Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong & Rapper Too $hort Purchase Stake in Oakland Baseball Team

Lauren Novak March 5, 12:15 pm

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between of the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum on September 5, 2015 in Oakland, California. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 8-3 — Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images

After the A’s left for Las Vegas, there was a minor league baseball hole to fill in Northern California’s East Bay. Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and rapper Too $hort are joining forces to fix this, as they have both joined the ownership group behind the minor league baseball team Oakland Ballers — a new team and currently the only professional team in the area. Both stars are hoping their involvement will increase interest for the games at the newly constructed Raimondi Park.

Armstrong shared about joining the ownership group, “This is all about bringing families to a ball game. After the A’s left, the town was heartbroken. The Ballers are going to bring good vibes back to Oakland and the broader East Bay.”

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs onstage during the FIREAID Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at The Kia Forum on January 30, 2025 in Inglewood, California

Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for FIREAID

The team is already community-driven, as fans helped to get the venue built and some purchased a share of the team. The privately owned club, founded by Bryan Carmel and Paul Freedman, offered fans a chance to purchase shares, and around 2,200 signed up. They hope to give Oakland residents an even bigger stake in their beloved team.

Too $hort, best known for his songs “Blow the Whistle” and “The Ghetto,” said about the new team, “Oakland is the connection, it’s the diverse city of all walks of life and cultures. We respect each other’s originality, you can be you and with your people.” He added about the team’s nickname, “If I can’t brag on a big-league franchise, I can brag on being a Baller.”

Rapper Too Short performs at the NBA All Star Supper Club Party on February 14, 2025 in San Francisco, California

Amber De Vos/Getty Images for NBA All Star Supper Club Party

Carmel shared about the partnerships, “This isn’t a case of celebrities coming in to save the day. It’s a local team, and Billie Joe and Too $hort are just some better-known locals.” He continued that he first sparked a friendship with Armstrong after seeing him attend the games over the years.

Tell us, what is your favorite baseball team? Are you excited for this new team?