The Baltimore Orioles will hold their annual FanFest Saturday, Jan. 23. Their FanFest will be held at the Convention Center, not Oriole Park this season. I’m happy it’s at the Convention Center. The O’s can have a bigger celebration for their fans.
Orioles fans will get to see at least 60 former, current and hopefully future Birds. Some of the current and future O’s that are expected to be there are Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters. Of course, those four players are part of the O’s core for the future. This will be a great opportunity for fans to get to know the players even with a quick meet and greet situation.
Also, many former Orioles are going to be there including Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. Palmer is one of the most popular O’s and one of the nicest former players. All the fans attending FanFest, if the get a chance, should make their over to meet Palmer as it is a most enjoyable experience.
I hope there’s a big turnout this weekend, as there is a buzz surrounding the O’s this season. Many national publications have been impressed with the O’s and the FanFest is a great way for the fans to see the progress the franchise is making.
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FanFest Info
Where: Baltimore Convention Center
Date: Saturday, January 23
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET*
Pricing: $10 for adults; $5 for children 14 & under and fans 55 and over**
Parking: Free parking for all fans is available in Lot B/C »
I agree that it is good that the O's are bringing players of the past along wih current and future one's. Should be a real treat for the fans and the O's need to market the young core to the area. We have been hearing so much about these guys and I think it will be helpful for Orioles fans to connect more with the guys you mentioned.
Jeff, do you get the sense that while the national media has been largely applauding the O's re-building efforts, that there is a fair amount of skepticism and doubt among the fan base? Lots of O's fans seem to be taking an "I'll beleive when I see it approach, " towards the teams efforts at becoming relevant in the AL East again.
There’s a little bit of both ways here. The national media has mostly applauded the development of the farm system by Andy MacPhail via the draft and the two major trades (Tejada and Bedard). I believe the O’s will definitely be better this season, however, in the division it won’t be enough. I’d look for at least a fourth place finish this year with a significantly better record.
I agree that the o's should improve this year and that McPhail has them headed in the right direction with the development of the farm system and some of the player moves this off-sason. I guess the sense I get from some O's fans, not all, is that the Orioles will not be contenders until they open up the check book and bring in big name free agents. That is why I sense a reluctance from some fans to belive that this rebuild is the one that will get it done.
I would argue that our efforts to rebuild while being players in the FA market have largely failed and that it makes sense to time free agent talent acquisition to coincide with the young talent showing signs of success in the majors. But I still feel that the enthusiasm for the young O's is tempered and will not be in full effect until this team is in a pennant race.
When you tell us of these events you should provide details, time price or where to get tickets or info. Thanks
Good suggestion…. Thanks
a question without an answer is a paradox or a rhetorical question, so thats just not funny…..but yea