One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the team was founded in Philadelphia in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics.

The longest-serving manager in Major League Baseball history, Connie Mack holds records for wins (3,731), losses (3,948), and games managed (7,755), with his victory total being almost 1,000 more than any other manager.

Fingers originally grew his moustache to get a $300 bonus from Athletics owner Charles O. Finley who had offered prize-money to the player who could grow and maintain the best facial hair during 1972 spring training. Fingers went all out, patterning his moustache after images of the players of the late 19th century.

Henderson holds the single-season record for stolen bases (130 in 1982) as well as the career record for stolen bases (1,406).

The late 1990s saw the Athletics turn to a new management strategy that focused on acquiring cheaper, less-known players by giving added weight to in-depth statistical analysis over traditional scouting methods, a strategy that became known as "Moneyball". Many other franchises began implementing similar strategies after Beane built teams that qualified for five postseason berths in a seven-year span (2000-06) while having one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.

Jackson was nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason. He helped Oakland win five consecutive American League West divisional pennants, three consecutive American League pennants and three consecutive World Series titles, from 1972 to 1974.

Hall of Fame pitcher Rube Waddell used to room with his catcher, Ossie Schreck. They even slept in the same bed, which was standard in those days, to save money. But when contract time came around, Ossie insisted that there be a clause in Rube's agreement stipulating that he could not eat animal crackers in bed. Apparently, Philadelphia A's manager Connie Mack agreed, and Waddell abided by the agreement.

In 1901, in the first season of the franchise, Lajoie batted .426 and claimed the first American League Triple Crown.

Foxx became the second player in MLB history to hit 500 career home runs, after Babe Ruth.

McGwire wasn't known for his speed. He had just 12 stolen bases and was caught stealing 8 times.