The 6’5″ Lacey debuted with Oakland in 1977 and worked 33 innings before allowing an earned run. In 1978 he led the American League with 74 appearances. He was used only 47 times by manager Billy Martin in 1980 but recorded a 2.93 ERA. On the last day of the ’80 season, he was given his first ML start, pitched a complete-game shutout, and apparently ruined his arm. He bounced around, was often disabled, and was never again consistent.