Last Sunday night, the air was thick with anticipation outside the Sawyer Hotel in downtown Sacramento as a local news crew anticipated the arrival of the Chicago Cubs. This moment was historic: Sacramento was about to host its first Major League Baseball team for a regular-season game, the Oakland Athletics, who are temporarily relocating while they wait for their new home in Las Vegas. As reporters focused their cameras on Cubs players disembarking from their bus, this small moment symbolized something much larger for the city.

Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd aptly summarized the atmosphere: "That was different... But it's the first time a big league team has come to Sacramento, and they're excited. Baseball's that cool thing that brings everyone together." The excitement was palpable, as West Sacramento proudly decorated its streets with signs boasting, "The Baseball Side of the River."

The Athletics kicked off their temporary residency with a three-game series at Sutter Health Park, an intimate venue with a modest capacity of around 14,000. However, despite the energy of the occasion, the series left much to be desired. In an unfortunate turn of events, the A's were outscored by the Cubs 35-9 over the three games, leading to a lackluster atmosphere that felt more like minor league baseball than a major league debut.

This season, expectations were higher following the Athletics' offseason moves, including signing free agent pitcher Luis Severino and extending contracts for key players like Brent Rooker. While these decisions have raised hopes for a better performance, the team's dismal start casts a shadow on these aspirations. Manager Mark Kotsay leads a crew brimming with young talent and potential, but the reality of the situation showed a stark contrast between expectation and performance, reminiscent of past seasons plagued by struggles on the field.

As the games unfolded, it was evident that the A's were still acclimating to their new digs. Rookie second baseman Max Muncy, who has only spent five nights in Sacramento, echoed sentiments of new beginnings but also highlighted the challenges of finding local hotspots and establishing camaraderie. "We're all new here... so even though I'm a rookie, I can earn some cred if I find a good restaurant and let everyone know," he quipped, humorously lamenting the difficulty of reservations at acclaimed local eateries.

Compounding the Athletics' woes was the fact that they were sharing the ballpark with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. This arrangement poses logistical challenges for the A's, particularly concerning their routines and accommodations. Players are discovering the limitations of their new environment, with glaring differences from typical major league preparations, such as adjusted warm-up routines and the absence of standard amenities.

Attendance was another point of concern. Only one of the three games sold out, and subsequent games saw ticket prices dipping sharply on secondary markets. The median ticket price of $181 in a city that has historically been a loyal but struggling baseball market raises questions about the A's potential future in Las Vegas, where the team is banking on sellout crowds and a broader fan base.

Fans in Sacramento have expressed mixed feelings about the Athletics' temporary status. While some view it as an exciting opportunity to experience Major League Baseball, others feel an underlying resentment for having their loyalty handed over to an owner who has shifted his team out of Oakland after 57 years. This tension has left many Sacramento sports enthusiasts grappling with the excitement and uncertainty that accompanies such a transition.

As the Athletics embrace their temporary new home, the team's performances, community engagement, and the overall experience for fans will determine if Sacramento can solidify its standing as a major league city. However, with inconsistent attendance and an uncertain future, the next three years will be a pivotal trial for both the team and its supporters. Will the Athletics flourish in Sacramento, or will they simply be a fleeting visitor in the realm of baseball? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, the city waits in hopeful anticipation, eager to see if its charm and spirit prove enough to nurture a sustainable major league presence.