Tons of Oakland Athletics legends have made the trip to Northern California for the team’s swan song in the East Bay … including former ace Barry Zito — who was actually called upon to sing the national anthem at Thursday’s finale!
The pitcher-turned-musician helped conclude the pre-game festivities at the Athletics’ last-ever contest inside the Oakland Coliseum … by belting out a sweet rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Former A’s ace Barry Zito sings the national anthem 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wDDw9Vwf3Z
— A’s on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) September 26, 2024
@NBCSAthletics
The three-time All-Star — who made the transition to music following his retirement from the sport in 2015 — picked up the mic just before first pitch against the Rangers … and he killed it, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Afterward, he hopped into the broadcast booth and spoke about the moment … as well as the last days of the “Oakland” A’s.
“You can’t prepare for something like this.”
Barry Zito reflects on getting the call to attend today’s game and sing the national anthem pic.twitter.com/cBtH1smhcX
— A’s on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) September 26, 2024
@NBCSAthletics
“You can’t prepare for something like this,” he said. “Got a call a couple weeks ago and they asked me to come out. We had a crazy summer. My wife was in the hospital with pregnancy stuff, we just had a kid two weeks ago, all the reasons to not [come out].”
“But, she was supportive, so I came out for 24 hours and got to be a part of this.”
Zito wasn’t the only legend to show up for the game … as the likes of Ricky Henderson and Dave “Smoke” Stewart also made it for the matinee game.
The A’s currently hold a 3-0 lead on Texas … as the team looks to send its fans home with one last win in the Bay.