The World Series was won by the Oakland Athletics , the first of three straight behind the bats of Reggie Jackson and Bert Campaneris , and the pitching cadre of Catfish Hunter , Rollie Fingers , and Vida Blue . Jackie Robinson , the first black player in MLB history , threw out the first pitch prior to Game 2 in what would be his last public appearance . He died two days after the series ended at age 53 due to complications from diabetes and heart failure . The year ended on a sad note when Roberto Clemente died in an airplane crash off the coast of San Juan , Puerto Rico , on New Year 's Eve , while participating in aid efforts after the 1972 Nicaragua earthquake
1972 Nicaragua earthquake
1972 Nicaragua earthquake
1972 Major League Baseball season