Sal Bando was a professional baseball player who played for the Oakland Athletics and the Milwaukee Brewers during his career. He was born on February 13, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Arizona State University, where he played college baseball.

Bando was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics in 1965 and made his major league debut in 1966. He quickly established himself as a solid third baseman and a reliable hitter, earning a reputation as one of the best defensive players in the league. He was also known for his leadership skills and was named team captain of the Athletics in 1971.

During his time with the Athletics, Bando was part of three World Series championship teams in 1972, 1973, and 1974. He was a key contributor to these teams, hitting clutch home runs and making crucial defensive plays. In 1973, he was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

After the 1976 season, Bando was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he played for four seasons. He continued to be a productive player, hitting over 20 home runs in each of his first three seasons with the team. He also served as a mentor to younger players, helping to develop the talents of future stars like Robin Yount and Paul Molitor.

Bando retired from baseball after the 1981 season, finishing his career with a .254 batting average, 242 home runs, and 1,039 RBIs. He was known for his consistency and durability, playing in over 150 games in eight different seasons.

After his playing career, Bando remained involved in baseball as a coach and executive. He served as the general manager of the Milwaukee Brewers from 1991 to 1999, helping to build a team that reached the playoffs in 1998. He also worked as a coach for the Detroit Tigers and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Throughout his career, Bando was known for his professionalism, work ethic, and leadership skills. He was respected by his teammates and opponents alike and was considered one of the best third basemen of his era. He was inducted into the Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.