Fan Fest '09
by UnleashTheGore on Jan 22, 2009 8:18 AM PST
98 comments
The new season is coming up just a few short months away, and I'm pretty excited for this year. The wife and I have decided to make the trek from Visalia and visit this year's Fan Fest!
My question is, does anyone have any general suggestions/recommendations/advice for attending this event? I've never been to one before, and I don't really know what to expect. I do know that I am thrilled to see (from among this group of people) RJ, Timmy, Cain, and Will the Thrill among others. It should be a good time.
Anyone else planning on going as well?
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I’m planning on going this year. I haven’t been to one before and it will hopefully be fun. I would have liked to see Winn there but at least I can give Cain awkward man-love glances.
by chilibean_3 on Jan 22, 2009 8:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Winn was there last year, I met him briefly. I remember noting (and posting on this site) that he seemed kind of bored, so I guess it’s not surprising he’s not on this year’s list.
Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa
by raisingcain on Jan 22, 2009 7:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He did an interview with Radnich about a week ago and a lot of it was about the Fan Fest and that he will be atending… unless something has changed…. Winn Interview
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Jan 22, 2009 10:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be there.
With a few friends. Went last year and it was pretty cool.
Except the field was covered with dirt. Hopefully it’s not that way this time.
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 9:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Also, my real name
is Ian.
That way if anyone runs into me we can pretend like we know each other from somewhere other than the internetz. Nothing nerdier than introducing yourself by your forum name in public :)
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm Luke
I’ll be the guy in the Giants hat and jersey ;)
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Jan 22, 2009 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Internet Meeting IRL
HELLO FAIR WEATHER FAN, HERES A CAT PICTURE.
by xanthan on Jan 22, 2009 10:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
HI EX-AN-THAN
OR IS IT ZAN-THAN?
/awkward pause while I chuckle to myself (lol) at your cat picture.
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Aside:
My girlfriend recently commented to me the other day as I was replying to someone on this forum:
“You just typed ‘LOL’, but you didn’t actually laugh, or even give any sort of physical indication that you thought something was funny.”
So really, internetz communication has evolved to the point where we are expressing real-life reactions that we aren’t even really having. It is as if since we know no one is there to observe them, we just don’t bother.
lol.
er wait, no – I didn’t. I kinda smiled a little there tho – just for a split second.
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My girlfriend
Come on, we both know that’s not true. Your posting on the Internet!
Also, I do laugh out loud. Sometimes.
by xanthan on Jan 22, 2009 10:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, I do laugh out loud. Sometimes.
But never at a Goofus joke.
by xanthan on Jan 22, 2009 10:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait..
Those are supposed to be jokes?
Or are we just supposed to laugh to make him feel better.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Jan 22, 2009 7:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
tl;dr
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Jan 23, 2009 2:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
sry rite small now.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Jan 23, 2009 5:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The last time I honestly laughed out loud (other than the odd chuckle every now and again) was the butt pee thread.
My sides were starting to hurt!
by Lars The Wanderer on Jan 22, 2009 10:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a pretty reserved guy
But occasionally something gets me. Mostly, I just crack a brief smile.
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I like to think that you’re wearing a Velez jersey at all times.
by xanthan on Jan 22, 2009 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
/brief smile
see, that’s much more accurate.
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ahem
I think you mean “You’re”
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
YOU WOUNDLT CALL ME A JERK IF THIS WERE IRL
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
ALSO I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO TELL IF YOU SAID YOUR OR YOU'RE IRL
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
AND NO IM NOT TAKLING ABOUT THE INDY RACING LEAGUE
noob
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
QUIT YELLING
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Jan 22, 2009 7:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As of Tuesday
it was not covered with dirt. I went for a walk on my lunch break and the lines were actually painted, the batting cage was up and ready to go and there was a bucket of what could have been baseballs near the bump. I was excited to potentially watch some BP, but after about 15 mins of hanging around the archways the grounds crew came out and started taking down the cage.
I’ll also be at fanfest
Giants! Giants! HELP US GOD!
by j14 on Jan 22, 2009 10:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why do they have to tease us like that?
by rightcenterfielder on Jan 22, 2009 11:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm expecting to see dirt
Monster Energy Supercross – AT&T Park – January 31, 2009
It would be nice if they could have FanFest before this comes to town, but I’m sure they have their reasons.
by rightcenterfielder on Jan 22, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Every time I see the ad for this event on TV it makes me sad. It’s like having a Pro Wrestling match at the Vatican.
My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.
by Kitspool on Jan 22, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you mean “awesome”?
Castillo got the DFA. Guestimate for Castillo DFA to come before the 2009 season = 2.
by kennv on Jan 22, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess you could get Shawn Michaels and AJ Styles.
by Natto on Jan 22, 2009 12:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like Carlos Mencia
but reading you post reminded me of this
Giants! Giants! HELP US GOD!
by j14 on Jan 22, 2009 12:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My dirt co-workers will be working this event.
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Jan 22, 2009 8:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you need to get there early?
And what is the parking situation like?
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Jan 22, 2009 10:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
When I went last year
I walked from my apartment. Since I now live in Sunnyvale, that doesn’t seem to be an option.
I may just take the train.
by FairweatherFan on Jan 22, 2009 10:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You can go early, but if you’re looking for autographs, those sessions go on during various times throughout the day. You’ll probably get a better idea of who’ll be signing and when if you do go early. As for parking… I recommend taking MUNI instead.
by Natto on Jan 22, 2009 10:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
for sure?
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Jan 22, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I looked and it doesn’t say specifically free parking but I’ve been to at least the last 10 and it’s always been free.
by robbgin on Jan 22, 2009 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Since you’re coming to the central valley, you can use the Pleasanton BART station. take BART into the city then hop the muni to the ballpark. Then no worries if the lot fills up. My sister does this when her family comes to games.
by timmeh on Jan 23, 2009 2:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
how much would the BART ticket cost to SF from there?
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Jan 23, 2009 2:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Pleasanton/Dublin to Embarcadero
It’s $10.50 roundtrip/person. With Chinese New Year, it would probably be worth it to avoid all the traffic in the city that day.
by timmeh on Jan 23, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Coming in from Sacremanto, I personally like to take Amtrak to games. Mr Merope prefers to drive in to El Cerrito del Norte BART – free parking – and BART in from there.
by Merope on Jan 23, 2009 3:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I went last year and had a great time. You can do all the fanboy stuff like tour the clubhouse/press box/dugout and you can get autographs, but for me the best part was definitely the Q&A with Cain and Lincecum. They were just great — funny, interesting answers to some questions, good guys (they stuck around for a LONG time to sign autographs even as their handlers were trying to send them to their next meet ‘n greet). And Damon Bruce did a good job hosting it, and normally I can’t stand hearing the guy’s voice.
The Q&As in general are good because they’re usually between a few dozen and a hundred fans there and they’re casual. If you really want to ask your favorite Giants player a question, you usually can.
It was much better than “Cats.” I’ll probably be going again and again.
My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.
by Kitspool on Jan 22, 2009 11:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, the Q&As are the best part. You get to see the players up close, get the chance interact with them, and you don’t have to wait in a ridiculously long line to do so.
by rightcenterfielder on Jan 22, 2009 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've been to the last few... meh.
I find them so crowded and the movement along the concourses so damn slow that it is really unpleasant. The access to players is so random and improbable that that’s not really a draw. Given the extreme unlikelihood of meeting any particular player, the only real draw is hearing them interviewed, which one can listen to on KNBR.
I'm adopting a true Giant and an awe-inspring gamer: tk. "Atta babe."
by Mayor of 311 on Jan 22, 2009 11:37 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Access to players improbable?
Really? I was actually going to go this year and get Timmy’s autograph, I’m not a huge memorabilia guy but thought it would be a good one to have. Is it really that shitty?
by lincysgiants on Jan 22, 2009 12:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s going to be very difficult to get his autograph. You’ll have to get lucky and get in the front of the line.
by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 22, 2009 12:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Several thousand fans; any given player is available for 15 or so minutes at a table.
That is the math of it. We can’t say that you won’t get his autograph, but it is 99.99999999999999999921% probable that you will not. It’s not 300 fans and the players all hang out all day.
I'm adopting a true Giant and an awe-inspring gamer: tk. "Atta babe."
by Mayor of 311 on Jan 22, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it’ll be very tough. In 07, I stood in line for a press box tour for like, I forget, close to 2 hours? I ended up with Righetti’s and schierholtz’s autograph. Last year was much better, lines were <30 min, and I got winn, threets, schierholtz, alfonzo, frandsen, taschner, ishikawa, and maybe more (a couple weren’t in lines, just out in the walkway). I also came close to getting Kevin Mitchell’s autograph twice, but both times he left just before he got to me.
Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa
by raisingcain on Jan 22, 2009 7:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I really want to go but obviously I can’t. SO I WILL LIVE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH THE REST OF YOU.
I expect pictures.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Jan 22, 2009 12:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
You’re going to miss Joseph Martinez.
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
by SF Pete on Jan 22, 2009 7:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Jan 22, 2009 8:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m going. I went to the last two and had fun.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jan 22, 2009 1:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I’ll be the guy across who got frustrated with the teeming throng, and decided to head across the street to O’Neils for a pint or eight.
Went to O’Neils last year, and saw not one, but two McC Angel Quote t-shirts
by biff pocoroba on Jan 22, 2009 1:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure there was just one shirt. Did you see two? Probably.
by Grant on Jan 22, 2009 4:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wanted to go to this one, but Mr. Merope’s parents are in town that weekend. I keep thinking “but I wrote ‘fanfest’ on the calendar 1st! I should get to go!”
Mr. Merope wasn’t too happy when he heard he’d be missing Clark !
by Merope on Jan 22, 2009 3:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
His dad is in poor health, big crowds and lots of standing/walking/activity aren’t options.
by Merope on Jan 22, 2009 3:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Get a wheelchair.
Then they’ll let you do everything.
Just use that fella!
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Jan 22, 2009 7:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He refuses to do that.
And the whole crowd thing wouldn’t be good for him – one bump and he could end up in the hospital. We’ll have to try to go next year…. when we’ll be celebrating a World Series victory … < cough > < cough >
by Merope on Jan 22, 2009 7:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Going!!
Never been before, believe it or not. My wife never had Saturdays off before this year, and I going to things where I don’t know anyone yet. We’re really looking forward to it.
No, really, I have updated my blog this year: http://skaldheim.livejournal.com/tag/baseball
by Skaldheim on Jan 22, 2009 4:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I went to Fan Fest a few years back when they had it in a warehouse near the park. (Back when the economy was stronger, they had lots of activities and free stuff from sponsors—very cool.) I think I recall people lining up early to get tickets which you need to get an autograph. Is that what they’re doing these past few years, or do we just have to wait in line and get lucky?
Either way, I’m going, if only to look for Cain and Lincecum… and Pablo, Lewis, and Burriss!
by procrastinating on Jan 22, 2009 4:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'll be there
But I’m too old to get current player’s autograph so I’ll avoid that. I say too old because I think if you’re almost old enough to be a player’s father or mother, you shouldn’t be getting their autograph. Only exception is if you saw them as young person (only guys like Will Clark, Carney Lansford or Krukow and Kuiper there).
A McC newcomer but not outstanding.
by SFGuy on Jan 22, 2009 5:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to go..
We’ll see how things go near that. I hope if I go and Lincecum is signing autographs then I can bring an Enchanter photoshop for him to sign, see if that gets a chuckle out of him.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Jan 22, 2009 7:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
The last time I remember the Enchanter nickname mentioned to him
I’m pretty sure he didn’t get the reference. You should bring him a Monty Python DVD
by kimmyg on Jan 23, 2009 1:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't remember hearing he knew about the Enchanter.
“Hey Tim, can you sign this? Thanks! Oh by the way, watch this tonight too!”
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Jan 23, 2009 5:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
An autographed “Juggernate” picture would be pretty cool, too.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Jan 23, 2009 2:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll go...probably
Unless something else interferes, I’m not sure right now. At this point, I would go to the ballpark for any event, I miss it so much.
Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa
by raisingcain on Jan 22, 2009 8:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Warning for those going to Fan Fest
If you plan on leaving late from the Fan Fest, I would advise using public transit. The Fan Fest is the same day as the Chinese New Year Parade in SF. If you are in town after 3PM, you’ll probably hit a lot of traffic.
A McC newcomer but not outstanding.
by SFGuy on Jan 23, 2009 12:15 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Matt Cain will get creeped out by my Superwonderful shirt…
by Natto on Jan 23, 2009 12:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not as much as my “I LOVE Matt Cain” shirt. If I go, that is…
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
Your 2009 Opening Day starter at second base*: Eugenio Velez
*For the Fresno Grizzlies
by baetown415 on Jan 23, 2009 1:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
so...
My “Matt Cain please have my children” shirt would be too much?
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Jan 23, 2009 8:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My “Matt Cain, I want to wear your face as a mask” might be too much?
by xanthan on Jan 23, 2009 8:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My “Matt Cain, I wanna wear your skin like a costume” shirt might be too much?
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
Your 2009 Opening Day starter at second base*: Eugenio Velez
*For the Fresno Grizzlies
by baetown415 on Jan 23, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My “Matt Cain, I want to smell you from the inside out” shirt might be too much?
by xanthan on Jan 23, 2009 12:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If we don’t go skiing that weekend, Goofus Jr. and will probably go. It’s fun for kids to see the players up close.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Jan 23, 2009 2:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
kids?
C’mon Goofus, it’s fun for you to see them up close!
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Jan 23, 2009 2:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m much more star-struck by policians and pundits than athletes or entertainers.
The fact that my son got to shake Barack’s hand when he was in SF last year is the coolest thing ever in my book.
Mrs. Goofus and I were in DC for the inauguration and were totally into seeing and meeting political figures.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Jan 23, 2009 4:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sent you an email with pics
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Jan 23, 2009 5:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
People like you scare me.
Politicians are scum of the earth.
by Lars The Wanderer on Jan 23, 2009 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on the politician. I have a tough time believing someone like Jackie Speier is scum. The woman is remarkable.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Jan 23, 2009 5:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
She was shot in Jamestown. But I doubt that fact alone would make her remarkable.
by Lars The Wanderer on Jan 26, 2009 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Her husband was also killed in a car accident, leaving her to raise her two kids alone while pursuing a career.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Jan 30, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
didnt even know
anything about this event until reading this thread.
you guys have talked me into talking my friends into going.
by scottishgiants on Jan 25, 2009 6:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
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