Revitalizing Oakland Baseball: The Story of the Oakland Ballers

The Oakland Ballers: A New Era of Baseball in Oakland

As the Oakland Athletics prepare to leave town for Las Vegas, a new era of baseball is set to begin in Oakland with the arrival of the Oakland Ballers. Co-founded by Bryan Carmel and Paul Freedman, the Ballers aim to bring back the spirit of baseball to the city and provide a home for players who have been overlooked.

The Ballers, an independent team unaffiliated with Major League Baseball, are set to play their first game at Raimondi Park on June 4. Carmel envisions the games to be a block party, with the sounds of drums beating, the smell of hot dogs on the grill, and a fun-loving atmosphere reminiscent of the Savannah Bananas.

With a roster of players who are chasing their dreams of playing professional baseball, the Ballers are determined to make a mark in Oakland. Despite the modest salaries of $2,000 per month, the players are eager to showcase their talent and bring excitement back to the city.

The team’s general manager, Don Wakamatsu, a former MLB manager, is committed to providing opportunities for local talent to shine on the field. With a coaching staff that includes former big league players and coaches, the Ballers are poised to make a statement in the Pioneer League.

After failed negotiations with Laney College, the Ballers found a home at Raimondi Park, a historic field in West Oakland with ties to baseball legends like Frank Robinson and Curt Flood. The team’s mission to revitalize Oakland’s ballparks is evident in their efforts to collaborate with the city and local residents to showcase the potential of the city.

As the Ballers gear up for their debut game against the Glacier Range Riders in Kalispell, Montana, fans can expect a new era of baseball in Oakland. With a focus on community engagement, revitalization efforts, and a commitment to being “hella Oakland,” the Ballers are ready to paint a new picture of baseball in the city.