Charlie Finley (1918–96,) fully Charles Oscar Finley, was an American businessman and Major League Baseball owner, best known for leading the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics. His innovative, often controversial, leadership transformed the franchise and introduced lasting changes to the sport.
Born in Ensley, Alabama, Finley made his fortune in insurance, pioneering group medical policies for professionals. In 1960, he purchased the struggling Kansas City Athletics, relocating the team to Oakland in 1968. Under his ownership, the A’s won three consecutive World Series titles (1972–74,) becoming a dominant force.
Known for bold marketing, he introduced bright green and gold uniforms, advocated night World Series games, and promoted the designated hitter rule. He also experimented with orange baseballs and mechanical rabbits for umpire deliveries. His hands-on approach often led to disputes with players, managers, and owners.
Biographies include G. Michael Green and Roger D. Launius’s Charlie Finley: The Outrageous Story of Baseball’s Super Showman (2010.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Charlie Finley
Sweat plus sacrifice equals success.
—Charlie Finley
Topics: Success, Sacrifice
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