Elephant Rumblings: Saying goodbye to the Coliseum

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

I was driving back to LA on the I-5 yesterday when the A’s bid for a second straight sweep of the Angels abruptly fell apart in the eighth inning. It was a disappointing finish to a successful series that the A’s won with refreshingly consistent offensive production.

I was at Saturday’s game, which unfortunately I believe was my last at the Coliseum. It was a terrific experience. My friends and I parked for free at the BART station in Daly City and rode straight to the game with no fuss whatsoever.

We took our seats in Section 118 just to the left behind home plate, on Row 31, which kept me in the shade through the entire game on that sunny, clear skied Saturday. The view is fantastic; it is the perfect spot for my money.

I had a short wish list for the game. First, I was hoping the A’s would win on Friday so that a sweep would still be in the cards on Saturday. That wish had already been granted.

Another wish came true nearly as fast: that Brent Rooker would hit a home run. It happened in Rook’s first at-bat, giving the A’s a lead that would hold the entire game.

The four-run fourth was a blast even though it began to sink in afterwards that another of my wishes was becoming less likely as the A’s lead grew. I was hoping to see Mason Miller pitch, and I was in an amazing spot to watch him. Alas, this wish was not granted, but at least it didn’t happen for the right reasons.

Of course my greatest wish for the day was an A’s win, and it came true. I think back on games I have attended, and many I can’t even remember who won. But I’m pretty sure I’ll remember every detail of my last A’s game at the Coliseum.

There was an underlying sadness to the occasion that was difficult to apprehend on such a perfect day. But I definitely regret that I didn’t have dozens more days like this past Saturday over the years when I had the chance.

Have a wonderful week, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Bullpen blows finale as Angels top Athletics 8-5
• Trade Deadline Decisions Could Hinge On “When Might The A’s Be Good Again?”
• Injuries & Moves: Wilson to IL with hamstring strain; Toro up
• Patience key for Wilson after A’s top prospect hits IL
• MLB exec believes A’s Miller could be Dodgers trade target
• Phillies “Don’t See a Fit” With A’s Rooker
• Luis Medina Needs a Second Opinion
• All-Star or not, Rooker making it look easy out there

MLB News & Interest:

• Beltré, Mauer, Helton, Leyland inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame ($)
• Ozzie Albies To Miss Eight Weeks With Wrist Fracture; Braves To Select Nacho Alvarez
• White Sox Release Martín Maldonado
• Dodgers To Reinstate Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow
• Shohei Ohtani blasts 473-foot home run, farthest at Dodger Stadium since 2015 ($)
• Pirates Re-Sign Domingo German To Minor League Deal
• Orioles, Dodgers Have Discussed Tarik Skubal With Tigers
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

A’s O goes big in the heat of July.

KD sends love to A’s fans.

Storyboardin’

Big change for the Ballers.