Oakland
A’s even series with win over Rangers
Oakland, CA – The A’s turned things around from their loss last night. They used small ball to even the series and maintain their first place spot in the division. A team not known for knocking home runs out of the ball park did the opposite to outwit their opponents.
“Your trying to get a guy out of rhythm a little bit early on,” said Oakland’s manager Bob Melvin on using bunts to get on base. “And then in the end your trying to get a run because that’s all we had was the first three runs.”
The A’s 4-2 victory over the Rangers came off two bunts, a single and a home run all in the first frame. Coco Crisp leadoff the game with a bunt, followed by Eric Sogard’s sacrifice bunt to move Crisp to second base.
Jed Lowrie, the next batter up hit an RBI single to set up Yoenis Cespedes two-run homer to left field for an early 3-0 lead. Texas righty Matt Garza hadn’t given up a single run in the first inning before today and wasn’t too pleased with Oakland’s strategy of getting on base.
“That showed me they’re going to play small ball against me,” Garza said. “The next time I’ll be ready.”
Matt didn’t do a good job of hiding his emotions after Sogard’s bunt. But for the A’s a win was their only concern after they snapped a three-game losing streak and extended their lead to 3 1/2 games over the Rangers in the American League West.
“I couldn’t really make out what he was saying,” said Eric. “But he yelled at me for sure. We scored a run and anytime that happens, he’s not going to be happy.”
Jarrod Parker who didn’t have his best stuff, lasted six innings, fanning six, yielding two, walked two and surrendered one home run. His pitch count escalated quickly, he gave up his first home run since July 6 and he found himself getting out of a few jams.
“I felt like it was very important that he got us through the sixth and he battled through today without his best stuff,” Melvin said. “He kept his composure and made big pitches when he had to.”
Parker gave up two free pass to both Leonys Martin and Elvis Andrus back-to-back in the third. He struck out the next batter but gave up a RBI single to Adrian Beltre to put the Rangers on the board. In the fourth he gave two back-to-back singles but was able to strikeout the next batter to end Texas rally.
“I went back to my change-ups and started throwing some strikes to minimize some of those situations,” said Jarrod on being able to get out of those two innings. “Obviously your fortunate when you don’t give up anything and just keep battling, not get to down on yourself while giving up a couple of hits at the sometime.”
The Rangers were the team that couldn’t capitalize off the opportunities they had last night. Oakland’s defense was more intact today and allowed Texas one more run which was Ian Kinsler solo home run in the fifth.
“We had some chances, but you can’t cash them all in,” said Rangers manager Ron Washington.
The A’s added one more run to seal their victory off Garza in the seventh and it too was another sacrifice bunt. Matt leadoff the frame by walking Alberto Callaspo, his only walk in his complete game. Stephen Vogt bunted him to second and Coco lined a single to right field moving both runners up. That brought up Sogard who bunted in the next run.
“It worked out, obviously,” Eric said. “I think it’s kind of no secret Garza has some trouble throwing to first sometimes, so we wanted to try to take advantage of that. Coco laid down a good single and I came up and put it where I wanted it to go, got the job done.”
Activism
City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library
“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”
The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades
Special to the Post
The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.
Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.
“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”
“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”
“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”
“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”
“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”
The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.
The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.
The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
About the Oakland Public Library
The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org
Activism
BWOPA Honors Black Leadership and Legacy at 2024 Ella Hill Hutch Awards Dinner
On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills. At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.
By Oakland Post Staff
Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) is a statewide non-profit advocacy and membership organization committed to solving problems affecting Black Californians.
On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills.
At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.
The evening was hosted by Dr. Shawna Charles, founder of The Charles Communications Group (CCG) headquartered in Los Angeles. Charles served as mistress of ceremonies.
With a track record of elevating voices and empowering communities, Charles’ leadership and insight brought a certain dynamism to the celebration.
“Each year, this event not only celebrates the enduring legacy of our beloved BWOPA founding member, Ella Hill Hutch, but also reaffirms and amplifies our unwavering commitment to building and sustaining Black political power across California,” said Dezie Woods-Jones, BWOPA founding member and State president.
“Ella Hill Hutch’s trailblazing leadership continues to inspire us as we forge ahead, empowering Black women to lead, advocate, and shape a more equitable future for all,” added Woods-Jones.
This year’s event introduced the DWJ Rising Star Award, honoring young leaders like Solano County Board Supervisors-elect Cassandra James, Danielle Motley-Lewis, Naomi Waters and newly elected State Assemblymember elect Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).
According to organizers, the awardees all exemplify “the next generation of changemakers.”
Other awardees included:
- Lifetime Achievement Awardees: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson
- Man of the Year: Kenneth Maxey, CEO of the Greater SF Bay Area Urban League
- President’s Corporate Award: Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente
- In the Spirit of Ella State and Chapter Awards: Dr. Carolyn Greene, Dr. Marcella K. Smith, Dr. Carolyn Drake, Tinisch Hollins, Jackie Jones, Gloria Burgess Johnson, Tamika L’Ecluse, Ellen Nash, Betty Reid Soskin, and Ay’Anna Moody.
BWOPA also celebrated local champions across its chapters, including leaders in voter education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and community advocacy.
In a statement, BWOPA said, “Honoring Ella Hill Hutch’s legacy, BWOPA recognizes her pioneering efforts as the first Black woman elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Her tireless work amplifying underrepresented voices continues to inspire BWOPA’s mission to build Black political power across California.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, partners and allies who believe in BWOPA’s vision to invest in building power for Black women’s leadership,” said LaNiece Jones, BWOPA State executive director. “Your support ensures that Black women have a voice at decision-making tables locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally, advancing diversity and equity in leadership spaces.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of December 11 – 17, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 11 – 17, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of November 20 – 26, 2024
-
California Black Media3 weeks ago
California to Offer $43.7 Million in Federal Grants to Combat Hate Crimes
-
Activism4 weeks ago
An Inside Look into How San Francisco Analyzes Homeless Encampments
-
Black History3 weeks ago
Emeline King: A Trailblazer in the Automotive Industry
-
California Black Media3 weeks ago
California Department of Aging Offers Free Resources for Family Caregivers in November
-
California Black Media3 weeks ago
Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities
-
Activism3 weeks ago
OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland
-
#NNPA BlackPress4 weeks ago
PRESS ROOM: Clyburn, Pressley, Scanlon, Colleagues Urge Biden to Use Clemency Power to Address Mass Incarceration Before Leaving Office