WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new era began for the Oakland Athletics on Monday, April 1, 2025, as they played their first home game at Sutter Health Park, marking the first time Major League Baseball has been played in Sacramento since the city’s incorporation in 1987. The A’s, who are in the midst of relocating to Las Vegas, faced off against the Chicago Cubs before a sellout crowd of approximately 14,000 fans.
Despite the excitement surrounding the opening night, the Athletics were unable to deliver a winning performance, suffering a crushing defeat with a final score of 18-3. Cubs catcher Carson Kelly highlighted the game by hitting for the cycle, while the A’s celebrated their history with a tribute to the late Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who had passed away in December. The entire A’s team donned Henderson’s iconic number 24, and his three daughters threw out the ceremonial first pitches.
As the A’s transition to their temporary home, the atmosphere at Sutter Health Park was a mix of hope and nostalgia. "We’ve been embraced here in every which way," said A’s manager Mark Kotsay, reflecting on the community’s welcoming spirit. The crowd was eager to support their team, even as the scoreboard told a different story. Fans cheered wildly when A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson hit the team’s first home run in the third inning, a moment of joy amid the onslaught from the Cubs.
However, the night was not without its challenges. As the game progressed, chants of "sell the team" echoed through the stands, a reminder of the lingering frustrations among A’s fans regarding the team's management and the decision to leave Oakland after 57 years. Many fans still harbor a deep-rooted loyalty to the city, as illustrated by the sentiments shared by Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, an Oakland native. "I’d rather be playing in Oakland," Hoerner expressed, acknowledging the emotional weight of the franchise's departure.
In the lead-up to the game, excitement was palpable. Fans arrived hours early, eager to soak in the atmosphere and support their team. "It’s baseball in your backyard," said Juan Jauregui, a lifelong A’s fan. The stadium, which underwent renovations to accommodate the A’s, was filled with a diverse crowd, including fans of various MLB teams, highlighting the broader appeal of Major League Baseball in the region.
Despite the loss, the A’s management and players remain optimistic about their time in Sacramento. "People are excited, the community seems excited to have us here," said outfielder Brent Rooker. The A’s will play at Sutter Health Park for the next three seasons while they await the completion of their new stadium in Las Vegas, a situation that many fans have mixed feelings about.
As the game unfolded, the Cubs quickly established dominance, scoring four runs before the A’s even had a chance to bat. The early lead set the tone for the game, and the Cubs continued to capitalize on their opportunities, bringing at least five hitters to the plate in each of the first six innings. The A’s pitching staff struggled to contain the Cubs’ offense, leading to a frustrating night for the home team.
One bright spot for the A’s was the performance of Jacob Wilson, who not only hit the team’s first home run but also marked a significant personal achievement as he made his major league debut. Wilson's excitement was shared by many fans who have followed his journey through the minor leagues.
While the A’s are focused on their performance on the field, the backdrop of their move has overshadowed much of the excitement. The team’s decision to not adopt the name “Sacramento Athletics” during their stay has drawn mixed reactions from the local community. Some fans, like local radio host Dave Weiglein, expressed disappointment, feeling that it represents a lack of commitment to the city.
On the other hand, many Sacramento residents are thrilled to have major league baseball in their city, even if it is only for a few years. "This is a dream come true for all of us who are from here," said Melanie Huitt, a local fan. The A’s have made efforts to connect with the community, including a sleeve patch featuring the iconic Tower Bridge, a local landmark, alongside a patch that displays “Las Vegas,” indicating their future destination.
As the game concluded, the A’s players and fans alike were left to ponder the future. The team has expressed a desire to win and build a fan base in Sacramento, hoping to create a positive atmosphere despite the challenges ahead. "We’re still the Athletics," said A’s reliever Tyler Ferguson, a Sacramento native. "Hopefully, people will be excited to come support us and we win a lot of baseball games."
The A’s season is just beginning, and while Monday night’s game may not have gone as planned, the hope remains that the team can turn things around and make the most of their time in Sacramento. With a mix of nostalgia, optimism, and determination, the Athletics aim to create lasting memories during their temporary stay, even as they look forward to their new home in Las Vegas.
