Exploring the clash between baseball fans and a billionaire owner in Oakland, fan resistance against team relocations, the debate over public funding for stadiums, and the proposed Moneyball Act for sports team financial support.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
A's fans express frustration towards owner John Fisher for potentially moving the team out of Oakland, showcasing strong activism and engagement outside games.
Owner John Fisher's actions, including reducing team payroll and seeking public funding for a new stadium, have alienated fans and jeopardized the team's competitive standing.
Deep dives
A's Fans Boycott and Organize Protests Against Team Owner
During an opening day event, furious A's fans organized a tailgate political fundraiser to voice their anger towards owner John Fisher, who they believe is steering the team out of Oakland. The fans boycotted games, showcasing more enthusiasm in the parking lot than inside the stadium. The history of the A's as a cherished franchise in sports, with iconic players and moments, contrasts sharply with their current struggles under Fisher's ownership.
John Fisher's Impact on A's and Attempts to Relocate the Team
John Fisher, a billionaire and A's current owner, inherited the team and initially raised hope for investment in Oakland's baseball. However, Fisher drastically reduced the team's payroll and aimed to move the team from Oakland. Despite failed attempts to relocate to places like San Jose and Fremont, Fisher's actions led to alienating fans and dismantling the team's competitive edge, culminating in his pursuit of public funding for a new stadium.
Fan Activism Against Team Relocation and Future of A's
A's fans, supported by groups like Last Dive Bar and Oakland 68's, staged protests, including a sell-out game orchestrated to voice their discontent with Fisher. The activism aimed to counter Fisher's narrative of Oakland's lack of support for the team. Despite Fisher's plans to relocate the team, fans remain resilient in their efforts to keep the A's in Oakland, with a potential move to Sacramento planned by Fisher sparking further backlash and disappointment among the passionate fan base.
The billionaire owner of the Oakland A’s is trying to move his team to Vegas, and he wants public money to do it. Writer Dan Moore explains how A’s fans are fighting back.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noam Hassenfeld.