The Anaheim Angels, Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics continue their court battle over rights to the nickname A's. For years the Oakland Athletics have also gone by the name A's dating back to their time in Philadelphia.
But both the Angels and Astros want to use the nickname and possibly print it on the front of the team's jerseys. "It's fun and easy to say," said Astros president, Grant Kline.
A study conducted by the Astros of its fans predicted a 47% increase in attendance if the team is called the A's. "I like it. It's a good message for kids. You know...to get all A's in school," said Astros fan, Jim Contigi.
The United States Supreme Court will decide next week which MLB team will be permitted to use the A's nickname. "There are millions of dollars at stake with this decision. We've already printed hats and bumper stickers with A's," said Angels vice president of baseball operations, Damon Perez.
"It really is silly. We are the A's. When this franchise took the field at Connie Mack Stadium and lost many games they were the A's. The Houston A's? C'mon," said Billy Beane, Athletics general manager.
