The Oakland Athletics are set to play their last home game today, marking the end of a 57-year era at the eastern shores of San Francisco Bay. As a longtime fan, the departure is bittersweet, especially given the team’s storied history in Oakland.
Since relocating to Oakland in 1968, the A’s have celebrated four World Series championships, second only to the New York Yankees during that time. Their success has been characterized by resourcefulness, as celebrated in Michael Lewis’s book “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game.” This narrative of triumph against the odds adds to the sorrow of their departure from Oakland.
The A’s have a fiercely dedicated fan base, including notable figures like former President Barack Obama, who followed the team from Hawaii, and actor Tom Hanks, who was once a hot dog vendor at the Coliseum.
Personal memories associated with the stadium are profound. Recently, a final visit coincided with the induction of a new group of Oakland legends into the team’s hall of fame. Meeting greats like Rickey Henderson and Dennis Eckersley made the experience nostalgic, highlighting the emotional weight of the team’s exit.
The lack of agreement between the team’s ownership and the city government over a new stadium has been a disappointing conclusion to their time in Oakland. However, the legacy they leave behind is rich and unforgettable.
To gain insight on this significant moment, I spoke with legendary pitcher and Oakland native Dave Stewart. Here are excerpts from our conversation.
Jason Rezaian: Did you attend many A’s games in your childhood?
Dave Stewart: I was present at the first Oakland A’s game in 1968. Living just a few blocks from the Coliseum, I frequently watched games, often sneaking into the outfield. My cousin and I attended so many games that we basically qualified as season ticket holders. I remember the team’s early antics and the unforgettable players.
Rezaian: How significant was the presence of the A’s for Oakland?
Stewart: The city faced many challenges in the 1960s. The arrival of the A’s coincided with a revitalization of East Oakland, bringing in hotels and the area’s first fast food restaurants. The team’s success in the early 1970s instilled pride in Oakland’s residents.
Rezaian: What was it like to play alongside Reggie Jackson during his last season in 1987?
Stewart: My history with Reggie goes back to 1968. I met him as a child outside the Coliseum. He offered to give me and my cousin a ride home, which I hesitated to accept, but he followed us to ensure we got home safely.
Rezaian: And how about Rickey Henderson?
Stewart: I played against Rickey as a kid, and we were both part of a local all-star team. He was a football star in our youth, and even today, he remains the same remarkable person he was back then.
Rezaian: What does the A’s departure signify for baseball?
Stewart: The commissioner did everything possible to keep the team in the Bay Area. It’s unfortunate that ownership and the city couldn’t reach a solution. The history and legacy of the A’s leaving Oakland is disheartening and reflects poorly on both parties. It’s a significant loss for the city and its fans.
Rezaian: Will the A’s ever return to Oakland?
Stewart: I don’t foresee that happening. The closest they will get now is playing in Sacramento for the next three seasons, which feels like a loss for an organization with such a rich history, now reduced to a minor league facility.
Rezaian: What is the team’s legacy?
Stewart: The A’s have a rich track record, with remarkable ownership throughout their history. From Charlie Finley to Walter Haas, and during the “Moneyball” era under Billy Beane, they’ve consistently fielded competitive teams despite budget limitations. The team embodies the toughness and grit of Oakland.