Final Farewell at the Oakland Coliseum
Sadly, today marks the end of an era for the Oakland Athletics. After 57 years, they will host their last home game against the Texas Rangers. First pitch is set for 12:37pm. They will take the field one last time in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 46,000. The place will be rocking, and tears will be shed. There will be 200 Oakland police officers on hand, about 180 more than usual and both teams have been warned to leave quickly and cautiously after the final out. I saw a video last night of a guy removing a pair of stadium chairs. I wonder if he made it out the exits with them. He was prepared and determined.
Personal Memories
Our family went to an A’s vs game in June. We had a wonderful time soaking it up, it was a beautiful sunny day, the game was great, there was plenty of space for the kids to roam the concourse. They especially enjoyed the kid area in upper right with the interactive Rickey Henderson stolen base exhibit. We brought our own sandwiches and tailgated for a bit before. Everyone around us in the parking lot was having a good time. So happy to be hanging out in a parking lot on a nice Saturday about to head into the Coliseum. There were people of all ages and backgrounds. I could hear rap, metal and country music all playing at the various tailgates. Conor made a new friend, and they were playing catch. People of all kinds were brought together because of baseball and the A’s.
My son, Conor got to enjoy the last ever Friday night game at the Coliseum last week for his best friend’s 8th birthday. They secured a Rickey Henderson vintage bobble head, they got to see Aaron Judge hit bp and a regular even fished out a ball for them with a string and red solo cup. He knew what he was doing! They had the best time. It was a night they will remember forever.
While watching these final games this week against the Texas Rangers I could not help but to think about a season ticket holder I had when I worked for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the season ticket services department. I will not share her last name, but her first was Lois and she was one of the most lovely and happy people I have ever met. She was an Oakland A’s fan and season ticket holder with them as well. She bought Diamondback season tickets after her favorite player; Eric Byrnes was traded from Oakland to Arizona. Lois bought season tickets and flew back and forth just to see Byrnesie play, can you believe that? Today, I am thinking about her and all the fans especially the ones who grew up around the Coliseum or frequented the A’s games. What a sad day.
Oakland Local
Steve Vucinich, retired A’s equipment manager of nearly 54 years grew up down the street and watched the Coliseum be built. He remembers when they put the lights up. He says it will be a “cry fest” and is saddened for all the people who have worked there for many years.
Oakland has lost the Raiders, Warriors and now the Athletics. Crime in that area is back up. In fact, they had to close down the nearby In-N-Out Burger, something In-n-Out said they never had to do before. Older aged locals recall the area being more dangerous before the stadiums were built. Now that both teams have left, it seems to be reverting back, which is devastating for the surrounding neighborhoods especially the youth.
Blame Game
The blame game has been going on for years and there are many factors have led the A’s to this sad point. The one who has taken the most heat and rightfully so, is A’s sole owner John Fisher. Mr. Fisher thought it was a good idea to write a letter to A’s fans before their last homestand. If interested, you can read it here. This guy seems to miss and every turn, he is the absolute last person the A’s fans want to hear from this week.
Others blame the San Francisco Giants, including former A’s owner Lewis Wolff. For readers that maybe don’t know, the A’s first choice was to move to San Jose – the heart of Silicon Valley. Wolff and his investors began seeking out San Jose back in 2009, but the Giants continually put a stop to it due of territorial rights. Lewis Wolff said there have been 3 different San Jose mayors over the time period they have pitched the idea and not even one lifted a finger to help or even consider the move.
What could have been & The Future…
While I understand the Giants perspective from a business standpoint, it was clearly a selfish move. I mean, there are the New York Yankees and Mets, LA Dodgers and Anaheim Angels, Chicago White Sox and Cubs. With over 7 million people, The Bay Area is the 5th most populated area in the country and 43rd in the world! I think we could have handled and thrived together with two MLB teams. Below is a picture of Cisco Field, what could have been in my hometown.
TBH, this rendering looks like a glorified spring training facility, but it would have been cool!
All is this is neither here nor there at this point. A’s fans will be left with nothing but memories after this afternoon. They will have the opportunity to check them out next season in West Sacramento where they will move to while their Las Vegas ballpark is being built. The A’s plan to move to Las Vegas by 2029, so there is still much time in the interim. For those who have not seen it, below are some pictures of the proposed stadium in Las Vegas. Very cool, very modern, very Vegas a little Sydney Opera House.
I’m sure some A’s fans will boycott while others will stay loyal. It will be interesting to watch it all unfold. Let me know what your favorite A’s memories are in the comments below. I would love to hear! My husband, Adam loves the moment below and I concur – it is an instant classic! Make sure to tune in shortly or catch the replay this evening. Go A’s!
The Leadoff 
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