When it comes to relocation, there is always reluctance. The Oakland Athletics planned to relocate to the Las Vegas strip at the Tropicana casino site, which would be their new ballpark. After a long discussion, now that this is on the verge of execution. However, the most famous Las Vegan has his doubts.

Bryce Harper, whose hometown is Las Vegas, has mixed feelings about the move. In a candid statement with USA Today Sports, he shares how the move would affect fans and the overall sentiment of the team. His words question: Is the sentiment of baseball winning over the sentiment of native land?

Oakland A’s Move Brings Opinions From Bryce Harper to the Table 

The Philadelphia Phillies slugger had some strong words to share about the decision. “I feel bad for the A’s and their fans. They’re so rooted in Oakland. Those fans bleed green. Now it’s, ‘Hey, we’re going to pick the A’s to come to Vegas.’ I don’t agree with that,” Harper said straightaway.

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The right fielder further drew comparisons between A’s history and their last few years, “But when you see a team like the A’s – there’s so much history at the Coliseum with all the great players they’ve had. And the last couple of years, it hasn’t been the greatest. I get that. I totally understand,” Bryce said The Athletic. While one might see the benefits of the relocation for the franchise, the effect of fans’ sentiments is equally crucial. 

In other words, it would be rather a tough shift in mindset to view Oakland A’s as not from Oakland. A change in the city would uproot the emotional connection of the Athletics with the city. Coming from the perspective of a fanbase, it takes generations to build. About that, Harper had a weighty statement, “It will take a few generations before they have a real fandom in baseball.” There are, however, advancements happening to the plan. 

The Athletics’ exit from Oakland was propelled by the Nevada Legislature after they approved public funding. With the $3 billion deal, the Vegas stadium is said to have a retractable roof. As starry as it sounds, Bryce Harper, along with his demonym, continues to explain his perspective. 

Choosing Expansion Over Relocation

The 7x All-Star went a step ahead to explain what might be an alternative solution. He took the example of the Raiders, who was another relocated team. Harper emoted, “It was tough for the Raiders last year. People thought the Raiders would be successful. Maybe they will be, but you have to build a fan base”. There is another player who feels the same. 

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Bryson Stott, another native Las Vegan, seconded Bryce with his statement, “would rather see an expansion team than a relocated team”. He too emphasized that the A’s could grapple to build followers. Nevertheless, the $3 billion deal will determine the fate of Oakland. 

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