SACRAMENTO -- As I approached the steps of the California State Capitol, I was shocked at the number of A's fans that had shown up.
The gathering of Green and Gold was to support A 1191 (Bonda) in the Assembly Natural Resource Committee. AB 1191 is "intended to support the development of a new ballpark in Jack London Square," the A's announced in a press release. The A's organized a rally in Sacramento to show just how much support they could get.
It did not disappoint.
NBC Sports California analyst and A's alum Dallas Braden was present and pumping up the crowd that came from everywhere, including his native Stockton. Some even made the trip from San Jose. But we were curious to know what fans were expecting out of the new stadium, so we asked a few of the approximately 350 that came.
One fan approached us and said he would really appreciate it if there were televisions in the bathrooms. He got into extra detail as to why he would want these accommodations, but you get the point. Others were wondering how the food would differ and one young fan just wanted to meet Stomper, the A's Mascot -- a constant that will hopefully stay the same once the new home of the A's comes to fruition.
Braden promised fans a friendly game of whiffle ball. And in true Braden form, it was friendly for about a little bit until he playfully yelled at a child to "get off his mound." But that's a stroll down memory lane for another time.
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The former A's pitcher led the troops into the capitol building where we all shared whispers of how hot it was as we piled into several elevators to get up to the fourth floor. A group of us crowded into the hallway toward the room. And it turned out to be a very long wait ... but worth it.
Good evening Sacramento! Thank you for the 7-0 vote 🗳🗳🗳 in Assembly Natural Resources in favor of our ballpark legislation! Big Thank you to all the @Athletics fans who came out to support!!! 💯💯💯 #RootedInOakland pic.twitter.com/ZnReIHW3ep— Dave Kaval (@DaveKaval) April 23, 2019
[RELATED: A's clear crucial hurdle to build new park]
All in all, a very good day -- and very good news on the progression of a future ballpark in Oakland. All being led by Braden, who can still strike 'em out.
Even if they are under the age of five.
