Add The California Post on Google The Oakland Ballers, an independent professional baseball team, are turning an April Fools’ joke into a reality for fans at the end of July.
On the first day of April, the team posted an alternative uniform to their Instagram that featured a new name and new look.
The team went from Ballers to Blazers and changed their uniforms to a lime green color with a purple and orange trim. The jersey featured the name “Blazers” written across the chest with a patch of a marijuana leaf on the left arm.
“We’ve been thinking…Oakland deserves something a little more elevated. Introducing the Oakland Blazers. An alt identity inspired by The Town’s culture, creativity, and innovation.
“Come pack the Green Bowl section at Raimondi Park…April Fools. Or should we really do this? Let us know in the comments,” the team wrote as their Instagram caption.
Just a few months later, the Ballers are hosting a marijuana themed-night at Raimondi Park thanks to an overwhelming fan response from their April Fools’ social media post.
The event will feature the alternative team name and uniforms (minus the marijuana leaf patch). Partnering with Oaksterdam University — a trade school that centers around cannabis education — the team will host Grateful Dead Night on July 31 as the Oaksterdam Blazers.
“The game marks a historic first in professional baseball, as the Ballers become the first professional team to partner with and celebrate the legal cannabis industry during a live game,” the team’s website said.
“The day starts at 10 AM PT, when fans 21+ can board the Emerald Farms Tour Bus for a dispensary and lounge crawl featuring Oakland-certified cannabis equity businesses, many of which carry the Oakland Legendary designation.
“More than a party bus, the experience will highlight the entrepreneurs, advocates and community leaders who fought to build Oakland’s legal cannabis industry and continue to shape its future today. For those looking to experience the full day, this is the place to start.”
While the content activations at the ballpark are strictly for those that are 21 years of age and older, the team made it clear the environment would be inclusive of all ages.
Oakland Ballers CEO Paul Freedman released a statement on the historic marijuana-themed night.
“We thought this was a one-day joke. Then the internet did what the internet does and turned it into a public demand,” Freedman said, via Fox News Digital. “At a certain point, we had two choices: disappoint thousands of fans or create a cannabis-themed baseball identity. Obviously, we chose the more responsible option. Partnering with Oaksterdam made it even easier. The Oakland Blazers are a celebration of Oakland creativity, Oakland culture, and the fact that sometimes the best business strategy is admitting your April Fools’ joke was better than your actual plans. We’re especially proud that merchandise sales will help support The ONE and Oaksterdam’s work expanding education and opportunity in the community that helped build this industry.”
