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Oakland series a homecoming for Sveum

OAKLAND -- The Cubs' first trip to Oakland is also a homecoming of sorts for manager Dale Sveum, who was raised in Richmond, Calif., located north of Berkeley in Contra Costa County.

"It's not quite like it was when I first came here playing," said Sveum about returning to the Bay Area. "I don't have that much family here. My brother lives here, so it'll be good to see him and his family."

Sveum is a diehard Oakland Raiders fan, but didn't go to many games.

"I didn't have the money to pay for football games," he said. "I'd much rather sit home and watch football on TV anyway."

He did take the BART to some Athletics games, and used to sit in the bleachers. The carpeting has been replaced in the visiting manager's office since the septic system backed up last month, and the clubhouse has been thoroughly cleaned. Does Sveum think the Athletics need a new ballpark?

"Yeah," he said, without hesitating.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat.
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