OAKLAND — As Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien stepped into the Oakland Coliseum this Tuesday, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The Coliseum, a hallowed ground where he spent countless moments both as a fan and as a player, now stands on the brink of closure for its storied baseball legacy. Semien, an East Bay native, feels a profound connection to this very location that has shaped so many aspects of his life.

Born and raised in the East Bay, Semien made his mark as an All-Star with the A's, earning a lucrative career that he reflects on with gratitude. The Coliseum was more than just a venue for him; it has been a sanctuary filled with memories of watching childhood heroes like Jason Giambi, Miguel Tejada, and Jermaine Dye while also achieving his own dreams on that very field.

This week marks a bitter farewell as the A's prepare to wrap up their time at the Coliseum, with their last game scheduled against the Rangers on Thursday. Semien voiced his disbelief at the impending closure: “I’m focused on us playing good baseball, but it’s a pretty surreal thing for someone to tell you these are the last baseball games here. I still don’t believe it.

The A's are set to relocate to Sacramento after this season, further diminishing the connection Oakland fans have with their team. After three years in Sacramento, the team’s move to Las Vegas is anticipated as early as the 2028 season. The Coliseum, which has witnessed four World Series championships, six pennants, and the careers of seven Hall of Famers, will soon be without a major league tenant.

With bittersweet emotions, Semien acknowledged, “Definitely, there’s a lot of emotion for me. This place is special for me. They gave me an opportunity here.” Having played a record 408 games at the Coliseum and leading all active players in critical offensive stats, Semien is poised to leave a piece of his heart behind when he exits the field for the final time.

On the day of the last game, family and friends will gather to support Semien in what is sure to be an emotional farewell. Anticipation is high, with a sold-out crowd expected, leading to heightened security measures around the stadium. Fans are advised to show respect during what could be an explosive atmosphere full of nostalgia and despair.

“I’ve seen what the frustrations were with the Raider fans, and them leaving. It’s definitely understandable,” Semien reflected on the emotional toll that team relocations can take on fan banks. He hopes for a memorable last moment—a home run, perhaps—before he scoops up some dirt for keepsake.

Although the A's may be leaving, Semien is hopeful for the Coliseum’s future. Events other than baseball are scheduled to take place at the venue, ensuring it won’t be completely abandoned. He envisions a day where a wealthy owner could revive the Coliseum and restore Oakland as a candidate for Major League Baseball expansion.

With the possibility of a future Major League franchise in jeopardy and the A's' departure palpable, Semien optimistically remarked, “I still think that there’s hope sometime for a team to come back here... It’s an area that’s hungry for baseball.”

A proud advocate for his hometown, Semien laments the loss but cherishes the community that shaped his early years. “I know all of the security guards. I know all of the people who work here. I’m sad for them,” he said, underscoring his ties to the very fabric of the Coliseum and its loyal fans.

As the clock ticks down to the final pitches at the Coliseum, the emotional weight of an era ending hangs in the air, turning what is usually just a sport into a collective memory for players and fans alike. Will the ghosts of the past one day return to roost in a revitalized Oakland? Only time, and perhaps a long-awaited miracle, will tell.