In a historic moment for Major League Baseball, the Athletics are closing a significant chapter of their storied history. Established in 1901, the Athletics are one of the league's oldest franchises and have undergone numerous transformations, from their early days as the Philadelphia Athletics to their stint as the Kansas City Athletics in 1955. The franchise found its home in Oakland in 1968, where they added to their illustrious history.
Farewell to Oakland Coliseum
This week, the Athletics are playing their final home game at the Oakland Coliseum before relocating first to Sacramento and eventually to Las Vegas. The atmosphere inside the Coliseum was electric, reminiscent of a postseason game. "A's manager Mark Kotsay likened the atmosphere to a postseason game," capturing the emotions of both players and fans as they bid farewell to their long-time home.
On Thursday, fans lined up hours before the gates opened, eager to be part of this momentous occasion. Groundskeepers were busily collecting dirt and preparing new sets of bases for each inning. Their efforts resulted in 27 new pieces of memorabilia, a testament to the memories made at this iconic stadium. Both Mark Kotsay and Oakland groundskeeper Clay Wood were recipients of a set of these bases, forever memorializing this emotional day.
Honoring the Past
The Athletics' rich history is filled with remarkable achievements and loyal figures, from players to managers and fans. The franchise secured three World Series titles by 1913 as the Philadelphia Athletics, and after moving to Oakland, they added four more championships to their resume. Rickey Henderson, who set a Major League Baseball record with 130 steals in a season and earned the 1990 MVP award, was among those honored. Henderson, along with Dave Stewart, who won 20-plus games in four consecutive seasons and secured top-four finishes in Cy Young voting during each of those campaigns, was at the Coliseum to mark the occasion. Stewart had once been named the 1990 ALCS MVP and the 1989 World Series MVP.
During the game, Barry Zito performed a poignant rendition of the national anthem, setting the tone for the emotional proceedings. Both Stewart and Henderson threw out the ceremonial first pitches, creating a fitting tribute to their contributions to the Athletics' legacy.
"This day is here and I'll be honest I don't know what to do with it, how to think. What I feel is hurt. A huge piece of my life is being transplanted to someplace else. This is not your fault, but it sure hurts to my core," said Dave Stewart in a heartfelt address. "I hope it's not the end of our relationship, just our relationship as Oakland Athletics. I love you Oakland Coliseum and A's Baseball."
Looking Ahead
The relocation of the Athletics demonstrates the evolving nature of sports franchises. The move to Sacramento and eventually to Las Vegas will open a new chapter filled with fresh possibilities and opportunities to create new memories. As the Athletics embark on this journey, they carry with them a legacy of remarkable achievements and unwavering loyalty from their players, managers, and fans.
In this moment of transition, the Athletics’ history remains a beacon of inspiration, and the memories forged at the Oakland Coliseum will endure in the hearts of those who witnessed the franchise's many triumphs. The end of an era signifies the beginning of a new adventure, and the Athletics, with their resilient spirit, are poised to take on this new challenge.