Mariners FanFest 2014 Photo Gallery

The Home plate entrance to the House That Junior Built. Credit: Dan Hughes

The sun was out, the excitement was in the air, people were ready for baseball. The 2014 Seattle Mariners FanFest kicked off Saturday and I was there with one of my sons – the one who loves baseball.

The fans were gracious and excited. The staff was courteous and accommodating, the food was as good as it’s been. My only main complaint would be that the team allowed Season Ticket holders front-of-the-line access to all of the attractions.

This wasn’t an issue with most of the attractions, but it caused an absolute logjam at the zip line in the outfield. The wait time was between 90 minutes and 3 hours for the entire afternoon. Mostly because ST holders could walk right up to the front (sometimes in groups of as many as 10) and insert themselves in front of the 300+ people waiting in line.

My only other complaint is how they handled autograph sessions. Fans were allowed to choose one player/group per autograph session and there were two sessions in the day. Each session was limited to the first 450 fans. Here were the sessions:

Session 1:
Robinson Cano
Dan Wilson
Brad Miller/Mike Zunino
D.J. Peterson/Chris Taylor

Session 2:
Taijuan Walker
Michael Saunders/Tom Wilhelmsen
Logan Morrison/James Paxton
Stefen Romero/Carson Smith

Now choose just one in each group. Of course, Cano went fast. My son really wanted to meet Cano but understood why his tickets went fast. I wanted to meet Dan Wilson, so we both went to Wilson. But I talked to several people who were somehow able to cheat the system by getting in to Cano, Wilson and Miller/Zunino in the first session alone.

I just feel that this method needs to be tweaked. But enough of the negative. My overall experience was one of excitement and fun. My son and I had a blast. Here are some pics from Saturday.

Fans eagerly awaiting entrance into FanFest. Credit: Dan Hughes

A view of the field from the suites. Fans just starting to filter in. Credit: Dan Hughes

Another view of the Field as fans are just starting to make their way in. Credit: Dan Hughes

The line (behind us) to meet Dan The Man Wilson. Credit: Dan Hughes

Signing fast and furious is Mariners Hall of Famer Dan Wilson. Class act as always. Credit: Dan Hughes

Fans taking some swings at a home run and playing catch in the outfield. Credit: Dan Hughes

Lines are starting to build back up into the stands for some events. Credit Dan Hughes

Plenty to do on the concourse as well. Like testing your pitch speed. Credit: Dan Hughes

My 11-year-old son threw a 58 MPH heater. Sign him up! Credit: Dan Hughes

LoMo on the video board! Taking part in a Dugout Dialogue session. Credit: Dan Hughes

Sky cleared up, day was nicer than most we may see in April. Credit: Dan Hughes

Fans even got to test out their arms in the bullpen. Credit: Dan Hughes

The lines were getting longer. But fans were very patient. Credit: Dan Hughes

Even the little guys were getting in on the fun. Credit: Dan Hughes

And this one will FLY FLY AWAY!

Playing catch on the Big League outfield. Credit: Dan Hughes

Swung on and BELTED! Credit: Dan Hughes

Even my son got in on the action. Mine went over the Capital One sign. No photo evidence though. Credit: Dan Hughes

The Ancient One. Jaime Moyer. Credit: Dan Hughes

Edgar’s Cantina serves up tortas to the masses. Credit: Dan Hughes

Despite the thousands of fans here, it never really felt crowded. Credit: Dan Hughes

Got some free publicity for the site. Shameless plug! Credit: Dan Hughes

Jack Z chatting with Rick Rizzs and the folks at 710 ESPN Seattle. Credit: Dan Hughes

Dan the Man talking with the fans. Credit: Dan Hughes

The main reason the City of Seattle is buzzing. Credit: Dan Hughes

The zipline towers. Credit: Dan Hughes

The 3 hour wait concluded with a 6 second ride. Credit: Dan Hughes

It was called “Run the Bases”. But because so many people were allowed down there at a time, it was more like “Walk and pose on the bases.” Credit: Dan Hughes

Hanging out around 2nd base. Credit: Dan Hughes

The Team Store made some money to give to Cano today. Credit: Dan Hughes

The view from the press box….my ultimate goal. Credit: Dan Hughes

Mike Zunino! Former catcher, current catcher and future catcher. Or, 3+3=6 (my number, Zunino’s number and my son’s number). I’m a geek. Credit: Dan Hughes

The dining room in the clubhouse. Credit: Dan Hughes

The locker room. Credit: Dan Hughes

“Where is the Xbox” my son asks. Credit: Dan Hughes

The closest we came all day to seeing Cano. Credit: Dan Hughes

Training room. Behind the glass are massage tables. Credit: Dan Hughes

The “Whatever it takes” banner on the walls makes me wonder if Jack Z has been down here. Hint, hint. Credit: Dan Hughes

Taijuan Walker waiting for an elevator.

What is this thing? Does anyone know what this is made of? Glass? Metal? It’s pretty cool. Credit: Dan Hughes