An Era Concludes: The Oakland Athletics Prepare for Their Final Homestand in 2024
The Oakland Athletics, a team rich in history and tradition, are gearing up for a poignant series of final home games in Oakland. As they enter their final homestand in 2024, emotions are mixed, realities are confronting, and memories are being cherished by a fan base that has loyally supported the franchise since it relocated from Kansas City in 1968.
For many, Oakland has been synonymous with the Athletics. As team owner John Fisher aptly noted, “Oakland has been home for the greatest era in the franchise's more than 123-year history.” It's a sentiment that resonates deeply given the incredible achievements and moments the team has accumulated over its 57 years in the city.
The Athletics’ storied journey started back in Philadelphia in 1901. The team quickly established itself as a powerhouse, capturing nine pennants and five World Series titles by the time they relocated to Kansas City in 1955. However, the move to Kansas City did not bring the same level of success, as the team failed to make any postseason appearances in their 13-year tenure there.
When the Athletics moved to Oakland in 1968, they reignited their winning ways. Over the past five decades, the team has claimed four World Series Championships, six pennants, and 17 division titles. These accomplishments are a testament to the talent and resilience that have become hallmarks of the franchise.
But it’s not just the title victories that have left an indelible mark. The Athletics have provided a plethora of unforgettable memories for their fans, from dramatic playoff runs to individual player achievements that have thrilled crowds at every turn. “Four World Series Championships. Six pennants and 17 division titles. Seven Baseball Hall of Famers... The list goes on and on,” Fisher remarked, reflecting on the wealth of history that Oakland has witnessed.
The final home game, taking place on a Thursday, will see the Athletics face off against the Texas Rangers, marking the end of an era. This series represents not just the conclusion of a season, but the final chapter in Oakland’s remarkable 57-year association with the Athletics. “This upcoming series with the Texas Rangers will be the final games of the A's storied 57 years in Oakland,” Fisher confirmed.
While the decision to leave Oakland has been long in the making, it has not been without its share of heartache and effort. Fisher and Lew Wolff, who acquired the team in 2005 with dreams of securing championships and a new stadium in Oakland, faced numerous challenges. Despite working tirelessly for 16 years to secure a new home in the Bay Area, their efforts ultimately fell short. "When Lew Wolff and I bought the team in 2005, our dream was to win world championships and build a new ballpark in Oakland," Fisher elucidated. However, “efforts to build a new ballpark in Oakland did not succeed,” he added.
With a mandate from Major League Baseball to find a new location by 2024, the Athletics began exploring relocation options in 2021. After careful consideration, Las Vegas emerged as the new destination for the storied franchise. During the transition period, from 2025 to 2027, the team will temporarily play in Sacramento before moving into a state-of-the-art ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip in 2028.
The move represents a significant shift, not just geographically but also in the identity of the team. Yet, despite the change, the legacy of the Oakland Athletics will persist in the annals of baseball history. The franchise’s time in Oakland has been punctuated by the contributions of seven Baseball Hall of Famers and countless players who have made their mark on the sport. “And while the A's previously played in Philadelphia and Kansas City, Oakland has been home for the greatest era in the franchise's more than 123-year history,” Fisher reiterated.
As the Athletics prepare to leave Oakland, their future in Las Vegas promises new opportunities and challenges. Fisher remains hopeful and optimistic about the journey ahead, urging fans to continue their support. “Looking ahead, I hope you will join our beloved A's as we move forward on this amazing journey. I hope I will see you again sporting the Green and Gold. And I hope we will make you proud,” Fisher stated.
For now, the focus remains on cherishing the remaining moments in Oakland. As the team takes the field for their final homestand, they do so with gratitude for the years of unwavering support and the countless memories forged in the heart of the East Bay.