As the NFL season approaches, football enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement for their fantasy football drafts. Drafting players remains a pivotal and thrilling part of this immersive experience, and the Oakland Athletics recently displayed their own flair for creative draft order methods.
A Unique Draft Order Method
The Athletics decided to determine their fantasy football draft order in an uncommon yet entertaining way. This unique approach involved tossing baseballs from the upper deck of Oakland Coliseum—aptly known as Mount Davis—onto the field below. Each team member aimed at a target positioned on the field, with the goal of placing their baseball as close to the target as possible. The player whose baseball landed nearest the target would secure the coveted No. 1 pick in the fantasy draft.
Target Practice Before the Game
The event took place on the eve of their matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. As baseballs were flung from the heights, the spirit of competition among teammates was palpable. In the end, only two players managed to land their baseballs close enough to the target to merit precise measurement. Though the exact results of this amusing contest were not revealed to the public, the sight of Scott Alexander leaping with joy after the announcement hinted at his success.
Joy in the Face of Defeat
Scott Alexander’s visible delight underscored his personal victory, even as Tuesday's game concluded in a narrow 1-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The singular nature of the draft-deciding contest was a reminder of the camaraderie and light-hearted moments that define team sports, even amid the pressures of professional competition.
While the Oakland Athletics may not have triumphed on the field that night, the inventive spirit they showcased through their fantasy football draft competition exemplified their unity and enthusiasm for the game—both on and off the baseball diamond.