The atmosphere in Oakland was filled with nostalgia and emotion as the A's and Giants played the first of their final two games in the Bay Bridge Series at the Coliseum. Former players and Hall of Famers gathered to celebrate the occasion, including Mark Kotsay, Bob Melvin, Mark Canha, Matt Chapman, and José Canseco.
Canseco, a newly inducted member of the A's Hall of Fame, expressed his gratitude to the fans and reminisced about his time with the team. The game drew a season-high crowd of 37,551 fans, creating an energetic and reminiscent atmosphere of the franchise's glory days.
Notable figures such as Tony La Russa, Dennis Eckersley, Rickey Henderson, and Miguel Tejada were in attendance to witness the special event. Kotsay, now the Oakland manager, praised the fans for their support and enthusiasm, highlighting the unique bond between the team and its supporters.
Melvin, the Giants manager and former A's skipper, reflected on the bittersweet moment of playing the final games at the Coliseum before the team's planned move to Las Vegas in 2028. Despite the impending change, both teams aimed to make the last Bay Bridge Series memorable.
The day also featured the introduction of the new Hall of Famers, adding to the sentimental atmosphere of the game. Kotsay expressed his appreciation for the fans' dedication, noting the significance of the final series between the two teams at the historic stadium.
As the A's secured a 2-0 victory in front of their home crowd, Kotsay looked ahead to the remaining game against the Giants, emphasizing the importance of ending the series on a high note. The day was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Oakland A's and the special connection between the team, its fans, and the historic Coliseum.
