Home Baseball Rangers manager Bochy says it’s ‘hard to believe’ the A’s are relocating

Rangers manager Bochy says it’s ‘hard to believe’ the A’s are relocating

Baseball — 09/25/2024

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy is among those saddened by the Oakland Athletics’ decision to leave their longtime home in the East Bay. Bochy, who led the San Francisco Giants to three World Series championships in five years, is in town with the Rangers for what will be the final three MLB games played at the Oakland Coliseum.

Reflecting on his time at the Coliseum, Bochy shared with reporters some of the memorable experiences he’s had at the historic ballpark. “It’s a fun place to play, the atmosphere, the fans. I always enjoyed my time here. It’s hard to believe this is going to be the last series,” he remarked while sitting in the visitor’s dugout before Tuesday’s game. “I’m glad that I’m here for it. I’m excited.”

Josh Jung in a Texas Rangers uniform and Tyler Mahle in a Texas Rangers uniform with a red and white first aid symbol as both players are on the injured list and the rangers won't repeat as World Series champs.

Before taking over the Rangers in 2023, Bochy made occasional trips to the Coliseum during his tenure as manager of the San Diego Padres and Giants. With San Francisco, he visited Oakland annually for the Bay Bridge Series, which regularly attracted large crowds from both sides of the Bay Area. Through these experiences, Bochy developed an appreciation for both the Coliseum and the passionate A’s fans.

“It’s one of the best playing surfaces in baseball,” Bochy commented. “Guys love playing on this field. It’s always had a good look. There’s a lot of history here, and they’ve had great, winning teams.”

Bochy talked about the atmosphere at the Coliseum and heaped praise on A’s fans.

“I feel for the fans,” Bochy said. “There’s a lot of die-hard Oakland fans. Believe me, I had to hear it from them over the years. They’re passionate. These fans have always been passionate about there team. They’ve had a lot of success here. This is a fun place to play.”

Thursday’s game – the last scheduled MLB game to be played here after 56 seasons – is sure to be memorable for many reasons. It’s already a sellout, the first that the A’s will have this season, and there will plenty of emotions sweeping through the crowd.