The End of an Era for Oakland Athletics
As I approach the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, familiar scents of street food, swamp water, and the less pleasant odor of urine greet me. It’s just before the first pitch of a game on July 19 between the Oakland A’s and the Los Angeles Angels, and for me, this visit holds special significance.
Throughout the last thirty years, I’ve walked this well-trodden path to many events—sports, concerts, and more. I have countless memories associated with the Coliseum, from attending Raiders and A’s games as a child to covering the Warriors during their peak years as an adult. Yet, tonight is a poignant moment as I attend my last game to see the A’s play in Oakland before they relocate permanently.
Since relocating in 1968, the Athletics have taken Oakland fans on an emotional roller coaster, from winning three consecutive World Series in the 1970s with stars like Rollie Fingers and Reggie Jackson, to the infamous “Moneyball” era initiated by Billy Beane when financial constraints limited the team. The A’s have embodied the spirit and resilience of Oakland, providing a sense of pride for a city often overshadowed by San Francisco.
Now, the A’s plan to move to Las Vegas, as owner John Fisher looks to relocate. This marks yet another departure, following the Warriors’ move to San Francisco in 2019 and the Raiders’ transfer to Vegas in 2020. My allegiance to the A’s—rooted in my father’s stories of fandom—makes this impending change deeply personal and bittersweet.
My connection to the A’s began with my father, who passionately shared his love for the team and instilled that same fervor within me. Throughout the years, we made many trips to the Coliseum, creating cherished memories along the way. From playoff games to casual afternoons, the experience forged a bond between us, a bond I now fear my child won’t know.
The current state of the team is a stark contrast to the glory days my father cherished. The A’s now struggle on a limited budget, with the prospect of a dismal season ahead. Fans have fought to keep the team in Oakland, but Fisher seems determined to proceed with the relocation despite rising tensions and mounting discontent.
As the game progresses, I feel the nostalgia wash over me, recognizing the empty seats around me and reminiscing about the memories forged here. Although the A’s took a commanding lead and finished the game triumphantly, I am left questioning the future of Oakland’s sports landscape, and ponders whether my son will have the chance to feel the connection to local teams that I experienced. Walking away from the Coliseum, heavyhearted yet grateful for the memories, I can’t help but feel that being an A’s fan—despite the pain—has been a significant part of my life I will always miss.
