The A’s last 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 final moments at the Coliseum on Thursday.
The ninth inning featured two fans jumping the fences to run onto the grass, throwing bottles into center field and smoke bombs thrown into right field. Toilet paper and other debris also fell before manager Mark Kotsay took the microphone after the game with a heartfelt thank you to the fans and a final round of ‘Go Oakland!’
The A’s plan to play the next three years in Sacramento with hopes of opening a new stadium in Las Vegas before the 2028 season, all of which owner John Fisher says is crucial to the club’s financial future.
Fans and critics disagree.
“The Oakland A’s were murdered by greed,” ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan wrote in X. “Don’t let the people responsible for this have it any other way.” John Fisher did not have to move this equipment. Major League Baseball and its owners did not need to be complicit in this. This was a choice. Wrong one. History will mock.
Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts to smoke bombs thrown onto the field
A fan runs onto the field during the ninth inning of the A’s final game in Oakland.
Fans at the Coliseum echoed Passan’s sentiment on Thursday.
Green banners reading “SELL” hung from the outfield railings as fans enjoyed a bittersweet trip down memory lane. Barry Zito sang the national anthem to wild applause, while Rickey Henderson and Dave Stewart threw out the ceremonial first pitches.
The current A’s are having fun too.
Bleday made a diving catch to his right to rob Carson Kelly of a hit with his line drive in the seventh. And home fans had one more chance to see flamethrowing closer Mason Miller on the mound.
A’s starter JT Ginn (1-1) left to a loud ovation after allowing two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings, and the pitcher later applauded with a slap on his glove.
JJ Bleday had an RBI single and made a magnificent catch in center field, Shea Langeliers had a sacrifice fly and the A’s came out in style in their last scheduled game at the Coliseum.
Bleday and Zack Gelof delivered defensive gems to delight a crowd of 46,889 under a cloudless blue sky in September. Fans alternated chants of ‘Sell the team!’ and ‘Let’s go to Oakland!’ amid mixed emotions and nostalgia at the Coliseum, where the A’s have played since 1968 and enjoyed so many memorable moments.
A’s fans hold a sign after the Oakland Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers.
A member of the Oakland Athletics grounds crew gives away 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 opportunities since June 18.
Miller pumped his fist after striking out Nathaniel Lowe for the first out of the ninth, then play was briefly interrupted when Leody Taveras batted as two fans separately ran onto the field and were removed by swarms of security. Miller also struck out Taveras and then retired Travis Jankowski on a groundout to third to end the 2 hour, 29 minute game.
“It’s an honor that I think any pitcher would love to have, I think just being able to say that and have it for the rest of my career, no matter where it takes me, will always be a moment that I remember.” and treasure,” Miller said.
Former A’s star and Bay Area native Marcus Semien went 0-for-4 in his likely final game here in front of family and friends.
“It was nice to see a big crowd here. It’s always fun. A lot of energy,” he said. “Disappointed because we didn’t play well. That’s really what I’m here to do: play good baseball. But in terms of this community showing up to this team, it’s pretty sad, because there are a lot of people who love this team in Oakland, and I don’t know what the support is going to be like anywhere else.’ Very tough.’