A’s debut wild new HR celebration with gold chain and elephant mask

Oakland Athletics players have launched a new and unforgettable home run celebration featuring a giant gold chain and an elephant mask inspired by the team’s mascot. The unique ritual was first showcased on Saturday when Tyler Soderstrom and Carlos Cortes each hit long balls during a 11-6 win over the New York Mets.

The chain was ordered by pitcher Luis Severino for the start of the A’s six-game road trip against the New York teams. However, the team went homerless over the first four games, leaving the chain untouched and collecting dust in Severino’s locker. That changed on Saturday when Soderstrom hit a two-run homer in the third inning. Upon returning to the dugout, Lawrence Butler draped the chain around his neck, and Severino placed the black leather elephant mask over Soderstrom’s head, completing the celebration.

The mask features a trunk, tusks, and dark green eyes, giving it a more menacing look compared to the friendly Stomper, the A’s official mascot. Cortes followed Soderstrom’s lead later in the inning with a 406-foot three-run shot, also earning the chain and mask from Severino. Cortes appeared to make elephant noises while wearing the mask, amusing teammates and coaches.

Soderstrom earned the chain and mask a second time in the eighth inning with a 420-foot three-run blast. His two homers accounted for five of the A’s 11 runs in the game. The A’s entered the fifth inning with a 7-1 lead but saw it shrink to 7-6 entering the eighth. Soderstrom’s second blast helped the A’s regain control and secure the win.

The A’s offense entered Saturday with just three home runs in the previous four games but exploded for 15 hits and three long balls. The team went 3-1 during that stretch despite the lack of power. The new celebration gives the A’s a fun and visual way to highlight their return to a more explosive offensive approach.

The A’s will continue their road trip with a game against the Yankees on Sunday. The Mets will host the Phillies in a separate series, but the A’s will look to build on Saturday’s momentum and keep the elephant celebration rolling.