3-Time World Series Champ Passes Away

A sixteen-year veteran, four-time All-Star, and one of the key contributors to the Oakland Athletics three-peat dynasty of the 1970s, third baseman Sal Bando has passed away at the age of 78. 

The A's confirmed in a statement that Bando had been battling cancer for over five years.

We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of four-time All-Star Sal Bando, who passed away at age 78. Sal was the stalwart third baseman of the @Athletics dynasty and a beloved player and GM with the @Brewers. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/H4vY33rqNt

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) January 21, 2023

In the 1973 season, the second of three World Championships for the A's, Bando led the American League in doubles (32) and total bases (295), while batting .287 with 29 HR and 98 RBIs, and playing in all 162 games. He finished in the Top 5 in MVP balloting three times. 

Bando served as the team leader and the "Captain" of that A's dynasty. 

After 11 years in Oakland, Bando moved to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he played five seasons and went on to become the team's general manager. 

His contemporaries, and Hall of Famers, paid their respects on social media. 

It’s with sadness I think about the loss of #salbando. @MLB @Athletics @Brewers Ive been a long time admirer of a great third baseman and tough competitor with class. RIP

— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) January 22, 2023

Lost a friend and terrific 3rd baseman with the passing of Sal Bando.Helped lead the A’s to 3 WS titles.Solo homer in 4 th inning of 74 playoff off me,only run in 1-0 win #RIP @masnOrioles

— Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) January 22, 2023

Bando finished his exceptional career with 242 home runs, 1,039 RBIs, and ranks 15th all-time in assists by a 3B with 3,720, and his 1,896 games played rank 17th. 

Rest in peace to one of the game's greats.