Sunday, June 9, 2024

I was so excited for today. Former pitchers Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder were in town for the A’s first Alumni Sunday (where former players come back and do autographs signings).

Tim and Mark were so amiable! They both had smiles on their faces the whole time.  I never got their autographs when they were with the team, so I’m glad I was able to now – over 20 years later.  I was also given a rally towel that commemorated the A’s 20-game winning streak back in 2002. Barry Zito was not able to make it, but he did give a video greeting that was shown before the game. Former catcher Ramon Hernandez was also included in the pre-game ceremony.

I purchased one of the retro windbreakers. It was so expensive – over $189!! The Starter jacket I got as a Christmas gift when I was a kid is no longer to be found, and I felt like I had to get something to replace it.

For today’s game, I sat in the last row of section 125 today. Since it was a day game, I did not want to sit under the sun. It ended up not being the best seat due to many distractions. People kept going in and out of their seats. It was Scouts Day, and several scouts and their families were sitting in the rows in front of me. I doubt many of them were there to watch a baseball game. I will probably not sit there again.

I have been spending more time lately looking at the murals on walls. I’m taking them all in for my heart to memorize and remember before they disappear.

And the A’s lost. Again.

Final Score: Toronto- 9     Oakland- 4

A’s record:   26-41         My score: 1 – 3

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

There is no game today, but something significant happened that it warranted an entry.

To cope (and mourn) the last season of the A’s in Oakland, I decided today that I will watch their games on the road. I joined an A’s Fans Facebook Group for the first time and asked for tips and advice for my trips. I was told by another fan that I should join another group called Ballpark Chasers. I have never even heard of that term before. After doing research, I learned that a ballpark chaser is a baseball fan who travels to Major League Baseball (MLB) ballparks and has a goal of visiting all 30 of them.

So I bought a ballpark bucket list book on Amazon. It arrives tomorrow!

So I guess some people may be calling me a ballpark chaser as I visit other ballparks.

For me, I’m just chasing my Oakland A’s.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Today was a day game, and it’s Teacher Appreciation Day as well. The A’s were coming off of a two-game wining streak after losing nine games in a row.

I met several chasers today from Arizon, Ohio, and Missouri. I had short conversations with all of them and took their photos. I was glad to extend some Bay Area hospitality.

I sat in a different section – 224 this time. A lot of young children in the surrounding sections. Stomper Zone is 225. Figures. Haha. I will definitely remember not to sit here when choosing seats for future games.

I stayed longer than usual after the game. I stood by the railing and looked out onto the field. And tears came out. I’m really going to miss this place so much.

As I was just standing there, I saw three fans who I know just by looking at them are long-time fans, even perhaps, long-time season ticket holders. They had the vintage shirt, vintage hat, and distressed backpack with patches. I would love to know their stories. And they were rocking some great A’s knee socks! And guess what I did? I bought a pair of socks right after at the team store, and then five more pairs online. Haha. I was inspired. I wanted to be just like them!

A’s lost. One more loss closer to 50.

Final Score: KC – 3    Oak – 2

A’s record 28-49  My Record: 1-4

Friday, June 21, 2024

Satchel Page Bobblehead Day and African-American Heritage night. I had a history lesson tonight – I learned Mr. Page was 42 years old when he made his Major League Baseball debut and 59 when he pitched for the A’s (he was signed to play one game). While in the bullpen, he sat in a rocking chair sipping coffee. Cool stuff.

I’m back in section 123 but in a different row. I got a good deal on my ticket through Ticketmaster. With all the games I still plan on attending, I started looking at different platforms for cheaper tickets.

And the A’s won! Woohoo! They played the song “Celebration,”and it was fun dancing and singing along with other fans! “Celebrate good times, come on!”

Final Score: Minnesota – 5    Oak – 6

A’s record – 29- 49.       My record: 2-4

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Today was my 7th game of the season.

It is also Alumni Sunday and today, the Oakland A’s honored members of the 1974 World Series Championship team. Former players that attended included Blue Moon Odom, Billy North, Joe Rudi, Bert Campaneris, and Rollie Fingers. Fingers threw the ceremonial first pitch, and Mason Miller caught it for him. What a sight : Hall of Famer Legend and A’s pitching ace.

There was a commemorative jersey giveaway that, unfortunately, I did not get. By the time I reached the entrance gate, they had run out. I was so bummed!

I sat in section 124 row, and I met an usher named Ian, who is 20 years old. He shared with me that he has been working at the Coliseum for five years. He has been an A’s fan all his life. His parents are from Detroit and moved to the Bay Area when he was born. He is now in college taking journalism. We talked about this blog site, my Ballpark book, and chasing ballparks. I also invited him to write a guest blog if he would be open to it.

The autograph signing was during the game, so I missed a big chunk of it. The line for the signing was pretty long. I only managed to get Joe Rudi’s and Bert Campaneris’ signatures. I also took a picture with the 1974 trophy!

I felt even more proud to be an A’s fan today. I may not have been born during the team’s 1970s dynasty days, when they won three world series in a row, but meeting the players who helped build the team’s legacy was just an honor. And it almost made me forget that the A’s just lost their 51st game of the season.

Final Score: MN –   3               Oak –  0

A’s record: 29- 51.            My Record: 2-5

Read all the Diaries here…