Sunday, June 30, 2024

Well, I finally did it. I just completed my first two ballparks chase. I was at Angel Stadium on June 26 and Chase Field yesterday. The A’s lost both of the games I attended. But then again, what’s new? They have the fourth worst record in baseball right now. It would be amazing if they win 70 games this season.

The recaps for Angel Stadium and Chase Field can be read at their respective posts. But to summarize quickly, I had an amazing time and met some wonderful fans at Angel Stadium. Nate and I encountered some not-so-nice security personnel at Chase who threatened to kick us out if we displayed the SELL flag. I wasn’t expecting such “welcome,” but we still managed to make the best out of our time. But because of this incident and the overall not-so-friendly vibe at Chase, I would have to rank Angel Stadium ahead.

One bright spot in the last week has been the performance of Armando Alvarez, the 29-year-old rookie, who has spent the past eight seasons in the minor league. He made his Major League debut on June 22nd, has played in five games since then, and has six runs and five hits in 15 ABs. What a fantastic start for a player who was selected in the 17th round and 518th overall pick in 2016 MLB draft. Eight years later, he finally got the call he’s been waiting for.

I love stories like this. I hope he keeps it up. I will be rooting for him.

Oh, I left my The Ballpark Bucket List journal at LAX. I have contacted the airline and airport police lost and found, and they told me to file a claim. I hope someone turns it in. I have my first two stamps on them. Huhu.

Final Score: ARIZONA –  3             OAK- 0

A’s Record: 30 – 56             My Record: 2 – 7

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

This was my first time sitting in the right field bleachers- section 145. I would have rather sat in 148 or 149, but since my sister bought them, I can’t complain.

My two oldest sisters accompanied me tonight. Even though they aren’t baseball fans, they still came to the game to bid adiue to the A’s and the Coliseum. I honestly don’t think they were paying much attention to the game, though. But they did enjoy the sitting on the grass and watching the fireworks!

No drums tonight, only a few flags flying. Kinda quiet for the right field. But then again, it’s been quiet for a while.

I was told there was over 12,400 in attendance tonight; 5,000 more than the average. There were more than the usual number of attendees probably because of the fireworks.

Rookie Joey Estes threw a complete game shut out tonight, his first in his career. And two wins a row for the A’s. With both teams at the bottom, these games played are the Battle for the Cellar. Let’s hope for a sweep tomorrow!

Oh! While on the Coliseum field, I did “snow” angels but on grass. There really are “Angels in the (Coliseum) Outfield.”

Final Score: ANA – 5          OAK- 7

A’s Record: 32 – 56              My Record 3 – 7

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Today is my 11th game of the season. And it’s Alumni Sundays again at the Coliseum.

I got there at 1045 a.m. I did not want to miss out on the Rollie Fingers bobblehead like I missed out on the 1974 jersey from two weeks ago. A whole bunch of fans were already here before me, but I was still early enough to get one! Woohoo!

In addition to the bobblehead, Dennis Eckersley and Rollie Fingers were there to sign autographs, too. It was so awesome to meet two hall of fame pitching legends in person and being able to shake their hands! (Even though my most memorable memory of Eckersley was when he gave off that home run to Kirk Gibson in 1988 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It will, unfortunately, live in my baseball memory forever.)

I am so glad I got there early, because by the time I got my autographs, it was 1215 p.m. and there was still a long line. Only 15 minutes remained before the session would end, and I didn’t doubt that there would be a lot of angry fans afterward.

There was a sea of orange today, but that’s ok. I’m glad opposing team fans continue to come out to the Coliseum for their last time.

Mason Miller was announced as the lone A going to Texas for All-Star Game. Brent Rooker was snubbed. Interesting. I thought for sure he was going.

I talked with four long-time fans and two employees today. Two of the fans have been coming since 1968! One of the employees who I spoke with has been working there for over 22 years and the other for over 10 years. It’s been great talking and “grieving” with other people. It helps.

Even though the A’s lost again, there were fantastic tributes made and produced by the Baltimore Orioles broadcasting team. I loved how one commenentator ended their tribute and broadcast with a The Greatful Dead reference:

“Fare thee well to the broke down palace that is the Oakland Coliseum…”

Final Score:  BAL – 5                  OAK – 3

A’s Record: 34 – 58                 My Record: 3 – 8

Read all the Diaries here…