John Peterson has lived and breathed Oakland A’s baseball for decades, witnessing the franchise’s highs and lows from a perspective few can match. From spring training memories to personal connections with team executives like Michael Crowley, John has had a front-row seat to key moments in A’s history. His love for the team is undeniable, but his background in government work gives him a unique lens on the intersection of sports, economics, and city politics. With the A’s controversial move to Las Vegas looming over the fanbase, John offers a perspective that challenges the popular belief that ownership never gave Oakland a real chance. 

In this episode, I put John’s take to the test. Did the A’s truly exhaust every option to stay in Oakland, or was the move inevitable? I press him with tough questions, pushing past nostalgia to uncover the realities of stadium deals, city negotiations, and the business of baseball. Whether we reach common ground or simply agree to disagree, one thing is certain—this conversation will give you plenty to think about. By the end of the episode, you’ll have the information you need to decide for yourself who’s really to blame for the A’s departure.

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