In 1972, Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams led the Oakland Athletics to their first World Series title since 1930, when the Connie Mack-managed team played their ballgames in Philadelphia’s Shibe Park. Built around a strong pitching staff and a consistent offense, the A’s stormed to the American League pennant in brand-new, garish green and gold uniforms. They faced the heavily favored Cincinnati Reds in the World Series, defeating the NL pennant winners in an extremely close seven-game series. The A’s won three of their four games in Cincinnati, and all four of their victories came by one run. Williams managed the A’s for one more season, leading the team to the second of three consecutive World Series titles.

This commemorative Louisville Slugger bat was personally owned by Dick Williams, and features “World Champions / Oakland A’s / 1972” etched on the barrel in gold. The signatures of the 1972 A’s are also etched on the barrel, and include team owner Charles Finley, Williams, and the Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, and Catfish Hunter. Other etched signatures include Sal Bando, Dagoberto “Bert” Campaneris, Vida Blue, Joe Rudi, Gene Tenace, Ken Holtzman, John “Blue Moon” Odom, and several more. This item is in excellent condition, and would make a fantastic display piece in any collection.