In a significant move that shakes up the landscape of Major League Baseball and impacts many employees' lives, the Oakland Athletics are set to relocate to Sacramento in 2025, following the expiration of their lease at the iconic Coliseum. This major announcement was made more shocking as many connected to the organization learned about it and its implications on their livelihoods through news sources, rather than from the team management directly. Moreover, this relocation plan includes the development of a new ballpark in Las Vegas, marking a bold step towards a future that promises much change for the franchise.
The Impact on Coliseum Employees
For those who have spent years, even decades, working for the Athletics at the Coliseum, the news of the move has been both emotionally and financially devastating. The Coliseum has not just been a workplace but a community and a second home to many. Employees there have depended on their jobs for supplemental income, healthcare benefits, and a sense of belonging. The announcement of the impending move and the expected layoffs as the organization transitions to a smaller operational staff in Sacramento has left many reeling, unsure of what the future holds.
After the public disclosure of the move, management conducted a staff meeting to address the forthcoming changes. However, for some, this response felt delayed and insufficient. The layoffs signify a significant downsizing effort by the Athletics, affecting a substantial portion of their current workforce.
Long-time Employees Face Uncertainty
The sentiment among the Coliseum's workforce is notably one of betrayal and concern. "I don't think they even thought about us...We've got people who’ve been there for 35 and 40 years—that's been a big part of their lives, and now it's gone. So, what do they do?" One employee lamented, capturing the prevailing sense of disbelief and apprehension. These employees, some of whom have dedicated the better part of their lives to supporting the Athletics, now find themselves at a crossroads, with their careers and financial stability hanging in balance.
Decline under John Fisher's Ownership
The move is just the latest development in a series of declines for the Athletics under the ownership of John Fisher. Since taking over, the quality of the team's performance, its payroll, and the number of fans attending games have all seen significant drops. Critics argue that the once-celebrated franchise has lost much of its luster and competitive edge due to financial frugality and a lack of investment in player talent. The relocation to Sacramento, and eventually to a new ballpark in Las Vegas, is seen by many as an attempt to rejuvenate the franchise by tapping into new markets and revenue opportunities. However, for many longtime employees and fans, it represents the end of an era and the loss of a cherished institution.
Looking Ahead
As the Athletics prepare for their move to Sacramento and the construction of a new ballpark in Las Vegas, the futures of many employees remain uncertain. The transition period is expected to be challenging, with significant adjustments required for those who have spent decades working at the Coliseum. While the move might offer a fresh start and new opportunities for the Athletics as a franchise, it leaves behind a community of employees grappling with the loss of their jobs, their identities, and their second home. The full impact of this relocation on the lives of these individuals is yet to be fully realized, but it's clear it will be deeply felt.
The Athletics' move to Sacramento marks a pivotal moment in the team's history, reflecting broader trends in professional sports where economic considerations often overshadow community and tradition. As the organization looks to its future in Nevada, many are left to wonder about the true cost of such a move, not just in financial terms but in the lives and livelihoods of those it displaces.