Oakland A’s fans reverse boycott move to Las Vegas
OAKLAND, Calif. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Oakland A's fans flocked to the Oakland Coliseum at Tuesday night's game as the team continues to negotiate with Nevada on a move to Las Vegas.
The fight for the A's is on with fans louder than ever as the team faced the Tampa Bay Rays and a reverse boycott.
"I hope either Mr. Fisher decides to sell the team on his own or the team puts pressure on him to sell the team," said Matt Melamen, an A's fan.
Their message: Stay in Oakland and sell the team.
"It's just been so hurtful to the whole town how things have gone down the last five years, with all the promises of a new ball park," said Heide Miller, another A's fan.
"Tune in to what's happening in Oakland"
A's fans have been calling for this reverse boycott for weeks following criticism they had abandoned the team.
"I think the ownership needs to tune in to what's happening in Oakland," said Laura Vonwaldburg, another A's fan.
Also boycotting was Oakland's Mayor Sheng Thao.
"I know that MLB wants a more diverse fan base. Well, look at Oakland. We are one of the most diverse cities in the nation and today really represents the spirit of Oakland and what we're going to do...we're going to fight for the Oakland A's," Thao declared.
Legislative battle
Meanwhile in Nevada, a legislative battle to make the team's move official.
"Guess what our legislature passed three different legislations to and where are we at with the oakland A's? They haven't built a stadium yet," Thao spoke.
"I was hoping for Las Vegas to strike out the deal. It passed the Senate...we'll see what the assembly does," said Julian Sanchez, another fan of the A's.
The fans in Oakland hope their message scores them a home run and a permanent MLB team.