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Reggie Jackson 1971 Topps Baseball Sports Trading Card #20 MLB - $300 (Ocean Township)
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No World Series titles. No division titles. With the help of a young Reggie Jackson, things changed.
The 25-year-old right fielder bounced back from a down season in 1970 to secure his second of 14 All-Star Game selections.
In the heart of a revamped Athletics batting order, Jackson slashed .277/.352/.508 with 32 home runs and 80 RBI in 642 plate appearances (567 at-bats). His patience at the plate, though, would forever be a work in progress.
Jackson struck out an MLB-worst 161 times in 1971, en route to becoming one of the game's most notable all-or-nothing hitters of all time.
When Jackson did make contact, he changed game after game for the A's, helping to lead them to a 101-61 record and an AL West division title.
It was the franchise's first title of any kind since capturing the 1931 American League pennant as the Philadelphia Athletics.
The Baltimore Orioles promptly swept the A's from the playoffs with a three-game American League Championship Series triumph.
But, bigger and better things were on the way for Oakland and the future Mr. October.