A local TV crew was ready outside the Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento to catch the Chicago Cubs as they arrived. This was a big deal—the first time a Major League Baseball team had come to Sacramento for a regular-season game. Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd said, "That was different. But it’s exciting for everyone."
Sacramento has a new baseball story to tell, as the Athletics play their home games at Sutter Health Park for the next few years during their transition from Oakland to Las Vegas. The park, with a capacity of only 14,000, felt different from major league stadiums, and the crowd was quiet, perhaps affected by the A’s disappointing performance where they were outscored 35-9 over three games.
Despite the score, the A’s are hoping to build a better future. They recently invested in players like Luis Severino and Brent Rooker, showing they mean business. Manager Mark Kotsay is respected, and they’ve got promising young talent on the roster. Fans are cautiously optimistic.
But adjusting to life in a smaller ballpark is a challenge. Pitcher Mason Miller mentioned his routine had to change because once he leaves the clubhouse, there’s no turning back. Players have to stay warm and remember to bring everything they need with them, which adds pressure on game days.
Attendance was mixed for the opening series, with only one game selling out, and tickets selling for as low as $20 close to game time. This raises questions about whether Sacramento can cheer for a team that won’t be identified with its name after just three seasons. Fans shared mixed feelings, expressing worries that their city feels like it’s bailing out an owner while also hoping to prove it deserves its own big league team.
Historically, baseball has a way of evoking strong community feelings. Just look at the outpouring of support when a team is threatened or when a legendary player like Rickey Henderson is honored posthumously. The A’s wore his number 24 to remember him during their home opener.
While Sacramento tries to embrace the A’s, it will be interesting to see how this relationship develops over the next few years. Will the passion grow or fade? For now, fans can catch a piece of history, even in a smaller venue. It’s a chance to relive baseball’s old charm, but whether that charm lasts remains to be seen.
Current trends show that cities with passionate sports fans can turn a team around, as seen with the success of the Seattle Seahawks and Golden State Warriors in recent years. Sacramento’s path in major league baseball might ultimately depend on how well they can rally around their temporary team, making the next few seasons a vital audition for the city.
If you want more insights on the economic impact of sports teams moving between cities, check out this report from the Brookings Institution.
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