SAN FRANCISCO---As the sun shined over AT&T Park on this February day, fans filed into the home of the San Francisco Giants for the team’s annual KNBR 680/Giants FanFest presented by Hawaiian Airlines.
The anticipation of the 2012 season accompanied the crowd as they filled up the ballpark, some even camping out overnight to assure their entrance, although it wasn't an issue as it was last year. Lines stretched blocks away from AT&T Park, but once the gates opened, the wait was minimal.
Approximately 36,000 people walked through the gates and were treated to giveaways, tours, question and answer sessions, and photo and autograph opportunities. Lines for various autograph booths filled almost half the field as fans waited sometimes over three hours just to share a moment with their favorite players.
Popular with the crowd was the KNBR stage, where the fans were able to watch members of the Giants organization answer questions. For many, this is where they got their first glance of Angel Pagan, one of the newest Giants players.
These fans are unbelievable,” Pagan said. “They welcomed me very warmly and I appreciate that, man. It means a lot.”
Bay Area native Nate Schierholtz sat on the stage fielding questions, but still recalls being a fan rooting for his hometown team.
“How could you not want to play in your hometown on the team you always rooted for as a kid?” Schierholtz asked. “I say it a lot, but it is a dream come true. I’m proud every night I get to put on the Giants uniform.”
The fans erupted in applause when their favorites appeared to take the stage—some of the loudest cheers came when catcher Buster Posey walked to the stage. He spoke of the process of rehabbing from his painful injury and how he was ready to play ball.
“You want to help the team any way you can. That’s why I’m so excited,” Posey said. “I’m just excited to be around the guys again, to go through all the drills in spring training that aren’t necessarily the most fun, but I’m looking forward to those.”
Many of the San Francisco players echoed the same sentiments as they spoke about the upcoming season with optimism and high goals. Seeing a team seemingly more complete with their catcher and team leader, as well as new and returning players, fans made it clear they are ready for another winning season.
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