The Oakland Athletics did not spend a single day this season in first place until today, when they dominated the Texas Rangers, 12-5, at the Oakland Coliseum to take the AL West Crown. And boy, are they celebrating in the East Bay this afternoon.
Manager Bob Melvin got stopped for an interview just minutes after the game and was almost without words, making sure to give General Manager Billy Beane a big hug before taking questions. Melvin notes how unselfish the team was, and how important the fans are to them.
Derek Norris, who went 2-3 with a solo home run in the eighth inning, gets interviewed after a champagne bath in the Athletics clubhouse:
Coco Crisp, who caught the last out of the game and went 2-4 with 2 RBI, also gets stopped on the field for an interview with his daughter.
You can also check out this photo gallery from CSN to view more of the festivities.
Only two other teams have spent a single day in sole possession of first, and go on to win a division or pennant in Major League history: the 2006 Minnesota Twins and the 1951 New York Giants, they of Bobby Thompson's now-famous "Shot Heard Round the World."
Congratulations to Bob Melvin, Billy Beane and all the Athletics on their amazing season.