The Unforgettable 2002 Oakland A’s Schedule: How the Team Became Champions
The 2002 Oakland Athletics were a team of destiny. After winning the AL West division title the previous season, the A’s went on to make history by winning an unprecedented 20 consecutive games in the 2002 season. This incredible feat was the longest winning streak in the history of Major League Baseball and it helped the team secure their fourth consecutive division title. But how did they do it? Let’s take a look at the unforgettable 2002 Oakland A’s schedule and how the team became champions.
The 2002 Regular Season
The 2002 A’s began their season with a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners, which they won three games to one. The rest of the season was just as impressive, as the A’s went on to win a total of 103 games and lose only 59.
Oakland’s success was largely due to the stellar performances of the key players on the roster. Shortstop Miguel Tejada, third baseman Eric Chavez, and outfielder Jermaine Dye all had standout seasons, and the team was bolstered by the presence of starting pitchers Tim Hudson and Barry Zito. The A’s also received stellar performances from their bullpen, as closer Billy Koch was nearly unhittable and setup man Chad Bradford was consistently effective.
The 20-Game Winning Streak
The A’s kicked off their historic winning streak with a 7-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on August 13th. From there, the team went on to win 20 consecutive games, setting a new Major League Baseball record. During the streak, the A’s outscored their opponents by a margin of 169-79, and they defeated some of the top teams in the league, including the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Indians.
The streak was finally snapped on September 4th, when the A’s fell to the Minnesota Twins by a score of 5-4. Despite the loss, the A’s had already done enough to clinch the AL West division title and secure a spot in the playoffs.
The Playoffs
The A’s went on to make a deep run in the playoffs, winning the ALDS and ALCS series before falling to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series. Although the team was unable to win the championship, their incredible 20-game winning streak and 103-win season will always be remembered as one of the greatest accomplishments in baseball history.
Conclusion
The 2002 Oakland A’s will always be remembered for their incredible 20-game winning streak and 103-win season. It was a season full of highlights and memorable moments, and it was truly a magical year for the team and their fans. If you’re looking for a team to root for, the Oakland A’s schedule and the memories of that unforgettable 2002 season should make them an easy choice.
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