I’m going to convince you why you should root for the A’s. Don’t trust me? Just watch.
Growing up, many asked me why I don’t root for teams that play in the state I live in. For football, I am a New York Giants fan. Basketball? The Lakers, but mostly because of Kobe Bryant. Baseball? For a while, it was only the Philadelphia Phillies. But, two years ago, a dear friend of mine took me to my first-ever baseball game. Where, you ask? The Oakland Coliseum: the home of the Oakland Athletics.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The Chicago White Sox were in town, on September 9th, 2022. Lucas Giolito was on the mound for Chicago, and the A’s were going with a bullpen game led by Austin Pruitt.
Though Oakland would lose 5-3 that night, I had a blast. It was my first game, after all. But, it felt like a sign. A sign to finally root for a team near where I lived. I became an Athletics fan that day (don’t worry, I didn’t forget you, Phillies), and I’ve followed the team ever since. It was remembering the roster, familiarizing myself with the coaching staff, and keeping up with the games every day as if I was a fan out of the womb.
With the news surrounding the team about this being their last year playing in Oakland before moving to Sacramento and Las Vegas, here are reasons why you should root (and possibly become a full-on fan like me) for the A’s this year.
A Bunch Of Hungry Dogs
This year’s team is filled with young guys, unknown veterans, and everyone else in between who will be playing either their first or last year in the Coliseum before playing in a minor league park for the next three years (thanks, John Fisher, you selfish man).
It’s not that they’re just young, but these guys have a promising future. Take Mason Miller, the closer with an outstanding fastball with a nasty slider that has left batters swinging at nothing but air. With a 1.26 ERA, 8/8 in save opportunities, and a 7.3 K/BB ratio, he is making the case to be the unanimous A’s representative at the all-star game this year.
Mason miller is so fun to watch !
— Gunnar (@GManGBlazin) May 1, 2024
pic.twitter.com/azqCV03zbo
Another potential all-star who’s actually one of the oldest guys on the team (29) is Brent Rooker. The slugger has eight home runs and 21 RBIs in 25 games and has been the cleanup hitter for this team for most of the season. Last year’s representative, he looks to be in the annual game once again. These young guys need some sort of veteran leader, and that’s Rooker.
It's a 10-run frame for the @Athletics!
— MLB (@MLB) May 5, 2024
Brent Rooker has 2 HR and 5 RBI … THIS INNING! pic.twitter.com/hKPpwgK8sc
Before going down with an injury (but should be back soon), second baseman Zach Gelof is another one of those young guys to root for. The 24-year-old has an outstanding 2023 campaign and was starting to pick things up this year before going to the IL. Though his batting average (.196) doesn’t scream exciting, he is one of the young guys worth rooting for because of his personality and great defense. His bat was on a tear last year, and he will get back to that level when he’s healthy.
Other young guys worth noting include Lawrence Butler, Esteury Ruiz, Darrell Hernaiz, and Brett Harris (who was recently called up). These guys are all under the age of 25, and can be major contributors in the future as they continue to develop into potential stars. For now, they’re fighting every day to help this team win games
The pitching staff is a bit older, with guys like Paul Blackburn, Alex Wood, and Ross Stripling over the age of 30. But, JP Sears is 28 and has pitched well this year with a 3.89 ERA and 2-2 record so far.
However, the bullpen is one of the team’s strengths. It’s not just Miller making his name known. Setup man Lucas Erceg was scorching hot as the bridge to the closer before struggling recently (currently sitting at a 3.60 ERA after being at 1.93).
Austin Adams was acquired from the Mets. They’re regretting letting him go, as the reliever has been outstanding when called upon, sporting a 1.59 ERA.
Austin Adams, Nasty Sliders…and Gum Kick K Strut. pic.twitter.com/OkoDyH01F0
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 7, 2024
Oh, and we can’t forget about Kyle Muller. The 2023 Opening Day Starter, he’s been great as a long relief man with 20.2 IP and a 2.61 ERA.
A lot of numbers. A lot of players are mentioned above. But, more importantly, a bunch of guys who are hungry and want to win and make the city proud.
The Last Dance, Oakland Style
We know John Fisher will not change his mind about leaving Oakland. That’s why the attendance is so low. But, this is it. September 26th will be the last time the A’s will ever play at the Coliseum. Why not root for a team that deserves so much more than what they’re being subjected to?
Remember how the Chicago Bulls were broken up after Michael Jordan and Co. won their sixth championship? It’s like that for the A’s, only in this case, it’s breaking up the loyal fans who come to the Coliseum and the players from each other.
So, sure the attendance numbers are at an all-time low right now. But, we can change that. This team didn’t choose to move to Sacramento or Las Vegas. It’s the owner’s fault for this mess, not the players, managers, staff, anyone else.
Let’s celebrate the players and cheer for them while we can.
Plus, They’re Defying Expectations.
Take this, for reference. At publication, the A’s are 17-20. They didn’t get their 17th win last season until June 11th, 2023. We’re barely starting the month of May.
To make this better, Oakland is four games behind the Texas Rangers for first place in the division. They have a better record than the Angels and Astros. Oh, and yes they are four games back of a wild-card spot.
In all seriousness, this team may not make the playoffs. But, wouldn’t it be a storybook ending if they surprised the world and snuck in, even as a wild-card team? Why not root for a team to shock the world in their last year in Oakland?
They’re already way ahead of schedule compared to last year. This team is hungry and aren’t afraid of anyone or anything. What is there left to lose?
Even if you’re already a fan of a team, rooting for the A’s to some extent is something you should do. Whether it’s the players, the stadium, or the defying of expectations, they’re all great reasons to root for the Oakland Athletics this season (and possibly beyond).
Let’s fill up the stadium, one last time for the good guys.
What a night for Oakland.
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) June 14, 2023
27,759 fans in attendance
$35,000 raised for fan-funded giveaway
$811,107 donated by fans to charity
Still one mission: KEEP THE A’S ROOTED.#Athletics #RootedInOakland #OAKtogether pic.twitter.com/aggwFcNfbQ
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
