Go Oakland: STILL "The Big League City" (Interview with Oakland Ballers Co-Owner Paul Freeman)
Frankie Castellon welcomed a co-owner of the Oakland Ballers to discuss the organization’s origins, its fan-first philosophy, and the growing excitement around independent baseball in Oakland.
The Ballers were founded in response to the departure of the Oakland Athletics, with the mission of keeping professional baseball in Oakland. The ownership group worked quickly to launch the franchise and join the Pioneer League, helping create a second club—the Yuba City Freebirds—to complete the league’s expansion requirements.
The discussion also covered the Ballers’ highly successful Fans Fest event, which drew thousands of passionate Oakland baseball fans and was organized in partnership with the Oakland 68s fan group. The event highlighted the strength of the city’s baseball community and its desire to keep the sport alive locally.
Additionally, the Ballers are reviving the historic Battle of the Bay rivalry through exhibition games with the San Jose Giants, creating new regional excitement while honoring the Bay Area’s baseball tradition.
The organization also confirmed its long-term commitment to remaining an independent team, believing the independent league model provides greater flexibility, creativity, and a more engaging experience for fans. The team continues to invest in and improve Raimondi Park through an organic development process that emphasizes partnership with the Oakland community.
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