Former third baseman and general manager Sal Bando died Friday after a five year bout with cancer. He was a stalwart of the 1970s Oakland Athletics championship teams:

Bando won three consecutive world championships as captain of the A’s from 1972 to 1974, leading the American League in extra-base hits (64), doubles (32) and total bases (295) during the 1973 season, when he hit .287 while playing in all 162 games.

ESPN.com

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Bando batted .254 for his career, but posted a .352 OBP, something that was not as appreciated when he played. While he had some decent years slugging, his power was not great overall, and playing in the Oakland Coliseum did not help. He did consistently post high rWARs, however, averaging 5.4 rWAR a season from 1968 to 1978. His best season came early in his prime, seasonal age 25 in 1969. he took advantage of the lowered mound that season to hit 31 home runs among his 59 extra base hits and draw 111 walks for a .281/.400/.484 slash line. While he did not reach quite that level again, he was a championship ballplayer for many years.