New Warriors jerseys emblazoned with ‘Oakland’ embitter East Bay fans.
In the nine seasons the Warriors played in Oakland under current team owner Joe Lacob, the team never wore an “Oakland” jersey.
They did begin wearing alternative “The Town” jerseys in 201617, a tribute to the city in which they played, but never “Oakland,” despite suggestions from the media and fans that it wouldn’t hurt to show a little more love for the city the team was planning to abandon.
This season, the Warriors debuted an alternate “Oakland Forever” jersey, which they’ll be wearing Friday against Charlotte at Chase Center. A cynic might see the new jersey as an attempt to mollify Warriors fans in the town the team left behind when it moved to San Francisco after the 201819 season. A deeper cynic might say it’s an attempt to put a dent in the huge payment the Warriors owe Oakland after losing a legal battle over the bill for renovations to the Oakland Arena, a hit of about $50 million.
But forget the cynics and critics. How do Oakland fans feel? A recent call for opinions on the jerseys from Warriors fans in Oakland elicited a response that was roughly 7to1 disfavoring them.
A sampling of the responses: “I’m from Hayward so maybe it is different, but I love them. I hate the other SF teams, but the Warriors did start in SF and they are truly the Bay’s team, so I don’t hold the move against them. We all appreciate the economic power it gives the team, and unlike the A’s, they spend to win, so can’t complain.” — Tim Curry (Hayward)
“The Warriors’ use of the Oakland name is a blatant form of regional expropriation of East Bay Culture, a cynical maneuver of (team owner Joe Lacob’s) brain trust, as they gaze at an empty arena, wondering if it will ever fill again. So they market to the East, ferries against the current, borne ceaselessly into the past.” — Phil Peters (Oakland)
“Oakland resident since 1954 and not having those uniforms. While here they could do the “Town,” but not the “Oakland” thing. Still love the Warriors but the Oakland “tribute” stuff is a slap in the face.” — Ed Oshika (Oakland)
“It feels like a poke in the eye. “Oakland forever” is disingenuous. ... All of us wear Warriors gear, and if they had come out while the team was IN Oakland, we would have bought them in a quick minute. Now we wouldn’t wear them if they were GIVEN to us.” — Sharon Leaf (Oakland)
“I ain’t buying it. Fortyplus years, and they had The City jerseys in Oakland and they couldn’t have put Oakland on the jerseys ONCE? I only know how I feel when I see these now, and that’s my true reaction. It doesn’t keep me from liking the team or enjoying the games, but I can’t see it as genuine.” — Steve Robert (Oakland)
“They should have made and worn this jersey while they were still playing in Oakland. I have over 250 Warriors jerseys dating back to the original No. 3, Bill Owens. Baron Davis, Joe Smith, Ike Diogu, Speedy Claxton, Patrick O’Bryant. However, I will pass on this “Oakland” jersey for now.” — Glenn M. Fujinaka (Alameda)
“I don’t currently live in Oakland, but I was born and raised there. I’m OK with the jerseys. I believe Lacob is sincere. I’ll take him at his word.” — Gerald Lubeck (Carpenteria, Santa Barbara County)
“I live in Marin, so this vote is unofficial, but I am insulted for Oakland EVERY TIME I see those jerseys! Maybe a restraining order would help. Plus, the Warriors could lose the cable cars, too. How about a RiceARoni box jersey!” — Marian Mancini (Marin)
“(Directed at Warriors, from an Oaklander) The divorce was your idea. Congratulations, it’s over. You sued to avoid paying your share of the house renovation that you agreed to. You took all the furniture, including the championship banners, for your new, fancy McMansion with all the caviar bars and overpriced tequila bunkers for your new friends in tech and VC. And you have the audacity to still pretend it was some sort of growth experience and we’re all better people? This is how we’re supposed to bury the past and move on? You make me sick. Say hi to Mark Davis at the next meeting of the Narcissist Billionaires Club.” — Mark Valentine (Oakland)
Finally, here’s one reader’s vote of support for my idea of the Warriors (and Giants) sporting “Frisco” jerseys:
“I love San Francisco. Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and Johnny Cash called it Frisco, and that’s good enough for me.” — Charley Goetchius (Pacifica)