Mother’s Day: The A’s connected me and my mom for 56 years, starting with Hunter’s perfect game

One of the most agonizing aspects of the A’s long goodbye to Oakland is knowing when to cut the emotional ties.

For some, it was the moment the team announced it is moving to Sacramento after this season. Or Opening Day. It might not be until Sept. 26, the final game at the Coliseum. Others will be able to hold out until the final pitch in an Oakland uniform is thrown three days later in Seattle.

Fate picked my expiration date.

On May 8, 1968, a fresh-faced young pitcher named...