The following article is part of a series concerning the 2025 Classic Baseball Era Committee ballot, covering long-retired players, managers, executives, and umpires whose candidacies will be voted upon on December 8. For an introduction to the ballot, see here, and for an introduction to JAWS, see here. Several profiles in this series are adapted from work previously published at SI.com, Baseball Prospectus, and Futility Infielder. All WAR figures refer to the Baseball-Reference version unless otherwise indicated.

Tommy John spent 26 seasons pitching in the majors from 1963–74 and then 1976–89, more than any player besides Nolan Ryan, but his level of fame stems as much from the year that cleaves that span as it does from his work on the mound. As the recipient of the most famous sports medicine procedure of all time, the elbow ligament replacement surgery performed by Dr. Frank Jobe in late 1974 that now bears his name, John endured an arduous year-long rehab process before returning to pitch as well as ever, a recovery that gave hope to generations of injured pitchers whose careers might otherwise have ended. Tommy John surgery has somewhat obscured the pitcher’s on-field accomplishments, however.

A sinkerballer who relied upon his command and control to limit hard contact, John didn’t overpower hitters; after his surgery, when the usage of radar guns became more widespread, his sinker — which he threw 85-90% of the time — was generally clocked in the 85-87 mph range. He paired the sinker with a curveball, or rather several curves, as he could adjust the break based upon the speed at which he threw the pitch. He was the epitome of the “crafty lefty,” so good at his vocation that he arrived on the major league scene at age 20 and made his final appearance three days after his 46th birthday. He made four All-Star teams and was a key starter on five clubs that reached the postseason and three that won pennants, though he wound up on the losing end of the World Series each time.

Thomas Edward John Jr. was born on May 22, 1943 in Terre Haute, Indiana. He cut his teeth playing sandlot ball and more organized games at Spencer F. Ball Park, a three-block square with about 10 baseball diamonds used for everything from pickup games to those of two rival high schools, Garfield and Gerstmeyer, the latter of which he attended.

At Gerstmeyer, John excelled in basketball as well as baseball, so much so that the rangy, 6-foot-3 teenager was recruited by legendary Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp, and had over 50 basketball scholarship offers but just one for baseball (few colleges gave those out in those days). When Rupp paid a visit to their household, the senior John told the coach that his son was probably going to bypass college to pursue professional baseball. As the pitcher recalled in 2015:

Rupp said, “Well, we have a pretty good baseball team down in Kentucky, and your son might even be able to make our team.” My dad never liked Rupp, but that really made him mad. He told Coach Rupp, “Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.” Rupp was furious. His assistant came in and tried to smooth things over, but it didn’t matter.

On the mound, John lacked a top-notch fastball but had a major league-caliber curveball that he learned from former Phillies minor leaguer Arley Andrews, a friend of his father. He pitched to a 28-2 record in high school, and while the Cleveland Indians scout who signed him, John Schulte, expressed concern about his inability to overpower hitters, he signed him nonetheless two weeks after John graduated from Gerstmeyer in 1961 — four years before the introduction of the amateur draft. Read the rest of this entry »

The following article is part of a series concerning the 2025 Classic Baseball Era Committee ballot, covering long-retired players, managers, executives, and umpires whose candidacies will be voted upon on December 8. It is adapted from a chapter in The Cooperstown Casebook, published in 2017 by Thomas Dunne Books. For an introduction to the ballot, see here, and for an introduction to JAWS, see here. All WAR figures refer to the Baseball-Reference version unless otherwise indicated.

“Dick Allen forced Philadelphia baseball and its fans to come to terms with the racism that existed in this city in the ’60s and ’70s. He may not have done it with the self-discipline or tact of Jackie Robinson, but he exemplified the emerging independence of major league baseball players as well as growing black consciousness.”⁠ — William Kashatus, The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 2, 1996

At first glance, Dick Allen might be viewed as the Gary Sheffield or Albert Belle of his day, a heavy hitter seemingly engaged in a constant battle with the world around him, generating controversy at every stop of his 15-year career. It’s unfair and reductive to lump Allen in with those two players, however, for they all faced different obstacles and bore different scars from the wounds they suffered early in their careers.

In Allen’s case, those wounds predated his 1963 arrival in the majors with a team that was far behind the integration curve, and a city that was in no better shape. In Philadelphia and beyond, he was a polarizing presence, covered by a media contingent so unable or unwilling to relate to him that writers often refused to call him by the name of his choosing: Dick Allen, not Richie. Read the rest of this entry »

Boyhood allegiances typically go away after a player is drafted and signs with a team other than the one he (or she) grew up following. Drew Gilbert isn’t necessarily an exception to that rule, but the 24-year-old St. Paul native does retain a soft spot for the Minnesota Twins.

“I think that happens a little more so as you get older, not necessarily exactly when you sign,” said Gilbert, whom the Houston Astros drafted 24th overall in 2022 out of the University of Tennessee. “You move around a lot. I went from Minnesota to Tennessee, and then once you get drafted you go around the country with different affiliates. I don’t want to say you lose the fandom, but it naturally goes away a little bit. That being said, when [the Twins] were in the playoffs last year it was still super fun to watch. Of course, any time you get playoff baseball, no matter who you’re rooting for, it’s a cool thing to watch.”

The 2023 Twins aren’t the only team he’s had reason to root for in the postseason. The Astros won the World Series in his 2022 draft year, and his new organization’s parent club has a chance to do so this year. The New York Mets acquired Gilbert as part of last summer’s Justin Verlander trade deadline deal. Read the rest of this entry »

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Sport Science Analyst
Minor League Video Assistant

Sport Science Analyst

Department: Baseball Operations

Reporting to: Sr. Director, Sports Medicine and Performance

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Full-time Location (City, State): Mesa, AZ

About the A’s:
The A’s are a baseball team founded in 1901. They have a rich history, having won nine World Series championships and 15 American League pennants. The A’s are known for pioneering the “Moneyball” approach to team-building, which focuses on using statistical analysis to identify undervalued players.

In addition to their success on the field, the A’s also have a positive and dynamic work culture. They have been recognized twice as the Front Office Sports, Best Employers in Sports.

The A’s are defined by their core pillars of being Dynamic, Innovative, and Inclusive. Working for the A’s offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative organization that values its employees and strives to create a positive work environment.

Description:
The A’s are hiring for a full-time Sport Science Analyst to work alongside the Sports Medicine and Performance team. This position will assist in numerous organizational priorities, including the creation and distribution of reports, metrics, and statistical models pertaining to player health and performance. Additionally, the role will act as a key liaison among the Major League Team, Baseball Operations, Player Development, and Sports Science staff. This position is primarily based onsite in Mesa, AZ.

Responsibilities:

• Produce statistical analysis and reporting for Sports Medicine, Performance, Sports Science, and Player Development staff. 
• Conduct research projects with a focus on player tracking and biomechanical data.
• Work closely with Lead Sport Scientist and Biomechanist to establish objective measures and workload-based reports.
• Utilize statistical and data analysis techniques to identify patterns, trends, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assist in workload management.
• Effectively collaborate and communicate with Sports Medicine, Performance, Sports Science, and Player Development, and Front Office Staff.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A graduate degree or equivalent experience in an analytical field, such as statistics, computer science, applied math, or engineering.
• Foundational knowledge in performance science disciplines, including biomechanics, sports medicine, exercise physiology, and athletic training.
• Strong proficiency in statistical programming and familiarity relational databases. Experience with time series data and analysis is strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively to all members of Baseball Operations, Medical, and Performance staff. 
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The A’s diversity statement:
Diversity Statement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – on and off the field. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies diverse voices. Combining a collaborative and innovative work environment with talented and diverse team members, we’ve created a workforce in which every team member has the tools to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunity Consideration:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

Minor League Video Assistant

Department: Baseball Operations

Reporting to: Manager, Minor League Technology & Development

Job Classification: Seasonal

Full-time Location (City, State): Multiple Locations

About the A’s:
The A’s are a baseball team founded in 1901. They have a rich history, having won nine World Series championships and 15 American League pennants. The A’s are known for pioneering the “Moneyball” approach to team-building, which focuses on using statistical analysis to identify undervalued players.

In addition to their success on the field, the A’s also have a positive and dynamic work culture. They have been recognized twice as the Front Office Sports, Best Employers in Sports.

The A’s are defined by their core pillars of being Dynamic, Innovative, and Inclusive. Working for the A’s offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative organization that values its employees and strives to create a positive work environment.

Description:
The A’s are seeking a seasonal Minor League Video Assistant for the 2025 season at each of the minor league affiliates. The ideal candidate will be available to work home and road games traveling with a minor league affiliate team while handling video charting and other technical matters.

Responsibilities:

• Arrive several hours prior to each game to set up cameras and input rosters and lineups.
• Be available before games to film bullpens, batting practice, early work, and help players and staff with any video/technology related requests.
• Chart each home game using Trackman software.
• Review pitch/game data for any errors at conclusion of game and upload data to TrackMan system.
• Review questionable pitches with the video to make sure the data going into our system is as accurate as possible.
• Communicate with support and the Athletics front office about technical issues that may come up.
• Import video from cameras into editing software (BATS) to sync and cut up the game’s video.
• Upload video to the A’s proprietary scouting software.
• Work with and assist the coaching staff and players with video and technology requests.
• Manage various technologies to assist with Player Development.

Requirements:

• Must be organized and have strong attention to detail.
• Have a basic familiarity of Microsoft Office and Various Web Browsers.
• Ability to effectively communicate and problem solve IT or other technical issues.
• Prior experience with Trackman or other computerized scoring software is preferred, but not required. 
• Flexibility to work extensive hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by the minor league baseball season.
• Ability to attend Spring Training in Mesa, AZ facilities.
• Ability to work at one of the Athletics’ minor league affiliates for the minor league season at one of the following affiliates (Las Vegas, NV; Midland,TX; Lansing, MI; Stockton, CA; Mesa, AZ; La Victoria, Dominican Republic).
• Travel as necessary based on the affiliate team’s schedule.

The A’s diversity statement:
Diversity Statement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering – on and off the field. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies diverse voices. Combining a collaborative and innovative work environment with talented and diverse team members, we’ve created a workforce in which every team member has the tools to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunity Consideration:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

For California based positions only: In adherence to California’s Pay Transparency Act (SB 1162) and in compliance with California minimum wage, the starting compensation for this role is $18.00 / hour.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Oakland Athletics.

In the early 2000s, the Oakland Athletics’ marketing department rolled out a promotional campaign that played on the team’s ubiquitous single-letter nickname. Billboards appeared throughout the Bay Area with images of the A’s squad, each one emblazoned with bold, white font stating “There’s No A in Give Up,” or “There’s No A in Ego”:

Over the course of several years, that basic format was toyed with in various creative ways. When I attended Jason Giambi’s first game back in Oakland donning Yankee pinstripes, I spotted several “There’s No A in Sellout” signs throughout the stands. A few years later, tee-shirts asserting that “There is an A in Streak” were unavoidable in the East Bay. But now, that once-fun ad campaign feels like a punch to the gut, as the Oakland fanbase reckons with the reality of a Coliseum with no A’s in it. Read the rest of this entry »

Today, the Oakland Athletics will play their final home game ever. They have played in the Oakland Coliseum ever since the team moved from Kansas City in 1968. The Coliseum has set the scene for World Series triumphs and collapses. It has been home to the greatest basestealer in the history of the world, some of the most magnificent mustaches the game has ever seen, and at least one possum.

The Coliseum opened in 1966, part of the wave of multipurpose stadiums that swept the country. The concrete behemoth was never the warmest stadium, but its character was unmistakable. In recent years, it hasn’t exactly fallen into disrepair; rather, it’s been deliberately pushed. Like the team on the field, it’s been allowed to atrophy in order to demonstrate how badly the organization needs (never wants) out of Oakland. After last night’s game, groundskeepers patiently scooped dirt from the field for grateful fans who wanted a memento. Below, some of our writers share their memories of the Coliseum and the A’s in Oakland. We encourage you to share your own memories in the comments section. – Davy Andrews Read the rest of this entry »

If I’ve learned anything from the new Statcast bat tracking data, it’s that bat speed alone isn’t sufficient to produce a high-quality major league hitter. Johnathan Rodriguez, Trey Cabbage, Zach Dezenzo, Jerar Encarnacion — all of these guys, at this early stage of their major league careers, swing hard but miss harder. Bat speed only matters when you make contact.

When you do hit the ball, however, it’s nice when your swing is as fast as possible. Swinging fast while making good contact most of the time — it’s hard to do, but if you can do it, you’re probably one of the best hitters in baseball.

The reason it’s rare is because these two variables — swinging hard and making solid contact — are negatively correlated. As some probably remember from when these stats originally dropped, Luis Arraez swings the slowest and squares up everything, while Giancarlo Stanton swings the fastest but seldom connects. A slow swing is a more precise swing, and so the group of hitters who can swing precisely while letting it rip are uncommon.

In order to determine who these rare hitters are, it is necessary to select some arbitrary cutoffs. I’ve picked hitters who have roughly 80th percentile bat speeds and 50th percentile squared-up per swing rates. (A “squared-up” swing is one where a hitter maximizes their exit velocity.) Here is the whole list of hitters who average over 74 mph of bat speed and have at least a league-average squared-up rate: Yordan Alvarez, Gunnar Henderson, Manny Machado, William Contreras, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and… Lawrence Butler??? Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome back to Top of the Order, where every Tuesday and Friday I’ll be starting your baseball day with some news, notes, and thoughts about the game we love.

Last week, I explained how players can still change teams even as trades are no longer allowed. Now that we’re a week-plus into August, I’d like to run down the list of players who could be placed on irrevocable waivers before the month ends, which is the latest that a team can claim them and still have them be eligible for the playoffs. Players placed on waivers are first offered to the worst team in the league, then to the other clubs in ascending order all the way up to the one with the best record at the time of the waiver placement.

I’ll be focusing on teams with playoff odds below 5%, though contending teams teams could see if a rival wants to bite on an onerous contract. (Spoiler alert: they will not.) As a reminder, when a player is claimed off waivers, it’s a straight claim. The team that loses the player gets nothing more than salary relief, as the new team is responsible for the remainder of the contract. Read the rest of this entry »

The A’s have been a bummer of a team to follow for a few years now. They’re moving to Vegas. The fans are protesting, but probably fighting a losing battle. They’re going to play in Sacramento, in withering heat, at a (really nice!) minor league stadium. The owner’s a walking punchline. They lost 112 games last year and then made almost no moves over the winter.

Something’s been brewing in the East Bay, though. Not in terms of a surprise playoff contender – they’re 47-68 on the year, and their playoff odds hit 0.0% on June 10. But nonetheless, this is a much better team than last year’s edition, and it’s mostly happened thanks to internal improvements. This version of the A’s looks downright frisky. Last year, playing them was basically a bye series; this year, they’ve almost matched their win total from ’23 and we’re in early August. How’d they do it? In one word, variance. In many words, well, read on and find out.
Read the rest of this entry »

When I first wrote about him in 2017, JP Sears was a recently drafted prospect in the Seattle Mariners system who was racking up prodigious strikeout totals in the low minors. When I wrote about him for a second time four years later, he was pitching for the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate and again punching out more than his fair share of batters. Fast forward to this season, and Sears is firmly established as a member of the Oakland A’s starting rotation. The 28-year-old southpaw came to the A’s in 2022 as part of the six-player trade deadline deal that sent Frankie Montas and Lou Trivino to the Bronx, a swap that worked out better for the woebegone West Coast club than many were expecting at the time.

Sears no longer puts up sexy numbers in the K category — his strikeout rate this season is a humble 18.1% — but the overall output has been solid. His 119 1/3 innings pitched this season are the most on the team — ditto his eight wins — and his 6.5% walk rate is indicative of a strike-thrower. The 4.53 ERA and 4.60 FIP aren’t anything to write home about, but Sears is nonetheless the best starting pitcher on the A’s.

Sears, who threw seven shutout innings on Monday against the San Francisco Giants, sat down to talk about his evolution as a pitcher when the A’s visited Boston in mid-July.

———

David Laurila: When we last talked, you were pitching in Double-A. Are you basically the same pitcher now, just three years later?

JP Sears: “Good question. I would say that I’m a lot different pitcher. I still use what kind of helped me get through the minor leagues, that being my fastball and the ability to locate it. But my arsenal has definitely gotten bigger. I’ve started throwing a sweeper a lot more — I really just learned that about two years ago — and I’ve also introduced the changeup as more of a pitch. In the minor leagues, I kind of just used it as a bait type of pitch, a show-me pitch, and now it’s more of an executed pitch that I can throw whenever. My average velo has increased a little bit, but the biggest thing would be adding to my arsenal.” Read the rest of this entry »