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| Opening NIte |
Want to know the weather at Game Time?
 
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| Jack Cust, DH/LF and Vince Cotroneo |
CLICK HERE for the SF Chronicle article on Justin Duchscherer
THIS WEEK IN A'S HISTORY (from the San Francisco Chronicle):July 16, 1971 Vida
Blue tosses a one-hitter in a 4-0 victory over Detroit. Blue is 18-3 and finishes 24-8 with a 1.82 ERA in his first full season,
winning the MVP and Cy Young Award. The Tigers' only hit is a Tony Taylor fourth-inning single. The A's get three
hits, two by George Hendrick, including a three-run double.
Monday, July 6, 2008 As of this morning, the A's are 6 games behind the
1st place Angels. So get out and give the boys your support. Cheer them on with your energy and love. Justin
Duchscherer is the lone A going to the All-start game on July 15th. He really deserves it. Read the SF Chronicle
article to learn more. And remember the luncheon this Friday. Our very own Shooty Babbit is
the MC!!! Monday, June 30, 2008 Hope you made it to the luncheon on Friday. Jack Cust
brought his extraordinary smile and entertained us with stories of his life, Japan, and the Minor Leagues. His gratitude
at playing on the big league field is huge. And he makes wonderful fun of himself. Gossip has it that he is the
prankster in the Clubhouse and his fun loving ways make it obvious. From today's chronicle: The A's
are the apparent winners of the bidding for 6-foot-7 Dominican pitcher Michael Inoa, 16, the highest-priced non-Cuban international amateur prospect ever (pic). Great to see that if the baseball people believe in someone, Lew Wolff will spend what it takes.
Friday, June
27, 2008 The Giants come to the Coliseum tonight for the last series of Interleague Play. WE
miss Zito this time around but there is a marquee lmatich tomorrow night: Duchscherer vs Lincecum (both hard to spell
I might add). Both Pitchers are thought to be All-Star picks this summer. The Phils left town
having lost the series 2-1. I was surprised at the amount of Phillies fans at the Ballpar. I found at least three
families who came out here just for the series. I sent photos of them back to the Philadelphia A's Historical Society
as proof that there are still some folk who remember the great City battles between the Phillies and the PHiladelphia A's
in the first half of the 20th century. If you haven't visited the website of the Philiadelphia A's Historical
Society (http://www.philadelphiaathletics.org/), it is a real treat. Today is the June luncheon with
Vince Cotroneo as our MC. Hope to see you at Francesco's at noon. Saturday, June 14, 2008
The JULY Newsletter and the AUGUST and SEPTEMBER ticket plans are to the left. Click the July Newsletter
in the Navigation Bar and then pick what you want to view.
The A's are leading the Giants 3-1
in the second game of the series. Both pitchers are out of the game. All the announcers agree that the A's
are the better team (well, we could have told them that!). The Giants wives beat the A's wives at softball before
the hard ball game and the Giants introduced 6 decades of infield Giants players. It was a lovely site to behold.
Alot has happened this week. Travis Buck has been optioned down to AAA. The reason being that the Carlos Gonzalez
has been so impressive, he earned himself a job: The centerfield job and Ryan Sweeney, who has returned from the DL, is now
right field. Emil Brown still leads the A's in RBI's and hasn't played well in a month. Jack Cust is now
playing a decent Left Field!!! At least, last night, no one could complain about his work. He even dove for the
ball and caught. Among other amazing sites was Tommy La Sorda eating pasta!! and the sprinklers going off bottom of
the 9th with 2 out. I heard it happened again during the softball game and Bobby Crosby was NOT pleased.
See you next week when the Florida Marlins visit the Coliseum.
THIS WEEK IN OAKLAND A'S HISTORY (From the SF Chronicle): (June 11, 1978): Mike
Morgan, right, at the age of 18 years and 246 days, is the youngest pitcher to start a game for Oakland, pitching
all nine innings but losing 3-0 to the Orioles. Morgan's honor is short-lived. Twelve days later, Tim Conroy gets
a start at 18 years, 81 days.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 VOTE for your All-Stars. The A's deserve more than 1 person at the All-Star game
in New York this summer. Both Ellis and Crosby deserve to go as well as a pitcher. Every person gets to
vote 25 times on-line and as many times as you want with ballots at the Ballpark. Make your voice heard. Vote
today.
Monday, May 26, 2008 Happy Memorial Day. And a moment of silence for all those we have lost
fighting for what we have here in the USA. It's a great country and we have great baseball. What a weekend.
I hope most of you were out for at least one of the games against the World Champion Red Sox. Yesterday was a real nail
biter. I swear to ... that there are two Joe Blanton's; one that pitches with pin point control and one that gets
all emotional and can't find the plate. And they pitch back to back innings. I wanted to go over to his wife
whom he credits with everything good that's happening to him and ask "what hex should we chant to get Blanton the
Good back?" But I just hoped along with everyone else. The wives must get some really stupid questions sometimes.
I really thought we'd have one no-hitter this weekend. I haven't seen one since Nolan Ryan's back in the
dark ages. But Harden and Duke were great to watch and it is a superb feeling being in the stands, watching all the BoSox
fans walk out dejected and knowing your Home Team has swept one of the best. So come out to greet
Scutaro this week. The Jays are on a roll. And remember next luncheon is June 27th.
This week in A's Baseball History (from the San Francisco Chronicle): (May 24, 1995): Dennis Eckersley earns his 300th career save in a 5-3
win over the Orioles, the sixth reliever to reach the milestone and the quickest at the time - it came in his 499th relief
appearance. Eck finished his career with 390 saves, all but 70 coming with the A's.
Application form and directions to Francesco's Restaurant are at the bottom
of this HOME page
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| Jack Hannahan, 3rd baseman |
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| "Big Hurt" scoring on Sweeney's out |
Friday, May 23, 2008 The A's are in Second, 2 1/2 games behind the Angels. The Red Sox are in town for
the last three games of the A's Red Sox series that started in Japan 2 months ago. And tonight Rich Harden gets
his second start since coming back from the DL. There have been lots of articles about the amazing Spring of the Oakland
Athletics and most of them are followed by some kind of reader poll asking if the reader thinks this will continue or slow
down. The vast majority, myself included, believe that they have been playing above their skill level and the credit
goes to the bonding of these nice, young players who seem to really be having fun. The first month seemed to be plagued
by fielding errors. That slowed down and now they are making terrible running errors. One almost wants to yell
"go back to little league" but these are our guys, our fun-loving A's who everyone, even on the East Coast,
are noticing. What happens to Jack Hannahan when Chavey comes back? I love this guy. I told him I'm
the President of his fan club (of one, I suspect). How about I start a blog with people giving their ideas of what the future
looks like this summer. More on that later. Meanwhile, get out to the Ballpark tonight. Cheer Harden and
the guys on and let's see if we can't even up this series with the BoSox.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008 I am presently in Philadelphia listening to the A's 2nd game against
Baltimore. Top of the 8th inning A's 4 - O's 2. Having MLB radio on your computer is a wonderful thing.
This past weekend was an interesting series. The A's lost the series to the Texas Rangers. They won the last
game on Sunday. Wash came into town with alot of speculation on whether he was going to keep his job as Manager.
His boys won 4 in a row so hopefully... On Friday, the 2nd, The Booster Club had it's second
luncheon of the season. Jack Hannahan was the player guest and Fred Inglis was MC. Jack told us about Japan and
playing there. He talked about playing for Chavez and about being traded from Detroit. It was much too short of
a time with him. Also present was an author who is also a Booster member. Don Marquez has written
a book called Generation A's. His family has been A's fans since they came out here in 1968. Every member
of the family had an investment in the A's and there is lots of A's history as well. Don generously donated
a book to our raffle and yours truly won it!!! So as I read it, I will tell you more about it.
So the A's, assuming they win tonight, are one game out of 1st place. Who would have thought? It's a very
exciting time to be a fan. Lots of fun and they players are having a great time.
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| Fred Inglils interviewing Jack Hannahan, 3rd base |
Click here: Read SI's article on Frank Thomas
Friday, April 25, 2008 Frank Thomas is back in an A's uniform AND he was in the line-up
yesterday! Marty Lurie interviewed him before the game and he said he was sooooo happy to be home. That he never
wanted to leave. (Money makes the world go round). So what does all this mean. Billy didn't have to
spend money really so maybe it's just a gesture but some people are thinking that he's looking at this young team
still in First Place near the end of April and wondering if they could be contenders. As Marty Lurie says, "it's
a new chapter every day"!!!! Monday, April 21, 2008
Unless you're
vacationing in Thailand or something, you know the A's swept the Royals this weekend and are back tied for 1st place with
the Angels. Today is a day off before the Twinkies come to town without Johann Santana or Torii Hunter. For those
of you who sat thru those three COLD weather games, hats off to you. The interesting thing about these 3 games is that
the Royals arrived in town with the best era in the American League. The A's were second. The A's era dropped
and the Royals went up considerably. There was also discussion in the paper this am about the A's
trying to get Thomas back. Of course, Ostler, the writer, had no idea what A's management has in mind but it was
an indication that the press is very aware that the A's that are playing baseball are not the same team that was predicted
to place last in the West and start off badly. So this is alot of fun, boys and girls. Who knows if it will last so
enjoy this great winning team as long as you can. Get your discount Booster tickets now for May, June and July.
Look on the left at the Navigation bar and click on the month you will want and follow instructions.
The next Luncheon is Friday, May 2nd. That's 10 days away. Our MC will be Fred Inglis. Stop by and say hi.
I'll be selling baseballs at a table in the back of the luncheon room.
Thursday, April 17, 2008 The A's are going thru a correction. It had to happen. The Angels lost
as well so we are still in first place. King Felix was spectacular. The boys were not in a good mood yesterday.
I sit where I can talk to them and they all had their heads down. Maybe they are still cold from the away trip. Hope
to see you at the game tonight. Have you bought your Booster Tix for May? Monday, April 14,
2008 Hi Everyone. Are you excited about your Oakland A's? They have won 5 out of 6 games on the road
(as if you didn't already know!) and are ahead right now in Chicago. How about Swish in a White Sox uniform?
It's very exciting. Tomorrow is Jackie Robinson Day in all the ball parks. Jackie's first game
was April 15, 1947. That was before I was born (but not much) and most of us can't even imagine what that day must
have been like. We have new flyers for Booster Games at Booster prices. Get your tickets now. There
are deadlines and Candi cannot help you out if you miss the deadline.
CLICK HERE to learn how the A's plan to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Oakland Athletics
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM CANDI LAFLEUR: After reading this, if
you would like input to the decision making, please contact Candi as soon as you can as decisions must be made by the of May.
"The cost of Spring Training for 2009 will be going up but not by much.
This is an example
of a 4 night (at Embassy Suites) /5 day/ 3 game package cost:
4 NIGHT-5 DAYS-3 GAMES Arriving March 19 and
Departing March 23
Game Tickets for 3/20, 3/21 and 3/22 –Game seat location in upper level shade*
Cost
also includes 1 Welcome reception March 20th 5:30-8:00 (Includes appiterizers and happy hour bar)
1 Gazebo get together
March 22nd and 2009 membership dues
Single - $1030.00 Total Cost Double - $575.00 (per
person)total cost X2= $ 1150.00
Triple- $425.00 (per person) X3= $ 1275.00
Quad $350.00 X4= $ 1400.00
1st deposit will be due 10/1/08 -
2nd payment will be due 12/1/08 - final payment due 2/1/09 *seats in lower
level sun add $12.00 per person; seats in field box sun add $21.00 per person to final payment
This is a
projected cost increase for game tickets as well as the new rate for rooms for 2009 at the Embassy Suites.
The Embassy
Suites has requested a new billing method to reduce the number of hours their staff has to spend on our group in billing.
By prepaying the rooms before arrival, we were able (hopefully) to keep the cost from climbing out of your reach. I
have tried to come up with a compromise system to help you pay for the trip in steps similar to past years, yet keep the hotel
happy. A deposit paid by October 1, 2008 and 2 additional payments made in December and February. Your hotel rooms
will be completely prepaid 30 days before your arrival and your individual credit cards will only cover the cost of phone
calls, room service and any other items you choose to use and/or have billed to your room.
I have seen an
example the rooms at the Embassy Suites as they will look after being remodeled this May and June and they are lovely.
They are also going to upgrade the elevators, and breakfast/bar/restaurant areas. All this is nice; but if you feel
the cost to stay at the Embassy Suites for Spring Training has become too expensive for our group, we can relocate to another
hotel near Tempe that is not suites, does not offer the breakfast or happy hour and is located farther from Phoenix Municipal
Stadium. This change in hotels could save around $50.00 per night per room.& nbsp; However, when you factor the
financial benefit of breakfast and happy hour if you had to purchase them separate, as well as added gas cost for the added
distance from the ballpark, the $50.00 savings is reduced to around $25.00 per night. But we want to provide what our
membership prefers, so if you are a Spring Training Traveler with the Booster Club, let me know if you prefer to stay at the
Embassy Suite in 2009 or would like to save funds and relocate. I have not yet signed the contract with the Embassy
Suites but must do so by the end of May to guarantee the rates given -- so a response as to your preference before then would
be helpful.. We are not going to offer 2 hotel choices but will go with the majority. Leave a message at 510-276-1382
or email me at oaklandasbooster@comcast.net.
Thank you for your time and input,
Candi" Saturday,
April 5th, 2008 Opening Nite has come and gone. The Boston Red Sox have come and gone. and last night, the
A's beat the Cleveland Indian 6-3 led by Justin Duchscherer who made his first start for the A's in Five years.
He also left the game in the 6th inning with some kind of strain.
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 Welcome to the 2008 season! I have just come back
from Spring Training and am pleased to report that we have a great little team. I think they are likely to do better
than all the pundits are predicting. For anyone who isn't keeping up, the A's have the best record in the Cactus
League. Today they played a split squad game, winning in Mesa against the Cubs and losing in Phoenix against the Angels.
They are probably now at the Phoenix Airport waiting to go to Japan. All the games will
be on the radio, preceded by Marty Lurie's "Right off the Bat" show at 1:15am on the 22rd (early Saturday morning),
the 23th, 25th and 26th. If you see other dates, I'm using the dates of the early morning that the games are on. The
games will also be televised on ESPN2 at 3:05am PST. Today, I was driving around listening to
the Red Sox play the Blue Jays and up comes Scutaro to bat. Only the radio announcers don't recognize who it is.
Can you imagine? Of course, he got the only hit in the inning!! Go Scooter. I have
some good photos of Boosters and games that we all attended. Go left to the Navigation Bar and click on Spring Training
Photos. Enjoy them and see you April 1st on Opening Day. Go A's Message
from the President:
Hello fellow Booster,
I am your new President, Shirley Schapero.
I am
looking forward to serving the club in the coming Season.
Please remember to renew your membership if you have
not already.
I cannot wait for Spring Training to start. We be checking out our new players on the
A's.
Our next Luncheon is on April 4, 2008 at Francesco's. The entrance fee is now $17.00.
Candi is enclosing the individual flyers for the games in April and May.
Booster Club season ticket
packages are still available.
We always have great seats and a great time at the ballpark.
I hope you
will join me in section 127.
Look for the next “official” Newsletter the first week in April.
Shirley Schapero
Friday, February 15, 2008 Hello fellow Boosters. Are you getting ready for baseball? Pitchers and catchers
are down at Spring Training Camp, we have a new Athletic in the form of Mike Sweeney. I've always heard he is a
real stand up guy. I'm looking forward to meeting him. The 2008 Luncheon Schedule is out. Look
on your left and click on the page in the Navigation Bar. The next luncheon will be April 4, 2008--that's the first
week of the Baseball Season. We look forward to seeing all of you there. If you are not a Booster member, please
come to the lunch and you can sign up ($15 a year) there. As always, we don't know who the guest will be until the
day before, so don't write me and ask. I won't know!! But you can write me with any other questions and
I will do my best to answer you or forward your question to someone who has the answer. Go A's!!!
Tuesday, February 6, 2008 8 days 'till pitchers and catchers!!! The superbowl was great but now the
real fun begins!! Sunday, January 20, 2008 Last Friday, the Booster Club had it's first
luncheon of 2008. If you weren't there, you missed a great time. Marty Lurie was the MC. David Forst,
assistant GM, Jim Young, Director of Public Relations and Susan Slusser, A's beat writer for the San Francisco Chronicle
were the guests. Please click on the page for the luncheon, on your left, to read more about it and see photos. Friday,
January 11, 2008 Hello fellow Boosters The Officers that make up the Board for the Booster Club had their first
meeting of 2008 last night. We welcomed in our new president, Shirley Schapero. A couple of things came up that
involve every one of you. 1--please e-mail Heidi Brevet with your correct e-mail address. Alot of you receive
the Newsletter by e-mail only and if we don't have your correct address, you will feel left out. If you have changed
it recently, say what your old one was and your new one. E-mail this to: hbrevet@pacbell.net 2--Dick Kiersted
passed away in December. For those of you who didn't know him well, he was the friendly man, always smiling, who
sold you your raffle tickets at the luncheons. He was ill for a short time. We voted to donate $50.00 to the American
Cancer Society in his name. 3--When you click on the Officers and Board Members page on the Navigation Bar, you'll
notice that there is a committee called Sunshine. Kris sends out cards to anyone who is ill, has lost a family member,
has been in an accident, etc. But she can't know who to send cards to if you don't tell her. So any time
you feel a card is warranted for another booster, pick up you phone and call Kris.
CLICK HERE to get information on the 2008 Spring Training Trip and the 2008 Game Ticket Packages
Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 Marty Lurie will be our MC for the FIRST LUNCHEON of the year: January 18, at Francisco's
Restauranton Hegenberger Rd. He will entertain us with memories of the game. Susan Slusser, journalist @ San Francisco
chronicle will be our guest. I'm sure everyone has roster questions. Both say "bring them on!!"
Remember to get there early. Doors open at 11am. Wednesday, Jan 2, 2008
A Message from the President….
Happy New Year. Welcome to 2008. I can’t wait for the new season to start. New players to
watch. That’s my nice way of putting I’m bummed about trading Haren and Scutaro. I hope you’ll
join us. The dues remain $15.00 per year.
Our first luncheon is on Friday, January 18. I am saddened
to let you know we lost Dick Kierstead last month. Dick served many years as our main raffle ticket seller at
the luncheons. He served the Board well and we’ll miss him very much.
Hope to see you at our
luncheon or FanFest. Looking forward to serving you as President. Go A’s. Shirley
Our Luncheon
Dates for 2008 are as follows:
January 18
April 4
May 2
June
27
July 11
None in August
September 19
Our luncheons
are still at Francesco’s Restaurant at the corner of Pardee and Hegenberger, Oakland, starting at 11:00 am. Price
this year is $17.00.
Have you thought about getting more involved with the Booster Club?
Wondered how to go about doing that?
Well, good news!! At the September Luncheon, we want names of people who
would like to be on the Board of Directors. So if you or someone you know
would love to bring some exciting
new energy, please put your name on the paper that
will be at the same table as the luncheon tickets.
Elections
will be held in October and the new term starts at the end of the World Series.
We also would love to know who of you
would like to help out in other ways:
--serving on a committee
--contributing to the newsletter
--helping out
with tailgates
and other things we haven't even thought of.
If you are interested and can't make it
to the September Luncheon, please e-mail me at:
sara6300@comcast.net
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| Steve Bitker addressing Booster Fans |
| At Phoenix Stadium, Spring Training |
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