Sal Bando, All-Star third baseman for Athletics dynasty of 1970s, dead at 78

Sal Bando, a four-time All-Star third baseman who won three World Series with the Oakland Athletics during the 1970s and later served as general manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, died Friday. He was 78.

>> Read more trending news

Bando died in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, after a battle with cancer that began more than five years ago, his family said in a statement.

“It is with a heavy heart the Bando family is sad to announce the passing of their husband and father, Sal,” the A’s said in a statement. “Sandy, Sal’s wife of 54 years, and sons Sal Jr., Sonny and Stef, send their love to family, friends and fans who mourn the loss of a humble and faithful man.”

Bando starred in the middle of an Athletics lineup that featured Joe Rudi and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. He was named to the American League All-Star team from 1972 to 1974, the three seasons that Oakland won World Series titles. He finished in the top five in A.L. MVP voting three times, ESPN reported.

The former Arizona State University star led the A.L. in extra-base hits (64), doubles (32) and total bases (295) and abtted .287 in 1973, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

A native of Cleveland, Bando finished his 16-year major league career with a .254 average with 242 home runs and 1,039 RBI.

Bando was drafted by the Athletics, then located in Kansas City, in the sixth round of the inaugural major league draft in 1965, MLB.com reported.

He ended his career in Milwaukee, playing his final five seasons with the Brewers from 1977 to 1981. He later joined the team’s front office and served as the franchise’s general manager from October 1991 to August 1999, according to The Associated Press.

“Sal impacted the organization proudly for many years as both a player and as an executive. His addition to the team in 1977 helped establish the first great era of Brewers baseball,” Rick Schlesinger, the Brewers’ president of business operations, said in a statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sal’s loved ones.”

©2022 Cox Media Group