Although I consider myself a diehard Orioles fan, I've never had much interest in attending the annual FanFest, which takes place downtown prior to every season. But this year, I'm intrigued. The Birds open the 2010 regular season in Tampa, so rather than host FanFest at Camden Yards a day or two before Opening Day they're doing it at the Baltimore Convention Center next Saturday, January 23 from 11 AM to 6 PM. If you're not sure whether this is your idea of a good time, just check out the list of O's (past, present, and future) who are slated to attend:In addition to practically everyone on the 40-man roster (including Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and Matt Wieters), there are almost 30 ex-Orioles who will be there to shake hands and sign autographs. This list is a veritable who's who of great O's teams of yore, as well as a few names for the truly knowledgeable fan. That includes Mr. Paul Blair, as well as Mike Bordick, Don Buford, Al Bumbry, Mike Cuellar, Rick Dempsey, Ken Dixon, original team member Joe Durham, Todd Frohwirth, Dick Hall, Ron Hansen, Chris Hoiles, Billy Hunter, Dave Johnson, Rick Krivda, Calvin Maduro, Scott McGregor, John Miller, Tim Nordbrook, Joe Orsulak, Jim Palmer, Boog Powell, Gary Roenicke, Larry Sheets, Nate Snell, John Stefero, B. J. Surhoff, Bill Swaggerty, and Fred Valentine. Yes, I got too lazy to link each player.
In the past year or two, I've started amassing a modest collection of Oriole autographs. This would be a great opportunity to add to that collection, and maybe even to meet some of my all-time favorites like Hall, Hoiles, Palmer, and Surhoff. So hopefully I'll have a chance to make it down to the Convention Center, and maybe I'll see some of you there too!
9 comments:
Rick Krivda AND Joe Orsulak? Jeez, that almost makes me wanna go too.
I have a couple extra tickets to FanFest if you (or anyone) want them. I don't intend to go, I just got them free in the mail today for being a season plan holder.
Kevin I'm so envious! I'd love to see some of those former players. Nobody played centerfield like Paul Blair. Nobody.
FreeTheBirds - I'd love to take you up on that offer - anything that'll get me closer to getting BJ Surhoff's autograph.
i am jealous, my oh so fan friendly mets (sarcasm detector, that's a real useful invention) do not have anything like a fanfest. Of course, I could spend a few grand and attend their fantasy camp, but that whole 'food and rent' thing keep getting in the way. besides, who wants to spend $3000 to take tim teufel out at second base (I DO! I DO!)
I hope you have a blast and have Mickey Tettleton sign a box of Fruit Loops.
Hey Kevin, I bought my tickets just the other day. I'm pretty excited to go this year since I've never been either and especially with all of the great autographs that I might be able to aquire! Maybe I'll see you there. I'll be the one wearing the old school Cal Ripken jersey so I should be really easy to find! HAHA!
Justin, I just shot you an email. Glad somebody wants them. We're all trying to get to a BJ :)
William - It's not every day you get to share a room with Polish hero Rick Krivda.
FTB - Thanks for the offer! Congrats to Justin for nabbing those free tickets.
Bob - Hopefully some day soon Adam Jones will give Blair a run for his money.
Max - Does Kevin McReynolds attend that fantasy camp? I once worked with a Mets fan who foamed at the mouth at the very mention of KMac.
Ryan - If you went really old school and wore an Aberdeen High Cal jersey, maybe you'd be easier to spot!
Kevin...I plan on flying up for this, I will be wearing an Orioles away batting practice jersey with the name Gulfbird 44 on it
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