[1] He played in Major League Baseball as a third baseman from 1966 to 1981, most prominently as the captain of the Oakland Athletics dynasty that won three consecutive World Series championships between 1972 and 1974.

[2] Although he was often overshadowed by his contemporary, Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, Bando finished second, third, and fourth in the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award voting from 1971 to 1974.

[2][3] Bando attended Warrensville Heights High School, where he played baseball, football, basketball, and ran track.

During the "Swingin' A's" era of 1971 to 1975, Bando was named to three consecutive All-Star Games (1972–1974)[2] and he was runner-up for the 1971 American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award, won by teammate Vida Blue, after helping lead the team to the first of five straight division titles.

[7] Bando remained a strong MVP candidate through Oakland's championship run, finishing third and fourth in the voting in 1973 and 1974.

[11] Bando batted 5-for-17 (.294) with three doubles in the 1981 American League Division Series, Milwaukee's first MLB postseason appearance.

After retiring, Bando became a special assistant to Milwaukee's general manager, Harry Dalton, focusing on scouting and coaching during spring training.

[2] After the 1992 season, the club did not negotiate with free agent Paul Molitor or offer him salary arbitration until close to the deadline.

The name changed to its current form on May 4, 2001, to reflect its acquisition of Lee Middleton Original Dolls Inc.[24] The National College Baseball Hall of Fame inducted Bando in 2013.

Since 2010 Bando Jr. has been the head baseball coach at Marquette University High School, leading the team to two straight state championship appearances in his first two seasons there.