Dodgers FanFest 2019: Reactions Across Social Media
After six hours on a spotless Los Angeles day, another Dodgers FanFest has come and gone. From autographs to games to merchandise to delicious food, there was a lot for fans to dig into and get into the spirit for the team’s 61st year in Los Angeles.
As the event approached, many fans noted (and lamented) how the sluggish and unpredictable offseason would affect which players would be available at FanFest. Much has been swirling about the growing likelihood of Joc Pederson being traded, yet he was the first to take the stage, and in good spirits.
Fan Fest 2019! Who’s ready for some baseball? pic.twitter.com/91ITtyNq00
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) January 26, 2019
Another long-rumored transaction that affected the proceedings was the signing of A.J. Pollock, which has actually happened, if only just recently.
He looks good ? pic.twitter.com/TfUOCmWSXf
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) January 26, 2019
Pollock indeed officially signed today, just in time to join the crowd for a session on the main stage.
Freshly signed A.J. Pollock greets his new home crowd at #DodgersFF pic.twitter.com/cyfPV4TzUP
— Nick Ostiller (@NickOstiller) January 26, 2019
There were players, of course, whose availability was never in question. Sue Jo knew which ones in particular:
You’re welcome. #DodgersFF pic.twitter.com/h97DNH2YDu
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 26, 2019
Countless other Dodger figures past and present took the stage, including a slimmed-down Kenley Jansen.
Austin Barnes and ?@kenleyjansen74? onstage at #DodgersFF. pic.twitter.com/iLI55RuXkq
— Marshall Garvey (@MarshallGarvey) January 27, 2019
Fans also took advantage of the Dodgers Foundation Yard Sale, buying a wide variety of authentic trinkets:
Got lots of cool stuff and raised money for a good cause @DodgersFdn @Dodgers #DodgersFF pic.twitter.com/GcyhSTzh8t
— stitch310 ???? (@Stich_cpt) January 27, 2019
Of course, in order to obtain these items, you had to wait a 2018 World Series game three-level line in to get them, as our lead editor FRG learned the hard way:
Highly recommended NOT getting in the #DodgersFF Yard Sale line! #FRGsTip pic.twitter.com/5Uay6kjaal
— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) January 26, 2019
Yours truly took advantage of autograph opportunities with Orel Hershiser and Fernando Valenzuela, as well as a superb pop-up history museum with team historian Mark Langill. I’ll save most of the pics and details for a more detailed personal recap of my time, but here’s one of me getting the Fernando one, on an issue of Sports Illustrated from his incredible 1981 rookie season.
Just getting an autograph from Fernando at #DodgersFF! pic.twitter.com/JnVdmRNVDt
— Marshall Garvey (@MarshallGarvey) January 27, 2019
Of course, I was far from the only fan to be in awe of meeting a franchise legend:
https://twitter.com/nut4dgr/status/1089312237125173249
Overall, a fun and relaxing time for fans to savor after another trying offseason.
That’s a wrap on the 2019 #DodgersFF! pic.twitter.com/HEiWbN7wuE
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 27, 2019
What were your highlights of FanFest 2019? What stood out, and what would you like to see next year? Let us know in the comments!
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Verdugo deciding not to show up for his autograph session didn’t win him and fans.