New Athletics Hall of Famer Jose Canseco said he never saw this honor coming from the club
OAKLAND, Calif. — The atmosphere in Oakland felt nostalgic for Mark Kotsay and Bob Melvin.
For Mark Canha and Matt Chapman, two former stars of the Oakland Athletics who now play for rivals, it was also a significant moment.
And for a visibly emotional Jose Canseco, one of the newest inductees into the A’s Hall of Fame, it was a surprise honor.
“I’d like to thank the fans. I’m filled with emotions right now,” said the former Bash Brother of Mark McGwire. “I can’t believe I’ve been given this opportunity and this honor. I wish I could applaud the fans right now for everyone. Amazing memories here with the Oakland A’s.”
Miguel Tejada also returned to be honored alongside Canseco. Others inducted on Saturday included former catcher Terry Steinbach and three posthumous inductees: announcer Bill King, manager Dick Williams, and Philadelphia A’s infielder Eddie Joost.
Canseco wasn’t the only one feeling overwhelmed, as the A’s faced off against the San Francisco Giants in the first of two games that mark the final Bay Bridge Series in Oakland. Even “The Wave” had a rare special appearance with fans all the way up to the upper stands.
With a wave of nostalgia and a lively crowd filling the Coliseum, many fans chanted “Go Oakland!” reminiscent of the franchise’s glory days. A season-high 37,551 fans attended Saturday’s game, which the home team won 2-0.
Tony LaRussa was present. His fellow Hall of Famers, Dennis Eckersley and Rickey Henderson, were also in attendance.
“The excitement and energy in the ballpark today was incredible. One thing I want to highlight is that the A’s fans showed up in huge numbers, more than the Giants fans did,” said Kotsay, a former A’s outfielder who is now Oakland’s manager in his third year replacing his former mentor, Melvin. “That was special and something we will always remember.”
Melvin, the Giants manager who spent 11 seasons managing the A’s from 2011 to 2021, found it hard to believe that this weekend marked his club’s final two games at the Coliseum, saying, “unfortunately, that’s the case.”
The A’s are set to play in Sacramento for the next three years before a planned move to Las Vegas for the 2028 season.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here, and I love this place,” Melvin stated. “So I’m going to miss it; it will be sad. Perhaps a little more emphasis is placed (because) you try to win every game, but this is the last Bay Bridge Series, so it would be nice to perform well.”
It was already a day to reminisce as the A’s introduced their newest Hall of Famers.
“We secured a great win in front of our home fans,” Kotsay said. “We have one more game (Sunday) against the Giants to wrap it up.”
Kotsay was thankful for arriving at the ballpark around 9 a.m. on Saturday and seeing fans already lining up to enter the parking lot and start tailgating, something not often seen with the divisive feelings between fans and owners determined to leave.
“The reality is this is the last series between the Giants and the A’s in this stadium,” Kotsay remarked. “I’m sure when it’s all over, it will be easier to describe the excitement.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.
Jose Canseco Inducted into Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame
The atmosphere in Oakland was electric this Saturday as fans and former players gathered to honor one of the franchise’s legends, Jose Canseco, who was officially inducted into the Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame. For Canseco, this moment was both unexpected and deeply emotional.
In a moving ceremony, Canseco, the former Bash Brother alongside Mark McGwire, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’d like to thank the fans. I’m emotionally devastated right now. I can’t believe I’ve been given this opportunity.” Fans filled the Oakland Coliseum, reminiscing about memorable moments from the franchise’s storied history.
The Inductees
Joining Canseco in this prestigious honor was another former A, Miguel Tejada. The event also recognized outstanding contributions from others, including:
- Terry Steinbach (Catcher)
- Bill King (Announcer, posthumously)
- Dick Williams (Manager, posthumously)
- Eddie Joost (Infielder for the Philadelphia A’s, posthumously)
This year’s induction ceremony was particularly poignant as it coincided with the final Bay Bridge Series games held at the Coliseum, marking an end of an era for the Oakland franchise.
Marking a Special Day in Oakland
With a season-high attendance of 37,551 fans, the contrast between the energy in the ballpark and the impending relocation of the A’s to Las Vegas in 2028 was palpable. Many fans chanted “Go Oakland!” as a tribute to the team’s rich history. The excitement of the day was made even richer by the rare spectacle of “The Wave,” with fans joining in from the upper stands.
Mark Kotsay, Oakland’s manager and former player, reflected on the significance of the day, noting, “The excitement and energy in the ballpark today was incredible. The A’s fans showed up in huge numbers today, more than the Giants fans did today. That was special,”
Reflections from the Past
The presence of Hall of Famers like Tony LaRussa, Dennis Eckersley, and Rickey Henderson served as a reminder of the greatness that the A’s have produced over the decades. Canseco’s emotional response highlighted the enduring connection between the players and the fans.
“I’ve been here a lot and I love this place,” said Bob Melvin, the manager of the Giants and former A’s manager, reflecting on the bittersweet situation.
A Nostalgic Game
On the field, the A’s secured a 2-0 victory against their rivals, which added another layer of joy to the day’s celebrations. As fans cheered, many recalled the team’s glory days in the late 1980s and early 1990s when the A’s dominated Major League Baseball.
Kotsay’s comments on the game and the historical significance cannot be overlooked: “We got a great win in front of our home fans,” he said.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the A’s
While the day was filled with celebration, it also served as a reminder of the challenges facing the A’s franchise. With plans to play in Sacramento for the next three years before a proposed move to Las Vegas in 2028, the future remains uncertain. Despite the changes, both players and fans agree that the memories created in Oakland will last a lifetime.
Key Takeaways:
- Jose Canseco: Awarded a Hall of Fame honor, reflecting on his time at the A’s and expressing gratitude to fans.
- Event Highlights: Special recognition of other A’s legends and a nostalgic atmosphere filled with excitement.
- Unity Among Fans: Fans united in celebration of the team’s lineage even amid the impending relocation.
- Next Steps: A’s to play in Sacramento before relocating to Las Vegas in 2028, creating uncertainty for the franchise.
Emotional Moments and Fan Participation
The heartwarming tribute culminated as fans shared their emotions and memories associated with Canseco and other A’s legends. The day was not just about celebrating past glories but also reinforcing the bond between the Oakland Athletics and their loyal supporters.
Fan Reactions: Many fans expressed their feelings on social media platforms, sharing stories about their favorite Canseco moments and how the A’s have influenced their lives. The unity among fans was evident as they embraced the nostalgia of the event.
Case Study: The Impact of Jose Canseco on A’s Legacy
| Year | Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Rookie of the Year | Opened the door for more stars in MLB, affirming A’s as a powerhouse. |
| 1988 | AL MVP | Highlighted his dynamic hitting and power; increased fanbase. |
| 1989 | World Series Champion | Established A’s as a dominant force in MLB history. |
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.
