Dynastic, Bombastic, Fantastic: Reggie, Rollie, Catfish, and Charlie Finley’s Swingin’ A’s

One of the most unusual dynasties in baseball, the Oakland A’s of the 1970s, gets close scrutiny by veteran sportswriter Turbow, author of The Baseball Codes, who details how the team was cleverly assembled and peaked during a turbulent American era. Following a move from Kansas City to the Bay Area in 1967, Finley seizes control of a lackluster squad, stocking it with a roster of talented rogues and rebels including Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, Sal Bando, Rollie Fingers, and Blue Moon Odom in his quest to achieve postseason honors. Turbow challenges the myth of Finley as a con man and huckster, portraying him as a visionary and promotional genius for his team’s mascot mule, uniform changes, half-price games, and facial hair on players. Conflicts between players in the clubhouse and in the press only propel the team to win five straight division titles, three American League pennants, and three World Series. As the 1970s close, the ailing Finley surrenders to free agency and fire sales of his stars, ending his team’s reign. Turbow’s scholarly account offers a chance to relive a period of outlandish moments in America’s pastime. (Mar.)