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Despite an extreme heat warning that turned Philadelphia’s streets into a sweltering gauntlet, thousands of baseball fans packed the blocks outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center for MLB All-Star Week festivities.
Upwards of 2,000 people stood outside on July 14, the last day of the MLB All-Star Village. It was an experience that drew excitement from fans of all ages, even under the relentless summer sun.
"There's a chance to meet players, a chance to hit baseballs," Ben Burdick said with a laugh. "It's just been a great experience for everyone."
The All-Star Village has been open since July 11, offering fans an additional experience to the games occurring at Citizens Bank Park. Similar to Burdick, many have come out for the player meet-and-greets, and the interactive activities the experience provides.
"There's something for everyone (in the village)," MLB Senior Manager of Global Events Robert Field told the media on July 9. "This is something we had been planning for a long time, that really evolved."
The largest reason for the long lines outside of the convention center was the appearance of some of Philadelphia's icons: members of the 2008 World Series Phillies team. Star second baseman Chase Utley was the first to appear at 9 a.m., with starting pitcher Cole Hamels and manager Charlie Manuel set to appear later.
Hamels expressed a reverance for the city's fans, as they packed in waves to come see him.
"It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that the city would show up in this way," Hamels said. "(The fans) truly are special."
Some other stars making appearances throughout the day are paying tribute to prior decades of Phillies baseball. Longtime 1970s infielder Dave Cash was in attendance, along with a member of the 1980 World Series championship team Dickie Noles.
While the opportunity has been thrilling for many, some fans expressed frustration with the village's "registration" system and the long lines, finding it hard to get in line to see players. That was evident on the morning of July 14, as even fans with "advance access" via a Capital One card scrambled to get to Utley, leaving a line inside the center around 400 people-deep before general admission even opened.
Allen Holtzer, who has been to seven of the last 10 All-Star villages, said that the visits from stars were more disorganized than in previous years.
"There have been days where the line has been wrapped around the entire center," he said. "It just hasn't been handled great."
The excitement of seeing the stars, all in all, seemed to triumph over the frustration, however. The buzz could be felt throughout the center floor, as the line slowly moved along.
"It's been really cool to come out here and meet these guys," said Alex, who declined to give his last name. "These are legends."
While most visitors came for the autograph signings, younger fans were just as eager to take the field on the event's miniature diamonds.
The village offers multiple miniature baseball fields, where youth can participate in a series of clinics, run by USA Baseball. Children stood outside with gloves ready in hand, eager to participate in the games.
Burdick's son, James, was especially drawn to the field. The USA Baseball volunteers explained he had been out playing every day, participating in the games.
When asked what his favorite part of the village was, James quickly lit up.
"Everything baseball," he said.
Most of his fellow fans in attendance had the same sentiment.
"It's a good time, especially for the kids," Holtzer said. "It's not perfect, but there's a lot to do."
Adam Denn is an intern reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fans brave extreme heat for MLB All-Star Village in Philadelphia
Continue reading...
Upwards of 2,000 people stood outside on July 14, the last day of the MLB All-Star Village. It was an experience that drew excitement from fans of all ages, even under the relentless summer sun.
"There's a chance to meet players, a chance to hit baseballs," Ben Burdick said with a laugh. "It's just been a great experience for everyone."
The All-Star Village has been open since July 11, offering fans an additional experience to the games occurring at Citizens Bank Park. Similar to Burdick, many have come out for the player meet-and-greets, and the interactive activities the experience provides.
"There's something for everyone (in the village)," MLB Senior Manager of Global Events Robert Field told the media on July 9. "This is something we had been planning for a long time, that really evolved."
Phillies greats create long lines
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The largest reason for the long lines outside of the convention center was the appearance of some of Philadelphia's icons: members of the 2008 World Series Phillies team. Star second baseman Chase Utley was the first to appear at 9 a.m., with starting pitcher Cole Hamels and manager Charlie Manuel set to appear later.
Hamels expressed a reverance for the city's fans, as they packed in waves to come see him.
"It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that the city would show up in this way," Hamels said. "(The fans) truly are special."
Some other stars making appearances throughout the day are paying tribute to prior decades of Phillies baseball. Longtime 1970s infielder Dave Cash was in attendance, along with a member of the 1980 World Series championship team Dickie Noles.
While the opportunity has been thrilling for many, some fans expressed frustration with the village's "registration" system and the long lines, finding it hard to get in line to see players. That was evident on the morning of July 14, as even fans with "advance access" via a Capital One card scrambled to get to Utley, leaving a line inside the center around 400 people-deep before general admission even opened.
Allen Holtzer, who has been to seven of the last 10 All-Star villages, said that the visits from stars were more disorganized than in previous years.
"There have been days where the line has been wrapped around the entire center," he said. "It just hasn't been handled great."
The excitement of seeing the stars, all in all, seemed to triumph over the frustration, however. The buzz could be felt throughout the center floor, as the line slowly moved along.
"It's been really cool to come out here and meet these guys," said Alex, who declined to give his last name. "These are legends."
Young fans enjoy activities
You must be registered for see images
While most visitors came for the autograph signings, younger fans were just as eager to take the field on the event's miniature diamonds.
The village offers multiple miniature baseball fields, where youth can participate in a series of clinics, run by USA Baseball. Children stood outside with gloves ready in hand, eager to participate in the games.
Burdick's son, James, was especially drawn to the field. The USA Baseball volunteers explained he had been out playing every day, participating in the games.
When asked what his favorite part of the village was, James quickly lit up.
"Everything baseball," he said.
Most of his fellow fans in attendance had the same sentiment.
"It's a good time, especially for the kids," Holtzer said. "It's not perfect, but there's a lot to do."
Adam Denn is an intern reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fans brave extreme heat for MLB All-Star Village in Philadelphia
Continue reading...
