1972 AL Pennant
The Swingin' A's capture their first pennant in 41 years.
The Oakland Athletics won their first American League pennant since 1931 in 1972, defeating the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 1972
- Alcs opponent
- Detroit Tigers
- Alcs mvp
- Reggie Jackson
- World series result
- Lost to Cincinnati Reds
- Division
- AL West
- Era context
- Part of the 1971–1973 AL West championship streak
Lore & Background
The 1972 Athletics, known as the 'Mustache Gang,' wore colorful uniforms and grew facial hair as part of a promotion. They defeated the heavily favored Cincinnati Reds in seven games to win the World Series. Key players included Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando, Joe Rudi, Bert Campaneris, Catfish Hunter, Rollie Fingers, and Vida Blue.
Reader's Guide
The 1972 AL Pennant was the first for the Athletics since 1931. The team won the division title after two consecutive second-place finishes, then beat the Reds in the World Series.
Did You Know?
- The 1972 Athletics were called the 'Mustache Gang' after a promotion offered $300 to any player who grew a mustache by Father's Day.
- The 1972 World Series was termed 'The Hairs vs. the Big Squares' due to the Athletics' colorful uniforms and facial hair versus the Reds' traditional style.
- Catfish Hunter pitched a perfect game for the Athletics in 1968, the American League's first regular-season perfect game since 1922.
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