What Do You Know About The A's?

Guess What?

The Oakland Athletics (A’s) are the 2012 American League West Champions!

I was never much of a sports fan until I started playing softball my junior year of high school. I always thought that baseball was hard to play but after learning how to play softball, I realized that they both go hand in hand. I went from cheering for my high school baseball team to cheering for my hometown team, Oakland’s Athletics.

American League West Champions

After watching many A’s games and familiarizing myself with all the players, it was always painful to see General Manager Billy Beane trade off his better players for fresh new ones. This year the A’s used 19 rookies and I thought, here’s to another rebuilding year just like every other season in Oakland. However, the prospects and rookies bloomed so early that we suddenly were in serious playoff contention.

On Tuesday, September 1, the A’s tied the Rangers at a teeth-clenching game for a chance to win the 2012 American League West Champions. Watching in the comfort of my bed, it was hard to believe, especially since the A’s still has just one more game against the Rangers to win the title.

On the final day, September 2, the A’s gave up 5 runs in the third inning and right then I thought they were done for sure. However, the A’s came back and won 12-5! It was incredible! The A’s had nothing to lose, they were the underdogs and no one, even I, expected them to win. It was such a come back to remember! I was so proud to think that as I was giving up, they did not.

Oakland A's Fans at the A.L. West Game

Earlier that day, I tried to purchase a ticket for the game but unfortunately there was a sellout crowd at the Colliseum, home of the A’s, of 36,067. It was a rare occasion because on a regular home game, only about 15,000 fans attend.

“Oakland Manager Bob Melvin is fond of saying that 15,000 fans in Oakland are as loud as 30,000 fans anywhere else” and this is true because the only people that go to a regular A’s game are fans that truly believe in the team. They cheer like there is no tomorrow and gets the mood going for the players. I remember my first A’s game 4 years ago, there were so many empty seats but the atmosphere and the fans there just made it seemed like I was surrounded by more people than I though. Even as a newcomer back then, everyone at the game acknowledged each other and joined together to create the loudest and longest cheers that would last through out the game. The energy and vibe given off by the fans truly show off their love and support for the team. As I could see then and even now, the love for the team is undeniable!

The Team

Remember when I told you that I was going to highlight some of Oakland’s greatness? Well, I think I just did. To me, the Oakland A’s are truly a greatness of its own. It has been six years since they won their last league championship and even with 19 rookies on the team, it was an amazing feat that they won this year. Let us not forget the fans! The fans are incredible and loyal for believing in their team and supporting them throughout the season. Even if you are not a baseball fan, come on out to the Oakland Colliseum and join the crowd because they will show you what true fans really are. In all honesty, I believe that the A’s is a fun team that contributes to its excellent team dynamic and great baseball. Go Oakland A’s!

P.S. Check this link out! http://twitter.yfrog.com/0tevzicslzqslbazvyagzbomz (Let's go Oakland!)