In this episode of Locked On A’s, Booney breaks down the often-overlooked complexities of the Oakland A’s stadium saga, focusing on the Lew Wolff ownership years. While the mainstream narrative paints A’s ownership as solely responsible for the team’s departure, Booney dives into the documented history of failed ballpark proposals, political roadblocks, and economic challenges that made staying in Oakland nearly impossible. From the Coliseum North project to the Fremont and San Jose efforts, he unpacks why each attempt fell apart—often due to external factors beyond ownership’s control.

Booney also challenges the idea that better ownership alone could have saved the A’s in Oakland, citing hard data on attendance, corporate backing, and public funding issues that put the city at a disadvantage compared to markets like San Jose. With the departures of the Raiders, Warriors, and now the A’s, he questions why history keeps repeating itself and whether Oakland’s leadership ever had a real path to keeping its teams. If you want the full story—not just the popular narrative—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Today on Locked on A’s, we begin to shatter the narrative surrounding the A’s history beginning with Schott and Hoffman’s tenure as owners of the Oakland A’s has long been blamed for the team’s supposed downfall, but the real story is far more complex. While they did cut payroll and fail to re-sign stars like Jason Giambi, the widely accepted narrative ignores key facts. Oakland was struggling economically and had one of the highest crime rates in the country, making relocation an understandable consideration. Meanwhile, Giambi was never going to stay—he actively pursued a move to the Yankees, making the no-trade clause debate irrelevant. Despite the perception that the team became a laughingstock, Schott’s A’s actually posted the best winning percentage in franchise history and made four playoff appearances in nine years, nearly matching the success of the beloved Walter Haas era.

Additionally, claims of a drastic attendance drop under Schott are misleading. The A’s averaged 21,145 fans per game during his ownership, an 11% decline from the Haas years but still significantly higher than attendance under previous owner Charlie Finley. While Schott’s personality and approach alienated fans, the idea that his ownership single-handedly ruined the franchise does not hold up to scrutiny. The narrative surrounding the A’s demise conveniently leaves out crucial details, creating an incomplete and distorted version of history.

In this episode, we interview Scott Brosius and his inspiring journey. A man who turned challenges into triumphs and setbacks into stepping stones. From his humble beginnings in Milwaukie, Oregon, to becoming a World Series hero with the New York Yankees, Scott’s story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and unwavering dedication. We explore his rise through the ranks of Major League Baseball, his unforgettable moments on the biggest stage, and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way.

Beyond his playing career, Scott’s passion for the game continued as he transitioned into coaching and leadership roles, impacting countless lives at Linfield University and beyond. His journey reminds us that true success isn’t just about trophies and accolades but about resilience, character, and inspiring others to reach their full potential. Tune in as we uncover the mindset and values that have defined Scott Brosius’s incredible career and legacy.