OAKLAND -- As great of a career as Ray Fosse enjoyed over his 12 Major Leagues seasons, it was his foray into the broadcast booth that ended up making him a truly beloved figure among A’s fans. On Saturday, the late Fosse was honored for his work as a longtime Oakland color commentator.
Prior to opening a two-game series against the cross-bay rival Giants on a day expected to draw the largest crowd of the season at the Oakland Coliseum, the A’s held a special pregame ceremony to recognize Fosse with the second annual Monte Moore Award for outstanding broadcaster. The award was presented to Fosse’s wife, Carol, and several other family members.
All fans in attendance also received a special Ray Fosse patch giveaway, a replica of the patch worn by A’s players and coaches this season.
Though he battled cancer for 16 years, Fosse did not go public with his situation until last August when he announced that he was stepping away from the booth, where he’d been a mainstay on A’s radio and television broadcasts since 1986. On Oct. 13, 2021, Fosse passed away at the age of 74.
Before the game, manager Mark Kotsay, who spent several years getting to know Fosse as an A’s player and coach, was emotional while sharing some words about the late Oakland great.
“Watching Ray and not knowing he was sick for as long as he was sick …” Kotsay said. “Being around that man, the character and the strength it took for him to do what he loved every day, walking up those stairs on the plane rides and getting down. The strength that man showed was unbelievable. The man, the character. The passion and love for not only the game of baseball, but this organization. He really exemplifies what it means to be an A.”
The Fosse tributes will continue throughout the weekend. Before Sunday’s contest, he’ll be part of the Class of 2022 A’s legends being inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony.