WEST SACRAMENTO — The first thing the Athletics did to mark their move to Sacramento was erase the city.
Just 10 days into last offseason, the ballclub’s public relations department released “Brand Transition Guidelines” for the temporary layover in
Sacramento. “When referring to the team name, use only ‘Athletics,’” the release read. “You may use ‘A’s’ on second reference. ATH is the approved designation for the Athletics.”
They were no longer the Oakland A’s, but they also wouldn’t become the Sacramento A’s. And months later, it might be affecting attendance at games these major league squatters play in the state’s capital.