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| Kevin Short |
Swap out your Mickey ears for a baseball cap this weekend--the Disney Empire will forfeit its reign over Anaheim to the Major League.
The 20th Annual MLB All-Star FanFest, "an interactive baseball theme park and the largest baseball fan event in the world," opens in the Anaheim Convention Center on Friday, July 9 and runs up to the MLB All-Star Game on the night of Tuesday, July 13. We got to partake in a press preview this morning--here's what you can expect.
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| Kevin Short |
Over 450,000 square feet of the colossal convention center on Katella Avenue have been jam-packed with anything and everything paying homage to America's pastime. Although a bit pricey and littered with the signs of corporate sell-out (much like Angel Stadium), FanFest offers young and old an authentic, worthwhile baseball experience.
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| Kevin Short |
Whether you try to "Steal A Base, Steal A Taco" by racing a televised MLB star to second base, participate in a baseball clinic led by a Hall Of Famer, make a personalized baseball trading card, or pose for limitless photo ops, you're bound to go home with more swag than you can possibly jam into your oversized SUV. A definite plus is that the admission charge ($30 for adults, $25 for children) covers everything inside the convention center (minus that Nolan Ryan signed bat you're eyeing).
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| Kevin Short |
For those disillusioned by the commercial giveaways and children's activities, FanFest offers a slice of the past for baseball history buffs. Special exhibits pay tribute to the Hall of Fame, Negro Leagues, Women in Baseball, the World Baseball Classic and the Minor Leagues.
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| Kevin Short |
The building is a baseball shrine, overflowing with relics of the sport, from MVP trophies to extraordinarily rare jerseys.
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| Kevin Short |
Angels' legend Rod Carew was on hand Thursday, hosting children from a local Boys & Girls Club and members of the press. Carew displayed his saintly patience and calm demeanor as he coached a young girl through a good three dozen slow-balls before bat and ball made contact. Shortly thereafter, he fielded just as many questions from the media.
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