Jacob Wilson Sends Message to A's Fans in Oakland

The A's player acknowledges the difficulty of the team's relocation to Las Vegas.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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As the Oakland Athletics prepare to play their first games in Las Vegas, outfielder Jacob Wilson has a message for the team's fans back in the Bay Area. Wilson expressed gratitude for the support the A's received in Oakland, especially in the final games at the Coliseum, and asked that fans continue to support the players even as the team relocates. However, Wilson acknowledged the challenges in winning back fans who feel scorned by the move.

Why it matters

The A's relocation to Las Vegas has been a contentious issue, with many Oakland fans feeling betrayed by the team's decision to leave. Wilson's message is an attempt to bridge that divide and maintain a connection between the players and the fanbase they are leaving behind.

The details

The A's are spending the weekend playing exhibition games in Summerlin, Nevada, their future home in Las Vegas. The team's lineup featured young prospects and players who will likely be with the club when their new ballpark opens in 2028. While the A's lost the first game 3-0 to the Angels, the game was a sellout, a positive sign for the team's future in Nevada.

  • The A's played their first exhibition game in Summerlin, Nevada on March 8, 2026.
  • The A's new ballpark in Las Vegas is expected to open in 2028.

The players

Jacob Wilson

An outfielder for the Oakland Athletics who made his MLB debut at the Coliseum.

Gage Jump

One of the A's top pitching prospects who started the first exhibition game in Summerlin.

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What they’re saying

“I think that, from a player's perspective, we're always going to be grateful for the time that we had there. [The Coliseum] was the place that I debuted, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. That was the first time I ever stepped on a Major League Baseball field, and the fans welcomed me great to that stadium, and Major League Baseball.”

— Jacob Wilson, Outfielder (si.com)

“My message to them is just that, from the player's side, we were really grateful for them. We just ask that we keep getting support as players. I know that they have their own opinions on all this change and all this stuff that's happening, but hopefully they realize that it's out of the player's hands. So if they could just support the guys, we were really appreciative of them.”

— Jacob Wilson, Outfielder (si.com)

What’s next

The A's will play another exhibition game against the Angels in Summerlin on March 9, 2026 as they continue to prepare for their move to Las Vegas.

The takeaway

While the A's relocation has been a contentious issue, Jacob Wilson's message to the team's fans in Oakland shows the players' appreciation for the support they received and a desire to maintain that connection, even as the team moves to a new home in Las Vegas.