Oakland Ballers secure new home, offer ticket packages

Raimondi Park is set to become the home of the Oakland Ballers

On Thursday, the Oakland Ballers announced that they would be pumping in $1.6 million to help revitalize Raimondi Park in West Oakland. This is the park that served as the training ground for MLB legends Frank Robinson and Curt Flood, and was always the first choice for the Ballers' home given its history. 

Following formal approval from Oakland’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) on January 10, 2024, the Oakland Ballers secured permission to host their 48 home games at Raimondi Park, commencing with the inaugural home game on June 4, 2024. A Field Rental Agreement has been established with the City of Oakland to facilitate this partnership.

With the announcement of where the team will officially be playing, the Ballers have also officially put ticket packages up for sale. They have reserved seating, or general admission along the first or third base line and are sold in packages of 12. The GA tickets are listed at $240 for the 12 tickets ($20 per ticket), while the reserved seats are $276 ($23). The tickets can be used one at a time, all at once, or anything in between. 

B's co-founder Bryan Carmel said of the announcement, "As the Oakland Ballers, our mission has always been to revitalize Oakland's ballparks. We are honored to be part of the next chapter of baseball at Raimondi Park and eagerly anticipate collaborating with the City and local residents to showcase the potential of our city."

The $1.6 million being used for upgrades to the park are being funded through private investments and will not only accommodate professional-level baseball games but also transform the area into a premier venue for Oakland youth baseball and softball. The $1.6 million dollar revitalization plan will be presented as a Gift-In-Place for Oakland City Council to vote on at an upcoming meeting.

Penny Raimondi Isola, daughter of Ernie Raimondi, namesake of the park, said, ""I am a lifelong resident of Oakland and daughter of the esteemed ballplayer Ernie Raimondi, whose memory graces Raimondi Park. The park was renovated and rededicated in 2008, but now the opportunity has come along to further revitalize it for the neighborhood and for the entire city. On behalf of the Raimondi family, I would like to extend my support for the Oakland Ballers efforts to activate Raimondi Park as a site for their team, soon to be ‘our team’. Let's unite to ensure Oakland thrives as the baseball town it has always been." 

Curt Flood Jr., son of Curt Flood, talked about his dad's impact on baseball, and this park's impact on his dad. "My father, Curt Flood is one of Oakland’s most renowned Major League Baseball players and he got his start playing at Raimondi Park. As a true Oaklander, he sought to fight injustice everywhere and argued in front of the US Supreme Court that MLB players should be free agents and able to leave expired contracts and teams on their own terms. He changed labor conditions for players for generations to come. My dad’s heart and soul was always with the community of Oakland and that’s why I’m excited to support the Oakland Baller’s efforts. Reviving Raimondi Park isn't just about baseball; it's preserving Oakland's rich sports history. Let's honor my father's legacy and enhance our city's heritage together."

As for the investment in the park, it should be noted that the A's pay around $1.5 million in rent to play at the Coliseum each year. The Ballers will not only be offering baseball games, but revitalizing a community.