Reddick’s homecoming
Josh Reddick developed a strong connection to A’s fans in the right-field bleachers during his four-plus seasons in Oakland. So he fully expected to absorb some lively heckling Friday night in his return to the Coliseum.
“I would hope they’d have some extra ammo for me, since I was here so long,” Reddick said before the game. “I expect some pretty good stuff. But I know it’s not going to be anything personal, and I’ll be smiling a lot.”
Reddick now plays right field for Houston, the A’s opponent in Friday night’s homestand opener.
He drew a sizable crowd for his media session in the visiting dugout 2½ hours before the game. Reddick offered fond memories of his time with the A’s, highlighted by their furious dash to the AL West title in 2012.
“We had some great guys here, some great teams,” Reddick said. “What we did in ’12 was magical — game No. 162 was really something special. That was probably my favorite time here, in 2012.”
One pressing, good-natured question surrounding Reddick’s return: Would he hear “Careless Whisper” when he stepped into the batter’s box? That was his well-known walkup music when he played for the A’s.
Now, as an opponent, he expressed mixed feelings — and then the A’s did play the song when Reddick batted in the top of the first inning. He removed his helmet and acknowledged a spirited ovation.
The A’s also played a pregame video tribute on the scoreboard, with highlights of Reddick’s time with the A’s. Jackie Robinson Day: Shortstop Marcus Semien finds deep meaning in Jackie Robinson Day, which Major League Baseball will recognize Saturday on the 70th anniversary of Robinson’s landmark debut in the majors.
Semien has kept the No. 42 jerseys he wore on April 15 in previous seasons, with the White Sox and A’s. All players will wear the number Saturday.
“He was very courageous,” Semien said. “… It’s just a beautiful thing that they dedicate this day to him every season. This will be my fourth start on Jackie Robinson Day, putting on No. 42.” Briefly: One member of the A’s, upon walking onto the field and gazing up at a tarp-less upper deck: “Now it feels like a real baseball stadium.” … Manager Bob Melvin said pitcher Chris Bassitt, recovering from Tommy John surgery, felt good after throwing 12⁄3 innings Friday in extended spring training.