The Texas Rangers made history by spoiling the final scheduled night baseball game at the iconic Oakland Coliseum, beating the Athletics 5-1 with standout performances from Wyatt Langford and Adolis García, who both hit home runs.
A lively crowd of 35,270 braved the late September chill, delivering a clear message to owner John Fisher by chanting “Sell the team!” The Athletics have called the Coliseum home since 1968, but are preparing to move to Sacramento for at least the next three seasons as they await the completion of a new ballpark in Las Vegas.
Before the game, an emotional tribute video dedicated to the Coliseum played on the big screen, while the grounds crew immortalized the occasion by writing “Thank You Oakland” on the outfield grass for the final series.
The night prior, the A’s claimed a 5-4 victory, a moment that manager Mark Kotsay considered so significant that he hesitated to discard the lineup card as he usually does. With heightened security measures in place for the sold-out finale on Thursday, Kotsay opted not to publicly address the fans, letting the team’s performance speak for itself.
Reflecting on the unique experience of being part of the A’s organization, Kotsay emphasized the special bond between the team and the city of Oakland. Even amid the uncertainty of the team’s impending relocation, there remains a sense of comfort and familiarity associated with playing in Oakland.
In a fitting tribute to the city, MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” blared between Texas batters during the game. The Rangers capitalized on Brady Basso’s early struggles, jumping to an early lead with Langford’s two-run homer in the first inning and García’s two-run shot in the third.
Matt Festa picked up the win for the Rangers, delivering 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Cody Bradford. Looking ahead, the series finale will feature Rangers RHP Kumar Rocker facing off against A’s RHP J.T. Ginn.
As the finality of the Coliseum’s baseball legacy sinks in, fans and players alike cherish the memories and connections forged within its walls. For Oakland, it’s not just a goodbye, but a celebration of what was and what will be in the future of baseball.
Photo by Graham Media Group
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