Manager Bruce Bochy addresses security issues with Rangers as team kicks off final series vs. Athletics at Oakland Coliseum

Fans and teams start their final game of the regular season at Oakland Coliseum which is expected to end on an emotional note.

Manager Bruce Bochy addresses security issues with Rangers as team kicks off final series vs. Athletics at Oakland Coliseum

Bruce Bochy [Image Credit: AP News]

Oakland Athletics kicked off their final series game for the 2024 regular season against the Texas Rangers with a 5-4 victory at Oakland Coliseum. The series is bound to end on a highly emotional tone as the Coliseum carries decades of history with the A’s finishing it off on Thursday after 57 years.

While the officials are hoping for a smoother ending, not like the 2019 Raiders of the NFL, the security has warned the Rangers to keep on their toes in case trash cans and food come flying on the field. In 2019 during the Raiders final game at the Coliseum, some players even needed to be ushered off by the security due to the highly emotional crowd.

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The Rangers even held a meeting to ensure how the players should react if such a scenario unfolds. Team manager Bruce Bochy addressed all that the players need to be prepared with a sellout crowd coming to visit for the final time. 

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Just make them aware, ‘Hey if something happens you want to be smart about it, how you handle things. Don’t try to get involved with anything.’…I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of excited fans here. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen.

Bruce Bochy on X.

Bochy reminiscing about the past spoke about how much he loved to come back and play at the ballpark and how much he’s going to miss it. Fans were also strongly against the idea of relocation but unfortunately, the A’s could not keep Oakland Coliseum.

It’s a fun place to play, the atmosphere, the fans. I always enjoyed my time here. It’s hard to believe this is going to be the last series. I’m glad that I’m here for it. I’m excited.

Bruce Bochy on X.

He even praised the fan base, talking about their passion for their team and how much they loved coming back here to cheer for the Oakland Athletics. As Tuesday’s game started off, the fans were seen wearing the famous “Sell” T-shirts as they made their way to their seats.

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A’s owner John Fisher releases statement on social media regarding team’s move 

Oakland Athletics has called the Oakland Coliseum their home since 1968, but their stay has now come to an end with the finish of 2024 regular season games. In regard to their relocation, owner John Fisher released a statement on social media addressing the issue.

John Fisher
John Fisher [Image Credit: The Day]

He apologized to the A’s fans for failing to keep the team in Oakland as they are moving to Las Vegas with a 3-year stop at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. The A’s initially tried getting a new ballpark at Howard Terminal but the discussions ended last year negatively. 

I know there is great disappointment, even bitterness. Though I wish I could speak to each one of you individually, I can tell you this from the heart: we tried. Staying in Oakland was our goal, it was our mission, and we failed to achieve it. And for that I am genuinely sorry.

John Fisher on X.

It’s an emotional time for the fans who spend their entire 2024 season voicing strong opinions against the idea of relocation. Unfortunately, it is bound to happen, but many are hoping to get the team back in Oakland for the 2025 series. Although, the chances for that are pretty dim.

Texas Rangers shortstop Marcus Semien, once part of the A’s, said he feels the whole situation “pretty surreal” to say it’s the last game at Oakland Coliseum. He believes there’ll be baseball played at this ballpark once again, as getting it closed is something “I still don’t believe it.”

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