Oakland A's Tie MLB Record With 23-Game Losing Streak
Oakland As Tie MLB Record With 23-Game Losing Streak...
The Oakland Athletics have matched the longest losing streak in modern MLB history after dropping their 23rd consecutive game Thursday night. Their 8-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners ties the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies' infamous record, sparking national attention as the struggling franchise faces mounting scrutiny.
The streak began on April 1 with a 6-4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. Since then, the A's have been outscored 187-80 while drawing sparse crowds at the Oakland Coliseum. Team owner John Fisher has faced growing criticism from fans and analysts for slashing payroll amid relocation talks to Las Vegas.
Thursday's record-tying loss came before just 3,007 spectators - the smallest MLB crowd this season. Manager Mark Kotsay told reporters postgame: "This is as tough as it gets. We're all frustrated, but the effort hasn't wavered." Players held a closed-door meeting after the game.
The topic is trending nationally as baseball fans debate whether this represents the lowest point in the franchise's 123-year history. The A's could break the record Friday night in their series opener against the Kansas City Royals, who ironically ended their own 19-game skid earlier this month.
MLB historians note the 1889 Louisville Colonels hold the all-time record with 26 straight losses, though that occurred before the modern era. The 2026 A's now share the modern mark with the '61 Phillies, whose collapse became known as "The Phold."
Oakland's struggles come amid ongoing uncertainty about the team's future. The Nevada Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging $380 million in public funding for a proposed Las Vegas ballpark. Meanwhile, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has remained silent about the historic losing streak during his visit to London this week.
Local fans have organized "Reverse Boycott" nights to protest ownership, with one scheduled for June 13. The team's TV ratings have plummeted 62% compared to last season, while merchandise sales rank last in the league according to MLB licensing data.
As the streak continues, baseball analysts note the A's face particularly tough odds this weekend. The Royals have won 7 of their last 10 games, while Oakland's pitching staff carries a league-worst 7.89 ERA during the skid. First pitch for Friday's potential record-breaking game is set for 6:40 PM PT at the Coliseum.
