Oakland Ballers Kick Off Season with a Bang at Raimondi Park

Baseball's back in Oakland, and it’s not just any baseball—it’s the Oakland Ballers! The team kicked off their season on Tuesday, going head-to-head with the Ogden Raptors, and let me tell you, the energy was electric.

Raimondi Park was absolutely packed, with fans filling every available seat. The Ballers even upped the stadium's capacity from 4,000 to 4,100 to accommodate the enthusiastic crowd. It was a sellout, and you could feel the excitement in the air.

Drake Poplasky, a die-hard fan, shared his thoughts on the vibe surrounding this new team. He mentioned that the connection between the Ballers and the Oakland community feels way more genuine compared to the previous Major League team, the Athletics. "A team that feels like it wants to be here," he said, and honestly, that sentiment was echoed by many in the crowd.

Poplasky pointed out how the Ballers and their front office are genuinely investing in Oakland, unlike the A's ownership, which he felt didn’t do enough for the city. "This field was used as a little league field not too long ago," he noted, glancing around at the revamped Raimondi Park. "They had barely any structure for having fans and viewing." Now, it’s transformed into a professional baseball venue that locals are excited to visit.

Local resident Tia Barnard, who lives just a short 10-minute drive away, chimed in on the changes happening in West Oakland. She mentioned that while the area was improving before the Ballers arrived, the team and the new stadium have really amplified that growth. "It's also good to see more foot traffic, more people coming into the neighborhood," Barnard said, sporting a t-shirt with the A's logo crossed out and a bold 'B' on top. It’s a statement about the current state of baseball in Oakland.

Barnard expressed mixed feelings about the situation, saying, "Now that the A's are gone, this is what we have to bring baseball back to Oakland. I think it's incredibly sad. I'm glad this is here, but I think this should have been in addition to instead of a replacement for." It’s a sentiment that resonates with many fans who miss the A's.

On the flip side, Ballers co-founder Bryan Carmel made it clear that they’re not trying to replace the A's or any other team. Instead, they’re aiming to fill a gap and create something fresh. "Oakland lost three professional teams in about five years, and so for us, it was just making sure there was a new chapter for baseball in Oakland," Carmel explained.

For the younger fans, like 9-year-old Evan Sanchez, the focus is all about the game. "I just want to catch a foul ball," he said, holding up his glove with a big grin. It’s that kind of enthusiasm that makes the Ballers’ games special.

Poplasky, who attended seven games during the Ballers' inaugural season, is looking forward to more this year. "We got opening day seats because this has just been a really good time," he said. "Great community." And honestly, that’s what it’s all about—bringing people together and creating new memories in Oakland.