Exactly 12 years ago, the A's signed 38-year-old Mike Piazza to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million.
The future Hall of Famer performed well for Oakland, slashing .275/.313/.414 with eight home runs, 17 doubles, and 44 RBI in 83 games, primarily as a designated hitter. Unfortunately, Piazza missed two and a half months in the middle of the season with a shoulder injury.
The 2007 season ended up being the last one of Piazza's career. He retired with 427 career home runs, with a record 396 coming as a catcher.
The A's went 76-86 in Piazza's one season with the team, finishing third in the American League West.