SACRAMENTO —
The scoreboard at Raley Field was a double bagel deep into the ninth inning Thursday. But in the end, the new Giants-affiliated River Cats won by one.
The thick crowd in West Sacramento had a little something to cheer about in the sixth, as the Cats stung the Salt Lake City Bees with an important out.
Much about the atmosphere, the stands and the field were the same, but for the first time since 2000 this club isn’t part of the Oakland A’s organization.
They’re now affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, the ‘three World Series titles in five years’ Giants.
So how are fans taking it?
“I’m a big giants fan. The first game I ever went to was in 1958, the first year the Giants were there. I’ve been a fan ever since and a big fan of Orlando Cepeda’s too. Oh yes, I think it’s great,” said Harry Butler.
“I love the A’s. I’m sorry to see them go. But we love the Giants. We’ll welcome them as a fan. Go Giants. Go A’s. Love you both,” said Jeff Rieth.
One former Raley Field employee brought an old ball signed by former A’s to the game, but that doesn’t mean he wants the old team back.
He’d like to see the chess pieces move a little differently in the minors.
“I think the A’s should have gone to Salt Lake and Salt Lake come here, or have either the Dodgers or the Angels come here instead of the Giants,” said Pat Gaines.
The Cats take on the Bees again Friday at Raley Field at 7:05 p.m.
