"F*ck John Fisher & F*ck Rob Manfred"; "Treating fans like criminals" – Fans furious as MLB & A’s increase security for final Oakland Coliseum game
If the Athletics' relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas wasn't already marred in controversy, owner John Fischer's recent actions are expected to add fuel to the fire. For the last game at the Oakland Coliseum, fans will face increased security measures to prevent any mishaps.
With the Athletics' lease at the Coliseum expiring at the end of this year, the team will have to find a temporary home at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. This awkward three-year stint will be followed by a full move to Nevada in 2028.
The relocation has faced widespread criticism both in the Bay Area and beyond. The Athletics are considered one of the most prestigious franchises in MLB history, having won four World Series since moving to Oakland in 1968. Fans were distraught to learn that the ownership decided to leave Oakland due to the city's inability to fund a new stadium.
As reported by insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the league, along with Athletics' owner Fischer, is ramping up security for Thursday's game against the Rangers. This has angered fans on Reddit, who voiced their concerns that management is attempting to silence voices.
"I hope the fans bumrush the field and ransack it for every scrap of memorabilia they can get their hands on, all while the players watch on with amusement. F*ck Fisher and f*ck Manfred until the day they die," a fan said.
"Treating fans like criminals. Disgusting," a fan said.
"Why would the fans attack players and coaches? They’ve played their butts off all year," one fan said.
Here are some more reactions from fans.
"MLB is so clueless it’s not even funny," a fan said.
"Oh? Where'd all this beefed up security money come from?," another fan said.
"Fisher's disrespect for the fanbase has no bottom," one fan said.
Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay awaiting the emotional final game
The Oakland Athletics are currently in their last home stand at the Coliseum with a three-game series against the New York Yankees, followed by three more against the Texas Rangers. For the ones on the field, it will be an emotional goodbye, as manager Mark Kotsay reckons.
"People have asked, ‘What is the emotion going to feel like?’ Until I go through it on Thursday, I really won’t be able to give you an honest answer. There’s going to be a lot of emotion on Thursday," Kotsay said (per MLB.com).
Before the start of their Sunday's game against the Yankees, the As were 67-88 this season and out of contention for the playoffs.