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The elephant has been synonymous with the Athletics since 1902, originating from a jibe by New York Giants manager John McGraw, who insulted the A's by calling them "white elephants." This derogatory term was embraced by the franchise's owner at the time, Connie Mack, effectively transforming it into the team's rallying cry.
As the Athletics moved through various locations—from Philadelphia to Kansas City and finally to Oakland—the elephant logo remained a key part of their identity. Notably, the elephant was not used during the initial years of their Oakland tenure but made a triumphant return in the 1980s under the ownership of the Haas family. The mascot Stomper was officially introduced in 1997 and became an integral part of the team's culture.