been outscored 23-34. Ugh.

Let’s see where they are historically.

By Wins

All-Time: This team is now now tied for 27th all time for the least amount of wins, tied with the 1871 NA Troy Haymakers (13-15). Next on the list is the 1876 NL Philadelphia Athletics (14-45)  (not the same franchise). The Kansas City Royals (18-43), BTW, are now tied for 40th.

Since 1876: Oakland is alone at 8th worst total all time. Next on this list is those same 1876 Philadelphia Athletics (14-45). The Royals are tied for 15th.

American League: Oakland currently has the worse win total, and the Royals are #2. Next on the list is the 2020 Texas Rangers at 22-38.

Since 1900: Oakland #1, Royals #2, 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates #3 (19-41)

All-Time > 100 Games: Oakland #1, Royals #2. The next team on this list is the team everybody hates to see that they have not passed, the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134). All other 2023 ML teams have more wins than the Spiders now.

Another note: The Tampa Bay Rays (44-19) have blown past the 1962 Mets (40-120), and the Texas Rangers (40-20) now have as many wins as the Mets. Doubt they will go 0-100.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: The A’s are 21st worst all-time winning percentage (.206). They are ahead of the 1873 NA Washington Blue Legs (8-31 .205), and behind the 1872 NA Middletown Mansfields (5-19 .208). The Royals are 70th worst (.295).

Since 1876: The Green and Gold are 9th worse since 1876. They are ahead of the 1884 NL Kansas City Cowboys (16-63 .203), and being the 1882 NL Worcester Blue Rays (18-66 .214). The Royals are 53rd worst.

American League: The 2023 A’s are the worst. Next worse are the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117 .235). Imagine having a goal of having a goal of putting out a team worse than the worst deliberately tanking team in history. The Royals are 12th worst.

Since 1900: 2023 A’s #1, 1916 A’s #2. Royals #20.

Since 1871 > 100 games: #1. 1899 Spiders (20-134 .123), #2. 1890 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys (23-113 .169), #3. 1889 AA Louisville Colonels, #4. 2023 AL Oakland Athletics (13-50 .206), #5 1897 NL St. Louis Browns (now Cardinals) (29-102 .221). Look at all of those 19th century teams. Kansas City is 35th on this list.

By Losses

The A’s are 50 losses away from 100. When they reach 100 losses (late July? Early August?), I will track them on the losses leader board.

Remember the Spiders!

Well, well, well - Look who has won two in a row!

So the A's have won 2 in a row, and are now 12-45. This is actually the second time they have won two in a row; they beat the Royals two in a row in early May. This time, beat a really good team in Atlanta.

Baseball is weird.

So where does this put them in my tracking?

By Wins

All Time: Oakland is tied for 12th with the 1884 UA Washington Nationals (12-51) and the 1884 AA Richmond Viriginians (12-30). They are two ahead of the 1871 NA Cleveland Forest Cities (10-19). Next on the list is the 1871 NA Troy Haymakers (13-15).

Since 1876: The A's are tied for 6th with the same 1884 Washington and Richmond teams. They are 3 ahead of the 1876 NL Cincinnati Reds (9-56) (not related to modern Reds). Next on the list is the 1876 Philadelphia Athletics (14-45) (not related to the current Athletics).

American League: The A's are first on the list for least wins. The next team is the 2023 Kansas City Royals (17-39), who are also probably going to lose at least 100 games this year. Next after that is the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38). The next non-pandemic, non-2023 team on the list is the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117), the original tanking team.

Since 1901: The A's are first on this list as well, and KC is 2nd. 3rd is the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41). The 1916 A's are the next non-pandemic, non-2023 team on the list. Boy, were those A's bad.

All-time, at least 100 decisions: The A's are on this list, and KC is second. Third is the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134), the team that broke syndicate ownership, where the same owner owned two teams and would move all of the good players to one team and the bad players to the other. The National League owners shed this team for 1900, as well as the moribund Louisville Colonels and Washington Senators. They also got rid of the Baltimore Orioles, who were good. I really need to read up again on what happened during the stretch from 1899-1904. The structure of baseball changed more dramatically at any other time except (maybe) 1993-1998, during which 4 expansion teams were added, 4 divisions were made 6, one team changed leagues, interleague play was introduced, and we got the wild card.

By Winning Percentage

All Time: The A's are tied for 22nd with the 1875 NA St. Louis Red Stockings (.211). They are better than the 1872 NA Middletown Mansfields  (.208; where is Middletown, anyway?), and are ahead of the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (.214), who would be disbanded after one more season, and the players remaining were moved to a new team called the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Since 1876: The A's are 9th on this list, ahead of the 1884 NL Kansas City Cowboys (.203), and behind the 1882 Ruby Legs mentioned above.

American League: A's are worst. Next is the 1916 A's at .235.

Since 1900: The same.

All-time, at least 100 decisions: The A's are 4th, ahead of the 1889 Louisville Colonels (.196), and behind the 1897 St. Louis Browns (now the Cardinals) (.221).

More the next time the A's win. Could be tomorrow. Could be in two weeks. We'll just have to see.

 

The Oakland Athletics have won their 11th game...

After an 11 game losing streak, the A's won one yesterday, making their record 11-45.

In other news, every other team except the Kansas City Royals (17-38) now have more wins than the 1899 Cleveland Spiders. No teams have caught the 1962 Mets yet, but the Tampa Bay Rays are now close (39-17).

Back to the A's, let's see what that does to their futility quest standings. Note that this does not include the Negro Leagues, although it probably should. I will see about adding them in the next week or so as I write these progress reports.

Least Wins

Least wins all time: They are now in 25th place all time, one more win that the 1871 Cleveland Forest Cities (10-19) of the National Association, and one ahead of the 1884 Union Association clubs, the Washington Nationals (12-51), and the Richmond Viginians (12-30).

Least wins since 1876: They stay at 6th all time, ahead of the 1876 National League Cincinnati Reds (9-56) (not the same team as is playing now), and behind the aforementioned 1884 Nationals and Virginians.

Least wins in the American League: They are first. Kansas City Royals are 2nd. The Chicago White Sox (22-34) are third, tied with the 2020 Texas Rangers.

Least wins since 1900: Oakland 1st, Kansas City 2nd. This list is polluted with pandemic teams, at least for wins less than 40.

Least wins all-time for teams > 100 decisions (gets rid of all of the NA/UA teams and the pandemic records): Oakland 1st, Kansas City 2nd, and the notorious 1899 Cleveland Spiders (20-134) is 3rd. The next historical team after them is the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (27-111). The next current team is the 1897 St. Louis Browns (1897) (now known as the Cardinals). And the next current team since 1900 is the Connie Mack fire sale 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117). They set the standard for tanking!

Lowest Winning Percentage

All-time: The A's (0.1964) are 19th-worst all time, ahead of the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (0.1957). Somebody should write a book about the hapless Colonels of the last 15 years of the 19th century. They were bad. The A's are ahead of the 1884 NL Kansas City Cowboys (.203).

Since 1876:  A's are 8th worst since 1876, still sandwiched between the Colonels and the Cowboys.

American League: 1st worst all-time, ahead of those 1916 A's (0.235).

Since 1900: Same as AL

All-Time > 100 games: They are 4th, ahead of the Spiders, the 1890 Pittsburgh Alleghenys (Pirates), and those same Louisville Colonels. The are ahead of the 1897 St. Louis Browns (Cardinals) (0.221).

Most Losses

Will start tracking this when the A's reach 100 losses. Probably early August at this point. There are 165 teams to date that have lost 100 games; it pretty much happens every year.

The train wreck that is the 2023 Oakland Athletics

This post is not about why the A's are terrible, nor is it about raising ticket prices, pursuing multiple land deals in another city, nor trading away absolutely every player throughout their entire system that is not nailed down.

No, this is the post setting the groundwork for periodic (maybe daily?) updates to see how far this team can fall compared to other teams all time.

At the end of the year, we can just watch the losses mount up and see where they end up all time. Will they lose 100 games (almost certainly)? 110 (probably)? 117, like the franchise record 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (it could happen)? 120, like the 1962 New York Mets (they are on pace to pass it)? 134, like the 1899 Cleveland Spiders (probably not)?

 But we have to wait until August and September to see them roll up that list.

I want to know when they pass milestones in fewest wins. When do they win their 21st game, passing the Spiders? 36th, passing both the 1916 and 1919 A's? 41st, like the Mets?

So I started tracking the least number of wins all time. It turns out that this is frustrating.

Using Baseball References's Stathead service, I got a list of all MLB teams ever, and sorted them by wins ascending. As of this writing, the A's have 10 wins, and sit 24th on this all-time list. On first blush, this does not seem possible. However, this list includes teams from the National Association, which had a short schedule and had teams not finish the season, and the Union Association, which had many teams not finish the season. Here is the top 10 from that list:

Rank	W	L	%	Year	Team	Lg
1	0	6	0.000	1873	Baltimore Marylands	NA
1	0	11	0.000	1872	Washington Nationals	NA
3	1	12	0.077	1875	Keokuk Westerns	NA
4	2	42	0.045	1875	Brooklyn Athletics	NA
4	2	21	0.087	1873	Elizabeth Resolutes	NA
4	2	16	0.111	1884	Wilmington Quicksteps	UA
4	2	12	0.143	1875	Philadelphia Centennials	NA
4	2	7	0.222	1872	Washington Olympics	NA
4	2	6	0.250	1884	St. Paul White Caps	UA
10	3	26	0.103	1872	Broolyn Eckfords	UA

Boy, that's a lot of dreck. That's not really major league baseball in my mind. On this table, the A's are #24:

Rank	W	L	%	Year	Team	Lg
21	9	56	0.138	1876	Cincinnati Reds	NL
21	9	38	0.191	1875	Baltimore Canaries	NA
21	9	28	0.243	1872	Brooklyn Atlantics	NA
24	10	40	0.200	2023	Oakland Athletics	AL
24	10	19	0.345	1871	Cleveland Forest Cities	NA
26	12	51	0.190	1884	Washington Nationals	UA
26	12	30	0.286	1884	Richmond Virginians	UA

Hmm. The 1899 Spiders lost 20. Where are they on this list? They are #46. The A's have some ground to make up. 1916 A's are #144; 1962 Mets are #174.

Other drawbacks with this list: Every 2020 team except the Dodgers is on this list before the Mets since nobody else won more than 40 during the Pandemic. All of the 2023 teams are still on this list.

BTW, the Kansas City Royals are 15-35, and are #30 on this list. They have to win 6 more games to pass the Spiders.

OK, so this is still not that useful a table. How about only doing the American League? Of course, that gets rid of the Spiders and the Mets. However, the A's currently are #1 on this list. Woohoo. Of course, #2-25 are all from 2020 or 2023. The next team not from those years on this list are those 1916 Phildelphia A's (36-117), at #26. Even after the 2023 teams mostly pass the 1916 A's, those 2020 teams won't. Still not really want I want.

How about since 1900? Well, that still excludes the Spiders, but it captures a lot of the really famous bad teams. However, it is still polluted with 2020, and temporarily, 2023. The A's are #1 on this list,  and those 1916 A's are at #56, but everything in between is still from 2020 and 2023. Yuck.

So, I reran with everything from 1871, but with a minimum of 100 games, except for 2023. Those teams will pass most of the really bad teams, so the table will clean up eventually. In this table, the A's are #1, the 2023 Royals are #2, and the Spiders are #3. All but five teams have won more than 20 games in 2023 so far, and three teams have won 20, so the next games they win will put them past this putrid excuse of a team. The next one not from 2023 in the table is the 1889 Louisville Colonels (27-111), at #23. Nine 2023 teams have passed them so far.

The next target for the A's is thus winning 21 games, passing the 1899 Cleveland Spiders. I am confident this will happen. Just wondering whether it will happen in June, July, or August!

2022 Year in Review

This year was a year of triumph for me professionally and for our kids in marching band.

In January, I applied for an internal position at Indeed. I had missed doing IOS development since 2017, the last time I worked on the IOS app at Indeed. A position came open on the team. It was a promotion. And after interviewing, I got it! Started that in April, and am having a lot of fun.

In March, the family went to New York for Spring Break. We wanted to see Hugh Jackman in the Broadway revival of The Music Man. We also knew that the marching band was going to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade later in the year, and we wanted to see stuff in the city that we knew we were not going to see in November. We went to the Empire State Building. We saw Randy Brecker at Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, a teen-friendly jazz club. And we just walked around a lot. Had a blast.

In April, I went to an Astros game in Houston.

In June, I went to San Francisco to meet with my new team. Went to a Giants game as well.

I played in Cedar Park Winds, a local community band, primarily populated with band directors. It’s a great band. In July, we performed at the Texas Bandmaster’s Association Convention in San Antonio with Dareen Ketchens, a famous New Orleans jazz clarinet player. It was a superb musical experience.

Summer band started for the kids about the same time.

The kids had just about the best season a marching band could hope for. Vandegrift won the Texas UIL 6A State Marching Contest. Then, a few weeks later, the band marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They continued to play for the Vandegrift Varsity Football team as they advanced to the finals before they finally lost.

On other news:

• On 1/1/2022, I weighed 298 pounds. On 12/31/2022, I weighed 248 pounds. I got as low as 242 pounds right before the holidays. My A1C and triglycerides came up as normal the last labs I did. My blood pressure is under control. I feel great. Jade also lost quite a bit of weight.
• In August, I started playing with the Austin Jazz Band again.
• Jade and I were both chaperones for the Macy’s trip with the band. It was hard work, but it was a blast.

It was a good year.

2022 Death Roll

Every year, I post a message about those people who have passed in the previous year who were noteworthy to me. I usually post RIPs to personal friends individually in social media, but this is the full list for 2022:

Friends

Sam Goldenhar
Rudy Roberson (Mr. Rudy)

Athletics

Jeremy Giambi
Ray Guy
Franco Harris
Pelé
Odalis Perez
Gaylord Perry
Bill Russell
Bruce Sutter

Government

Madeline Allbright
Queen Elizabeth II
Mikhail Gorbachev

Hollywood

Kirstie Allie
Peter Bogdanovich
James Caan
Gilbert Gottfried
Philip Baker Hall
Anne Heche
Howard Hessman
William Hurt
Sally Kellerman
Angela Lansbury
Ray Liotta
Bob McGrath
Nichelle Nichols
Sidney Poitier

Music

Don Coffman
Ronnie Cuber
Naomi Judd
Meat Loaf
Loretta Lynn
Christine McVie
Olivia Newton-John
Vangelis
Alan White

Media

Roger Angell
Vin Scully
Barbara Walters