Blowhard, innovator, tyrant, and miser, Charlie Finley owned the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics from 1961-1980, a two-decade run that marked one of the most controversial and flamboyant administrations in baseball history. Columnist Jim Murray described Finley as “a self-made man who worshipped his creator.” Among other things, Finley dressed his players in gaudy Kelly green and gold uniforms, sodded an area behind the outfield fences for grazing sheep, and installed a mechanical rabbit behind home plate that popped up from the ground to give balls to umpires.
Blowhard, innovator, tyrant, and miser, Charlie Finley owned the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics from 1961-1980, a two-decade run that marked one of the most controversial and flamboyant administrations in baseball history. Columnist Jim Murray described Finley as “a self-made man who worshipped his creator.” Among other things, Finley dressed his players in gaudy Kelly green and gold uniforms, sodded an area behind the outfield fences for grazing sheep, and installed a mechanical rabbit behind home plate that popped up from the ground to give balls to umpires.
The ball featuring Charley Finley’s portrait was painted by Jolene Jessie and was donated to the Baseball Reliquary by Bob Colleary.
