The Oakland Athletics are trudging toward another sub-.500 season that have become all-too-common for the franchise, but the bigger focus in 2024 is on their impending move to Sacramento before ultimately relocating to Las Vegas.
That decision has drawn the ire of fans, Oakland city officials, and some players as well. The Los Angeles Dodgers just completed their final visit to the Oakland Coliseum, which was sentimental for Blake Treinen, but he also questioned the decision for the A’s to move to Las Vegas.
Dodgers broadcaster Stephen Nelson also expressed his frustration and disappointment with the A’s leaving Oakland.
Back in April, the A’s, Sacramento Kings and majority owner of the Sacramento River Cats announced plans for the club to play home games at Sutter Health Park from 2025-2027, ahead of the team’s move to Las Vegas in 2028.
However, multiple reports have also indicated Sutter Health Park could be home to the A’s through the 2028 season as well. That serves as backup plan if the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas is delayed until 2029.
There have been several obstacles and legal battles along the way, but what’s seemingly remained consistent is A’s owner John Fisher’s determination to move the team.
Stephen Nelson’s criticizes A’s owner
For nearly two minutes during the SportsNet LA broadcast, Stephen Nelson was critical of the A’s — and by extension, MLB — in their handling of the relocation process.
“It’s hard to believe this is happening, but you understand that this does happen. Relocations are a part of the business of sports,” Nelson began.
“This is the third move for the A’s when they go to Sacramento, and the fourth will the one to Vegas if that actually happens. The Dodgers franchise knows relocations happen.
“But the way this one has happened is shameful. It should be, anyway. Because the people running it are, apparently, shameless and are experiencing no embarrassment in any facet. You slash payroll 50%, boost season-ticket prices 30%, and you wonder why people aren’t showing up? No, they don’t wonder.
Nelson continued: “It was seemingly intentional. Insidious, in fact. You tell fans, ‘If you think you had it bad, I’ve had it worse.’ Really? What about the hundreds of families, the thousands of people who will be impacted by the work that will be lost from this move? Using the wrong logo for promotional video. Every step of the way, this thing has been fumbled.
“And how this has happened has been really hard to comprehend. And the thing that really sits with me, Jess, is you brought up Dontrelle Willis and his family history here. His mother worked here at the Coliseum. I talked to D-Train on the eve of this series about how he felt, and he’s going to make a trip up here before the season is over so he can say goodbye to the Coliseum.
“D-Train really cut through. He said, ‘If it wasn’t for the A’s saving my life, I honestly don’t know where my life would be.’ Why he wore 35? Vita Blue. You think of Vita Blue, ‘Smoke’ (Dave) Stewart and all the greats that we talked about earlier, they inspired the Dontrelle Willises, the CC Sabathias, the Marcus Semiens, the Willie Calhouns, on and on the list goes.
Nelson summed up his thoughts with, “It’s tough to watch from afar and you hurt for the community here in Oakland.”
The final Oakland Athletics game at Oakland Coliseum is on Sept. 29, 2024.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
