A’s Start Final Oakland Homestand, Aim for a ‘Proper’ Send-Off

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics kicked off their final homestand of the season on Friday night, as they prepare to say goodbye to a city they have called home for 57 years. This closing chapter at the Coliseum is steeped in uncertainty and emotion, with fans left to ponder how they will express their feelings over the next six games.

As the longest-tenured player on the team, left fielder Seth Brown acknowledged the emotional weight of this moment. “We’ve heard some rumblings, and we’re going to have some more meetings about it,” he shared. “The fans have always supported us, and we just hope they support us in a positive manner. We want everyone to come out and enjoy the time and give it its last hurrah, and at the same time we’re hoping it’s done the right way.”

The A’s schedule includes three games against the New York Yankees, followed by a final three-game series with the Texas Rangers. The concluding game, set for Thursday afternoon, will mark the last major professional sporting event in Oakland. In recent years, the city has seen the departure of three significant franchises: the Warriors, the Raiders, and now the A’s.

Looking ahead, the A’s have plans to temporarily relocate to a minor league ballpark in Sacramento next spring. They will remain there for at least three seasons before making a permanent move to Las Vegas.

Over the past two years, off-the-field issues have plagued the team, particularly since the announcement of their move to Las Vegas last April, followed by news of their stint in Sacramento this past April.

“This isn’t really new for us,” remarked A’s manager Mark Kotsay. “But the emotion last year was a lot greater in terms of the anger. This year has been really, really calm, and I don’t know if that’s because they’ve gotten the anger out. There’s still going to be that emotion as we near Thursday, but that’s part of whenever the healing process starts.”

Fans in Oakland have voiced their frustrations in various protests, mainly aimed at team owner John Fisher. Many recall a notable “reverse boycott” last year, along with a parking lot boycott on Opening Day this season where fans gathered but refrained from entering the stadium.

As of Friday, the team had attracted a mere 738,438 fans this season, the lowest attendance in Major League Baseball.

“The last three games are going to be pretty epic for us and the fan base,” said outfielder JJ Bleday. “I’m kind of looking forward to it, though. It’ll be exciting to play some games with a crowd. Obviously, I feel bad for the fan base, but we’ll be a part of history.”

In preparation for the final homestand, the A’s implemented safety measures, advising players to stay alert in case fans attempt to rush the field. Additionally, players have been instructed to avoid taking photographs with family on the field following games.

“Just get on out of there,” Bleday said, reflecting the team’s concerns about safety and respect for the moment.

Before the series opener against the Yankees, supporters made their feelings known by placing “SELL” signs along the railings in both right and left-field bleachers. A more pointed message, “VIVEK REPENT,” directed a critique toward Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, who is also overseeing the A’s temporary home in Sacramento as they transition away from Oakland.

Ranadive’s deal with A’s owner Fisher, which includes a temporary rent-free arrangement, has been met with mixed reactions from fans.

“I wish we were staying here,” Bleday expressed. “But it’s not up to me. I do have a jar ready to fill up with some dirt, though,” referencing the emotional ties players and fans share with the home field.