On what could potentially be the last Major League Baseball (MLB) Opening Day at the historic Oakland Coliseum, a sea of grieving fans barring Kelly green “Sell” flags congregated, demonstrating a powerful protest against the anticipated relocation of Oakland Athletics (A'”s) to Las Vegas.
The parking lot outside the Coliseum turned into a field of opposition, as thousands of supporters assembled to express their disappointment over the team’s imminent move. Displaying a strong testament of their loyalty, fans adorned in commemorative t-shirts and pins came forward to participate in this emotionally charged event orchestrated by fan groups, the Oakland 68s and the Last Dive Bar.
The crowd erupted into chants demanding, “Sell the team,” as they cheered for their A’s from a large 20-foot screen displaying the live game. It was an unmistakable echo of the reverse boycott carried out in June 2023, a protest that has now become a tradition for A’s fans, shaking the very foundation of the city’s baseball history.
Oakland Athletics, an esteemed team boasting nine World Series championships, fifteen pennants, and seventeen division titles, stands second amongst the American League, only trailing the New York Yankees. The A’s history spans over a century, dating back to its inception in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics.
However, post the relocations of the California Golden Seals to Cleveland in 1976, the Golden State Warriors to San Francisco in 2019, and the Oakland Raiders’ move to Las Vegas in 2020, the Athletics were the sole professional sports team left in Oakland. But in a massive blow to the city’s sports landscape, the Athletics announced the purchase of land next to Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas. In June 2023, the Athletics made headlines once again as they officially unveiled their plans to relocate.
The impending move will ultimately leave the city devoid of any professional sports team, although residents will still have access to professional games by sports teams located in other cities in the metropolitan area.
The knowledge of a possible vacuum in Oakland’s sports domain has fueled the passion of the protesting fans, determined to make their voices heard, and their presence felt.
Information Box:
The Oakland Athletics, popularly known as the A’s, were first formed in 1901 in Philadelphia. Post relocations to Kansas City in 1955, and later Oakland in 1968, the team distinguished itself and even broke records in 2002 with the most number of consecutive wins in a season. Despite changing cities, the Athletics leave a solid impression through their performances, with an overall win-loss record of 4,545-4,294 (.514) in Oakland till the end of 2023.
References:
1: History of the Oakland Athletics, ‘MLB Official Site.’
2: MLB Stadiums Relocation Archive, ‘The New York Times.’
3: Protest on last Opening Day by Oakland A’s fans, ‘San Francisco Chronicle.’
4: Future plans of the Athletics in Las Vegas, ‘The Las Vegas Sun.’
5: Oakland Athletics historical win-loss records, ‘ESPN Sports Statistics.’