The work that A's fans have been doing to put on a party before the season has been undeniable. Not only have groups Last Dive Bar and the Oakland 68's booked former Oakland A's Khris Davis, Ben Grieve, Billy North and Mike Norris, but they also announced that the team's A Ball affiliate, the Stockton Ports, would also be sponsoring the event.
This could very well be the A's last season in Oakland with their lease at the Oakland Coliseum running out at the end of the season, and if this does end up being all for Major League Baseball in The Town, then the fans are going all out.
Just a quick reminder for those that are unaware: The Oakland A's are not hosting a Fan Fest this year (just like last year), so this event is completely being booked and put on by the fans. The same fans that too often get blamed for not showing up to games. Really makes you wonder if the team's relocation effort is more complex than just low attendance.
According to a 68's representative, a member of the Ports reached out inquiring about sponsoring "Fan's Fest" and they had been going back and forth for about a week. Finally, on Monday, the Ports pledged a financial sponsorship in addition to some amazing prizes for the raffle and silent auction.
This is obviously an interesting development, with an affiliate of the team that is attempting to relocate to Las Vegas set to participate in this fan event.
From the Ports perspective, they have to be thinking that their franchise isn't going anywhere, and this could be a good marketing opportunity for those that enjoy baseball. How the A's will feel about their inclusion in this event remains to be seen. If Oakland decides to declare that they cannot participate, that will assuredly grab headlines.
How many fluff pieces do they have left in the tank? After declaring that the Vegas ballpark would have an art exhibit and touting the franchise staying on revenue sharing with their last two announcements, it seems like they're reaching the bottom of the barrel.
The fan-led "Fan's Fest" is set for Saturday, February 24th from 11-4, and could have some of the guys from Foul Territory in attendance as well. They have been all over the A's relocation news, and Scott Braun recently said in an interview that he would make it to either this event, of the planned Opening Day boycott.
During the final home game of the regular season, the fans in the right field bleachers unfurled a banner that read "Oakland Never Quits." They weren't kidding.
More must-reads: