OAKLAND — When Marcus Semien, the second baseman for the Texas Rangers, stepped into the Oakland Coliseum on Tuesday, a flood of memories hit him.

Though he no longer wears an Oakland A’s uniform or lives in the Bay Area, a part of him will always belong to this place.

This is his home.

He was born and raised in the East Bay.

He rose to All-Star status while playing for the A’s.

He gained financial success during his time with the A’s.

Now, after attending games at the Coliseum since he was just 5, cheering for A’s legends like Jason Giambi, Miguel Tejada, and Jermaine Dye, he’s faced with a bittersweet reality as a visiting player.

Tuesday night marked a moment of reflection, knowing this is his last chance to play at the Coliseum, as the A’s will conclude their time there on Thursday against the Rangers.

“I’m concentrating on the game, but it’s surreal to think these are the last baseball games here. I still can’t believe it,” Semien shared.

“I think when the game finishes on Thursday and I’m on the bus heading out, it’ll really sink in.”

The Athletics are set to relocate to Sacramento, approximately two hours north of Oakland, where they plan to play for at least the next three seasons.

They are also scheduled to establish a permanent home in Las Vegas possibly starting in the 2028 season.

With that, the 57-year-old Oakland Coliseum, which has hosted four World Series wins, six pennants, 17 division titles, and seven Hall of Famers, will become empty.

“I have a lot of feelings about this,” Semien said. “This place is special to me. It provided me with many opportunities.

“I’ve spent a significant portion of my career playing here, more than any player currently in the league. I trained here and grew into a major-league player here. That’s what makes this so painful.”

Semien holds the record for the most games played at the Coliseum (408) among active players and leads in hits, doubles, triples, and runs scored there.

As he prepares to say goodbye, he hopes to scoop up some dirt as a memento after the game on Thursday.

Semien’s family will be attending the three-game series, including the final game on Thursday. Prior to Tuesday’s matchup, security briefed the Rangers on monitoring fan reactions to ensure safety.

There will be an increased police presence in Oakland, with 200 officers on duty instead of the usual 19, anticipating a unique atmosphere for the sold-out game.

Semien believes fans will treat the occasion respectfully, understanding that if anything were to happen on the field, it’s not owner John Fisher who would deal with it, but the loyal stadium staff facing job loss after the last game.

“Personally, I’m not worried. We’ve planned for safety measures. I feel fine,” Semien remarked. “I’m not entirely sure about the exact arrangements yet, but I believe they have a good plan in place.

“I wasn’t present for the last Raiders game, but I’ve heard about the fans’ frustrations when they left. I completely understand their feelings.”

Semien’s hope is that his last memory of the Coliseum will be hitting a home run and perhaps securing a victory while leaving with some infield dirt as a keepsake.

“It’s an important place, especially for someone raised in this region,” Semien noted. “When the Raiders left and it became just a baseball stadium, it felt cool. I spent my off-seasons here training on the field. I thought it was the dawn of a new chapter. Now, it’s ending so quickly.”

While the A’s will no longer call it home, the Coliseum won’t be demolished; other events and possibly soccer games are still set for the venue.

It’s possible that one day an investor may appear, either refurbishing or replacing the Coliseum, creating potential for Oakland to be considered for a Major League Baseball expansion team.

“I still believe there’s a chance for a team to return here,” Semien stated. “This location isn’t going anywhere if someone ever wishes to construct a stadium. If someone steps up wanting to bring a team back”

“It all depends on the leadership, you know. This community is eager for baseball.”

“No matter how the crowds have appeared at times, when the team performs well, and if they had a more suitable facility, the scenario would have been much improved,” he stated.

Moreover, Semien knows that miracles can occur. During his time at the University of California, Berkeley, the baseball program faced imminent closure after his junior year in 2011. Players were already making plans to look elsewhere. However, midway through the season, the team was rescued by a generous $9 million in donations.

So perhaps, there’s still a chance that someone could come to the rescue again in the future.

“I’m not wealthy; I’m just a player,” Semien reflects. “I wish the A’s had a better facility right here. I grew up in this area. I played here and know it well.”

“With modern facilities, tasty concession options, and a great experience for fans, you can attract more people. It’s all about the community. It holds a special place for everyone here.”

“I’m familiar with all the security personnel. I recognize everyone who works here. It saddens me for them.”