After 57 years in Oakland, the Athletics are ready to close their chapter in the town. But it’s not just the end of the crew’s time there–it’s a loss of the community with the team engrained in their soul. From the raging days of Reggie Jackson to the iconic time of the ‘Moneyball’ era that changed baseball, the A’s have been Oakland’s pride. The memories are still vivid for fans, with even Aaron Judge saying, “It stinks, you know, definitely”; a sentiment that Oakland’s Athletics fans can agree with.

After six decades, the Oakland Athletics are ready to play their final game against the Texas Rangers, closing the doors to the battered Coliseum. They are headed to Las Vegas, after a short-term home in Sacramento, which also is an eyebrow-raiser for many. Given the fans’ displeasure, team owner John Fisher explained his side of the story with an email letter. But the message didn’t sit well with fans, as an ABC7 reporter even went ahead to call Fisher a “penny pincher.”

ABC7 reporter Larry Beil slams Oakland Athletics’ letter as a ‘work of fiction’

Fisher confessed to trying everything to keep the team in the Bay area. He tried five different options to build a new stadium over the last 16 years, and it didn’t work out because of the apparent ‘binding agreement.’ So, according to the owner—he didn’t have a choice. Well, not many are buying this, with ABC anchor Larry Beil dismissing Fisher’s story. Beil said the letter was a ‘great work of fiction’. Via the Mediaite, Beil blamed John Fisher for mishandling the entire stadium proposal as he noted, “John, you tried five different extremely flawed stadium proposals. You never got even close to a shovel in the ground!” 

Moreover, the reporter mentioned how the area’s political scenario is a mess, also highlighting that Fisher might be surrounded by incompetent men. Beil pointed out what many fans are echoing–Fisher’s financial non-commitment towards the Oakland Athletics. He compared Fisher to Joe Lacob of the Golden State Warriors while remarking, “John, you’re a serial penny pincher. You’ve destroyed your family’s great name and legacy because of your cheapness!” As for Fisher’s claim of being able to talk to every fan of the tea, Beil mentioned that the owner has been absent from conversation for years unless finances were involved. Well, Beil sure didn’t mince words, and he isn’t alone!

Trevor May asks John Fisher to be an adult

Besides Larry Beil, the A’s former pitcher, Trevor May, has also voiced his displeasure with John Fisher’s letter. May accused Fisher of probably not even writing the letter himself and hiding under the shadows. With his post on X, Trevor asked Fisher to face the cameras and address the fans, saying, “Dear John, With all due respect, which is more than you likely deserve, save it. Be an adult. Get in front of a camera and say it with your chest.” This lack of transparency seems to be a major grey area for the Oakland Athletics team owner, with the former player speculating Fisher did not even know the big names of players he mentioned in the farewell letter. And May didn’t just stop there.

Just like Beil, Trevor May mocked the letter and Fisher’s attempt at trying to keep the team in the Bay Area. According to the former Oakland Athletics player, Fisher’s attempts were ‘simply not sincere’. “We tried. Lol,” said May, calling the owner out for his lack of understanding for people who love and breathe baseball. For May, the message was obvious—Fisher should own up to face the fans rather than posting a letter. The outrage the fans have showered towards John Fisher has been loud and clear all season. And with insiders spilling beans, the current dynamics have shed a terrible light on the entire organization.

Now, one thing is clear, according to fans and insiders — Fisher has failed to fight for the Oakland Athletics. Do you feel the same? Let us know in the comments.