The date has been set for this years FanFest, Saturday January 29th. When I heard the news I was hyped up and started to get cards together for the all day autograph excursion. Then I went looking for details and found this little tid bit.
My beloved Orioles have gone the way of the Ravens, cutting adults out of the autograph loop. Or at least making them pay for signatures. I understood the Ravens decision at training camp because of the safety of kids being trampled by mini-helmet weilding, middle agers clammoring for Ray-Ray to sign. It makes sense when kids get pushed aside, injured or ignored, I get that.
But FanFest is not a free-for-all like that. It is somewhat organized chaos and as long as you stood in line you could shake hands with your heroes. Last year I saw more kids in lines for autographs than adults and I never felt like children were being left out. Hell, every other aspect of the convention is geared to them with games and attractions, you couldn't have gotten more kid friendly. Apparently the Orioles feel you can.
I am just not sure I can justify $10 admission and $15 per autograph for a lot of guys that sign well in person or TTM. I am and always will be a collector. I don't go to FanFest to turn a profit. I go to feel like a kid again, talking with big leaguers and recent draftees alike. If I do end up going this year there will be no childlike amazement, I will be all business because of the money I will have to put into the day.
More news to follow when the Orioles decide to inform their fans how things are to go down.
Anyone have an extra early entry ticket that I could buy from them if I do go? I had to do general admission last year and lost out on a lot.
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The press release I saw last week suggested that the $15 charity donation would get you an autograph from each of 3 or 4 players at a station.
ReplyDeleteIf that turns out to be the case, it doesn't sound like a bad deal to me. But then again, I'm from the New York area and our teams don't bother with any sort of fan fest at all.
Yeah, I read another release where that was stated. As long as an actual list is given as to who and when is signing then the $15 isn't so bad. If it's a crap shoot like last year and it costs $, not gonna happen.
ReplyDeleteI already decided that I'm not going because of the fees. I'm sure I will make it to 20+ games this year and get all the players that I would be getting at fanfest. People will have to get the new players autos again later in the year anyway once they release new sets picturing them in Orioles uniform.
ReplyDeleteI like knowing that the players will be there to sign, and sign alone. As fans we have their undivided attention. If work remains the same I may get to 5 games this year. Gotta jump at the opportunity to get some guys I need.
ReplyDeleteAaron, are you still a season ticket holder? If so, did you get any early enty tickets to FanFest? I am looking to buy one.
I was really disappointed to hear about this too. Considering that I only need autographs from/of the few new players, it seems like a lot to have to pay for all the stations to make sure that I get them. I might have to wait for the season too.
ReplyDeleteI might be with Aaron on this one.
That sucks, man. As a Royals fan, I'm glad that they haven't gone to this extreme yet. It's bad enough that their caravan stop no longer comes to my town, though. Their excuse for that is to go to Fanfest.
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