On a cool, blustery evening in Northern California, the Oakland Athletics played their first home game at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. This minor league stadium will serve as the Aโs temporary home for the next three years. The game against the Chicago Cubs marked a significant milestone, as it hosted Sacramentoโs first-ever Major League Baseball game. The event was filled with emotions, tributes, and a few unexpected moments, making it a memorable night for fans and players alike.
The Atmosphere at Sutter Health Park
Fans lined up at the entrances well before the gates opened, and the energy was palpable. Despite the cool weather and the morning rainstorm that left the left-field corner swampy, the excitement for the Athleticsโ home opener was undeniable. The stadium, adorned with red, white, and blue banners, was ready to welcome its new tenants.
Inside the park, fans chanted *Letโs Go Oakland!* as a tribute to their former city. Meanwhile, some expressed their frustrations with the teamโs ownership by shouting *Sell The Team!* during the game. The attendance was a sellout at 12,119, with the stadiumโs capacity reaching up to 13,146 when including the right-field grass berm.
Tributes and Honors
The evening was also marked by a heartfelt tribute to the late Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who passed away on December 20. All Aโs players wore No. 24 jerseys in his honor, and a 24-second moment of silence was observed following player introductions. Hendersonโs three daughters threw out ceremonial first pitches, adding a deeply emotional touch to the proceedings.
The Game and Unexpected Delays
Despite the high spirits, the Athletics faced a tough game, trailing 16-3 in an 18-3 loss to the Cubs. The game was briefly delayed in the bottom of the seventh inning when a drone hovered above left field. Stewart Thalblum, the son of longtime visiting clubhouse manager Mikey Thalblum, managed to corral the drone, which was then removed by security.
The Cubs, who had already traveled to Japan and Arizona before this trip, played a significant role in this historic game. Cubs first baseman Justin Turner noted the unique nature of opening up in Sacramento, describing it as *a normal road trip that just feels a little different.*
Field Conditions and Stadium Features
Mark Kotsay, the Athletics manager, took a stroll around the field before the game to survey the conditions. Despite the swampy left-field corner caused by the morning rainstorm, Kotsay remained confident that the field would be playable by the first pitch. Sutter Health Park boasts natural grass with a complex cooling and draining system, which will be crucial during the hot summer months.
John Fisher, the teamโs owner, praised the fieldโs condition, noting that it is *one of the most sophisticated fields ever created.* He also acknowledged the efforts of the Aโs groundskeepers, who have always been known for their excellent work.
Nostalgia and Future Plans
For longtime Aโs coach Eric Martins, the game brought back memories of his playing days. Martins played in the opening game of Sutter Health Park 25 years ago when it was home to Oaklandโs Triple-A club. He described the experience as *a complete full circle,* reminiscing about the early days when the park wasnโt quite ready due to rain delays.
Outside the venue, alternating light poles featured signage for both the Athletics and the River Cats, symbolizing the shared use of the stadium. Fans like Dan Niccum and Ken McGuire, who purchased season tickets in Oakland last year, expressed their excitement about the teamโs new home. Niccum even mentioned the possibility of the team staying in Sacramento, despite plans to move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas in the future.
Challenges and Adjustments
The transition to Sutter Health Park has not been without its challenges. Cubs manager Craig Counsell shared his observations about the unique setup, noting the similarities to San Franciscoโs old Candlestick Park, where the clubhouses were not attached to the dugout. He explained that this setup is reminiscent of spring training, where players do not have access to the clubhouse during the game.
Despite these adjustments, both teams managed to navigate the new environment, with the Cubs ultimately emerging victorious. The game served as a valuable learning experience for the Athletics as they adapt to their temporary home.
Conclusion
The Athleticsโ first home game at Sutter Health Park was a historic event filled with excitement, tributes, and a few unexpected moments.
As the team settles into their new home, fans and players alike are embracing the change and looking forward to the future.
With plans to move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas in the coming years, this period in Sacramento will be a unique chapter in the teamโs history.
For more details on this historic game, you can read the full article on Fox Sports: Athletics Usher in New Era Playing Cubs at West Sacramentoโs Sutter Health Park.
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