Billy Ball is born in Oakland

Billy Martin

On February 20, 1980 — The Oakland Athletics sign Billy Martin to a two-year contract for $125,000 as manager.

Martin, who was fired by the Yankees only four months earlier, will popularize the notion of “Billy Ball” with the A’s and lead the team to a split-season crown in 1981. He will compile a 215-218 record and destroy the young arms of several would be long term starting pitchers. His style also allowed Ricky Henderson to run free on the bases and set the all-time record for stolen bases in a season.

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