Today on Locked on A’s, we begin to shatter the narrative surrounding the A’s history beginning with Schott and Hoffman’s tenure as owners of the Oakland A’s has long been blamed for the team’s supposed downfall, but the real story is far more complex. While they did cut payroll and fail to re-sign stars like Jason Giambi, the widely accepted narrative ignores key facts. Oakland was struggling economically and had one of the highest crime rates in the country, making relocation an understandable consideration. Meanwhile, Giambi was never going to stay—he actively pursued a move to the Yankees, making the no-trade clause debate irrelevant. Despite the perception that the team became a laughingstock, Schott’s A’s actually posted the best winning percentage in franchise history and made four playoff appearances in nine years, nearly matching the success of the beloved Walter Haas era.

Additionally, claims of a drastic attendance drop under Schott are misleading. The A’s averaged 21,145 fans per game during his ownership, an 11% decline from the Haas years but still significantly higher than attendance under previous owner Charlie Finley. While Schott’s personality and approach alienated fans, the idea that his ownership single-handedly ruined the franchise does not hold up to scrutiny. The narrative surrounding the A’s demise conveniently leaves out crucial details, creating an incomplete and distorted version of history.