Fanfest 2010?

[mojochopper]

Just wondering if anyone has heard anything about the Braves Foundation sponsoring another Fanfest this year? They usually have made announcements about the event by now. Thanks and keep on choppin'!

[Lauren T.]

The Braves opened the stadium to free tours on a Saturday back in November, and there was a "Celebrity Bash" the night before to which you could buy a ticket. That same Saturday, season ticket holders could take BP from home plate, pitch from the mounds in the bullpens, and catch fly balls in the outfield.

As far as I've heard, that was it for the festivities this year. No autograph sessions or anything like that.

[mojochopper]

Well that stinks. Last year fanfest was not perfect but much improved from the past several I had been to. I actually got almost everyone's autograph. I was hoping they would have a similar set up as last year.

[BigWorm]

I went last year. It was an organized clusterfluck. If that's possible. Plus all the little nerds running around with their "front of the line" passes really pissed me off. I did get to talk to Tommy Hanson a little bit which was cool. But I wasn't planning on going this year anyway. I waited 30 minutes for Derek Lowe, only to find out his tiny whiny little hand was worn out and had to quit early. The guy behind me said "it wasn't tired when he signed that 60 million dollar contract". My wife got tickets for us as a surprise, or I wouldn't have wanted to go anyway.

[mojochopper]

If anyone is interested the Braves announced an extended Braves Caravan where players will be signing autographs Jan. 30-Feb11. They will be going to several locations in Alabama, Tennessee, S. Carolina, N.Carolina and Georgia. Specific dates are locations are listed on braves homepage.

[Lauren T.]

... But they won't say until the date is upon us which Braves are scheduled to appear. You might think you're getting Chipper Jones but Clint Sammons shows up instead. A word of warning. ;)

[mojochopper]

Yeah I know. I doubt many of the veteran guys go on the long road trips for autographs...I think McCann is pretty good about going, I believe Escobar may have went last year. But you can probally expect mostly rookies, and bench and bullpen guys. But there are several dates around town where Chip and other vets may make a brief appearance. I could definitely see Hudson making an appearace at one of the Alabama (Auburn) locations.

[Redman5006]

I just found this info on the caravan for 2010. I hope your location is better than the two I will go to.

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=events/all/2010_braves_caravan

[Lauren T.]

Thanks, Redman. My blog readers will be very happy to know where to stake out. :D

[mojochopper]

Thanks Redman, I just looked at the list of players on the list at each acadamy sport locations and noticed inconsistancies with the list provided on Braves.com/caravan (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/caravan.jsp). Academy sports show Escobar appearing at the Auburn and Montgomery locations on Jan 30th braves site does not. They also have Chipper appearing at the Athens location Feb.10th that is not on the braves site. Don't know which is more acturate but I wouldn't get too hung up on seeing those players at those locations.

[Redman5006]

Thanks mojo for adding that info from braves.com. I am probably going to ride to Montgomery saturday and will let everyone know who made an apperance at that location.

[Lauren T.]

A friend sent over the press release with the players scheduled to appear and the detailed schedule. I linked to the document on Braves Love (http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2010/01/details-on-braves-caravan.html).

[Redman5006]

Hi all, I just got back from the Mongomery stop on the 2010 caravan and of the four Braves set to sign (Kris Medlen, Freddie Freeman, Jordan Schafer, Chino Cadahia) Schafer wasnt able to make it. One of the Braves personnel said Schafers grandmother was very ill. It was kinda a bummer, but I would say he had a very good reason to miss. I hope all the best for him and his grandmother. I will make the Hoover stop next weekend. Anyway, please keep us all updated on any of the stops you may attend. Im hoping for a few surprise Braves at least one or two.