Dallas Braden sends heartfelt message to Athletics fans after Las Vegas deal
Braden's heartfelt message to A's fans after Las Vegas deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Dallas Braden has bled green and gold since growing up as an Athletics fan in Stockton, 70 miles northeast of the Oakland Coliseum.
On Thursday, the morning after the A’s announced they have signed a binding purchase agreement for a potential major league ballpark site in Las Vegas, a heartbroken Braden addressed the fan base he adores.
“Thank you for loving the game unconditionally,” Braden said to A’s fans on his “Baseball is Dead” podcast. “Thank you for allowing the game to take a part of your soul and never give it back. That’s what makes a day like today really hurt.
“Something I’ve learned through tragedy, loss, and even triumph is the road traveled to those inevitable destinations is paved with memories filled with love and joy and tears of all kinds. From the arrival in 1968, to our triplets in ’72, ’73 and ’74. The unforgettable season in ’89.
“There have been countless iconic moments that you have all shared together, and that we all have been lucky enough to experience together at the ballpark over the years. And I wanted you folks to know how much I love and appreciate you.”
Braden, the A’s game analyst for NBC Sports California, pitched in Oakland for five MLB seasons from 2007 to 2011. His most memorable moment on the mound, of course, was his perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 9, 2010. It was the second perfect game in Athletics franchise history.
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“I’ve been able to live out a fantasy my entire life, and it’s only because of incredibly dedicated and faithful fans like you,” Braden said. “I’m so terribly sorry. And please know that my heart is with yours.”
Braden will be in the broadcast booth Friday night when the A’s begin their three-game series against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Tune in to NBC Sports California at 4:30 p.m. PT for “A’s Pregame Live.”
