Elephant Rumblings: Stockton Ports to sponsor February Fans Fest

MLB news roundup

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

The A’s decision not to stage a Fans Fest in 2023 may well have been taken as a hint at the team’s direction, and declining again to hold the event in 2024 seems to put an explanation point on the A’s abandonment of the City of Oakland.

But like last year, fans are stepping up and organizations like the Oakland 68’s and Last Dive Bar are providing support. On Monday, the A’s Single-A affiliate Stockton Ports were announced as sponsors of the event, as well.

Per a 68’s representative, the Ports will provide financial sponsorship and raffle prizes for the event. The 68’s have also booked former A’s stars Khris Davis, Ben Grieve, Billy North, and Mike Norris to appear at Fans Fest 2024, which will be held at Jack London Square on February 24.

Jason Burke at SI.com noted in a piece about the Ports announcement that “this event is completely being booked and put on by ... the same fans that too often get blamed for not showing up to games.”

Meanwhile, the A’s can’t even finish a rendering of their new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip. I guess it’s a good thing they aren’t running Fans Fest anymore.

A’s Coverage:

• Paul Blackburn, Seth Brown headline list of Athletics players eligible for arbitration
• Canceled minor league game by A’s draws attention from city council
• Fan-Led “Fan’s Fest” Adds A’s Minor League Affiliate as Sponsor
• Taking stock of the A’s utility player options
• Oakland Ballers Sign Speedy Infielder

MLB News & Interest:

• Rachel Balkovec, Yankees’ pioneering manager, leaves to run Marlins’ player development ($)
• Cubs, Shota Imanaga Agree To Deal
• Wander Franco To Face Lesser Charges In Dominican Republic
• Soler: Marlins Have Not Shown Interest This Offseason
• White Sox GM Discusses Rotation, Right Field
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

I’m nodding in wholehearted agreement.