SAN FRANCISCO---Every year, the San Francisco Giants kick off the countdown to the regular season with FanFest. On February 9, fans filled the park once more to get their fill of the team before the season begins. Just like an amusement park, on the surface one can look at the thousands of people and see a sea of souls lining up for hours for a minute-long experience.
For many Giants fans, it’s more than that.
Squealing girls gawked at Tim Lincecum’s new haircut. Die-hard fans erupted in cheers at the sight of Buster Posey. Kids in their own special line were star-struck by their first autograph from a real life pro baseball player.
New this year was a “Trophy Pavilion”, which lured fans away from the confines of AT&T Park to neighboring Pier 48. There, fans were able to take pictures with the team’s 2010 and 2012 World Series trophies, as well as the hardware from their National League Championship. Included in the trophy experience were the trophies for the upcoming World Baseball Classic and the America’s Cup championship.
Similar to 2011, the Giants estimate that 35,000-45,000 fans attended the event.
For more from Claire, visit her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
