$16.5M Giants Star Re-Ignites Oakland-Sacramento Debate With Latest Comment on Athletics: “They Know What’s Up”

One final roar – On September 26, 2024, the Oakland Athletics handed the Texas Rangers a 5-1 loss as they bid farewell to their home ballpark, the Oakland Coliseum. End of an era for the franchise as they walked off from the place they had been calling home since 1968. After years of long-standing issues with the stadium and failed efforts to build a new ballpark in Oakland, the A’s had to wrap up and move to West Sacramento temporarily.

Currently, the Athletics are hosting all their home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, which has a seating capacity of 14,000. Whereas, the Oakland Coliseum could hold up to 63,000.

While Athletics loyalists were infuriated by this decision, sparking backlash at John Fisher, now, months later, a voice from the San Francisco Giants has reignited the Oakland-Sacramento debate.

During an interview with KNBR, the Giants’ $16.5 million star, William Flores, accidentally referred to “Sacramento” as “Oakland.” He reportedly stated, “Every time we (SF Giants) play Oakland, it’s a big crowd, so it’s always fun.” The interviewer reconfirmed with Flores if he really meant “Oakland,” then he had to go “Um, Sacramento…”

Then, Flores said something that immediately went viral. “It’ll always be Oakland for me.” Well, true that! Oakland Coliseum holds 57 years of history, and it cannot be taken away that easily.

Of course, the announcement made fans feel like they were losing a piece of home. And according to them, Fisher didn’t do much to keep the Athletics in Oakland. It was his “dream” to play in West Sacramento’s Triple-A Sutter Health Park. But the Oakland Coliseum is one of MLB’s oldest stadiums. Naturally, fans couldn’t stop debating about Fisher’s approach and their take on the team’s temporary move. And now, it’s coming from players, as well…

But until 2028, the Athletics won’t be back in Oakland. So, fans might have to make their peace with it. Could they, though?

Fans echo their sentiments after William Flores’ ‘Oakland’ slip-up

The Oakland Athletics are temporarily settled in West Sacramento until their new stadium is ready. However, it’s already been a while since the Athletics started playing at Sutter Health Park. Now, when William Flores accidentally referred to “Sacramento” as “Oakland” after all these months, the debate was alive all over again.

Witty cross-sports comparisons were drawn. “Yup, like the Santa Clara 49ers of the NFL.” The San Francisco 49ers also moved their stadium to Santa Clara. Just the way Flores had a slip of the tongue, NFL fans still often refer to the 49ers as “San Francisco” only, despite their move. It’s all about legacy. Isn’t it?

Some were in complete denial to ever call the Oakland Athletics the Sacramento Athletics. “It will always be Oakland…. It’s such a stupid take, come on…. Sacramento A’s doesn’t even sound right…. In 2 years they are the LV A’s.” Well, they will soon be in Las Vegas, so even the idea of calling them the Sacramento A’s temporarily didn’t sit well with many. Kinda echoed Flores’ reaction, no!

Then, there were Sacramento loyalists, too. “Sacramento is a better sports town than Oakland.” It’s often debated that Sacramento would be better able to carry a team like the Athletics. Now, this stems from the fact that in Oakland, the stadium discussions were stalled for a long time. Naturally, it led fans to believe that Sacramento is well suited for the Athletics.

In fact, except for these Oakland-Sacramento disputes, William Flores was also praised for having his say in this situation. “Big win. Great to see players be outspoken about this situation. They know what’s up.” The way Flores was clear with his stance, even after being the opponent, said a lot about him.

Well, the Athletics are in such a situation where they cannot be called from Oakland or Sacramento. Fans were quick to point that out with a sarcastic jab. “Can’t even call em Sacramento though 😂😂”. It’s true, they have been physically moved, but their roots are still from Oakland. Plus, they will move again! Confusion seems right – what to call them? Probably, go with just the A’s…

And now that the conversations are again making rounds, it is yet to be seen what the franchise has to say! Till then, why don’t you go ahead and share your stance on the whole Oakland-Sacramento debate?