The Louisville A's?

FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY - Kansas City A's owner Charlie Finley signed a contract with the State of Kentucky on this date in 1964 to move the franchise to Louisville starting with the 1965 season. All that was left to consummate the move was the approval of six of the other 19 owners. The A's never called Louisville home, so you know how that turned out.

Charlie Finley was the type of renegade owner who didn't play well with others. He was not well liked by many of his colleagues. Chicago White Sox owner Arthur Allyn didn't mince words, "Finley is a fool and his action is inexcusable. He has no right whatsoever to attempt such a move. He has an obligation to the people of Kansas City and he had better make it good. I don't have to tell you how the White Sox will vote on the matter."

Most of the owners kept their thoughts to themselves, but the General Manager of the Cincinnati Reds, the franchise closest to Louisville, didn't have a problem with the planned move. Bill DeWitt thought another major league franchise 110 miles away from Cincinnati would increase the fan base for everyone.

The A's franchise, which originated in Philadelphia, moved from Kansas City, Missouri to Oakland, California in 1967 and have been there since.

Contributing Sources:
Associated Press (AP), Frankfort, Kentucky, January 7, 1964
A's history
More on Charlie Finley

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