Today the Athletics announce the retirement of the first number in the club's fledgling history. It's fitting that it goes to possibly the finest pitcher this ball club will ever see.
Jorge was the third overall pick in the inaugural draft and collected 143 wins from the 262 games he started (77% rated as quality starts). While with New Jersey he kept his WHIP below 1.00 (0.99) and his ERA was 2.64. He won two straight pitching triple crowns in 2014 and 2015, being named the Most Valuable Pitcher both years as well as in 2013. He was also a 4 time All Star, 2013 through 2016. He led the Athletics to the playoffs for 9 straight years, collecting one AFBL championship and topped 20 wins in a season five times. A left handed pitcher playing in a right handed friendly park Jorge put up serious quality numbers and despite spending his final years in Iowa and then California he retired with a yellow and blue heart.
Farewell Jorge, you'll forever be remembered as the only #26 the Athletics will ever know.
