Picture this: a night of nostalgia, a celebration of Oakland's baseball legacy, and a joyful farewell and celebration all rolled into one electrifying event at the iconic Coliseum. It was the dream of Paul Freedman and Bryan Carmel, co-founders of the minor league Oakland B's. They had their hearts set on bringing back the magic of yesteryear, creating new memories, and honoring the beloved venue that holds a special place in so many hearts.
The Oakland Ballers, an expansion club in the independent Pioneer League, had secured a signed contract and paid a deposit to take over the Coliseum for a special game on June 29th against the Colorado Owlz. For Freedman and Carmel, this was an opportunity to pay tribute to the baseball heritage of Oakland and say a heartfelt goodbye to the Coliseum.
However, their plans hit a brick wall when the big league club, the Oakland A's, exercised their exclusive rights as the professional baseball team at the Coliseum. As the A's prepare for their relocation to Las Vegas, they declined to grant consent for the Ballers to host their game, citing their license agreement with the Coliseum Authority.
Disappointment hung heavy in the air for Freedman and Carmel, who had already reached out to the Oakland Girls Softball League, offering free tickets, and had plans to extend the same gesture to local Babe Ruth players and other youth teams. But even in the face of this setback, they remain undeterred. 'Nothing will stop us from turning the page on a new chapter for baseball in the Town,' declared Freedman with unwavering resolve.
This dispute has left some Oakland fans feeling frustrated and even a little bit angry. Jorge Leon, President of the Oakland 68s non-profit organization, voiced his dissatisfaction, suggesting that the A's were worried about being outdrawn by the Ballers. Leon believes that the A's forced their hand in this situation, revealing a potential embarrassment for the big league club.
Despite this setback, Freedman and Carmel refuse to give up their dream of playing at the Coliseum someday. They draw inspiration from the reverse boycott organized by fed-up A's fans last summer, which served as a protest against the potential relocation of the team. The duo wants to recreate that energy and celebrate the fact that baseball will stay in Oakland for as long as the community desires.
Oakland fans, too, have rallied their support. In response to the disappointment caused by the A's relocation plans, fans are planning their own Fan Fest, featuring former A's slugger Khris Davis and pitcher Mike Norris. Furthermore, an actual boycott of the season opener has been organized, where supporters will gather and celebrate in the Coliseum parking lot without entering the ballpark.
Bryan Johansen, a fan and co-founder of the Last Dive Bar charity, which supports community programs in the East Bay, believes that if the A's have turned their backs on the people of Oakland, then someone else should step in and take their place. Like many others, Johansen believes that the Ballers have the determination and the support to keep fighting for their rightful spot.
The passion and dedication of Oakland fans serve as a testament to the deep-rooted love they have for their baseball team and the Coliseum. The Ballers' potential opening day boycott will be a powerful show of unity and perseverance, a demonstration of the fans' refusal to back down.
For Freedman, the Coliseum holds a special place in his heart, evoking memories from his youth. He believes it is one of the greatest places to play baseball ever constructed. 'We'd love for this game to remind people what the Coliseum is all about,' he expressed with genuine affection.
While the future of baseball in Oakland remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the spirit of the game and the unity of the fans cannot be extinguished. The Ballers may have faced a setback, but their dreams and aspirations live on. They continue to champion the cause of baseball in Oakland, reminding us all that there is power in community and a love for the game that cannot be extinguished.
