Charles O. Finley facts for kids

Charles Oscar Finley (February 22, 1918 – February 19, 1996), often called Charlie O, was an American businessman. He was best known as the owner of the Oakland Athletics baseball team in Major League Baseball. He was famous for his bold ideas and for changing how baseball was played and seen.

Who Was Charles O. Finley?

Charles O. Finley was a very important person in American sports. He was known for being a smart and sometimes controversial owner of sports teams. He believed in trying new things and wasn't afraid to challenge old traditions. His most famous role was owning the Oakland Athletics baseball team, which he led to great success in the 1970s.

Early Life and Business

Charles Finley was born in Ensley, Alabama, in 1918. He grew up in Gary, Indiana, and later lived in La Porte, Indiana. Before he became famous in sports, Finley was a very successful businessman. He made a lot of money in the insurance industry. His business skills and strong personality helped him later when he decided to buy a professional sports team.

Taking Over the Athletics

In 1960, Finley bought the Kansas City Athletics baseball team. He quickly started making big changes. He moved the team from Kansas City to Oakland, California, in 1968. This move created the Oakland Athletics we know today. Finley wanted to make baseball more exciting for fans.

A New Look for Baseball

Finley introduced many new ideas to baseball. He changed the team's uniforms to bright green, gold, and white. He also made his players wear white shoes, which was very unusual at the time. He even tried using orange baseballs to make them easier to see. Finley was also one of the first owners to play night games and schedule doubleheaders (two games in one day). He wanted to make the game more fun and appealing to a wider audience.

The "Swingin' A's" Dynasty

Under Finley's ownership, the Oakland Athletics became one of the best teams in baseball. They won the World Series three times in a row, from 1972 to 1974. This was a huge achievement and made them one of the most famous teams in sports history. The team was nicknamed the "Swingin' A's" because of their exciting style of play and their colorful uniforms. Finley was very involved with his team, often making decisions about players and even the team's look.

Finley's Other Sports Teams

Besides baseball, Charles Finley also owned other sports teams. He owned the Memphis Sounds basketball team in the American Basketball Association (ABA). He also owned the California Golden Seals ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). This showed his wide interest in professional sports and his desire to bring his unique style to different leagues.

Later Years and Legacy

Charles Finley sold the Oakland Athletics in 1980. He passed away in 1996, at the age of 77. Finley left a lasting mark on baseball. Many of his ideas, like colorful uniforms and night games, are now common in sports. He is remembered as a bold and innovative owner who helped shape modern professional sports.