Sal Bando, third baseman on the Oakland A's championship teams of the 1970s, died after battling cancer. On a team of outsized personalities, Sal sometimes went unnoticed. He did not have the flash of Reggie, Rollie, Vida and Campy, the defensive dazzle if Greenie or the repetitive perfection of Catfish. (Everyone on the 70s A's was known by one name.) He was simply a good third baseman, reliably hitting and fielding year after year. Despite being quiet he was a team leader, and was voted team captain. In a clubhouse so fractious the team was known as The Fighting A's, Captain Sal explained all the players were united in their hatred for owner Charlie Finley. Finley busted up the team when most of the core players were under 30. They could have won another two or three championships. After leaving the A's, Sal returned to his hometown Milwaukee and played several seasons for the Brewers. He later joined the front office, eventually becoming general manager. He is survived by Sandy, his wife of more than 50 years, and their three sons. Wishing him natural grass and sunny days eternally.
RIP! I always thought 3rd base was the toughest infield postion..you need a great glove, good instincts and a great arm to play third. Kyle Seager for the Mariners was a bit like that...solid player at 3rd base who was quiet but a great solid veteran who didn't make dumb mistakes
