Major League Baseball is presenting a fairy tale narrative, urging fans to focus on the impressive players at Tuesday’s All-Star Game such as Shohei Ohtani, Bo Bichette, and Ronald Acuña Jr. However, amidst the excitement, let’s not forget the distress caused by the prospective relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas.
It’s no coincidence that the All-Star festivities are taking place in Seattle this week. The city still feels the pain of losing the N.B.A.’s SuperSonics in 2008 when a battle for a new arena was manipulated as an excuse to move the team to Oklahoma City.
The A’s are following a similar pattern. The team’s owner, John Fisher, who is heir to the Gap clothing empire and worth over $2 billion, claimed to be serious about constructing a new stadium to replace their current one. Plans were made for a massive development in Oakland, including residential units and entertainment venues. However, negotiations with the city were challenging, and Fisher demanded significant public subsidies. Suddenly, in April, the A’s stopped the dialogue and announced their intention to build a new stadium in Las Vegas instead.
Unsurprisingly, some A’s fans have gravitated towards a notable quote from the TV show “Ted Lasso,” where the owner of A.F.C. Richmond passionately questions the insatiable greed of team owners. This sentiment rings true because, in a profound way, fans have a deep connection to their teams, just like the owners do.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred belittled the nearly 30,000 A’s fans who showed up at a recent game to protest the move and urge Fisher to sell. His passive-aggressive comment about the average crowd attendance only undermines the fact that Oakland fans have consistently supported the team, even during difficult times.
It’s essential to remember that Oakland has been home to exceptional baseball teams in the past. From the famous 1970s squad with Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, and others, to the successful Moneyball era with Barry Zito and Tim Hudson, the A’s have left an indelible mark on the game. They deserve better than a swift relocation announcement.
As you watch the All-Star Game and immerse yourself in the fairy tale, don’t forget the genuine pain inflicted upon baseball. Let’s acknowledge the scars and work towards preserving the integrity and loyalty of the sport and its fans.
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