A’s ‘Spirit Week’ celebrates 50 years in Oakland

The Athletics are showing their Oakland roots and honoring the return of baseball for season No. 50 in “The Town.”

In a week-long celebration of East Bay baseball, culminating with Opening Night on April 3, representatives of the organization will be scattered throughout Oakland for a flood of festivities. And the cherry on top: All fans can trade in a San Francisco Giants hat for a crispy new green and gold lid at any of the week’s events.

“Oakland A’s Spirit Week” kicks of Monday, March 27 at Oakland City Hall at noon. Joined by mascot Stomper, Mayor Libby Schaaf will raise the A’s flag triggering the unofficial launch of the 2017 season.

The Monday celebration will continue into the night when an A’s mural, created by the Oakland-based muralists the Illuminaries and commissioned by the club, will be unveiled on the PG&E building at the corner of 19th street and Webster from 6 to 9 p.m.

On Tuesday, former A’s Bip Roberts and Shooty Babitt will join Terry “Mr. Community” Butler in hosting the Youth Sports Nation “Play Ball” student assembly at MLK Elementary School at 12:30 p.m.

Just when A’s fans need a mid-week pick-me-up, one will be provided, on the team. Between 8 and 9 a.m., at Peet’s Coffee at 1111 Broadway, fans will get a free coffee of their choice. Then its right back to work — or play.

Thursday’s “Rooted In Oakland” “BART Takeover” will give fans a chance to interact with Stomper, as well as members of the Oakland front office, near the West Side Club at the Coliseum. All fans with a ticket to that night’s “Bay Bridge” game in San Francisco will be given a free round trip BART pass.

Fans have also been invited to follow the A’s on Twitter and Facebook for locations of “pop-up” events and giveaways throughout the week.

Kalama Hines is SFBay’s Oakland Athletics beat writer. Follow @SFBay and @HineSight_2020 on Twitter and at SFBay.ca for full coverage of A’s baseball.