My name is Andrew Patrick. I'm 25 years old and I live in Foster City, California. I've grown up my entire life rooting for, attending games, listening to, and following my beloved Oakland A's.
I write to you today to plead the case for the A's stadium. I was just three years old when the A's won the World Series in 1989, so its safe to say I have no recollection of the A's winning it all. Since then, I've witnessed the ups and downs of the Bash Brothers years, Rickey Henderson, The Big Three, Eric Chavez, Frank Thomas, and everything in between. I've loved going to games at the Oakland Network Associates/McAfee/Overstocked.com Colosseum, and some of my best memories are of that stadium. That said, the stadium is no longer fit for the dynasty which it houses. The Oakland A's are too storied of a franchise to waste away in a stadium with a closed upper deck, an outfield ravaged by a football team, and none of the modern luxuries other teams enjoy. Every year that goes by, as the team tries to repair its struggling offense, another Free Agent spurns the team because of the awful stadium situation and the waning fan base that it begets. With the lack of big free agents, the team loses more fans, and the vicious cycle continues, as it will, until the unthinkable happens.
Two years ago you set up a committee to look into the issue; the viability of Oakland, San Jose, and all surrounding areas. I applauded your resolve and determination to help sort out this very complicated issue. Since then, I have yearned for the day to hear your conclusions and to hear what the fate of my beloved A's would be. I have waited, and waited, for some sort of tangible plan to stop this cycle which prevents our team from taking the necessary steps to improve the on field product. Now is the time for action, Mr. Selig. Every day that goes by without resolution on this issue further condemns this team to mediocrity, a declining fan base, and reduced profits. The tepid waters we lay in hurts the league as a whole, as it has already caused nigh irreparable damage to the reputation of a team which, especially after the Giants' recent world championship, plays second fiddle in the area.
I implore you, sir, to please hasten your decision and devote as much of your time and resources as possible to find a solution. Every day is precious to this team and this problem, and you have the power to stop this nonsense from continuing. I eagerly await your decision, and long for the day when my team can play in a stadium which suits their legacy.
Respectfully yours,
Andrew Patrick
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