GALT, Calif. — Last week, the Oakland A’s announced they were going to make Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento their temporary home while their stadium in Las Vegas is being built.
The news has longtime A’s fans very upset, including one Sacramento area fan who has the collection to prove it.
Robb Roberts can’t even take a seat at his Galt business without being reminded of the history of the Oakland A’s.
His love for the team started with a freebie.
“Mother’s cookies used to give you free tickets; it was easy to fall in love with Bash brothers because they were exciting. I feel in love with the A’s,” said Roberts.
It's a love story between a team, it’s fans and a city.
“It feels like home when I go there,” said Roberts about the Oakland Coliseum.
However, it all ends this season when the Athletics move to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento in 2025 and then to their new Las Vegas stadium in 2028.
Roberts has never physically been closer to the A’s, but emotionally, they couldn’t be farther apart.
“There’s a lot of resentment. There’s a huge amount of resentment, even at this moment. Right now, I don’t want to go see them in Sacramento. This is directed at ownership and front management; this is not Oakland versus Sacramento,” said Roberts.
Among his prized possessions is what he calls the largest A’s bobblehead collection. Also on display, a pair of tickets to the first ever game in Oakland in 1968 next to boycott and sell signs for the final 2023 season.
“It’s about preserving something from the past and appreciating it. That’s all that everything here is about; it is not about the value of things,” said Roberts.
Fans say owner John Fisher’s move to Las Vegas prioritizes money over culture.
For non-sports fans, Roberts can only equate it to a break up.
“I’ve invested a lot my emotions, my money, everything as a fan, and it doesn’t matter. It does not matter at all,” said Roberts.
Roberts isn’t sure if he can continue to support the franchise once they move to Vegas.
“I love an underdog, try hard, go out there and do the best that you can, become something from nothing. To me, the A’s do that, “ said Roberts.
He’ll only keep the collection going as long as it makes him happy.
“I’m talking to you, and I’m sharing this story, and right now, I feel tingling talking about it. This is what I’m afraid of losing. I have the relics to talk about the past. I just hope there will be more pasts to talk about,” said Roberts.
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