A"s final homestand in Oakland aims for memorable sendoff

The Oakland Athletics have commenced their final homestand in Oakland, marking the end of a 57-year tenure at the Coliseum. Over the next week, the team will face the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers, with emotions running high among players and fans alike. Left fielder Seth Brown expressed hope for positive support from the fanbase, while manager Mark Kotsay noted a calmer atmosphere compared to the previous year, despite ongoing off-field distractions related to the team's relocation plans. The A's have faced significant challenges in recent seasons, including the announcement of their move to Las Vegas and a temporary stay in Sacramento. These developments have led to protests from fans against owner John Fisher, who withdrew from a major development deal in Oakland. The team has drawn the lowest attendance in Major League Baseball, with only 738,438 fans before the final homestand. As the A's prepare for their last games in Oakland, players like JJ Bleday anticipate an emotional farewell, emphasizing the importance of the final three games for both the team and its supporters. The organization has taken precautions to ensure player safety during this emotionally charged period, as there is a possibility of fans taking to the field. Despite the challenges, the A's players are focused on making the final homestand memorable. Bleday even mentioned a personal gesture of collecting dirt from the field, symbolizing the connection to their home city. The upcoming games are expected to be significant for the fanbase, as they bid farewell to a long-standing chapter in Oakland baseball history.