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 Rays Fan Fest a hit Tropicana Field draws about 30,000 fans

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Rays Fan Fest a hit Tropicana Field draws about 30,000 fans Empty
PostSubject: Rays Fan Fest a hit Tropicana Field draws about 30,000 fans   Rays Fan Fest a hit Tropicana Field draws about 30,000 fans Icon_minipostedSun Feb 15, 2009 9:50 pm

02/14/09 3:24 PM EST
Rays Fan Fest a hit at Tropicana Field
Fans given opportunity to take picture with AL championship trophy

By Bill Chastain / MLB.com

ST. PETERSBURG -- Tropicana Field felt like a church of baseball Saturday, and Rays baseball served as the religion at the Tampa Bay Rays 2009 Fan Fest, presented by MetroPCS.

Saturday's Rays revival saw a sea of blue-clad fans stuffing the confines of the stadium and enjoying everything available under the Teflon top.

"You can feel the energy in here," said Rays left fielder Carl Crawford, wearing a broad smile as he signed autographs. "You can tell it's different than the past. I hope we can take some of this momentum into the season."

Unlike Fan Fests of the past, the players were the biggest attraction of the day, and fans stood in long lines in hopes of getting an autograph from one of their favorite players.

Newly acquired Pat Burrell, who signed a $16 million deal in January, said he had the chance to "meet a lot of nice people."

"I've enjoyed the day," Burrell said. "It's given me a chance to start getting used to being a Ray."

Tim Beckham, who the Rays selected with the top pick in last June's First-Year Player Draft, was experiencing his first Fan Fest, and the fans flocked to him.

"I like it," Beckham said. "It's been a nice experience. Hopefully, I will be a part of a lot more of these."

Another new Ray, Gabe Kapler, said it was incredible to see so many people in one place.

"The thing that stands out is just the sheer number of fans here today," Kapler said.

Tropicana Field's parking lot swelled with cars, prompting fans to park several blocks away from the stadium for the event, which was also sponsored by Southern Chevy Dealers, Sweetbay Supermarket and Bright House Sports Network.

"While it is a non-ticketed, free event with no official count, our estimate of today's attendance is in excess of 30,000 fans," Rays vice president of communications Rick Vaughn said. "If judged by the number of cars in our parking lots and the approximate number of autographs signed by our players and coaches, it was the largest turnout in the 13-year history of Fan Fest."

Among the many experiences inside, fans had an opportunity to have their photo taken with the American League championship trophy, courtesy of Visual Touch Photography. In addition, fans were able to visit the Bright House Sports Network Kids Interactive Zone and take a swing in a big league batting cage, test their fastball in the speed pitch booth and hit a home run in the Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby. Kids also had the chance to run the bases, and all fans were able to tour the Rays' clubhouse.

Rays broadcasters Andy Freed, Dave Wills, Dewayne Staats and Todd Kalas were on hand, as well as former Major League catcher and manager and current broadcaster Buck Martinez, who conducted a special question-and-answer session for all fans in the Centerfield Street Brew House. Martinez is currently the host of Baseball This Morning on XM Radio and is a broadcaster for TBS and the Baltimore Orioles' TV network.

Joey Chestnut, the winner of the 2007 and '08 Annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, greeted fans and signed autographs. Chestnut, who unseated Kobayashi as the world champion, is ranked as the top professional eater in the world.

Fans also were able to stop by the MetroPCS Call-A-Friend Stage to have the opportunity for a Rays player to call a friend or family member and receive the most up-to-date information on MetroPCS products.

Artifacts from the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame were showcased, as well as artifacts from the world's largest autographed baseball collection, including balls signed by Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb and many others. There also was a baseball card show.

The team honored its most loyal and diehard fans by inducting six new members into the Rays/Pepsi Fan Wall of Fame during a noon ceremony on the field. Those being honored are Corinne Bulla, St. Petersburg; Annie Miller, St. Petersburg; Pieter Wiemkin, St. Petersburg; Father Tom Anastasia, Plant City, Fla.; David Brougham, New Port Richey, Fla.; and Charlie Troeger, Auburndale, Fla.

"In terms of the number of people, this is pretty impressive," said Vaughn. "This is definitely a better turnout by far than any previous Fan Fest, and I've been to all of them."

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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