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The rivalry between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers is one of the most intense and historic in Major League Baseball. Both teams have a rich history and a dedicated fan base, making for some exciting matchups on the diamond. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the Oakland vs Los Angeles MLB rivalry and what makes it so special.
24 APRIL 2023
TIME: 09:38 PM ET
First, let’s talk a bit about the history of each team. The Oakland Athletics, also known as the A’s, were founded in Philadelphia in 1901 and moved to Kansas City in 1955 before ultimately settling in Oakland in 1968. The A’s have won nine World Series championships, most recently in 1989, and have been home to some of the greatest players in baseball history, including Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Rickey Henderson.
On the other side of the rivalry, we have the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers were founded in Brooklyn in 1883 and moved to Los Angeles in 1958. The team has won seven World Series championships, most recently in 2020, and has been home to legendary players such as Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, and Clayton Kershaw.
Now, let’s get into the rivalry itself. The A’s and Dodgers have faced off in interleague play since 1997, and their matchups are always highly anticipated by fans of both teams. While the rivalry may not be as well-known as other MLB rivalries, such as the Yankees vs Red Sox or the Cubs vs Cardinals, it is just as intense.
One of the reasons for this is the geographic proximity of the two teams. Oakland and Los Angeles are both located in California, and many fans have loyalties to both teams. This can lead to some friendly (or not so friendly) competition between friends and family members who root for different teams.
Another reason for the intensity of the rivalry is the fact that both teams have a reputation for being scrappy and unapologetic. The A’s are known for their “Moneyball” approach to baseball, which involves using statistical analysis to find undervalued players who can help the team win. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are known for their deep pockets and willingness to spend big money to attract top talent.
This contrast in approaches has led to some memorable moments in the rivalry. For example, in a game in 2017, Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill was facing off against A’s slugger Mark Canha. Hill thought he had struck Canha out, but the umpire called it a ball. Canha then hit a home run on the very next pitch, leading to a heated exchange between Hill and Canha as they crossed paths on the field.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true baseball rivalry without some trash-talking from the fans. A’s and Dodgers fans have been known to go back and forth on social media and in person, with each side claiming that their team is superior. This can lead to some tense moments at games, especially when the teams face off in the other team’s home stadium.
Despite the intensity of the rivalry, there is also a sense of mutual respect between the two teams. Both the A’s and Dodgers have a long history in baseball and have earned the admiration of fans around the world. When the two teams face off, it’s not just about bragging rights – it’s also about celebrating the sport and the history behind it.
In conclusion, the Oakland vs Los Angeles MLB rivalry is one of the most exciting and intense in all of baseball. With two storied franchises facing off against each other, there is always the potential for some memorable moments and heated exchanges. Whether you’re an A’s fan, a Dodgers fan, or just a baseball fan in general.
