After 57 years, the Oakland Athletics are preparing to leave Oakland for Sacramento, and ultimately for Las Vegas. The final home series in Oakland starts on Tuesday, with the sold-out finale scheduled for Thursday. Rep. Barbara Lee attempted to stop the move by introducing the “Moneyball Act” 15 months ago, proposing that teams pay a substantial exit fee if they decide to relocate. However, the bill did not progress, and the A’s are still leaving.
Major League Baseball’s antitrust exemption has been a topic of discussion in Congress, with threats to repeal it over various issues, but no action has been taken. Lee’s proposed bill suggested that teams moving out of town should repay their communities for the taxes they had paid over the previous 10 years. Unfortunately, Lee faced challenges in garnering support for the bill, and it did not move forward.
Despite the efforts made by Lee and others, the A’s departure from Oakland is imminent. The loss of the team is not only about sports but also a significant part of Oakland’s history and culture. As Thursday marks the end of an era, Lee expressed her feelings of denial and anger, refusing to accept the reality of the team’s departure. This move signifies the end of an era for the Athletics in Oakland, leaving fans and the community with a sense of loss and nostalgia.
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