The Athletics’ final game in Oakland will be remembered less for the 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers than for the smoke bombs and field invaders that marred the closing moments at the Coliseum on Thursday.
In the ninth inning, two fans jumped the fences to run onto the grass, throwing bottles into center field and smoke bombs going off and being thrown to right field. Toilet paper and other trash also came down before manager Mark Kotsay took the microphone after the game with a heartfelt thank you to the fans and one last round of “Let’s go Oakland!”
The A’s plan to play in Sacramento for the next three years with hopes of opening a new ballpark in Las Vegas before the 2028 season — all of which, owner John Fisher claims, is crucial to the club’s financial future.
Fans and critics disagree.
“The Oakland A’s were killed by greed,” ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan wrote on X. “Don’t let the people responsible for this turn it around. John Fisher didn’t have to move this team. Major League Baseball and its owners didn’t have to be complicit. This was a choice. A wrong one. History will grin.”
Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts to smoke bombs being thrown onto the field
A fan runs onto the field during the ninth inning of the final track and field meet in Oakland
Passan’s sentiment was echoed by fans at the Coliseum on Thursday.
Green ‘SELL’ banners hung from the railings as fans were treated to a bittersweet trip down memory lane. Barry Zito sang the national anthem to loud applause, while Rickey Henderson and Dave Stewart threw out the ceremonial first pitches.
The current A’s are also enjoying themselves.
Bleday made a diving catch to right to rob Carson Kelly of a hit on his line drive in the seventh. And hometown fans got another chance to see Mason Miller get closer to the mound with flamethrowing.
A’s starter JT Ginn (1-1) left to a loud standing ovation after allowing two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings, after which the pitcher applauded right back by clapping his glove.
JJ Bleday hit an RBI single and made a beautiful catch in center field, Shea Langeliers had a sacrifice fly and the A’s went out in style in their final scheduled game at the Coliseum.
Bleday and Zack Gelof delivered defensive gems to delight a sellout crowd of 46,889 under a cloudless blue September sky. Fans exchanged chants of “Sell the team!” and “Let’s go to Oakland!” amid the mixed emotions and nostalgia at the Coliseum, where the A’s have played since 1968 and had so many memorable moments.
An A’s fans hold up a sign after the Oakland Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers
A member of the Oakland Athletics grounds crew passes dirt from the field to fans
Oakland’s bullpen sealed the deal with 3 2/3 scoreless innings, with Miller recording the final four outs for his 28th save that leads all Major League rookies. He has converted his last 16 chances through June 18.
Miller pumped his fist after striking out Nathaniel Lowe for the first in the ninth, then play was briefly halted when Leody Taveras punched as two fans separately ran onto the field and were removed by swarms of security. Miller also retired Taveras, then retired Travis Jankowski on a grounder to third base, ending the 2-hour, 29-minute game.
“It’s an honor that any pitcher would love to have, I think, just being able to say that and for the rest of my career, wherever it takes me, that will always be a moment that I look back on. and treasure,” Miller said.
Former A’s and Bay Area star Marcus Semien went 0 for 4 in what will likely be his last game here in front of family and friends.
“It was just nice to see a big crowd here. It’s always fun. Lots of energy,” he said. ‘Disappointed that we didn’t play well. That’s really what I’m here for: to play good baseball. But in terms of this community showing up for this team, it’s pretty sad, because there are a lot of people who love this team in Oakland, and I don’t understand what the support is going to be like anywhere else. So pretty heavy.”