The Oakland Athletics held their annual Fan Appreciation Tailgate on Tuesday, followed by an exhibition game against cross-bay rival and defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants. The Tailgate included: three autograph sessions; a memorabilia sale; photo opportunities with the Athletics' World Series trophies; Question & Answer sessions with players and coaches; batting cages; pitching speed games; raffles and more.
Autograph sessions at this year's Tailgate were broken into three sessions. Players were rotated between two booths for 30 minutes at a time. The lines moved pretty quickly, as each player signed one autograph per fan. Players rotated between booths, so the players that were at the booth when you got in line probably wouldn't be the same players that signed for you. We got in line at 4:30 and made it up to the booth at about 5:10, missing the first group. For fans seeking multiple autographs, I'd recommend getting back in the same line you were in rather than going to the other booth. Since the players rotate, you might just end up with the same players at a different booth if you switch.
As for the autographs themselves, the players will typically sign whatever you want at an event like this. I saw people with hats, bats, baseballs, photos, cards and even a large matted poster of the Coliseum. From what I've experienced at the last two Tailgates, the autograph itself is smaller than what you'd get at a paid event, and an autographed baseball will be in Sharpie and won't be on the sweet spot. But you can't argue with free, and it's a great event that the team puts on for fans. Definitely no complaints.
The memorabilia sale included jerseys ($20), batting jerseys ($10), locker nameplates (5 for $5), hats (including game-used hats, $5) Last year they were also selling game used bats, which I was really hoping for this year.
The A's offered free parking for the day and admission to the Tailgate was free. Tickets for the exhibition game following the Tailgate started at only $5. The A's went on to face the Giants, with Gio Gonzalez facing off against Barry Zito. The Giants won the game 4-1.
A's players sign autographs for fans
Fans pose for photos with World Series Trophies
Baseballs autographed by Daric Barton, Josh Willingham, Cliff Pennington & Rich Harden
Bat autographed by Daric Barton & Rich Harden
