MLB Fan Fest: Anyone been to one?

[mwashuc06]

How are these events and how hard is it to get anything signed?

 

[vintagerookies51]

I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

 

[Codasco07]

If you mean the All Star Fanfest in July, the lines are very long.

 

[rookieaddict]

Went to FanFest in St Louis, was a good time. Not a great environment to get autographs though. If I were a kid I would have gone nuts with all the great activities they had lined up for me. Tons of hands on, energy expending stuff for the kiddos.

 

[padremurph]

They are overly crowded which kinda ruins the fun. I remember going in the 90s when the ASG was in San Diego and it was fun.

This past year I went to the Lakers fans fest at the LA Convention center and it was awful, way too many people. Got Kareem's auto along with Jamaal Wilkes, Michael Thompson, and Luke Walton so that was nice.

 

[TwinGnats]

In the past few years I've had Torii Hunter, Bert Blyleven, Micheal Cuddyer and Kent Hrbek without any lines at the end of their time windows. You can usually get a lot of the prospects at the end of their time window when the early birds are lining up for the next group. You just have to know how to do it right.

I've stood in line for Santana, Mauer and Morneau...you really can't complain about lines with those guys. Especially considering how affordable they are. I'm doing a project getting all the Minnesota born Twins on a bat. Paul Molitor was $25 (no wait cuz I made my wife wait in line for him)...Winfield? I'll probably have to fly to San Diego and pay $175.

I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

 

[TBTwinsFan]

In the past few years I've had Torii Hunter, Bert Blyleven, Micheal Cuddyer and Kent Hrbek without any lines at the end of their time windows. You can usually get a lot of the prospects at the end of their time window when the early birds are lining up for the next group. You just have to know how to do it right.

I've stood in line for Santana, Mauer and Morneau...you really can't complain about lines with those guys. Especially considering how affordable they are. I'm doing a project getting all the Minnesota born Twins on a bat. Paul Molitor was $25 (no wait cuz I made my wife wait in line for him)...Winfield? I'll probably have to fly to San Diego and pay $175.

I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

TwinsFest is actually pretty good... Also if you want free autos, don't bother paying $15 for some decent guys, stand at the radio booth. They come right past and sign... Carl Pavano did for me and my friend... granted not all of them hardcore sign, but what you get is what you get.

Also, not a lot of people know about it, but most times, there are HOFers down on the floor that have their own booth and they charge decent prices and are virtually empty 99% of the time.

If you want to sit on some stuff, there are some Gophers that sign back by the kids area that nobody is at. They have their own table...

 

[17ROCKIES12]

I went to Fanfest in 98 (Denver) and 08 (NYC). The lines are incredibly long. They announce who is signing each day. The problem is they didn't let you know when they were signing. The autograph line was 3 hours long, and the players were only signing for 2 hours, so you are blindly getting in line, unsure of what you are waiting for. I decided not to do it, but now regret it. They usually have some great signers.

 

[ChicagoCubsWS]

I went in 03.

Granted I was only 8, but I remember standing in line, and company reps passing out free cards then entire time...got HOF autos (Fergie Jenkins, some others I don't remember)

We did pack wars also (I got a shirt, my dad got 2 boxes)
Also had pictures taken in jerseys.

And did a wrapper redemption and got nice cards (GU)

Overall, for a 8 year old, it was an amazing experience.

 

[Musial Collector]

In the past few years I've had Torii Hunter, Bert Blyleven, Micheal Cuddyer and Kent Hrbek without any lines at the end of their time windows. You can usually get a lot of the prospects at the end of their time window when the early birds are lining up for the next group. You just have to know how to do it right.

I've stood in line for Santana, Mauer and Morneau...you really can't complain about lines with those guys. Especially considering how affordable they are. I'm doing a project getting all the Minnesota born Twins on a bat. Paul Molitor was $25 (no wait cuz I made my wife wait in line for him)...Winfield? I'll probably have to fly to San Diego and pay $175.

I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

TwinsFest is actually pretty good... Also if you want free autos, don't bother paying $15 for some decent guys, stand at the radio booth. They come right past and sign... Carl Pavano did for me and my friend... granted not all of them hardcore sign, but what you get is what you get.

Also, not a lot of people know about it, but most times, there are HOFers down on the floor that have their own booth and they charge decent prices and are virtually empty 99% of the time.

If you want to sit on some stuff, there are some Gophers that sign back by the kids area that nobody is at. They have their own table...

Nice, screw over the Twins Community Fund!!! ::facepalm:: :benson:

 

[Musial Collector]

I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

Twinsfest is the best and most organized fan fest in all of baseball.
They have 50 current and former players there, including Mauer, Morneau, Thome, Killebrew, Carew, Molitor, etc
Then you have the likes of Fergie Jenkins and Bob Feller Museum bringing players in to sign, like Fingers, Yount, etc
Where are going to go in a three day span to get access this many players all in one spot?
The lines are well managed, the people dont push, there is plenty of room, etc.
If you dont enjoy Twinsfest, you more than likely wont enjoy any other teams fest.

A plus to the dome collapsing this year, Twinsfest will be held in Blaine at the Nationsl Sports Center, and the number of tickets being sold will be limited, so to me this is a plus, better likelihood you will be able to secure the autos of the above guys within their 1 1/2 hours timeframe easily, at least IMO.

 

[AmishDave]

I thought TwinsFest was great. Got the Minor League players very quickly. Sure, it occupied a bunch of time, but it was well worth the wait to have several of the players asking why I was wearing a Marlins jersey.

Can't wait til this year.

 

[TBTwinsFan]

In the past few years I've had Torii Hunter, Bert Blyleven, Micheal Cuddyer and Kent Hrbek without any lines at the end of their time windows. You can usually get a lot of the prospects at the end of their time window when the early birds are lining up for the next group. You just have to know how to do it right.

I've stood in line for Santana, Mauer and Morneau...you really can't complain about lines with those guys. Especially considering how affordable they are. I'm doing a project getting all the Minnesota born Twins on a bat. Paul Molitor was $25 (no wait cuz I made my wife wait in line for him)...Winfield? I'll probably have to fly to San Diego and pay $175.

I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

TwinsFest is actually pretty good... Also if you want free autos, don't bother paying $15 for some decent guys, stand at the radio booth. They come right past and sign... Carl Pavano did for me and my friend... granted not all of them hardcore sign, but what you get is what you get.

Also, not a lot of people know about it, but most times, there are HOFers down on the floor that have their own booth and they charge decent prices and are virtually empty 99% of the time.

If you want to sit on some stuff, there are some Gophers that sign back by the kids area that nobody is at. They have their own table...

Nice, screw over the Twins Community Fund!!! ::facepalm:: :benson:

I think they will manage without our total $25. That was the only one we got anyways... Not like we took advantage of every player.

 

[Musial Collector]

In the past few years I've had Torii Hunter, Bert Blyleven, Micheal Cuddyer and Kent Hrbek without any lines at the end of their time windows. You can usually get a lot of the prospects at the end of their time window when the early birds are lining up for the next group. You just have to know how to do it right.

I've stood in line for Santana, Mauer and Morneau...you really can't complain about lines with those guys. Especially considering how affordable they are. I'm doing a project getting all the Minnesota born Twins on a bat. Paul Molitor was $25 (no wait cuz I made my wife wait in line for him)...Winfield? I'll probably have to fly to San Diego and pay $175.

I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

TwinsFest is actually pretty good... Also if you want free autos, don't bother paying $15 for some decent guys, stand at the radio booth. They come right past and sign... Carl Pavano did for me and my friend... granted not all of them hardcore sign, but what you get is what you get.

Also, not a lot of people know about it, but most times, there are HOFers down on the floor that have their own booth and they charge decent prices and are virtually empty 99% of the time.

If you want to sit on some stuff, there are some Gophers that sign back by the kids area that nobody is at. They have their own table...

Nice, screw over the Twins Community Fund!!! ::facepalm:: :benson:

I think they will manage without our total $25. That was the only one we got anyways... Not like we took advantage of every player.

I guess you dont get it.
You do it, the guy next to you does it, the next person does it, etc
It all adds up
But hey, the kids that dont get new jerseys or benches at their ballfield, or bats and ball, or whatever the case, they will all understand, right?

Of course Im being somewhat sarcastic, but IMO you are stealing from kids just like yourself.
If youre cool with that, then youre cool with that. I for one am not. To each their own though.

 

[mwashuc06]

Was thinking about going to the Pirates one to see what I could get of McCutchen and Alvarez, maybe Taillon and Allie would show up...

 

[JoshB.]

Giants Fan Fest was really fun, but the lines were crazy long. If you are patient enough, you can get some good autographs though.

 

[TBTwinsFan]

[quote="Musial Collector":2zbzbpes]

In the past few years I've had Torii Hunter, Bert Blyleven, Micheal Cuddyer and Kent Hrbek without any lines at the end of their time windows. You can usually get a lot of the prospects at the end of their time window when the early birds are lining up for the next group. You just have to know how to do it right.

I've stood in line for Santana, Mauer and Morneau...you really can't complain about lines with those guys. Especially considering how affordable they are. I'm doing a project getting all the Minnesota born Twins on a bat. Paul Molitor was $25 (no wait cuz I made my wife wait in line for him)...Winfield? I'll probably have to fly to San Diego and pay $175.

I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

TwinsFest is actually pretty good... Also if you want free autos, don't bother paying $15 for some decent guys, stand at the radio booth. They come right past and sign... Carl Pavano did for me and my friend... granted not all of them hardcore sign, but what you get is what you get.

Also, not a lot of people know about it, but most times, there are HOFers down on the floor that have their own booth and they charge decent prices and are virtually empty 99% of the time.

If you want to sit on some stuff, there are some Gophers that sign back by the kids area that nobody is at. They have their own table...

Nice, screw over the Twins Community Fund!!! ::facepalm:: :benson:

I think they will manage without our total $25. That was the only one we got anyways... Not like we took advantage of every player.

I guess you dont get it.
You do it, the guy next to you does it, the next person does it, etc
It all adds up
But hey, the kids that dont get new jerseys or benches at their ballfield, or bats and ball, or whatever the case, they will all understand, right?

Of course Im being somewhat sarcastic, but IMO you are stealing from kids just like yourself.
If youre cool with that, then youre cool with that. I for one am not. To each their own though.[/quote:2zbzbpes]


Well, alright then.

When I go to TwinsFest though, the #1 thing on my mind is not "I wonder how much money I can donate today!"

 

[r2d2]

I went to 2004 in Houston and I'll definitely be in Phoenix this year.
Yes, the line was long but I got Harmon Killebrew for free with MLB authentication so I didn't mind

 

[Musial Collector]

[quote="Musial Collector":1vatkkdo]

In the past few years I've had Torii Hunter, Bert Blyleven, Micheal Cuddyer and Kent Hrbek without any lines at the end of their time windows. You can usually get a lot of the prospects at the end of their time window when the early birds are lining up for the next group. You just have to know how to do it right.

I've stood in line for Santana, Mauer and Morneau...you really can't complain about lines with those guys. Especially considering how affordable they are. I'm doing a project getting all the Minnesota born Twins on a bat. Paul Molitor was $25 (no wait cuz I made my wife wait in line for him)...Winfield? I'll probably have to fly to San Diego and pay $175.

[quote="vintagerookies51":1vatkkdo]I went to the Twins Fest and it took hours to get items signed by even minor players. The lines were unbeleivably long. People were camping out at the front of the line after waiting all morning. But they got Joe mauer and j. morneau

TwinsFest is actually pretty good... Also if you want free autos, don't bother paying $15 for some decent guys, stand at the radio booth. They come right past and sign... Carl Pavano did for me and my friend... granted not all of them hardcore sign, but what you get is what you get.

Also, not a lot of people know about it, but most times, there are HOFers down on the floor that have their own booth and they charge decent prices and are virtually empty 99% of the time.

If you want to sit on some stuff, there are some Gophers that sign back by the kids area that nobody is at. They have their own table...

Nice, screw over the Twins Community Fund!!! ::facepalm:: :benson:

I think they will manage without our total $25. That was the only one we got anyways... Not like we took advantage of every player.

I guess you dont get it.
You do it, the guy next to you does it, the next person does it, etc
It all adds up
But hey, the kids that dont get new jerseys or benches at their ballfield, or bats and ball, or whatever the case, they will all understand, right?

Of course Im being somewhat sarcastic, but IMO you are stealing from kids just like yourself.
If youre cool with that, then youre cool with that. I for one am not. To each their own though.[/quote:1vatkkdo]


Well, alright then.

When I go to TwinsFest though, the #1 thing on my mind is not "I wonder how much money I can donate today!"[/quote:1vatkkdo]

Then you totally miss the point of it young fella.
You get one of these :benson: and one of these ::facepalm:: today

TwinsFest, one of the largest team-run fan festivals in professional sports, is an annual fundraiser for the Minnesota Twins Community Fund. Since its inception in 1989, TwinsFest has raised more than $4.2 million for programs and organizations supported by the Twins Community Fund.
About the Twins Community Fund
Established as a nonprofit organization in 1991, the mission of the Twins Community Fund is to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through and association with baseball, softball and the Minnesota Twins.

You go there for autos, you are suppose to pay for autos, where the frack do you think your $$$ go towards?? Todays youth, want everything for free!!!

Here is how I picture your converstion with your "friends":
"Hey guys, Im going to a fundraiser this weekend, but Im not gonna donate any money, Im just gonna try and get free shat at it, :lol: "

 

[Greg Cleveland]

How are these events and how hard is it to get anything signed?

Assuming the IP is talking about the All Star Fanfest (must live in AZ sine the AS game is there next year) I will share my experienes. I've gone to All Star Fanfests in 1993, 1998, 2002 and 2003. It has changed over the years. Getting autographs is fun, but as everyone has said, the lines are long, and you wait longer than the person is signing for. Example: in 2002, I got in line at 12:30 for a 3:00 Will Clark signing. someone else was signing at the time. By the time that person was finished, I had weaved through the line enough where I waited only half an hour for Will. Sounds dumb, but planning ahead as soon as you know the schedule is key. Otherwise, Fanfest is more of a family activity event, than a place for collectors. There's a big card & memorabilia show of course, but that's a small part of what is there. Getting autos is nice, but not the prime reason to go. In the past, each card company had large booths and gave away cards, promos, sets, and all sorts of stuff. Those days are gone. Topps will be there, who knows if Panini or Upper Deck will have any presence there. So bottom line to me is have fun doing stuff, move around a lot, bring your own water and food if you can, and bring family or friends to do stuff with. Especially if you plan on waiting in line for three hours.