Athletics fans have watched a nine-game losing streak, 17 losses in 20 games and the American League’s worst team ERA.
Naturally, they drink.
Just not enough to lead baseball.
A new Action Network survey found A’s fans average 2.0 alcoholic drinks during games. That tied them for 10th among MLB fan bases.
Considering the current product, 10th feels almost disciplined.
Ben Mendelowitz of Action Network analyzed survey responses from 3,495 U.S. baseball fans. The study measured drinking before and during games, hot dog consumption and estimated game-day calories.
The A’s landed slightly above the MLB average for in-game drinking. Still, they remained well behind the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals, whose fans averaged 2.5 drinks.
Apparently, losing baseball is not enough. You also need commitment.
A’s fans pace themselves
About 71 percent of surveyed A’s fans said they drink during games. Only 5.6 percent reported having five or more drinks.
That is a surprisingly measured approach for a fan base spread across Oakland, Sacramento and Las Vegas.
Then there are the historical branches in Philadelphia and Kansas City. The Athletics are less a regional fan base than a family tree with forwarding addresses.
Before games, A’s fans averaged one drink. That tied them for 15th.
So, the strategy appears simple: arrive reasonably sober, watch the bullpen and adjust accordingly.
The five fan bases averaging the most drinks during games were:
- Chicago White Sox, 2.5
- Washington Nationals, 2.5
- Los Angeles Angels, 2.3
- Toronto Blue Jays, 2.3
- Baltimore Orioles, 2.3
The five fan bases averaging the most pregame drinks were:
- Washington Nationals, 1.7
- Chicago White Sox, 1.5
- Los Angeles Angels, 1.5
- Toronto Blue Jays, 1.4
- San Diego Padres, 1.3
Milwaukee, the Chicago Cubs and Miami also averaged 1.3 pregame drinks.
The timing matters
The survey ran from June 12 through June 22.
That matters because the A’s have since fallen apart.
They entered the second half with a nine-game losing streak and 17 losses in 20 games. Their 5.20 team ERA ranked last in the American League.
The rotation carried a 5.30 ERA. The pitching coach was fired. The trade deadline became less of a decision and more of an approaching weather system.
Run the survey again in October and the A’s may climb.
Not in the standings. Let’s remain realistic.
Hot dogs show restraint
A’s fans averaged 1.5 hot dogs per game. That tied them for 23rd in baseball.
Only 39.4 percent said they ate at least two. Just 4.5 percent reached three or more.
Again, this is unexpected restraint.
A baseball game already lasts long enough to include breakfast, lunch and a small estate-planning meeting.
The five fan bases eating the most hot dogs were:
- Washington Nationals, 1.9
- New York Mets, 1.8
- Toronto Blue Jays, 1.7
- Chicago White Sox, 1.7
- Miami Marlins, 1.7
Tampa Bay, the Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta and Cincinnati also averaged 1.7 hot dogs.
Nationals fans led both alcohol and hot dog categories. Washington may not win every game, but its fans understand the assignment.
Las Vegas waits its turn
The Athletics plan to move to Las Vegas full time in 2028.
That should change the rankings.
Las Vegas has casinos, sportsbooks, pool parties and bartenders who can make a drink before you finish making the bad decision that requires it.
The Sin City influence may push the A’s higher in future surveys. Add a losing streak, a blown save and a warm summer night, and the top five could come quickly.
For now, A’s fans remain respectable consumers. They drink more than average during games but avoid the league’s true heavyweight class.
That may change by season’s end.
The A’s do not lead baseball in drinking yet.
Give Las Vegas time, and remember to tip your server.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
