Black History Month 2025 - February 2nd - Mrs. Evans

This year, as a 60-turning-61 white man, I am going to highlight African Americans that have had some kind of influence in my life. Some are famous, some are friends, and others are just people. #blackhistorymonth

February 2nd - Mrs. Evans

I started school with 1st grade at Brown Elementary in Lubbock, Texas, in the fall of 1970. I don’t remember a lot of specifics about 1st grade. However, I do remember some things about my teacher, Mrs. Evans. She was no-nonsense, but not a strict teacher. She kept the classroom orderly, and taught the appropriate things.

I was a precocious child; I would finish all of the work faster than everybody else. I would then talk and gab and mess around and distract the other kids around me. Mrs. Evans knew exactly how to deal with me. She put me in the advanced  readers group, and kept me supplied with books. She allowed me to read whatever I wanted from her library in class, and encouraged me to check out more when the class went to the school library.

I was also a sick child. She was really good at making sure I caught up after missing school, especially when I was out for almost a month with pneumonia around Halloween.

Oh, and she was black. In 1970. In Lubbock. In Texas. After the Supreme Court ordered schools to desegregate, many fine African-American teachers lost their jobs. To their credit, Lubbock Independent School District kept (or hired later) Mrs. Evans. I only hope this was true for any other black teachers there.

In our class of about 25, there were 3 or 4 black children. I, at least, did not perceive any problems with her or the makeup of the class. Of course, I was 6 years old when the school year started. These were the first black people I spent any time with, but it did not register with me until I thought about it years later.

As far as I remember, and as far as I can tell 50+ years later, my first grade class was normal.

My mother was a speech therapy major in college. It drove her up the wall that Mrs. Evans pronounced my name “SiTney”, but that was the only thing negative that either of my parents said about Mrs. Evans. She was a fine teacher.

Black History Month 2025 - February 1st - John Coltrane

This year, as a 60-turning-61 white man, I am going to highlight African Americans that have had some kind of influence in my life. Some are famous, some are friends, and others are just people. #blackhistorymonth

February 1st - John Coltrane

I am a part-time professional jazz musician. The first truly influential musician I followed and studied was this man who died when I was three. I devoured Giant Steps, and then bought many, many other albums. I loved Lush Life, Blue Train, My Favorite Things, and several albums made with others, like John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, Mies Davis Kind of Blue, Cannonball & Coltrane, Miles and Coltrane…

A Love Supreme blew my mind.

I never really got into the music after A Love Supreme, but what an opus of work. I love his sound on tenor. I tried to learn the solo for Giant Steps when I was in high school. I consider the solo on the alternate take of Countdown the pinnacle of hard bop improv.

The man had his demons; he had a serious heroin habit. However, when he successfully kicked that habit, he started constant practicing. The difference in the technique in 1958 and 1961 is amazing and apparent, and it was pretty amazing beforehand.

I admired his driven purpose to be the absolute best saxophone player he could be.

Baseball Hall of Fame - 2025 BBWA Class

Major League Baseball announced that Ichiro Suzuki, Billy Wagner, and CC Sabathia have been selected for The National Baseball Hall of Fame for 2025.

So, this gives me an opportunity to add them to my list of the first games I saw Hall of Famers play of manage. I am going to reproduce that list here.

• Dave Winfield, San Diego Padres - 1976-04-18 (1st game) - Astrodome - Houston 4, San Diego 1
• Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton, Philadelphia Phillies - 1979-08-19 - Astrodome, - Philadelphia 3, Houston 2
• Bobby Cox (manager) - Atlanta Braves - 1980-07-12 - Astrodome, - Houston 9, Atlanta 5
• Johnny Bench, Cincinnati Reds, and Nolan Ryan, Houston Astros - 1981-09-15 - Astrodome - Cincinnati 4, Houston 0
• Phil Niekro, Atlanta Braves, and Don Sutton Houston Astros - 1982-06-16 - Astrodome - Atlanta 5, Houston 4
• Tommy Lasorda (manager), Los Angeles Dodgers - 1986-08-14 - Astrodome - Houston 3, Los Angeles 2
• Ted Simmons, Atlanta Braves - 1986-10-05 - Astrodome - Houston 4, Atlanta 1
• Dave Parker, Cincinnati Reds - 1986-10-05 - Astrodome - Cincinnati 11, Houston 3
• Tim Raines, Montreal Expos - 1988-05-01 - Astrodome - Montréal 7, Houston 3
• Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Cardinals - 1988-05-31 - Astrodome - St. Louis 9, Houston 7
• Frank Robinson (inducted as player, but appearing as manager) and Cal Ripken, Jr., Baltimore Orioles Tony LaRussa (manager), Oakland Athletics - 1989-04-27 - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum - Oakland 9, Baltimore 4
• Sparky Anderson (manager) and Alan Trammell, Detroit Tigers - 1989-04-30 - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum - Detroit 7, Oakland 2
• Joe Torre (manager), St. Louis Cardinals - 1991-08-30 - Candlestick Park - San Francisco 8, St. Louis 3
• Rickey Henderson and Dennis Eckersley, Oakland Athletics, and Edgar Martinez, Seattle Mariners - 1989-07-30 - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum - Oakland 5, Seattle 3
• Craig Biggio, Houston Astros - 1990-06-01 - Candlestick Park - San Francisco 6, Houston 5
• Jeff Bagwell, Houston Astros - 1991-07-02 - Candlestick Park - Houston 8, San Francisco 4
• Tony Gwynn, San Diego Padres - 1991-07-05 - Candlestick Park - San Diego 4, San Francisco 2
• Harold Baines, Oakland Athletics - 1991-07-12 - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum - Baltimore 6, Oakland 2
• Eddie Murry and Gary Carter, Los Angeles Dodgers - 1991-08-09 - Candlestick Park - San Francisco 1, Los Angeles 0
• Barry Larkin, Cincinnati Reds - 1991-08-16 - Candlestick Park - Cincinnati 5, San Francisco 0
• Roberto Alomar, Toronto Blue Jays - 1992-10-12 - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum - Oakland 6, Toronto 2
• Ken Griffey, Jr., Seattle Mariners - 1993-04-27 - Kingdome - Seattle 4, Cleveland 0
• Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins - 1993-08-14 (1st game) - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum- Minnesota 5, Oakland 1
• Wade Boggs, New York Yankees - 1994-04-30 - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum - New York Yankees 7, Oakland 5
• Ryan Sandberg, Chicago Cubs and Mike Piazza, Los Angeles Dodgers - 1994-05-24 - Dodger Stadium - Chicago Cubs 2, Los Angeles 0
• Jim Leyland (manager), Pittsburgh Pirates - 1994-05-03 - Mile High Stadium - Colorado 6, Pittsburgh 4
• Mike Mussina and Lee Smith, Baltimore Orioles - 1994-06-06 - Kauffman Stadium - Baltimore 4, Kansas City 2
• Ivan Rodriguez and Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers - 1994-06-08 - The Ballpark at Arlington - Texas 6, New York 5
• Jim Thome, Cleveland Indians - 1994-06-11 - County Stadium - Cleveland 5, Milwaukee 2
• Frank Thomas, Chicago White Sox - 1994-06-13 - Comiskey Park II - Chicago White Sox 1, Oakland 0
• Paul Molitor, Toronto Blue Jays - 1994-06-15 - Jacobs Field - Cleveland 4, Toronto 3
• Greg Maddux and Fred McGriff, Atlanta Braves - 1994-06-27 - Le Stade Olympique - Montréal 7, Atlanta 2
• Andre Dawson, Boston Red Sox - 1994-06-29 - Fenway Park - New York Yankees 4, Boston 3
• Trevor Hoffman, San Diego Padres - 1994-07-22 (2nd game) - Veterans Stadium - San Diego 7, Philadelphia 4
• Billy Wagner, Houston Astros - 1996-06-14 - 3Com Park at Candlestick Point - Houston 9, San Francisco 1
• Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera - 1997-04-05 - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum - New York Yankees 10, Oakland 5
• Larry Walker, Colorado Rockies - 1997-06-15 - Oakland-Alameda Coliseum - Oakland 5, Colorado 2
• Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves - 1998-08-08 - 3Com Park at Candlestick Point - Atlanta 14, San Francisco 6
• Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners - 2001-04-11 - Network Associates Coliseum  - Seattle 3, Oakland 0
• Pedro Martinez, Boston Red Sox - 2001-06-06 - Network Associates Coliseum - Boston 5, Oakland 4
• David Ortiz, Minnesota Twins - 2001-07-24 - Network Associates Coliseum - Oakland 7, Minnesota 6
• John Smoltz, Atlanta Braves - 2001-08-17 - Pacific Bell Park - Atlanta 2, San Francisco 1
• Todd Helton, Colorado Rockies - 2001-09-01 - Pacific Bell Park - San Francisco 2, Colorado 1
• Scott Rolen, St. Louis Cardinals - 2003-07-07 - Pacific Bell Park - San Francisco 5, St. Louis 1
• Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays - 2003-08-17 - Network Associates Coliseum - Oakland 7, Toronto 3
• Vlad Guerrero, Anaheim Angels - 2004-04-24 - Network Associates Coliseum - Anaheim 6, Oakland 3
• CC Sabathia, Cleveland Indians - 2004-09-11 - Network Associates Coliseum - Oakland 5, Cleveland 4
• Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins - 2005-08-23 - McAfee Coliseum - Oakland 5, Minnesota 2

It's fun to do the search for these guys in my game logs!

Rickey Henderson (1958-2024)

Rickey Henderson was one of the all-time great players. I did not get to see him play live that much, but I did have a memorable encounter with him.

In 2005, my wife and my baby girl went to see a traveling tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame at the Oakland Museum on a Saturday afternoon. The exhibit was packed. Basically, there was a line snaking through the entire exhibit. It was a really cool exhibit with lots to see.

While we were looking at a display, a docent was bringing somebody through the museum not in the line. Initially annoyed, I looked up, and there was Rickey Henderson! The docent was giving him a personal tour. He told her that he had never had time to learn much about the history of the game; he was too busy trying to play it. He seemed particularly fascinated at the exhibit of a mechanical scoreboard device where somebody would recreate a game based on telegraph signals when the team was on the road.

I looked over at my wife, who had our almost-toddler in her arms, and they both were staring at Rickey. My wife looked every bit as star-struck as I was. Rickey saw my daughter, and said, "Oh, and who is this cutey?", and walked over to both of them, and said "Goochey-goochey-coo!" and reached out and tickled my daughter, who giggled. He said, "That's a beautiful baby!" to my wife, then waved "bye" to the baby and moved on.

Later, as we were nearing the end of the tour, Rickey was still talking to the docent. My wife told me to hold the baby, and dug around in the baby backpack for the Sharpie she always had. She then took the baby over to Rickey, and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Henderson, would you sign the back of my daughter's onesie?", and he said, "Of course!", took the pen, and signed it. He smiled at the baby again, waved, and then left the museum. We were on Cloud 9 the rest of the weekend.

Appendix

My wife has a cousin, who collects memorabilia. They had not talked in a while. She called him, and he recognized the Caller ID, and answered, "OK, who'd you get?"

He said that Rickey's signature was difficult to get, and he normally did not sign things. The cousin sent us some memorabilia and baseball cards to make a shadow box display with. We'll get around to that someday...

My Favorite Astrodome Memory

In this year of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Harris County Domed Stadium, aka, the Astrodome, the Larry Dierker Chapter of the Society of American Baseball Research is calling for memories about the place. This is my entry.

My family moved to Houston in the mid-70s, and I fell in love with the Astrodome. It was a magic place to me, where you could go see baseball and be comfortable. Our house did not have central air, and the Astrodome was a great place to get away from the heat.

1979 cemented my love of the Astros, although 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1986 taught me that baseball in pain.

I moved to the Bay Area in 1988. In 1994, I embarked on a stadium tour. That summer I saw 27 out of the 28 ballparks. But the game in the Astrodome was special.

It was July 18, 1994, a lazy Monday night in Houston. I had almost a dozen friends and family with me, as we sat in the second deck behind home plate.

St. Louis led 11-0 after three innings. Huh. Time for beer I guess.

And then, Houston showed signs of life. In the 4th, with one out, Luis Gonzalez doubled to center and advanced on a fly ball by Lyle Mouton.  Tony Eusebio batted Gonzalez in with a single to left. Andujar Cedeño doubled, and Eusebio stopped at 3rd. Mike Fielder singled to deep short, scoring Eusebio, and moving Cedeño third. Craig Biggio loaded the bases, but the Astros left them loaded. St. Louis 11, Houston 2.

In the fifth, Jeff Bagwell led off the inning with a home run (which I caught on video), and Cedeño batted in another run with a two-out double. St. Louis 11, Houston 4.

And then the fun started. Here is the sequence:

• Biggio walked.
• Kevin Bass pinch hit for reliever Mike Hampton, and doubled to left, scoring Biggio. (STL 11, HOU 5)
• Cardinals put in a new pitcher, Frank Cimorelli, replacing Allen Watson. Jeff Bagwell popped up. 1 out.
• Ken Caminiti walked; Bass stayed at second.
• Gonzalez singled to left, scoring Bass, Caminiti to 2nd (STL 11, HOU 6)
• Mouton hit by pitch; Caminiti to third; Gonzalez to second.
• Eusebio walked; Caminiti scored; Gonzalez to third; Mouton to 2nd. (STL 11, HOU 7)
• Bryan Eversgard replaced Cimorelli at pitcher, and Cedeño singled to center, scoring Gonzalez and Mouton. Eusebio advanced to third, and Cedeño went to second when left fielder Ray Lankford overran the ball and it went under his glove. (STL 11, HOU 9)
• Felder then tripled to center, clearing the bases. (HOU 11, STL 11)
• Biggio hit an infield single, and Felder had to stay at 3rd.
• Bass singled to right, scoring Felder, with Biggio moving to second (HOU 12, STL 11)
• Steve Dixon replaced pitcher Eversgard, and Biggio stole 3rd. Bagwell walked, reloading the bases.
• Caminiti singled to left, scoring Biggio, and Bass, with Bagwell stopping at second. (HOU 14, STL11).
• Gonzalez walked, moving Bagwell and Caminiti to second.
• Mouton plated Bagwell with a sacrifice fly to right, advancing Caminiti, (HOU 15, STL 11)
• Eusebio closed out this amazing inning hitting a ground ball fielder's choice.

In the inning, Astros had 11 runs on 7 hits, 5 walks, one stolen base, a hit batter, and one Cardinals error. What fun.

St. Louis hit a meaningless home run in the 9th, so the final score was 15-12.

It was a truly horrible birthday for St. Louis manager, Joe Torre. SABR has this article about it.

When I did this trip 31 years ago, I did a daily log on my very lame personal website, a web log, one might say, or one might shorten it to blog. During the Pandemic in 2020, I recreated this blog day-by-day, and I added what few pictures and videos I had to them. You can find that write-up here: https://sydneyrandall.blogspot.com/2020/07/baseball-trip-replay-day-56-july-18-1994.html.

Appendix

This is not the only time I saw a team blow an 11-run lead. In 2002, I saw a team blow an 11-run lead, only to win in the bottom of the 9th on a home run. That game is much more famous; the Oakland A's won their 20th in a row, and the game was immortalized in the Moneyball book and movie.

I am one lucky fan!

2025 Those who have passed

The following is a set of people who were my friends, or who were somewhat famous and influenced me in some way. No other comments provided.

Friends

Jackie Lacanal

Mike Murillo

Ladd Turner

Teachers

Lawrence Anderson

Music

Jerry Coker

Claire Daly

Quincy Jones

Les McCann

Mojo Nixon

Seiji Ozawa

David Sanborn

Peter Schickele

Athletics

Billy Bean

Orlando Cepeda

Wayne Graham

Rickey Henderson

Whitey Herzog

Willie Mays

Dikembe Mutombo

Pete Rose

O.J. Simpson

Luis Tiant

Fernando Valenzuela 

Broadway/Hollywood

John Amos

Adam Canto

Dabney Coleman

Shannon Doherty

Teri Garr

James Earl Jones

Kris Kristopherson

Linda Lavin

Martin Mull

Bob Newhart

Chita Rivera

Richard Simmons

Maggie Smith

Donald Sutherland

Media

Phil Donahue

Charles Osgood

Politics

Jimmy Carter

Tech

Thomas Kurtz

Dave Mills

Nicklaus Wirth

Misc

Ruth Westheimer

Blood Brothers

I have played a lot of musical theater shows in the Pit Orchestra. This was the only time I was mentioned in a newspaper review.

Blood and guts

Palo Alto Players take risks, succeed with dark musical 'Blood Brothers'

By Joan Burdick - Correspondent  - The Independent (serving Redwood City) - May 8, 1999

The Palo Alto Players is currently presenting a truly beautiful and artistic production of the London smash hit "Blood Brothers". The Players have to be given credit for taking the risk and producing this modern dark piece of musical theater.

While the story - twin brothers separated at birth by a mother who can afford to keep on one - could delve too deeply into melodrama, this production is focused, well-etched, and beautifully staged.

Not knowing of their relationship, the siblings grow up in Loverpool divided by the invisible barrier that keeps wealth and poverty apart. By the rules of mythology, the two eventually meet and become instant friends and blood brothers. Their fate, however, is a hero myth that ends in tragedy, not redemtion.

The stark Liverpool setting is visible upon entering the Lone Star Theater in Palo Alto, signaling to the audience the stylish nature of the production, which plays through May 16.

Subtle lighting bathes the set. An old brick wall at stage left is aglow in red (portent of the play's ending). The industrial skyline against the far wall is lit in varying shades of turquoise and grays with a rust-red grid in the foreground that spans the entire width of the stage. In the center is a half-round platform that angles down into the floor at its center. This makes for a very actor-friendly set design - every action is totally visible. Scenic designer Ron Gasparinetti and sighting designer Michael Palumbo get the credit for bringing a professional polish to the Palo Alto Players.

"Blood Brothers" demands a strong ensemble and it was clear director Sid Cato brought one to the boards at the May 1 performance. The musical begins in stark silhouette as the ending vignette enters this strange story of wrong decisions leading to bitter conclusions. By the time the two mothers, played by Narelle Yeo and Lan McKenna, moving sing the duat "My Child," it's obvious that the ensemble is secure in its singing ability. The case, acting as children playing children's violent games in "Kids Game," eerily pre-dates the dialogue nationwide following the tragedy of Littleton, Colo.

At the end of Act I, when G. Scott Kaufman as Mickey takes the stage and delivers "Long Sunday Afternoon," there occurs a perfect ensemble moment with actor and plaintiff and exceptional soprano saxophone (Syd Polk).

Several lead performers stand out, including Natalie Yeo, who brings a wam, womanly quality that hints at her idol, Marilyn Monroe, to the character Mrs. Johnstone. Her voice is velvety and strong.

David Sattler, as the narrator, has a charismatic presence, striking good looks, and unusual voice quality. However, he needs to clarify his Liverpool accent since some of the story is lost in his diction.

Lane McKenna works well as the neurotic, selfish adoptor of the twin, Edward, while Eli Borggraefe carries of the difficult part of the softer twin with poise, grace, and a beautiful voice.

G. Scott Kaufman in the demanding roles of Mickey supplices the cap on this potent case. His energy, vitality, and physical agility create an endearing Mickey, the unlucky twon. With a strong baritone, and great audience rapport, his is the magnet performance - hard to keep one's eyes off him. Khanh Doan as Lind and Jun Fernandez as Sammy are solid. Doug Brook is believable as the absent father, Mr. Lyon.

This production is artistically directed (Sid Cate), choreographed (Bob Macke) and technically well-executed. The musical direction by Mark Hansen brings this modern score to lfie with the help of sound designer Grant Huberty.

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.