The Oakland Athletics are preparing for a bittersweet farewell to their long-time home in Oakland, a city that has been an essential part of their identity since their arrival in 1968. As the team embarks on its final homestand in Oakland in 2024, it marks the end of an era that has been filled with numerous achievements and memorable moments.
A Storied Past
The Athletics’ journey began long before their arrival in Oakland, tracing back to their inception in Philadelphia in 1901. During their time in Philadelphia, which lasted until 1954, the Athletics enjoyed early success, clinching nine pennants and five World Series titles. The team then made a move to Kansas City, where they remained from 1955 to 1967. However, the Kansas City years were devoid of postseason glory.
Since their relocation to Oakland in 1968, the Athletics have cemented their legacy as one of the storied franchises in Major League Baseball. Under the bright California sun, the team secured four World Series Championships, six pennants, and 17 division titles. Oakland fans have been treated to countless memories, from Rickey Henderson's stolen bases to the "Bash Brothers" era of Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco.
The Home Stretch
As the Athletics prepare to bid adieu to Oakland, the final home game is set for Thursday, played against the Texas Rangers. This series will be more than just another set of games; it will be the culmination of 57 years filled with highs, lows, and everything in between.
“Oakland has been home for the greatest era in the franchise's more than 123-year history,” said John Fisher, current owner of the Athletics. “This upcoming series with the Texas Rangers will be the final games of the A's storied 57 years in Oakland." Fisher’s words reverberate with nostalgia and pride, reflecting on a time that has seen the team transform and evolve.
The Search for a New Home
The journey towards relocation has been fraught with challenges and attempts to secure a new home within the Bay Area. When Lew Wolff and John Fisher acquired the team in 2005, their ambition was not only to win world championships but also to build a new ballpark in Oakland. Unfortunately, the efforts did not bear fruit, despite 16 years of perseverance.
“Only in 2021, after 16 years of working exclusively on developing a home in the Bay Area and faced with a binding MLB agreement to find a new home by 2024, did we begin to explore taking the team to Las Vegas,” Fisher explained. The decision was not made lightly but was a necessary step influenced by Major League Baseball’s mandate.
A New Chapter in Las Vegas
As part of their relocation plan, the Athletics will temporarily play in Sacramento from 2025 to 2027. This transitional period is set to pave the way for a grand unveiling when the team moves into their new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip in 2028. It’s an exciting, albeit uncertain, road ahead for both the team and its fanbase.
While the Athletics’ time in Oakland is drawing to a close, their legacy will always be part of the city’s sports fabric. The team has made indelible marks with numerous all-time greats and seven Baseball Hall of Famers contributing to its rich history. John Fisher’s reflections encapsulate the sentiment shared by many: “Four World Series Championships. Six pennants and 17 division titles. Seven Baseball Hall of Famers ... The list goes on and on.”
As the A’s prepare to turn the page, the sense of community fostered over five decades in Oakland remains a testament to the team’s influence. “Looking ahead, I hope you will join our beloved A's as we move forward on this amazing journey. I hope I will see you again sporting the Green and Gold. And I hope we will make you proud," Fisher said, extending an invitation for fans to share in the next chapter of the Athletics’ storied saga.
The Athletics’ departure from Oakland is not just the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of a new one. As they take their final bow at the Coliseum, they do so with a rich tapestry of history, success, and community that will forever be cherished by fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.