Happy Holidays From The Swingin’ A’s

It’s been a crazy year in Oakland. From two eighteen-inning games to making the playoffs with chants of “Sonny” resonating throughout the seemingly rejuvenated crowds at the Coliseum. The A’s ended the year in style with a flurry of moves that looks to help them make another trip to October, but with a longer stay this time around.

May 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Fans stand for God Bless America during the seventh inning between the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

With that being said here’s a quick look at the presents the A’s got us this year.

The first present was from Brandon Moss. In the 18th inning Moss finally ended one of the most dramatic games of the season with a blast to right field. Beating the Angels is always a wonderful thing, but to do it in the 18th inning, having Mark Trumbo hit one of the farthest home runs I have personally ever seen live, and hearing “Jerry” chants for when Jerry Blevins had to bat was certainly one of the best gifts of the year.

The second present was beating the unanimously hated Yankees in the 18th inning with a broken bat single to left field by Nate Freiman off of beloved closer Mariano Rivera. The series sweep was a beautiful thing and a great way to send Rivera on his way in his final game at the Coliseum.

The third was probably the best for A’s fans. The playoffs. For the second year in a row the A’s won the AL West this time by a wide margin. Even though it ended in similar fashion the fact that the A’s made the playoffs again coupled with the next present made it another magical season.

The fourth present the A’s gave us was the tarp removal. It doesn’t sound like much, but a little bit of pride was restored seeing the Coliseum at near full capacity again. 50+ thousand people a game was intense and a couple of moments I will never forget.

The last present was the flurry of moves made right before the Winter Meetings. A new closer, starting pitcher, outfielder, and set up man was the perfect way to send off 2013 for the A’s. Not only was it exciting this year, next year will be here before you know it.

A present to yourself? Make it out to Spring Training. The much improved A’s will be a welcome site to behold in Phoenix.

With all that being said, what is your favorite A’s moment of the year? There are a lot to pick from.

From everyone at Swingin’ A’s have a very Happy Holidays!