Among the traditions lost in the Athletics’ temporary stay in West Sacramento was the team’s victory song: “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang was swapped out for “California Love” by Tupac Shakur, an ironic choice that former A’s fans were quick to point out.
The team got its first “home” win on Tuesday, defeating the Padres 10-4 to go 5-7 on the season. When they recorded the final out, the 1996 Tupac song played from the speakers in lieu of the chart-topping 1981 hit. On the surface, the song makes some sense given that Shakur raps, “From Oakland to Sac-town,” which emulates the A’s heavily scrutinized NorCal journey.