Congrats to the Oakland A’s for clinching the MLB Western Division title for the fourth time in seven years, the fourteenth time overall since transplanting to Oakland in ‘68.

What makes this feat amazing is that the A’s overall payroll (and overall revenue) is in the basement of all Major League Baseball. They get my respect due to their combo of crafty management that uses smarts to outwit money and players that want to play more than they want to negotiate. The A’s are full of players that love the game, rookies sincerely looking to prove their abilities and journeyman that know they can still shine. This may sound trite, but in this era of super egos and notorious athletes, the A’s players keep their headlines to the sports pages.

Best of luck A’s in the playoffs. The Yankee, Detoit, Twins and Mets are all champing at the bit for glory. The A’s first challenge will be to get beyond the Division Series which they’ve been unable to advance beyond the last four tries. Playoff games begin next week and I got just one thing to say ….. LET’S GO OAKLAND!

Photo: AP/Elaine Thompson.