Bryce Harper’s Yellow Cleats Cause Confusion in Oakland

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article stated that Harper’s cleats were to support Oakland ahead of the A’s expected move to Las Vegas.

The Phillies were in Oakland on Saturday for a matchup against the Athletics, during which star slugger Bryce Harper turned some heads with his attire. 

Philadelphia’s superstar rocked yellow cleats, which many took as support for the A’s amid the franchise’s uncertain future in Oakland and possible move to Las Vegas.

However, it seems more likely that the Las Vegas native was saluting the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights for their Stanley Cup victory this week.

The A’s move to Las Vegas passed another key benchmark during the week, when the Nevada state legislature voted to approve a $1.5 billion ballpark in the area. The stadium will seat as many as 30,000 fans and is expected to open in 2028.

Athletics fans have been opposed to the franchise’s impending relocation, even planning a reverse boycott in which more than 27,000 fans flocked to the stadium to prove that interest in the team still remained.

The Phillies beat the Athletics 3-2 in a 12-inning game on Saturday. Oakland fell to an MLB-worst 19-54 on the year.