This post is sponsored by Oakland Athletics and contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own, plus a few from Pedro and Angie! Oakland Athletics Celebrates Latinos: You’ll Never Guess Who Took the Field
Hecho en Oakland! Does that sound familiar? It’s the same well-known phrase, Rooted In Oakland, with a Spanish translation. Oakland Athletics celebrates community. They always have, which is why the huge change might have slipped by you. Everyone knows the A’s are Rooted In Oakland. But, did you know that in late 2016, an ownership change resulted in the hiring of a new team president? The Oakland A’s have increased their dedication to Oakland and surrounding east bay cities, as well as increased community outreach. Of course, they hope to attract new fans, but they also want to win-back former fans of the club through on and off the field efforts.
They’re serious! I’ve noticed an increase in free tickets to students and schools, a greater connection to community, and a humble approach to gaining and retaining fans. Right now, their ultimate goal is to build a new ballpark in Oakland. In the meantime, the club has spent millions of dollars the past two off seasons to improve the Oakland Coliseum. New amenities include the Championship Plaza (new in 2017), Shibe Park Tavern (new in 2017), and The Treehouse (new in 2018).
In addition, the team on the field is improving. Young, highly-ranked prospects are joining the club for their first full season at the Major League level. These athletic, talented players expect to lead the A’s into a new era of highly competitive baseball. Despite the unfortunate outcome of the game the other day, the Oakland A’s are looking good! Is that good enough? Nope. They realize that without their fans and especially the support of the local Bay Area fans, it’s just a game. So, they’re doing everything they can to put their heart into the community and earn a place into or back into their fans hearts, too.
We knew something very special was going to happen at the game and it was cause to reunite two childhood best friends (Pedro and Angie, above) to share the wonderful experience.
Oakland Athletics celebrates us!
They are honored by our support and are trying to honor our community. Oakland and the entire Bay Area is home to a large proud Latino community. We are fans, community volunteers, leaders, advocates, activists, business owners and role models! Latinos and our fellow POC are the heart of California! During the March 31 game, the Oakland Athletics welcomed the Cesar Chavez family for the pre-game ceremony! Chavez family members are long-time Oakland A’s fans and community supporters. Much like the Oakland Athletics staff, they embrace community. They’re humble despite their celebrity status and welcome conversations with fellow fans and youth. They invited us into their suite, gave us their cards and offered to help out with anything we or the community might need.
They turned no one away! Latinos have always celebrated family and community. It’s so nice to see that Oakland Athletics celebrates Latinos!
The Bay Area is a busy life for all. It’s a costly place to live and most homes require all adults to work, in order to make ends meet. It’s also a wonderful place to be and have a family. We have some of the most fan-loving sports teams in the nation and the A’s are no exception. The day could not have been more beautiful or inspiring.
Cesar Chavez’ family at the 3/31/18 Oakland A’s Game.
Pedro & Angie with Cesar Chavez’ grandson (Rudy) at the 3/31/18 Oakland A’s Game.
Pedro & Angie with Cesar Chavez’ sisters at the 3/31/18 Oakland A’s Game.
Next time my 8-year-old triplets come home with A’s tickets, I promise not to lose them! Or, I’ll just buy the tickets, because the whole experience was a blast and I want to go more often.
We had amazing seats!
Let’s celebrate Oakland Athletics! Be sure to follow them online at:
Twitter (Spanish): @atleticos https://twitter.com/atleticos
Twitter (English): @athletics https://twitter.com/Athletics
Instagram: @athletics https://www.instagram.com/athletics/
Facebook: @athletics https://www.facebook.com/Athletics
Hashtags: #HechoEnOakland and #RootedInOakland
By: Alicia Gonzalez
