More than 4,000 fans, many decked in Ballers merchandise, braved the heat, choosing Raimondi Park over the Coliseum to support the new baseball team.
byAzucena Rasilla and Amaya Edwards
Undeterred by the sweltering heat, a sold-out crowd of more than 4,000 fans packed Raimondi Park in West Oakland Tuesday evening to watch the Oakland Ballers’ inaugural home opener. The Ballers took an early lead after designated hitter Dondrei Hubbard crushed a two-run homer in the first inning before the Yolo High Wheelers scored eight runs across the final four innings to take the game 9-3. But Tuesday night was less about the outcome and more about Oakland having a baseball team it can embrace and a franchise that wants to love The Town back.
“We are out with the A’s and in with the B’s. We have a new team in Oakland that we all have to rally behind and support, one that’s built in community not corruption. I’m grateful to be at this park with so many friends from A’s games.”
Camron Kong
Numerous Oakland celebrities and politicians turned out for the game,including rapper and business owner Mistah F.A.B, who took the honorary first at-bat. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and District 3 councilmember Carroll Fife also attended. Former Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, her husband Floyd Huen, and Oaklandish’s founder Angela Tsay were also enjoying the tailgate ahead of the game.
“This is a perfect example of what the definition of Oakland is. Oakland is culture. When we do it the Oakland style, which is a community coming together with government and private businesses, this is the magic that can happen,” said Thao. “For any naysayers that say that you can’t get anything done in Oakland, I call it BS.”
Fans flocked to the parking lots along Wood Street hours ahead of the 6:35 p.m. start time to tailgate in the shadow of the historic 16th Street Station. One of the biggest and loudest tailgates was hosted by the Oakland 68’s, a grassroots fan organization that has been vocal about their disapproval of the Athletics moving to Las Vegas. The group teamed up with Weedmaps, an online cannabis dispensary directory, and provided live music, a DJ set, and free drinks.
In preparation, the Ballers invested a substantial $1.6 million in improvements to the park and its surroundings. Inside the park, various food trucks, concessions stands, and ample porta-potties were available, ensuring a fun experience. Additional food trucks and stands were also strategically placed alongside Wood Street, catering to the overflow of fans.
Fife, whose district includes Raimondi Park, echoed the mayor’s words.
“This feels like such an achievement. This happened faster than any project that we’ve seen, and with this level of investment in West Oakland, a part of Oakland that has been discarded, this means everything to me,” Fife said. “I’m not just elevated about the Ballers; we’re talking about affordable housing, a food hall across the street that is going to create jobs. We’re moving train tracks to make traveling on Oakland streets easier and safer for bikes and pedestrians. I feel like an accomplished legislator.”
The Oaklandside spoke with fans at the game to get their thoughts on the arrival of The Ballers and Pioneer League baseball in The Town.
“We are here because we’re Oakland A’s fans, and we are disappointed they are bailing.”
Doug, a new Ballers fan
“Working for the Ballers is a great cause and here we are … Just how they started, and how it’s helping the community, it’s the biggest impact.”
Lauryn Nazareno
“Oakland has always been a hotbed for innovation and social movement, the Roots and the Ballers exemplify being for the community and built by Oakland. They are the real deal.”
Angela Tsay
“[The love of baseball is] the reason why we are here, but it’s what it does for the morale of the city in showing people that it’s not all bad—it just takes a little creativity and a little vision.”
Mistah F.A.B.
“I’m excited to play for the Ballers, to be here with our fans and grateful for the good vibes and the community of Oakland.’
Ballers pitcher Kelsie Whitmore
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Azucena Rasilla is a bilingual journalist from East Oakland reporting in Spanish and in English, and a longtime reporter on Oakland arts, culture and community. As an independent local journalist, she has reported for KQED Arts, The Bold Italic, Zora and The San Francisco Chronicle. She was a writer and social media editor for the East Bay Express, helping readers navigate Oakland’s rich artistic and creative landscapes through a wide range of innovative digital approaches.
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