OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The atmosphere felt like old times in Oakland for Mark Kotsay and Bob Melvin. And for Mark Canha and Matt Chapman, a couple of former Athletics stars now wearing the rival's jersey.
And even for a teary and touched José Canseco , one of the newest members of the A's Hall of Fame who never saw this honor coming. “I'd like to thank the fans. I'm an emotional wreck right now,” the former Bash Brother with Mark McGwire said.
“I can't believe I've been given this chance, the opportunity to be honored. ..
. I wish I could give the fans right now a forearm bash to everybody. Incredible memories here with the Oakland A's.
” He was hardly the only one overcome by it all as the A’s and Giants played the first of two games that will mark the final Bay Bridge Series in Oakland. Even the Wave made a special and rare appearance all the way to the upper decks. With such nostalgia and an energetic crowd filling the Coliseum and many chanting, “Let's Go Oakland!” this was reminiscent of this franchise's glory days.
A season-high 37,551 fans turned up for the Saturday matinee, won 2-0 by the home team . Tony La Russa was here. Fellow Hall of Famers Dennis Eckersley and Rickey Henderson were, too.
Miguel Tejada came back to be honored in the same group with Canseco. “The excitement and the energy in the stadium today was amazing. One thing I want to say is that the A's fans showed up today, they showed up in big numbers, bigger than the Giants fans today.