Oakland A’s Fans Plan Reverse Boycott of Team in June

Through Monday, the A’s team E.R.A. was 7.74, the worst mark in the majors this season by nearly two full runs. If it remains that high for the whole season, it would be the worst mark in American or National League history, beating out the 1930 Philadelphia Phillies, who had a 6.71 E.R.A. on the way to going 52-102-2.

Even the notoriously inept 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who had their roster gutted by ownership before going 20-134, pitched better than the A’s, with a 6.37 E.R.A. As a result of the Spiders’ roster decisions and poor play, the National League contracted the team ahead of the 1900 season.

The A’s, who are worth an estimated $1.1 billion, according to Forbes, are more likely to be relocated — to a new stadium in Oakland or to one in Las Vegas — rather than contracted. But with almost no one under contract beyond this season, and the team’s young players currently struggling, it remains to be seen who would come along for such a move. If the fans organizing June’s reverse boycott are to be believed, they will still be around if the team finds a way to stay in Oakland.

“At this point, we are fighting for an owner that will field a competitive team, while also committing to keeping the A’s in Oakland,” Rooted in Oakland said in its statement. “We hope fans come out, have a good time, and voice their opinions regarding the ownership of the Oakland A’s.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/18/sports/baseball/oakland-athletics-boycott.html