SEATTLE (AP) — The Oakland Athletics are set to close a significant chapter in their history this Sunday as manager Mark Kotsay removes his jersey for the final time, sending it to the Baseball Hall of Fame. In a personal touch, Brent Rooker plans to frame his last jersey featuring “Oakland” and display it proudly at home.
“It represents my connection to the city and the team,” Rooker expressed. “This jersey signifies the last time I’ll be representing Oakland, and it will always hold a special meaning for me.”
As the final game against the Seattle Mariners approaches, the name “Oakland” will officially be dropped from the franchise after Sunday’s last out. When the 2025 season commences, the A’s will still be in existence and will even kick off the year in Seattle, but they will no longer bear the name Oakland.
Kotsay, who spent four seasons playing for the A’s and is now completing his third season as manager, spoke about the honor of donating his jersey to the Hall of Fame. “It’s about representing this club and the city one last time with pride,” he shared.
The last few weeks have been laden with emotions for those connected to the franchise, building to a peak with their final series. This week included their last home stand and the conclusive game at the Oakland Coliseum, followed by the season’s finale in Seattle.
Fans adorned in green and gold filled T-Mobile Park, many of them carrying signs urging the team’s ownership to sell. Regardless of which team they supported, a thrilling moment arrived as Rickey Henderson threw out the ceremonial first pitch wearing a custom half-A’s, half-Mariners jersey.
As the game began, a deafening chant of “Let’s go Oakland” resonated throughout the stadium right before JJ Bleday took his first at-bat, showcasing the community’s enduring support.
“We have kept in mind the significance of this moment,” Rooker noted. “It’s crucial for us to honor the legacy of Oakland, the franchise, and especially the fans and workers who have been part of this journey.”
Seth Brown echoed Rooker’s sentiments as he reflected on the emotional weight of this final game. He’s determined to keep his jersey from this historic day close. While players are relieved about the A’s future relocation to Sacramento for three years before heading to Las Vegas, the emotional ties to Oakland remain strong.
“Wearing that jersey every day is special,” Brown said. “We’re fortunate to represent a city that means so much to so many, especially on a day like today.”
Even across the dugout, Seattle manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the significance of the final game with the Oakland A’s. Having faced them numerous times during his playing career, Wilson felt the weight of history as they took the field one last time together.
“It does feel different playing them today; there’s a sense of history being made,” Wilson said. “Anyone who’s played this game understands the importance of history, and the changes bring a sense of reflection.”
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