Bert Campaneris was one of baseball’s most versatile and influential players. With elite speed, smart defense, and fearless baserunning, “Campy” helped power the A’s to three straight World Series titles from 1972-74, setting the tone for one of the greatest teams ever assembled.

Campaneris led the league in stolen bases six times, bringing back the running game in an era dominated by power pitching. His aggressive style made him a prototype for the modern speed-first leadoff hitter and influenced the rise of base-stealing stars like Rickey Henderson.

He was also a pioneer of versatility: in 1965, Campaneris famously played all nine positions in a single game, showcasing an athleticism few players in history could match. Over 19 seasons, he paired steady defense with clutch October play, becoming one of the most valuable postseason shortstops of his generation.

Fast, fearless, and foundational to a dynasty: Bert Campaneris helped change how teams thought about speed, versatility, and the shortstop position.