How a billionaire STOLE a team and EXPOSED the truth about MLB | Athleticsgate

What the f*ck is going on in Oakland? I explored the reverse boycott, recent Oakland Athletics history, and how A's fans came to hate the teams ownership and management.
Want all the details on this story? I'm just a baseball fan. I'm not an A's fan, or a journalist. This is a must read article from a guy who's both: www.theringer....
Here's a video I made about what A's games are normally like this season: • I Watched the WORST TE...
🤘 If you like this video, you can make my day by subscribing, leaving a comment, or watching another video!
🎥 the stuff I used to film this:
amzn.to/43ihFYn
😎 I bet you wont click this: youtube.com/@AdamDoesN...

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I hope you enjoyed the video! There's one correction - Al Davis didn't make those comments about Fisher, his son Mark did. Thanks to @donovanfrazer2655 for pointing out the mistake.

[@bullwinkle2380]

What if??? What if Al Davis was alive today and was the baseball commissioner??????????

[@markd.5471]

A’s fan since 1987 here. Outstanding job, Adam. You summed it all up.

[@lmswentzeljr]

Bud Selig deserves a lot of blame for this situation, he lets his College buddy buy the team and they try to move to San Jose knowing the Giants would block the move. They should have had a stadium 10 yrs ago.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I was shocked when researching this that he had so much involvement!

[@lmswentzeljr]

@AdamDoesNotExist people rip Rob Manfred about this mess, and he deserves blame himself but, Selig is more to blame, he allowed Lew Wolff to try to move to San Jose knowing the Giants would fight it at all costs. I think deep down MLB views the Bay Area as a 1 team Market and that is the Giants. They have showed the Giants so much favoritism the last 30 yrs, giving them territorial rights in San Jose and blocking their move too Tampa. The Giants are the preferred team in the Bay Area.

[@TysonIke]

What sucks even more is just looking at what Joe Lacob would invest in the team. Lacob is one of the only owners in sports who knows how to spend. He finds talents and then builds around them by spending. And he can do it because winning makes money.

[@terranceramirez4816]

@@lmswentzeljrthe bit about MLB viewing the Bay Area as a 1-team market is laughable given that it is more than double the size of Vegas even before factoring in surrounding metros like Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, etc etc which Vegas has basically none of

[@michaelmccormack494]

Baseball barely survived its weakest and worst commissioner, Selig. When you come to a people business via having sold used cars you have the entirely wrong model, at least philosophically, to begin. I haven't watched much MLB in ten years now, and though I don't make excuses for that, or point fingers, I know what the time-line shows.

[@mrgraham5521]

For years, we have been watching our beloved A's players in the World Series on other teams. It is beyond frustrating. I was there the day Rickey Henderson broke the stolen base record, as well as many other days when my father, brother, and cousins and I built memories that will last for generations because I've shared these stories with younger relatives. To see how far we have fallen is just heartbreaking.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Incredible that you were able to see those games live and in person!

[@mrgraham5521]

Rickey Henderson's speech broke my heart. Instead of acknowledging Lou Brocks accomplishments he basically said how " Lou Brock was the best, now I'm the best." It was very selfish. Still, a great day.

[@user-rq7ym1jr9z]

Maybe go to the games and support your team through thick and thin. Then you have a gripe but since you guys average 8 fans a game as is even when good yiu got no platform to stand on. You aren't entitled to your favorite baseball team or to have one locally

[@Dingosean]

Oakland does not hate the team. Oakland loves the team. John Fisher hates doing anything good.

[@brandocalrissian3294]

No, Oakland doesn't show up unless the team is good. Fairweather fans in the bay Area. Just ask the sharks.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I agree with @dingosean Fisher has done everything possible to make it seem like the fans are the issue. I’m not an A’s fan and can confirm that the fans absolutely love this team.

[@leon_ekim]

​@@AdamDoesNotExistbased on the historically bottom of the league TV ratings (backed by a terrible RTN deal) or the bottom third attendance during their best years?

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

@@leon_ekim food is more expensive at the coli and worse than it is at the chase center. I was at the game last night and ushers were telling people to sit down in the top of the 9th as the A’s were about to win. Going to games is bizarre for so many reasons. Meanwhile, I see A’s hats everywhere in the bay. They’ve done everything they can to alienate fans.

[@leon_ekim]

@@AdamDoesNotExist I understand that the Coli is a dump but that doesn't explain the awful TV ratings(even when they are good) nor the terrible local TV deal. Great production on the video. It was really well put together.

[@josue24]

As a Vegas resident. We are not excited to take the athletics but we are happy to get a baseball team. Just wish it wasn’t under these circumstances.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I’d feel exactly the same if I lived in Vegas.

[@relyk4277]

That's a fair comment and I appreciate your perspective. My one hope is that some kids in Vegas learn to love the team thr way I did as a kid in Oakland. But for me baseball is dead now.

[@thelitmedallion]

Then why did you vote to give the A's money to move there?

[@PvtFlowers]

I'm just happy we mugged oakland. Twice.

[@KrisVic91]

​​@@relyk4277hat's sad that it's dead for you mate... 😔. Are you sure?

[@YayAreaRaider510]

The fact that you are a Yankees fan making this video and fully understand what’s going on is amazing. I appreciate you for making this video 🙏🏽👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #selltheteam #fisherout

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

You bet! I think any baseball fan should be pissed.

[@bigdon7461]

Good analysis. Only note: Mark Davis, Al’s son, made the comments regarding Fisher.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Wow, can't believe I made that mistake. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@ooogyman]

As an A's fan & as painful as this saga has been, I've been taken aback by how much support we've gotten from rival fan bases. Yeah, A's fans haven't been too kind to the Yankees (ex: Jason Giambi, A-Rod), the Giants ("FTG" is practically an Oakland motto), or the Astros (garbage), but plenty of fans from those teams and then some have been overwhelmingly supportive of keeping the A's in Oakland. There's something about this situation's dynamic of a billionaire and his lackeys betraying the fans' and public's trust that hit a nerve with baseball fans everywhere. Whatever baseball team you root for, true fans know that this corruption goes beyond the Oakland A's. If Fisher & Manfred are allowed to destroy a franchise and fleece TWO cities in the process, then what comes next? What does that mean to other "small market" teams like Tampa Bay or Milwaukee? Will rich teams continue to reward dysfunctional ones through revenue sharing? What other taxpayers will be forced to subsidize the billion-dollar mistakes of failed, wealthy businessmen? If there's any hope to this crappy situation, it's that true baseball fans recognize that this move undermines the very fabric of the sport we grew to love, and are united in stopping this move which is clearly anti-fan, anti-taxpayer, and anti-baseball.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah, this whole thing just stinks. I think your right, this is just one of many more situations like this that are coming in the near future.

[@tomf5823]

most real fans of a team love baseball. So sure they hate players on other teams, have teams they want to always lose etc. but a piece of garbage like Fisher is terrible for baseball and we all hate him for it. The fact he put a horrible product on the field, had attenence tank and then RAISED ticket prices and parking for next season while lowering the payroll further tells you all you need to know. I'm a Yankees fan btw and have no ideas to hate the A's or any of their players. That stadium is an absolute disgrace though.

[@wetstinkysocks]

As an A’s fan I’ve had such tunnel-vision with this situation that I haven’t considered the consequences for other teams. It sets a precedent, heck, even a formula of how to get away with fandom murder. I hope Milwaukee and Tampa get a better deal.

[@tomf5823]

@@wetstinkysocks MLB let Jeffrey Loria by the Marlins AFTER he owned a huge chunk of the expos and we know what he did with them. So he put a non competative Marlins team on the field for 10 years, bilked the taxpayers for a new stadium and then sold them for 10x the price he paid. Yet MLB woudn't let Mark Cuban who would be a great owner buy a team bc he's outspoken. Other owners will continue to mlb their fanbases over bc MLB lets them. I couldn't stand Selig- but I'll say this much for him- he genuinely loves baseball. I honestly think Manfred hates it.

[@gaberobison680]

When you understand the history of race in America and that Oakland suffers solely because it’s considered black you’ll know why they have animosity towards teams and fans from rich white places that benefitted from slave labor… you’ll understand

[@MessOfThings]

I almost want to break my phone if I have to watch the commissioner make that lamebrain statement one more time

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah me too. What a troll.

[@brandocalrissian3294]

You should break your phone over the fact that the A's have a garbage fanbase. Bay area people have no right to complain since they don't go to games. No support= no team.

[@jonathanrice1070]

Manfred was right.

[@MessOfThings]

@@jonathanrice1070 I'm not disputing the fact of what he said was numerically accurate. I think it's disgusting that he won't recognize that the fans have been actively boycotting for the past two years because of the actions of the ownership.

[@Subwayguy98]

The Commissioner is a jackass plain and simple

[@gregm766]

John Fisher watched the movie "Major League" and said "Now that is a visionary owner, let's do that in here so I can move the team".

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

lol! It is crazy to see fiction become reality

[@davidkitterman3952]

That movie inspired him !!

[@biber9979]

And then on the other hand Miami Marlins are ok for league. Nice stadium, nice location, big city, retractable roof and still 10-11000 fans per game...but for mlb that is ok. When Oakland has 20000 fans per game on super bad stadium that is bad.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

If it weren’t for that pesky name rights deal they may have beaten the A’s to Vegas.

[@violinfanatickamraz1403]

Its because Manfraud is a hypocrite and cares not for tradition or actually doing right for a team. All he cares about is money.

[@lovesgucci1]

Actually, there’s bad history with the Marlins too! Remember the Expos?? Their newest owner came in and did everything possible to tank the team because he wanted to buy the Marlins after selling the Expos/Nationals. He got a stadium built by taxpayers in an awful location & then sold the team for a massive profit. Since then, ownership has sold off all their star players before they’d have to pay them big money.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

@@lovesgucci1 what!? I had no idea. That’s so upsetting to hear!

[@lovesgucci1]

That was just the cliff notes but it’s an interesting comparison. Great work by the way!!

[@LILDOGGY9922]

As and A’s fan from Oakland. Everybody is fed up with John Fisher, the constant building up fan favorites only for them to get traded when they are really great. The A’s have a strong fanbase here in Oakland but John Fisher turned us off. People still wear A’s merchandise despite them being one of the worst teams in MLB history. I really hope this deal fails for John Fisher and he is forced to sell. The A’s get to stay in Oakland. Cannot believe the MLB and Manfred allow this to happen

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I can’t leave my house without seeing multiple A’s hats. It seems like no one wants Fisher so maybe this story isn’t over!

[@terranceramirez4816]

The constant building up of fan favorites only to trade them is a time honored A’s tradition dating back to the Philadelphia days under Connie Mack but especially in the Kansas City days with Charlie Finley

[@mrbournias1]

In the early 70’s the A’s won three straight World Series and they averaged 10-12k a night attendance for those years and the coliseum was considered one of the best stadiums back then, since 2000 the A’s have been one of the best teams and consistently relevant and they still didn’t draw any attendance so after all those years of winning and no one still comes out it’s time to move the team and the Rays will be next that’s another fan base that doesn’t support their team.

[@mrbournias1]

50-100k loyal fans isn’t enough to run a MLB franchise

[@GuillermoSanchez-jr6mp]

A’s are one of the best MLB history in championships. 😂

[@RittingsTN]

I'm a UK based Red Sox fan... but I have an incredible soft spot for the Oakland A's... Even more so when I see them struggling so hard... any sports team should be 100% be about the fans... As a UK sports fan, it's bizarre for me to see teams move so far away... what happens to all those fans left empty???? I wish I was in the wealth bracket of Elon Musk... I'd buy the A's for sure... and I'd root them in Oakland...

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

You'd be a hero!

[@BrasilianFury]

As a Rockies fan with our own set of extremely apathetic owners that are in it for the money and nothing else, I can't even imagine what A's fans are suffering through right now. John Fisher is a hack and should sell the goddamn team. (also subscribed, good luck on your road to 1K and more - doing it myself, so I know every bit helps)

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Thank you! Good luck on your journey as well!!!

[@brianwong7901]

I agree John Fisher should sell the team. I feel bad for the Oakland fans. I’m a Diamondbacks fan and I feel for you and your team. In that division, it’s the Dodgers and then everyone else

[@patrickvanwye4042]

He still has his Giants season tickets. He donates them as a tax write-off. He's always operated the A's in the best interest of the Giants. Just see how much territory has been ceded over the years...

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah, it’s crazy

[@souls_44]

baseball isn’t baseball without Oakland.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Agree!!!

[@lovesgucci1]

I didn’t know about Selig’s roll in Fisher getting the team!! Good find!! As a Phillies fan, I have been so invested in this whole situation. It’s infuriating what’s going on but this isn’t new to MLB or other US major sports leagues (Baltimore Colts!) The Expos had great owners at one time but were cash poor - 1994 season was pretty much the nail in the coffin for them. Since there wasn’t revenue sharing, smaller markets were at a huge disadvantage. Now, revenue sharing is used by deadbeat billionaire owners to pad their pockets! Why aren’t other owners speaking up! The Phillies are beyond lucky to finally have the gold standards of owner; someone that wants to win & wants to make fans, players & staff happy. My only problem with John Middleton, he isn’t speaking out against owners like Fisher! The A’s fans are incredible and passionate. For Manfred to speak so condescendingly against the fans - at a press conference, after an owners meeting - is the most telling! Owners seem to not mind that their voice, Manfred, can insult cities, fans and the World Series trophy! I think the best way to protest is to pressure the owners of all 30 teams, go to the games wearing “sell the team” shirts, call all local politicians and have them do the same & to also write legislation against holding a city hostage

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Preach! If I was a gambler I’d say the A’s are ending up in Vegas but who knows at this point.

[@lovesgucci1]

I honestly can’t blame Vegas for wanting the A’s relocation; Fisher & all. Everyone keep saying “Just wait for an expansion team”, but it’s not that simple. Manfred said he expected 2 expansion teams, 1 on each coast (after the Rays & A’s situation is locked up.) That means Las Vegas is fighting against larger cities with deeper pockets. Vancouver, Salt Lake City, Austin & Portland would be vying for 1 relocation spot! These aren’t just cities to choose from but are cities that are ready, willing and able. Vegas is hoping that once the A’s move there, Fisher will sell. I can understand that perspective. BUT, is anything signed? What about legit renderings? Will Fisher change his mind on locations again? Oakland elected officials need to take some blame for this too. Are they much further along than Vegas? By miles! While the Howard Terminal location is great, city council is making insane demands! Here’s just a few: - All the new condominiums need to be allocated for low income housing. It’s sounds great but how does the city expect to get some of that tax revenue back? Use the Coliseum to build lower income housing instead. Win win. -Environmental studies. Again, sounds great but one councilman said that they expect it to take 2 years to study the environmental affects. 2 years just to over pay people. The whole new stadium could go under if some kid says that area hurts penguins. -street signs and specific walk ways. Another study for where to place these crosswalks and caution signs Fisher is to blame but some (besides US congresswoman Bass) Oakland elected officials are getting off way too easy. They speak out on Twitter but behind closed doors don’t care enough to have the A’s stay. Haha sorry for the novel!

[@terranceramirez4816]

@@lovesgucci1it’s almost as if Vegas isn’t actually a viable MLB market

[@ooogyman]

​@@lovesgucci1If the Howard Terminal stadium was JUST for a stadium then it would've passed years ago. But it wasn't: it included residential, commercial, and retail property, all which have their own requirements and approval processes. The affordable housing requirement isn't optional: it's a mandate signed by Governor Newsome. The City of Oakland can't just sign off on such a big project while breaking state law without facing major consequences from the state. So in that sense, it is easier to build in Vegas as there isn't as much red tape. But that has nothing to do with the City of Oakland but with California in general. Also, are you referring to Karen Bass? She never represented Oakland: she represented LA (and is currently the mayor of LA). Were you referring to Barbara Lee?

[@MrJbuzz19]

JOOS helping other JOOS, a cult

[@Captain_Solo]

The city of Oakland is not without fault, especially for the time they have had to figure things out, with that said the city proposed multiple sites that the A’s rejected until finally settling on Howard Terminal just north of Jack London Square. The A’s then “leaked” the 1st Vegas deal the week they were scheduled to meet with Oakland to finalize the details for the Howard Terminal site. Ownership didn’t think any progress would be made in Oakland, but when they saw the city kept meeting and exceeding their demands they panicked. The A’s requested $350 mill in funding Oakland raised $375, with another $35 mill on the way, they cleared the EIR and secured rights to the port. All this for a 55 acre waterfront site with commercial, retail and residential space. The A’s torpedoed the negotiations with their “leak” after agreeing not to discuss any of the negotiations in the media and are now going to settle for less money, a ballpark on 9 acres on leased land. Idk how that makes any sense. If the move does go through which is still up in the air as the SB1 that was passed by Nevada only mentions mlb nowhere does it state the A’s. This will be a pump and dump deal for Fisher. He will swindle Nevada/LV out of public money then turn around and sell the team at top market value. I also find it strange that the A’s didn’t want Oakland to contact the commissioners office throughout this process. I doubt this saga is anywhere near to being over.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah I agree with a lot of this actually. One things for sure - no one, not fisher the city, the fans, the league look good in this.

[@thelitmedallion]

Yeah, this video ignores that the A's are leasing the coliseum and actually put 10 million of their own dollars into some "upgrades". That means the city is responsible for the now terrible stadium upkeep. The city clearly isn't doing it.

[@timkono5645]

Just coming across your vid and all I can say is baseball is dead to me until the A's return to Oakland or Oakland gets a fresh start with a new franchise. Some of my friends who are long time A's fans became Giants fans and I don't blame them. They are the only team in town. Before Al Davis returned to Oakland and turned the stadium into the Death Star, I loved going to the Coliseum and watching the A's. Bash brothers, smoke stewart, steinbach, parker, eck, all of them. We usually were in the middle deck or in the bleachers and it had a great view to the oakland hillside. 4th of July fireworks were part of my childhood almost every year. For now, i'm rooting for players. I don't care which team they are on.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

100%!!! Lot's of Miller fans these days!

[@auronity7951]

the quality of these videos are so high. you deserve more subscribers

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I appreciate that!

[@noahsmith4505]

Nevada doesn't tax business income. California does. The only reason the A's haven't moved yet is sports betting in Las Vegas, which can now be legalized in every state. John Fisher may set up a sports book in the new stadium and take a piece of the action.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

This is a really important point

[@Smiggly2574]

You have to blame the government and the Giants as well as Fisher. The A's gave up the rights to San Jose back in the 90's to keep the Giants in San Fransico so they would not move to Tampa. The A's were asking for the rights back to share the market with the Giants once again and the Giants refused. Jerry Brown while as mayor of Oakland shot down a stadium, deal in 2002 as well. There were other roadblocks as well that kept on being put up towards the end of a deal as well and would have happened again. Using the Warriors as a comparison was not the best as well since that team moved out of Oakland as well. Fisher is a POS but there is a lot of blame to go around.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I totally agree. Everyone looks bad right now.

[@DannyKaffee]

Every time I go to Vegas during the baseball season I am definitely going to take in an A's game.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

The renderings of the Vegas stadium so far look really nice. I’m sure it will be a great place to catch a game as long as they keep that roof closed!

[@LGI2023]

An even louder event was when John Tavares returned to the coliseum

[@ElBorichamo]

Good shit bro, at first I didn't like how soft spoken you were but it grew on me. New subscriber

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Thanks! You’re right though, I’ve definitely got to work on my KZbin voice.

[@ABadinsky]

Lived in oakland all my life. 74 years. With you 100%

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I think almost all baseball fans are united against Fisher!

[@deadalready7467]

As a Detroit Tiger fan (painful here as well), I appreciate the loyalty. I respect the diehard fan, which MLB (& every other major league) seems intent on killing. I’ll be praying for Oakland to keep the name AND get a Team (I know it’s bleak) in the near future with a much much better owner. Many Blessings 🙏🇺🇸

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

It would be really interesting to see an expansion team in Oakland after the A's leave... but I'm not counting on it

[@JonsCopyright]

Awesome man. This filled me in on other info like how the A’s could’ve had Lacob. This team means a lot to me. The 2012 A’s made me fall in love with them with so many characters and fan favorites. It was amazing to watch. So funny how there is no footage of John Fisher anywhere; only images.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Glad you liked it! There's some old footage of A's games where fisher is in the crowd right behind home plate, but I couldn't find anything usable.

[@JustaGuy_Gaming]

The level of corruption in MLB is always crazy. I have no idea how the A's stadium actually passes health and safety inspections. It should of been condemned years ago, and the owner sued for unsafe work conditions.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

It’s pretty crazy in parts of the stadium!

[@mrbournias1]

The A’s and Rays have been consistently good for years and neither team ever draws well period! The reverse boycott game had a laughable 27k attendance and that’s still below an average attendance night in MLB, it’s a business the A’s have already moved twice in their history because of attendance issues and the other two co tenants in that sports complex have already built new stadiums and moved.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

27k for what is essentially a joke felt pretty good to me. Certainly felt like a lot more than that as well.

[@mrbournias1]

Look at Baseball reference and you will see in the early 70’s they won three straight World Series and still only averaged 10-12k a night that’s pathetic and you can’t blame the coliseum it was considered one of the better stadiums until the early nineties, they have a very small but loyal fan base not enough to sustain an MLB team that can consistently spend money and contend, John Fischer may be a lousy owner but a lack revenue will turn any owner into a rat. I don’t think a brand new stadium would still draw any fans.

[@scottcarroll1913]

@@mrbournias1how about in the early 90s when they were in top ten attendance?

[@mrbournias1]

@@scottcarroll1913 three years and top ten out of 14 teams isn’t an accomplishment

[@mrbournias1]

They don’t draw fans period the city lost all three teams within 5 years that’s never happened anywhere else in the history of American sports at some point we have to admit the obvious

[@evilamo]

The A's are going to be an afterthought in Vegas, what a joke. I'm sad to see the A's are leaving but I am still just a BART ride to the Giants.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah that’s my prediction as well.

[@mrdpdjr]

F fisher F kaval F manfred 💔🤮🤬

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

🤘

[@mithcee]

Next time someone asks me "What's going on with the A's?" this is the video I will show them. Just found your channel, can't wait to see more of your stuff.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I appreciate that!

[@johnphillips7374]

amazing quality on these videos, keep it up!

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Thank you so much!!

[@rickgeller6043]

I’ve been to one ballgame that involved the A’s. Game #1 of the 1988 World Series.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

How was it!

[@IamACanadian47]

Fantastic video and oh so true! Up here in a northern Ontario Canada city named Sudbury (the nickel capital of the world supposedly) we are living through something very similar as our local O.H.L. hockey team owned by a local real estate “businessman” nearly got the taxpayers to pay for a 215 million dollar (Canadian dollars 🇨🇦🥓) arena on land he owned in an area that is literally on a garbage dump. Our entire region has a population of roughly 300 000 people with the tax base being about 100 000 people so that’s about $2000 plus per taxpayer and only 10000 or 12000 people actually watch the games around here. Thankfully at the last minute our local city councillors saw reason and cancelled the project while we wait for a new solution. I wonder why it’s so hard for sleazy uber wealthy businessmen to pay for their own toys instead of always making the taxpayers pay?

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I think it's because they don't really have to pay for their own teams. They can if they want, but it's pretty easy to avoid. Good luck with the Wolves!

[@denoftools]

If you’re from Oakland, then why did you leave out the fact that the location of the stadium is in one of the worst neighborhoods in Oakland? I know because I used to live down the street from there! And your claim that Vegas is too small of a market is a joke. Vegas has a population of 2.5 million which is equal to or greater than many other cities with major league sports teams and those cities don’t have the massive tourism that Vegas has. On top of that they’ve already proven the fact they can compete with the golden knights and the raiders.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Not my claim, just repeating what a number of actual journalists have uncovered. And I guess the neighborhood doesn’t really effect me because I either take Bart to games or drive. It’s not like I’m walking through anywhere I feel uncomfortable.

[@denoftools]

@@AdamDoesNotExist It's your claim because you stated it as fact. Did you even double-check what they allegedly "uncovered"? Clearly not. Your on-screen graphics lists them as 40th, not "last". It took me 30 seconds to find the full article from CBS and they say there are six other cities with major professional teams - not including those in Canada - that have smaller "markets". They do claim it would be the "smallest that would be home to three teams." which is utter BS as well because they are listing them based on Nielsen DMA's which are obtuse at best. Going by actual GMA population Pittsburgh and Cleveland are smaller with Denver, Tampa, and Minneapolis being the same size. And what about the mayor's dishonesty and you covering for her? "We offered them 55 acres but in Las Vegas, they are satisfied with only 9 acres". The spot in LV is 45 acres with 9 of that going to the ballpark. The 55 in Oakland wasn't all for the ballpark, it was mixed-use. BTW, you come off as an ivory tower elitist with your "It doesn't affect me because I don't walk there" statement. For everyone else who doesn't understand the BART is elevated in that area and there is a skywalk to the park. You never have to be at surface level with the commoners. FWIW, I grew up in the Midwest (Cub's fan) but lived in the Bay Area for 20 years. I took my kids to A's games when they were little. My wife is from Berkeley and a lifelong A's fan. I get that the owner is a business first guy but it IS a business and if you think this isn't entirely the fault of the Oakland government you have not been paying attention to the years of bait and switch they have played with the A's.

[@Utonian21]

Did the team really sell for less than 200 mil?? That's cheap af compared to the 1.2 billion Ryan Smith just spent to buy the Arizona Coyotes and move them here to Utah. Also, I don't know if it's fair to say the A's will immediately fail in Vegas just because of the market size. If they have no problem filling up an NFL stadium, I'm sure they'll be able to do the same with the A's in due time

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

The Golden Knights are doing great too. But the NHL has a crazy expansion draft, and the NFL is a very different event style than MLB. I hope everything turns out okay for sports fans in the bay are, sacramento, and vegas.

[@SRGoldfish]

How is filling the stadium and giving him more money a boycott? I’m legit asking…..

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

It was a ‘reverse’ boycott. The point was to show there are fans.

[@TheBongReyes]

Warriors left. Raiders left. Athletics is about to leave. What does all three have in common? Oakland. 😂

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Don’t forget the Seals!

[@user-et5nk2ib1g]

I don’t think I’ve ever watched an ASMR sports video. Not sure why you’re speaking in a whisper but I like it.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Well thank you! Most people hate the sound on this one

[@danlove12k]

The owner saw “major league”’film and unlike that film they are moving to Vegas

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Crazy how similar it is

[@charlesjwin]

The quote that you attributed to the late Al Davis, was actually from current owner/ (and P.F. Chang's-loving/ minivan enthusiast/ bowl cut-wearing) son of Al, Mark Davis, instead.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah I messed that up, an mentioned in the pinned comment. Mark's haircut is incredible.

[@markb3451]

In defense of the owner, why would anyone want to stay in a dumpster fire of a city Oakland in the worst run state in the country? I was born and raised in coastal California and that state is pure trash now.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Fisher has done a lot of conservative politics work so I suspect this is a big part of his motivation

[@mikes805]

Both fisher’s daughters went to Stanfurd too

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I should have known!

[@esyiam]

As a long time A’s fan, I also have to be transparent and honest with myself. Is there a lot to blame the ownership for? Obviously. Is there a lot to blame the city for? Obviously. I know you’re not blaming the fans, but blame has to be put on the fans too. Wolff/Fisher bought the team in ‘05, just under 20 years. Throughout the A’s history, they have had pretty garbage attendance. Trace it back even to the 3-peat in the 70s with Reggie, Campy, Fosse, Tenace, Rudi, etc.; they had an approximate 11k/game or less showing during that era! The Bash Brothers, Rickey, Steinbach, Eck, Hendo, Stewart, etc. brought in the best attendance, but the A’s have always been bottom of the barrel or mid, at best. It can’t be the ownership because it changed hands a few times throughout their time in Oakland. Same goes for the government (even though one could argue the policies didn’t change much which is why the Bay is still pretty dumpy), but the fans are still the fans. I wasn’t around for the 70s, but I was definitely around for the 80s/90s. NorCal folk love to rag on the bandwagon Giants fans that popped up in 2010-present, but at least they’re still showing up. Just food for thought.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

This is a really well thought out look at the situation. I agree with a lot of what you’ve said.

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

great content - I am not an A's fan either - I am a Giants fan - but this story has enraged me - Fisher & Co. are a cancer

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

100%! This man should just not be allowed to own a team.

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

@@AdamDoesNotExist i would love to see a protest outside of every Gap store until Fisher sells the team - he is a pirate

[@kevinmac4real]

Al Davis is part of the reason the A's are where they are.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah everyone looks bad right now. Mt. Davis certainly isn't helping anything.

[@patriclo9509]

A’s were ”sold” to Marvin Davis and moved to Denver in 1978. They’ve always been tenuous at best

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

There’s so much history with this team. It’s been interesting to learn so much about their past.

[@samuelhearne8488]

Baltimore is proof that a down and out city can have a successful baseball franchise even next to bigger markets. You just need to put a bit of love and passion into it. Feel bad for Oakland.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Totally. Baseball in Baltimore is great!

[@gaberobison680]

They are legally forced into the new ballpark being built in Oakland. How could they possibly legally move? Doesn’t matter what the MLB says

[@BeardOfRiker]

I did not know that about Joe Lacob. Glad he built their arena the right way and didn’t make taxpayer foot the bill.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah, he's a great executive.

[@Nyhiak]

Keep the team. LV doesn’t want to subsidize billionaire’s stadium.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I'm afraid it might be too late for that. But sounds like the Tropicana team isn't rushing to demo the resort...

[@Hogtownboy1]

It wont fail in Vegas because it not about making a profit the legit way, Like casinos they exist to wash drug money. A sports franchise can turn dirty money clean very easily. Factious concession sales, 1000 tickets a game, at 40 a pop, concerts are even better and Nevada is a low tax state

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Ugh. You’re probably right and that makes me even more sad

[@tomf5823]

lol@ thinking this is the 1960s

[@Hogtownboy1]

@@tomf5823 no, it is much more sophisticated corruption now. I actually dealt a cards at Belligo and watched it happen right in front of me. Cash in cheque out

[@Subwayguy98]

MLB doesn't hate their fans; Rob Manfred who is clearly the worst Commissioner in the history of all professional sports does! The owners should show this clown the door during the winter meetings and also vote to oust Fisher as the owner of the historic Athletics franchise while they rescind their vote to allow the franchise to be moved and focus on finding a new ownership that will keep this franchise in Oakland...

[@robertmusgrave9236]

Really I think Bud Selig is the worst of all time. He let Steroids be used and it got out of Control and they only released they had a problem when Barry Bonds was hitting home runs at a higher pace than Sosa and McGuire but the Strike in 94 had a part in that as well and they were at high level of popularity in a good while since the 60s. The current commissioner has actually help the game with putting in a pitch clock.

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

Oakland city is a mess. John fisher is evil. Perfect premise for this story still unfolding.. you sir, are great at content

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Thank you! That's really kind!!

[@davidteovogel3482]

Excellent analysis. Thank you for the video.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Glad you liked it!

[@myfootballjesus]

Oakland had PLENTY OF CHANCES to build a new stadium over 20 years!! They dod not . The city is dying. Face it sometimes it happens

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah I think it's a little more complicated than that but thanks for watching!

[@APWoodworking]

Damn, i had no idea MLB was that bad to their fans & poisoning the teams

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Until this whole A's saga, neither did I!

[@boogitybear2283]

Owners are the worst. The Thunder should return to Seattle. The Titans should return to Houston. The Colts should return to Baltimore. The Ravens should return to Cleveland. The Chargers should return to San Diego. The Raiders belong in Los Angeles. The Rams should return to St. Louis. The Expos should exist in Montreal. The Jazz belong in New Orleans not Salt Lake City! The Sacramento Kings should return to Kansas City or St. Louis. I know there’s plenty more. Atlanta needs a hockey team not Phoenix. Owners are the Problem!

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah teams moving has been a thing for a long long time. The circumstances are always nuanced though.

[@js1031]

As a Mets fan, you A's fans got JOBBED. I was hoping, at the very least, Oakland and Vegas would switch MLB/AAA status. Pretty sure Oakland can afford less than $100 million for a AAA park (Polar Park was the most expensive MiLB park ever built at around $160 million completed in 2021).

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

They sure did!

[@MrCubFan415]

It's the Arnold Johnson era all over again.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Sure is

[@idontknowleavemealoneplease]

Moneyball 2 is gonna be so sick. It's gonna build up like 5 times and really make you think something crazy is going to happen and the credits will abruptly roll with no climactic moment happening. It'll leave the audience leaving the theater asking themselves "what the fuck did I just watch" but not in like an A24 film kinda way.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I just hope they don't wait to make the movie until a new stadium is built. Feels like I could be dead by then!

[@idontknowleavemealoneplease]

@@AdamDoesNotExist I'd be cool with it not being released until after I'm dead... Actually now that I think about it that's the only way I'd be cool with the movie being made.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

@@idontknowleavemealoneplease hahaha

[@mattho4305]

Excellent video! Thanks for making this cool video (coming from a diehard A's fan =)

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ckarnik]

The final graphic should've had a green background.

[@franklindcottrell]

Didnt golden state get moved to san francisco though? I realize oakland is just across the bridge,but he still moved them outta oakland.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah they sure did. It hurts a little bit less the way he did it. It's still close, he didn't blame the fans, and he didn't play two cities agains each other to get more money.

[@MA_808]

A's attendance has been terrible since they first came to Oakland. They did not sell out the top decks in the division and league championships and World Series when they won three World Series in a row. They had spotty attendance during the cheating Canseco and McGwire years. They had arguably the best all around player since Willie Mays in Rickie Henderson and they did not sell out. They had a playoff game with the Red Sox against Roger Clemons and Dave Stewart and they did not sell out. They get no support from local business because it is more cool to be a Giants fan. The fans just dont show up. Even the people in the East Bay with money go to Giants game. And,. yes, I am a very long-time As fan but I know what I know. That few thousand that 'always' show up and sit in the cheapest seats canot sustain the costs for a major league team. Oakland is a sucky city that is eating its young and the locals dont care all that much. I wish it were different but this story is over 50 years old now.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah I don't totally agree but that's certainly an opinion that many have

[@scottcarroll1913]

No they didn’t from 1987-1992 they were top ten in league attendance. Just stop

[@selfdo]

Adam, you don't know jack diddley squat about why the Athletics are a FAILURE as a team, in a city that's a FAILURE all its own, a ghetto HELL HOLE. The A's haven't had a local TV contract in YEARS; no one wants to risk their life going to a game at the run-down and smelly Coliseum, only to be robbed by ghetto thugs in the parking lot, and they don't care for the TV product, either. Fisher's proposed move to Sacramento actually makes sense, because it gives him a "safety" valve, by giving Sacramento a trial run at supporting a MLB club. Sutter Health Park could be expanded somewhat to accomadate fans, but the REAL question would be, if Vegas "hemms and haws", would they make Sacto their home for good? Also, even if the Vegas thing goes through, the expansions and improvements could be enough to land Sacramento an expansion club.

[@gabeflannery9750]

I went to this game with my dad, it was a great time to see fhe stadium packed. sell the team!

[@erthlionblupanthr]

I honestly believe that John Fisher needs to sell the A's, that being said I don't believe the A's should stay in Oakland. I am more inclined to see them move to Sacramento or San Jose. I think Oakland should be a Triple A or A ball city

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

At this rate the Oakland Roots are going to be the most professional team in Oakland. So getting a Triple A team would be great!

[@shonz88]

When the A’s are doing well, the Coliseum gets PACKED with wild fans. The fans aren’t the problem

[@calebsalyers4246]

A's fans got screwed in this exchange. Its not their fault their owner decided to put a crap product on the field. When they were in the playoffs a couple years ago the stadium was packed. MLB should be ashamed for manipulation things they way the did. I hope the move to Vegas is a flop.

[@terranceramirez4816]

I don’t think that you’ll have to hope too hard, Vegas is in no way large enough to be a four or five-sport market and the coming recession is going to screw it hard

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

It will definitely be interesting!

[@telephilia]

That rendering of the Vegas stadium so phony. A building like that is bigger than the lot allocated for it. And that "roof" not going to keep out Mojave Desert summer heat which can be lethal.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah I don’t see that going very well. Will be fun to watch!

[@whalesequence]

Well articulated, backed up by logic and facts, great video sir

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Thank you! That means a lot to me!!!

[@marksieber4626]

This franchise has been an abomination to the game long before this. Read about the owner of the Philadelphia A’s selling off arguably the greatest team in history. This is why baseball needs relegation like the Premier League has

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

That would be really cool to see, but I feel like there's no chance of this happening. What current owner would be okay with the chance of relegation? Maybe Hal Steinbrenner?

[@PedroGonzalez-ns3wj]

I'M A YANKEES FAN AND I'VE VISITED OAKLAND GAMES AND THOSE FANS ARE DIE HARD FANS JUST LIKE NY THEY DESERVE A OWNER WHO WANTS TO WIN .

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

YES!!

[@amazingeric97]

People looking on the outside will just say the Giants are just across the Bay. I believe the MLB & people on the outside will just say become a Giants fan. The Bay Area might not be big enough for two MLB teams. However the Oakland Athletics have a history of multiple World Series Championships in the 1970s & 1989.

[@Heavywall70]

Oakland is the “Cleveland” of California

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

lol. Don't tell Fresno

[@lobo0122002]

I know they are going to push the A’s even harder right before the move to Vegas residents. I really hope people in this city DO NOT fall for it.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I hope It's not too late too

[@chrisbacos]

Coming from the late Al Davis I can't believe it. He was just a greedy--hole. While here in Los Angeles the Raiders never caught on to the level of the Dodgers or Lakers.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I messed this up, it was actually Al's son Mark who said that. But they seem to have the same mindset

[@tartariantech]

Being a lifelong baseball fan since 1987 also a Yankee fan and a master of fantasy baseball lol Living in New Haven Connecticut I had no clue about what a pos the owner is amd feel bad for the A'S fans. Thanks for the info on this matter.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Thanks for watching!

[@jtjr26]

You are surprised that MLB represents the owners. It's been that way for a long time. The owners are always going to do what is in their own best interest over what's best for the league or baseball in general. Pro sports teams are billionaires' toys these days so no one should be surprised when things like this happen. Unless there is some kind of off-field controversy that forces their hand, no owner is going to sell their team if they don't want to. Is MLB corrupt? Yes, and it's been that way for a long time.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Not surprised really, just annoyed at how blatant and in your face it is in this case.

[@theknightswhosay]

Pretty sure the strip is convenient to the airport, the freeways, and public transportation too.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Couldn’t get much closer to that airport

[@theknightswhosay]

@@AdamDoesNotExist I don’t know the exact location on the strip, but you can often see hotels on the strip from the Las Vegas runways. The free bus that goes up and down is probably better than BART too.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

The stadium in Vegas will be like a block away from the runway. Public transit is probably better in Oakland, but my point was more that transportation options at Coliseum site are better than Howard Terminal

[@theknightswhosay]

@@AdamDoesNotExist absolutely. I thought it was part of your argument that Oakland as a whole is better. Maybe I misunderstood

[@williamsanders2439]

Got to feel for Oakland. First the Raiders job them (essentially twice!). Then the Warriors. Now the A's. And let's not forget the Golden Seals, who fled to Cleveland before merging with the North Stars, who then pulled the "gone to Texas" trick themselves...literally!

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

No one remembers the seals! For four pro teams to likely zero.

[@theknightswhosay]

The Raiders didn’t job them. They only tried to get a new stadium for 30 years and even gave them another chance after settling for a mere renovation to come back from L.A.

[@michaelleroy9281]

​@AdamDoesNotExist I remember the Seals I'm 69 all you millennials or Gen Zeros

[@aspireahead8388]

Great video... The only issue I have is that you kind of speed through that 55-acre idea for the stadium... And compared it to the Las Vegas deal... And then you blamed the owner for the bad deal in comparison... You made it sound like the city of Oakland offered him that 55-acre deal and he turned it down... I could be wrong, but following this issue over the years, he wanted that 55-acre deal but Oakland keeps blocking it... So, he may have had no choice but to move... Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah I think you're right. The Howard Terminal site has been in consideration for over 20 years, before Fisher even owned the team. There was an uptown site under consideration, the coliseum site and more. At one point the city was pushing for Howard Terminal, but the A's didn't want it. Two mayors later it looks like the A's were pushing for Howard Terminal, but without any intention of actually building there. From an outsider's prospective it looks like Fisher decided to move the team a long time ago.

[@kilduffchris]

You are wrong

[@BreakFreeHomestead]

Great video Adam.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Thank you!

[@alexandermagrino9285]

Didn't the A's or A's fans invent like the wave or the high five or something like that?

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

That would be sick. I've got to look into it.

[@Rossturnerphoto]

I’m glad the fans are shouting, loud enough to be acknowledged. I just hope that it does some good. It’s obvious that the owners are in cahoots with the commissioner, and it has been the case since the days of Bud Selig. i’m hoping that the proposed to move to Vegas failed spectacularly and that fits her self-esteem to a group that will keep them in Oakland my hope for the 80s is that they can either revisit the Howard terminal idea with a scaled back plan, or bulldoze and rebuilt Oakland Coliseum on the existing site.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I hope so too, but I'm frankly not optimistic

[@aaronaigner3481]

The stadium should have been replaced decades ago......Sure seems that Fisher has been a buffoon in this whole process, however California state and local governments have a reputation for such.....resistance and authoritarianism to business that does not have a "Progressive" slant to it. Im gonna say its a 50-50 thing here. Im from Portland, I get it. Progressive city/local policies have ruined PDX. Same is probably true in Oakland??

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah there's probably some truth to this. Fisher and the City both look terrible in relation to the A's. And Fisher is known to be much more conservative than the general population in Oakland or Portland. Probably another reason for the move.

[@thelitmedallion]

The amount of fans at that reverse boycott? 6,243. LOL!

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Quite a bit more than that!

[@thedude3065]

what Fisher is doing is the most despicable shit I've ever seen as a fan of the game it's repugnant moreso that Manfred tolerates this and has the audacity to gaslight Oakland as if they aren't the subject of their villification

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Not only does Manfred tolerate this, he’s one of the main players!!

[@thedude3065]

@@AdamDoesNotExist it pisses me right off I cant describe how much I hate both of them

[@kevinmac4real]

You get a like just for the "Ghostride the Volvo" clip

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Hahaha, thank you! That's such a good video.

[@darrellhall6622]

Feel sorry for Oakland. First, they lost the Raiders. Now, they lost the A's to the same city. Here in Cleveland, we just lost our football team for three years. More if you count the stupid moves made by the ownership.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Also the Warriors, and Seals. Tough times for sure!

[@Nelli47]

Well done dude!! This was solid!!

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Thank you!!!

[@MrJara1018]

SELL THE TEAM! -no

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah, it's not for sale lol.

[@squidMB]

If the Oakland Athletics truly relocate to Las Vegas, this’ll feel like the Seattle Supersonics situation all over again.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

yup that's right

[@chaosimproved]

That wasn’t Al Davis that said that. It was his son and current owner of the Raiders that said that.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Yeah you’re right it was his son Mark. A couple people have helped point that out.

[@chaosimproved]

@@AdamDoesNotExist ok cool. I should have read the comments a bit better. I noticed you said that. Great video though.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

@@chaosimproved all good! I couldn’t believe I messed that up. Thanks for the kind words!

[@ericpoyntz7460]

At this point the easy way to solve this is to go the Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens route, and have the team/Fisher go to Vegas then give Oakland a hard deadline to gather a ballpark and ownership and return as an expansion team with the Oakland A's name. Not sure if its a win-win but then at least people have control of their own destiny

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

I'd be surprised if Manfred gives Oakland an expansion team after the A's leave. He's said so many negative things about Oakland. It's hard to imagine him backtracking on all of that. But who knows!

[@ericpoyntz7460]

@@AdamDoesNotExist I don't think he would either just saying it would be a good PR move for him. Cuz it would put everything on Oakland, at the very least it would keep the A's name in the Bay Area, and maybe be used to rename the Giants AA team to the SJ A's

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

@@ericpoyntz7460 yeah I agree. It’s a good way to turn this into a win for him, rather than the disaster that it looks like now.

[@ericpoyntz7460]

@@AdamDoesNotExist Initial part will be a disaster, but if they win just 1 WS in the next 10 years after the move, even if its like a Cubs one and done then both Fisher and Manfred go down as geniuses. I think Baseball does have the potential to thrive regardless in Vegas or at least moreso then it would in Oakland, but it just feels kind of dirty watching it happen

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

@@ericpoyntz7460 I agree with you there as well. Baseball could do well in Vegas. I don’t think Fisher has any chance at winning a World Series though. He’s just not that kind of guy. And they won’t have the same advantage the Knights got with the NHL expansion draft.

[@kenbrown438]

Is this just a Vegas thing !!!! The "strip" gets a money infusion and a new look !!!! Forget the A's fans , the A's , and baseball !!!!???? The ghost of Al Davis is afoot !!!!

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Hahaha. Not sure how I messed up the Al Davis quote!

[@RaceWatchesTV]

The only issue I see is all the jealous people complaining about someone spending their money as they see fit.

[@AdamDoesNotExist]

Definitely an issue