The event raised well over $15,000 (a “conservative” estimate, according to organizers), and it also raised well over $15,000 for the event (a “conservative” estimate, according to organizers), as well as the Athletics' minor league affiliates Stockton Ports, Oakland Roots, and regional teams including Oakland. They also received support and sponsorship from various teams. Ballers and Bay Area Panthers co-owned by Marshawn Lynch – DIY fan fest reaches unprecedented proportions, demonstrating just how dedicated Oakland sports fans are in the face of extinction I proved it again.
![Women and men are planning a sporting event inside a large building](https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/img_5723.jpg)
Amid the never-ending whirlwind of the Oakland Athletics' relocation plans (the team has supposedly extended its lease on the Coliseum, which currently appears to be in limbo), the community is determined to take the ball into their own hands. did. And of course, the Athletics' notoriously frugal owner, John Fisher, only continues to sabotage the Oaklanders' baseball dreams with his lack of commitment and vision for the team's loyal supporters.
It's time to forget everything, even if it's just for the afternoon.
Food, desserts and drinks will be provided by Smoking Jay's Barbecue, La Hacienda Real, De La Cruz Creamery, La Santa Torta, Tacos El Ultimo Baile, Forge Pizza, Drake's, 21st Amendment, Oakland Beer Works and more.
The event will effectively replace the traditional “A's Fan Fest” that the A's hosted before each season until 2020, but as stated in the event description on the official Oakland Tourism Board website: “It was like they turned their backs on the fan base.” Since then, the Oakland 68 team has been hosting his 2021 Fan Fest. But never before had so much attention and tension surrounded the once-beloved team. money ball Loser. Gone are the days of embracing the once inspiring slogans of “Oakland Roots” and “Green Collar Baseball,” old catchphrases steeped in skepticism and mistrust.
Still, while fans must protect themselves from the wolves of capitalism, other MLB team owners appear to be acting as co-conspirators to bring the Athletics into the supposedly more lucrative Nevada market. With the homegrown players in the seats, the supporters aren't afraid to throw a few curveballs of their own. They maintain a sense of humor in everything they do (see: John Fisher's Porta Potti and a grown man dressed as a possum), but they're also a source of unwavering dedication and lifelong passion.
![A group of men stand on a street corner in Auckland preparing for a sporting event.](https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/img_4254-scaled-crop.jpg)
“I played baseball from the age of four until college. I had a scholarship, but I lost it due to addiction and alcohol abuse,” says Johansen. “Then I couldn't afford to go back to university and had to fend for myself. I don't drink now. I don't use drugs. I'm sober. I'm in recovery and do a lot of support work. . My wife runs community events and we were recognized by the city of San Jose.”