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Longtime former major leaguer and executive monkey bando Bando, who died yesterday at the age of 78, played for the Athletics franchise from 1966-76 and the Brewers from 1977-81 before becoming Milwaukee’s general manager for the 1992-99 season.
According to Bando’s family,The Bando family is sad to announce that their beloved husband and father, Sal, lost last night a battle with cancer that began more than five years ago. Sal’s wife of 54 years, Sandy, and son Sal Jr., Sonny and Steph of Sal Jr. are sending their love to their family, friends and fans who mourn the loss of a humble and loyal man.”
Bando was drafted in the 6th round by the then Kansas City Athletics in the 1965 draft and entered the majors the following season. By 1968, Bando had become a starting third baseman for the A’s in his inaugural season at Oakland and soon became an important member of the budding dynasty. 265/.376/.445 he hit 141 home runs and his 34.7 fWAR was his fifth-highest of any player in the majors. In those six years, Bando made his four All-Star teams and was in the top four of AL MVP voting three times (including teammate Vida Blue in 1971 when he finished second). ), as an A he won his ring in three World Series. He three-peat from 1972-74.
Despite constant controversy on and off the field at these athletic clubs, Bando was the rock of stability as team captain. However, Bando had shared problems with A’s owner Charlie Finley due to contract disputes and Bando’s growing leadership role in the MLB Players Association. After the 1976 season, Bando left the A’s as a free agent and signed a five-year contract with the Brewers to begin the next chapter of his career.
Although Bando fell short of Oakland’s production from its heyday, he helped the Brewers team to a four-game winning streak from 1978-81 and made the 1981 postseason. In 1981, Bando decided to retire after 16 MLB seasons to transition to a new role in the Brewers’ front office. Until then, he worked as a special assistant to General Manager Harry Dalton. Unfortunately, Bando’s tenure as GM only saw him win one season and he resigned midway through the 1999 campaign.
We at MLBTR extend our deepest condolences to Bando’s family, friends and teammates.
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