January Luncheon 2008

The Oakland A's Booster Club

January Luncheon 2008

January 18, 2008 Luncheon

MC: Marty Lurie

Guests: Susan Slusser, SF Chronicle

David Forst, Assistant GM Oakland Athletics

Jim Young, Director of Public Relations

Marty Lurie and Susan Slusser

Fans listening to Marty Lurie

Marty telling us about the first game the A's played here in 1968.

The luncheon last Friday was an abundance of riches. Marty Lurie started off by telling us that this was the 40th anniversary of the A's playing in Oakland. He gave us in-depth revisit of the first game played here. Know who got the First Hit at the first game? How about the second? Answers down below. He also told us the story of why we have so much foul territory at the Coliseum. First person who tells me the correct answer and can prove he/she wasn't at the luncheon wins a pair of tickets to an April game.

Marty introduced Jim Young. Jim told us that there would be many things that the A's were going to do this season to recognize the 40th anniversary. It will start with an on-line vote of the most interesting moments in Oakland A's history. Voting starts on the A's website March 1st.

Jim Young

Marty and David Forst

David Forst came up and jockingly told us that when he told Billy Beane he was coming to the luncheon, BB said "careful, they may stone you". So Billy knows how unhappy we are with the trades. Marty and David talked about some of the new players and this fan was willingly to entertain thoughts of a fun, young, energetic season.

Members of the Booster Club

Finally, Susan Slusser was introduced and, of course, the subject of the Mitchell Report had to come up. Susan is a Hall of Fame voter and these accusations are things she pays attention to. We all agreed to move on. Marty asked her of her assessment of the American League West. Everyone agrees the Angels have the best team and the Mariners really strengthened their team. But, she said, the Rangers still don't have pitching (even though they do have Milton Bradley). The A's young team, if they gel and play well could come in third place again. Hopefully by more than one game and 10 games under .500.