Gaslamp Ball - Padres FanFest 2014San Diego Padres baseball in the form of a bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50553/glb-fav.png2014-02-11T10:53:34-08:00http://www.gaslampball.com/rss/stream/51483872014-02-11T10:53:34-08:002014-02-11T10:53:34-08:00SDSU class's FSSD marketing campaign rolled out
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NE-vU7nFUXaM6_gLobC7YorqPlw=/0x42:1024x725/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28434197/basebug.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>You may remember a year ago <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/2/4/3952864/sdsu-students-to-design-fssd-marketing-campaign-for-padres-coverage">Fox Sports San Diego announced that they would enlist the help of SDSU's Marketing 472 class</a> to promote their Padres coverage. The project would benefit both FSSD with a cheap and youthful perspective while at the same time SDSU students (who are mostly Giants fans) could gain some real world experience. Well, in June of last year a winning team was chosen and their project was put into action.</p>
<p>The problem was, from the article, I couldn't tell what exactly the winning campaign entailed. Sure they had a slogan "This is my town" which on the surface seemed mostly <i>meh</i>, but the reasoning behind it felt more like an insult to the Padres fan base than a rallying cry.</p>
<p><a href="http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news.aspx?s=74292">Students Pitch for the Padres | NewsCenter | SDSU</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Through our research, we found that San Diego locals are very happy to be in San Diego and are extremely proud of the their city, but do not share that same pride with the local San Diego sports teams," Chow said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css"></p>
<p>While I'll begrudgingly admit that an element of that hypothesis is unfortunately true, it's not the fan characteristic that I'd want to brand the fan base with. Yes, they're just trying to target that portion of the population, but I think that's putting the cart before the horse. These fair weather fans are followers. If you invigorate the actual Padres fans, they will follow.</p>
<p>It'd be nice if Padres marketing related to Padres pride, but if they're intent on using civic pride then I'd prefer something like Dex's slogan "<a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2010/9/20/1700059/dont-be-such-a-f_cking-tourist-go">Don't be such a f_cking tourist. Go San Diego.</a>" which not only incites pride in San Diego, but adds intense shame for those transplants that hold onto their out-of-town allegiances.</p>
<p>Anyway, there weren't many more details in the article about the proposed campaign, just some vague generalities about things going viral, creating synergy and references to social media. It didn't sound like FSSD had much to work with from my outside perspective.</p>
<p>At Saturday's Padres FanFest however, I saw with my own eyes the marketing campaign come to life. It was in the form of the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BaseBug&src=hash">#basebug</a> a Volkswagen bug painted like a baseball.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/FSSDGirls">@FSSDGirls</a> posing by the new <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BaseBug&src=hash">#BaseBug</a> with the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SotTJ&src=hash">#SotTJ</a> <a href="http://t.co/EIEJ8ZAwFj">pic.twitter.com/EIEJ8ZAwFj</a></p>
— Gaslamp Ball (@gaslampball) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball/statuses/432210201190473728">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The idea itself isn't new, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/QiEkBvQ7xT/#">the Cardinals have a base bug too</a>, but I'm told it was suggested by the SDSU program. I liked it so much that I tried to convince FSSD to let Dex and I drive it to Spring Training, but no one was buying it. But maybe they would buy an old beat up 60s or 70s era Volkswagen Bug and let fans drive it places. I could see a lot more people tweeting pictures of it, if it were broken down on the side of the road.</p>
<p>I look forward to more Padres focused marketing now <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2012/6/14/3087738/fox-sports-san-diego-sending-a-message-to-time-warner-cable-and-other">that shaming TWC</a> is <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/10/5399348/fox-sports-san-diego-and-time-warner-cable-agree-to-deal-padres-for">no longer necessary</a>.</p>
<p>Go Padres!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/11/5401456/fssds-basebug-part-of-the-roll-out-of-sdsu-classs-marketing-campaignjbox2014-02-09T22:20:29-08:002014-02-09T22:20:29-08:00A recap of Saturday's FANtastic FESTivities
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eYsKK1jmSsTcOBrcKU6ax-cJ-Gw=/0x0:1100x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28359289/dsc08139.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>It was a beautiful, fun-filled celebration down at Petco Park on Saturday as fans primed themselves for the 2014 season at Padres FanFest.</p> <p>I was really, ridiculously excited to head down to Petco Park yesterday. I wasn't able to make it in 2013 so it had been two years since my last FanFest and the anticipation was killing me. Thanks to the awesome and talented <a href="https://twitter.com/PadresJagoff" target="_blank">PadresJagoff</a> and fellow GLBlogger <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/darklighter" target="_blank">Darklighter</a> I was able to get in with the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a> members / season ticket holders at 8:30am. As I was driving down 10th Avenue around 8:15, I saw that the line to get into FanFest had already reached the corner of 10th and Park Blvd. I ran into Jonny Dub (and <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/7/14/4521534/game-thread-07-14-padres-vs-giants" target="_blank">his adorable son</a>) in the parking lot almost immediately after getting out of my car and we both made our ways toward the ballpark.</p>
<p>I went to meet Darklighter to get my early entry pass from him and saw that he was in line with <a href="http://padrespublic.com/" target="_blank">PadresPublic</a> bloggers <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/avengingjm" target="_blank">AvengingJM</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hs619" target="_blank">hs619</a>. We exchanged pleasantries and high fives before I left to make my way ,with <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/users/jonny%20dub">Jonny Dub</a>, to the back of the line, which had grown considerably since I drove by and was now all the way back near the East Village Gate. There we waited and were soon met by <a href="http://sbnation.com/users/jbox" target="_blank">jbox</a>, who was already so impatient to get inside even though he had just gotten there. He kept jokingly chanting "O-pen the gates!" even though the gates were already open. One security guard laughed, so I guess it was worth it.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Open the gates!! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a> <a href="http://t.co/ykXtS7Dgch">pic.twitter.com/ykXtS7Dgch</a></p>
— Gaslamp Ball (@gaslampball) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball/statuses/432193358904053760">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>We finally got inside the gate and I spotted <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/matthewverygood">matthewverygood</a> waiting for an autograph voucher, so I went over and said hi. I snagged my own voucher for the <span>Will Venable</span> / <span>Tim Stauffer</span> autograph session that <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/jodes0405/status/431228181199085568">I was super excited for</a>, then Jonny Dub and jbox headed over to take the clubhouse tour or something, while I made my way to the Padres Garage Sale to meet up with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/curbenthusiasm">CurbEnthusiasm</a>. While there, I also ran into more PadresPublic bloggers, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SDPads_1">SDPads_1</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Melvin%20Nieves">Melvin Nieves</a>; Steve Adler of <a target="_blank" href="http://friarhood.com">Friarhood</a> fame; and awesome Twitter peeps <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/redthetrucker">RedTheTrucker</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/friardanny">FriarDanny</a>. The garage sale left a lot to be desired and the lines were crazy long, but I did walk away with a few goodies so it wasn't a total loss.</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>So the Padres garage sale was a relative bust, but I did still pick up some cool stuff. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23youmaysenseatheme&src=hash">#youmaysenseatheme</a> <a href="http://t.co/eRjyiUq3Yz">pic.twitter.com/eRjyiUq3Yz</a></p>
— Jodi Paranal (@jodes0405) <a href="https://twitter.com/jodes0405/statuses/432750023516766209">February 10, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Up next was the much-anticipated (by my standards) VenaStauff autograph session, so CE and I headed over to section 117 to wait. Darklighter soon came over as well and sat in front of us and we chatted in the blistering cold while waiting our turn. I was super nervous and psyching myself out the entire time.</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Waiting for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Stawesome&src=hash">#Stawesome</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AFCSH&src=hash">#AFCSH</a> in 117. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hi&src=hash">#hi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a></p>
— Jodi Paranal (@jodes0405) <a href="https://twitter.com/jodes0405/statuses/432220725793914880">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Bout to meet them. I'm so nervous. WHAT DO I SAY?? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a></p>
— Jodi Paranal (@jodes0405) <a href="https://twitter.com/jodes0405/statuses/432226546485436416">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>As we waited, we also got to hear over the PA some of the finalists for the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/1/14/5308242/padres-job-opening-p-a-announcer-petco-park-open-casting-call">PA Announcer gig</a>. I don't know how many finalists there were altogether but I heard six of them, two of which were women. They all recited the same player announcement, I suppose to make it easier for us to compare them. I noticed that they varied in their pronunciations of "Everth" (Ev-erth/Ev-er-eth/Ev-reth) but they all made great efforts to get the accent right when saying "Cabrera." Unfortunately this resulted in many of them sounding unnatural, like they were trying too hard. None of them really stood out very much to me. Voting for the gig will take place online sometime soon, and I'm assuming/hoping they'll have video/audio of each finalist for people to vote for and aren't just relying on those of us at FanFest to remember our favorites.</p>
<p>Soon it was almost our turn to meet the players. We were told that we wouldn't be able to take pictures WITH them, because they didn't want the players to have to stop to take pictures, so we were only able to take pictures OF them. When it was finally my turn, I froze and barely said a word to them. Pretty typical. They were both super nice though and seemed genuinely happy to be there and to meet the fans.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981607/DSC08142.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08142_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981607/DSC08142_medium.JPG"></a> <br><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3981623/DSC08149.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08149_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981623/DSC08149_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1392011153229"></p>
<p>I got a mini bat signed by Venable and a baseball signed by Stauffer.<br><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3981631/DSC08181.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08181_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981631/DSC08181_medium.JPG"></a></p>
<p>We had seen earlier that <span>Josh Johnson</span> and <span>Tommy Medica</span> had arrived early for their own autograph session, which was set to take place an hour after VenaStauff's, and were taking the time to meet with fans, sign autographs, and take pictures while they waited for their turn.<br><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981647/DSC08153.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08153_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3981647/DSC08153_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1392011514231"></p>
<p>I was able to snap a picture with Medica, who was sporting a <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Fresh%20Cut" target="_blank">fresh cut</a>, but missed my opportunity to take one with JJ.<br><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981639/DSC08155.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08155_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3981639/DSC08155_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1392011381230"></p>
<p>From there, we headed towards the third base side of the concourse and then made our way down to the field. Walking around the outfield is always one of my favorite parts of FanFest. There were still remnants of the tennis court from the Davis Cup that took place last month, so the grass wasn't its usual brilliant green perfection, but it was still fun to hang out and people-watch on the field.</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Sup. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a> <a href="http://t.co/HyPQOw58xc">pic.twitter.com/HyPQOw58xc</a></p>
— Jodi Paranal (@jodes0405) <a href="https://twitter.com/jodes0405/statuses/432233617012441088">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball">@gaslampball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a> <a href="http://t.co/ac3NnhblEP">pic.twitter.com/ac3NnhblEP</a></p>
— Jodi Paranal (@jodes0405) <a href="https://twitter.com/jodes0405/statuses/432236006012497920">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>After that, we went on a quest to find jbox and Jonny Dub again. Jbox informed me he was watching the Team Awards presentation that was taking place so we began to make our way to the stands behind the home dugout. As fate would have it, along the way we spotted Bob Scanlan hanging out in the concourse and talking to some fans. A while back, <a href="http://sbnation.com/users/thethingwynn" target="_blank">TheThinGwynn</a> sent me a bunch of baseball cards, one of which was a Scanlan card from when he pitched for the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a>. I happened to bring the card with me to FanFest hoping I would run into the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/scanman" target="_blank">Scanman</a>, and there he was! I shyly walked up and asked him to sign my card and he happily obliged. I tried not to stare at his hair the whole time, but it was next to impossible. He was also kind enough to take a picture with me, so it was really an exciting moment.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>So stoked I finally got to meet <a href="https://twitter.com/heyscan">@heyscan</a> today & have him sign this card I got from <a href="https://twitter.com/TheThinGwynn">@TheThinGwynn</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a> <a href="http://t.co/soL0iu3cT5">pic.twitter.com/soL0iu3cT5</a></p>
— Jodi Paranal (@jodes0405) <a href="https://twitter.com/jodes0405/statuses/432306345627222017">February 9, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981655/DSC08166.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08166_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3981655/DSC08166_medium.JPG"></a> <br> He even bent down to my level. He was practically on his knees. That guy is a tall drink of water.<br><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3981671/DSC08167.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08167_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3981671/DSC08167_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1392011821230"></p>
<p>I thanked Scan and then we continued to make our way to meet jbox. When we got there, jbox informed us that Jonny Dub had already left. Jbox totally didn't seem bitter about it at all. The presentation was almost over, but Buddy Black and the players (<span>Jedd Gyorko</span>, <span>Huston Street</span>, <span>Andrew Cashner</span>, and Venable) were taking questions from fans, and then Ted Leitner, who was moderating, started a "Beat LA!" chant to close it out.<br><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981679/DSC08169.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08169_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3981679/DSC08169_medium.JPG"></a> <br>Cash is rockin' a pretty sweet mullet these days. Also, I really regret not bringing my <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/9/24/4767758/a-baseball-and-a-duck-call-my-five-minutes-with-cashner" target="_blank">duck call</a> to FanFest.<br><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3981687/DSC08172.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08172_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3981687/DSC08172_medium.JPG"></a></p>
<p>After the awards presentation, we all headed out the gate and across the street for lunch at Lolita's. When we re-entered the park, we were joined by former Pad Squad member, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/psa">Andre</a>, for a bit before heading back to the stands for the Ownership Forum, which was moderated by Dick Enberg and featured Peter Seidler, Ron Fowler, and Mike Dee. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/friar%20fever">Friar Fever</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/axion">Axion</a> joined us in the stands for a few minutes and then left. Jbox <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/gaslampball">tweeted</a> and blogged a bunch about the forum and FF wrote about it in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/9/5394220/padres-fanfest-was-a-fun-fest">his FanFest writeup</a>, so you can read more about what ownership had to say from them.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>READ WHAT OWNERSHIP HAD TO SAY ABOUT</b>:<br><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5393836/padres-trying-for-all-star-game-for-their-50th-anniversary" target="new">an All Star Game at Petco Park</a> <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5393866/dick-enberg-is-scheduled-to-broadcast-135-padres-games-this-season" target="new">Enberg's broadcast schedule</a> <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5393910/padres-chairman-fowler-set-aside-10m-a-year-for-5-years-for-ballpark" target="new">ballpark improvements</a>
</div>
<p><br><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3981703/DSC08175.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08175_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3981703/DSC08175_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1392012710927"></p>
<p>Next, we made our way across the field to the Social Media Lounge, aka <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5394000/padres-social-hour-set-to-shoot-in-new-club-336-studio" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Club 336</a>, to see if any Padres players would show up, as they had been doing every hour on the hour throughout the day. No one was there yet when we got there so I went to walk around the Padres store, to which jbox responded, "Okay, you go look at some crap while I wait for some Padres."</p>
<p>As I was walking around the store, I noticed they were playing club music and there was a strobe light. I looked up and saw that they had a DJ spinning. I thought that was weird.<br><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3981695/DSC08178.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Dsc08178_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3981695/DSC08178_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1392012592231"></p>
<p>I found a pretty sweet <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3981719/DSC08183.JPG" target="_blank">glass cup with the Padres military logo</a> that was on sale and knew I had to have it, so I went to pay for it. While I was in line, I saw that <span>Nick Vincent</span> and Randy Jones had arrived at the lounge. But by the time I paid for my stuff and got back there they had already left. One point for jbox. Friar Fever had come to join us again at the lounge and then <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/users/soulsd">SoulSD</a> made a quick appearance. Soon Mike Dee and Wayne Partello walked in the door and came over to introduce themselves to us and chat for a bit. I wondered if Partello was a little bummed that he wasn't the one up in the rafters spinning records or if he was perfectly fine <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/1/29/5357848/broadcaster-andy-masur-released-by-the-padres#212999291">leaving the DJ life behind</a>. Jbox then remarked to Mike Dee that we were "gettin' social" so that was my cue to leave.</p>
<p>It was a beautiful, fun-filled day at the ballpark and I had a great time seeing so many of my fellow Padres fans that I haven't seen since last season. It all made me even that much more excited for Spring Training and for the upcoming season, aka the season in which we win our first <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-series" class="sbn-auto-link">World Series</a>. PADRES IN 2014! KTF!</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/9/5396730/padres-fanfest-2014-recap-petco-park-san-diegojodes04052014-02-09T12:40:09-08:002014-02-09T12:40:09-08:00Padres FanFest Was A Fun Fest
<figure>
<img alt="From jbox's phone to your eyes." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ceimzLXVv3qGe1p7pRQef_A3uZU=/0x49:600x449/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28317143/bf-yzjycuaawwde.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>From jbox's phone to your eyes. | jbox of Gaslamp Ball. Maybe you've heard of him.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Once again, I made my way to Petco Park for Padres FanFest. This time, I'm writing words.</p> <h2>The Beginning</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>My day started like every other FanFest. Me standing around while all the Members got to go in at 8:30am. They did let us in at around 9:20am, so that was cool. After a couple times of doing the enter/exit circulation, I saw Gaslamp Baller <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/mrbarneydangles" target="new">mrbarneydangles</a>. I pretty much see him every FanFest. His time of arrival to Petco Park? About 5:30am. And he doesn't even live here! He's driving down here from 90 minutes or two hours away to get to FanFest. He told me he was on the news early in the morning but I missed it. I was too busy watching the couples ice skating at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/winter-olympics">Winter Olympics</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyways, I hung out with him for a bit, walked over with him to the <span>Yonder Alonso</span> signing session that I didn't have a voucher for, sat for a bit with him and his friends, but left because I wanted to eat before all my signings happened.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Padres At Every Table</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>When you do the enter/exit circulation, you get the opportunity to get autographs pretty much non-stop. You could do 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, and so on. If you're really into autographs and don't really care about other stuff happening, it's pretty cool to do while you're there.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I spent some time in a few sessions getting an autograph, shaking hands, wishing them luck, etc. It's always fun and it's cool that they're there. But, there was one bad place to be today. The 1st base side of the stadium. But why you ask?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The wind! My word, was it gusty in those sections. Full on wind. Like, really real wind was just blowing through the sections. How the players could stand it was beyond me. And none of them were wearing any hats. Much braver souls than I.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I told <span>Nick Hundley</span> how lucky he was to be on the 3rd base side where there was barely any air movement. Hopefully it wasn't too windy for him when he had to go over there later in the day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There was also one thing I learned about Nick. He is by far one of the coolest guys out there. No hesitation to just talk to you. He talked to a kid who was kinda shy and Nick spent about 30 seconds trying to guess his name. Just trying to get him to say anything. It was pretty nice to see.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In between autograph sessions, I made my way to the Garage Sale. I'd have gone early in the morning, but I found out that they did not have any Tucson Padres gear there. I wanted to see about picking up some stuff, but there was nothing to be had. And when I'm at the garage sale, I never know what to look at. There's always a ton of stuff that would be cool to own, but I never buy those things. Except for the helmets. I don't need those. Anyways, back to the more interesting parts of my story.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>The Search Begins</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>After the Hundley/<span>Joe Wieland</span> (who I must say was also very nice to meet) signing session, I embarked on a journey to find <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Axion" target="new">Axion</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Operation find <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanmtweets">@ryanmtweets</a> has begun.</p>
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriarFever/statuses/432262991333961728">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<h2>The Search Ends</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>It took me about 45 seconds. I got to him before he even tweeted where to find him. I'm just that good. We chatted, he took pictures of random strangers with their own camera. He's just that good.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He and I made our way towards <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jodes0405" target="new">jodes</a> who was with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jbox" target="new">jbox</a> as he tried relentlessly to tweet out everything he could from the Ownership forum. Let me tell you, how he was able to do it with such grace is beyond me. The man's got magic fingers. It was quite a sight.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Axion had seen enough so I followed him through the concourse because he wanted to go gawk at Eric Owens. According to his in-depth reporting, Eric Owens held up pretty nicely. He had "the grey business going on". After that, Axion called it a day. Once he made his way out of the stadium, I saw a tweet from Gaslamp Ball about the Social Lounge so I figured I'd make my way over there.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>In The Company of jbox</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>I saw jodes again and jbox was there trying to break news about <span>Yasmani Grandal</span>.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Talked briefly to Grandal said if he wasn't a catcher he'd be game ready now, but since he is, he's a few weeks off.</p>
— Gaslamp Ball (@gaslampball) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball/statuses/432274401724071937">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p><br><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>He was very sad that no one retweeted that. There was a point where I thought I'd have to give him a moment to compose himself, but he kept the tears inside just long enough to talk with Mike Dee for a little bit. Dee came in with <a href="https://twitter.com/WaynePartello" target="new">Wayne Partello</a>, the Chief Marketing Officer for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a>.</p>
<p>I do have to say one thing about Mr. Partello though. The man is a party in dress pants. You can tell he knows how to have a good time. He was very upbeat and ready to talk with anyone there. I think that's why he follows me on Twitter. The man knows quality.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I was also impressed by how many people know jbox. Executives and other important people saying hello. One of them thought we'd met before in a suite. I can barely afford good seats. I don't think I've ever been on the level where the suites are.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>The Day Comes To A Close</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>We left there and walked around the field a bit. People admired the Dave Staton jersey that jbox was wearing so proudly. Some more than others. But, it was good to see the jersey out and about. It has been awhile since I've seen anything about it. I thought it had gotten lost somewhere over the Bermuda Triangle and was to never be seen again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After that, we walked out of the stadium and into the sunset. But, we separated before the sun actually set. It was only about 3pm. And that was that. FanFest was over for me.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>In Conclusion</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>Overall, it was a pleasant day. I was sad to not have spotted <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/del4rel" target="new">del4rel</a> and his "green and stripey" bro tank. That would have been fun. Though since he was in a bro tank, probably not meeting him was a good thing. His handshake must be fierce if sleeves can't even hold his arms back.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Were you one of the 17,000+ fans who made it to Petco Park? If so, how was your day? What did you do at FanFest? Any cool stories? And if you didn't go, what would you have done? Same as me probably, huh? Do tell.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/9/5394220/padres-fanfest-was-a-fun-festFriar Fever2014-02-08T17:23:29-08:002014-02-08T17:23:29-08:00"Padres Social Hour" set to shoot in new Club 336
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZaAhnxSSnY-BceB5mJcdbrfsJCo=/0x236:825x786/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28312419/img_2999.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>We learned today that the Padres new online pregame show <i><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/5/5383548/new-padres-social-hour-needs-us-to-vote-for-their-logo">Padres Social Hour</a></i> will be filmed in what they are calling Club 336. Club 336 is a lounge area in the back corner of the Padres Store on the ground floor of the Western Metal Supply building. It gets its name from being located on the left field line which is 336 feet away from home plate. The numbers are printed in yellow right above the lounge.</p>
<p>This area has been re-purposed several times since Petco Park's opening. It used to be under utilized as an access point for fans to watch the game from behind the left field fence. It was simply a continuation of the Padres store and held merchandise. In the last year or two <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2012/3/12/2864754/petco-park-2012-preview">it was converted into a suite</a>, that fans could purchase for games like any other suite. Access to the standing room only area has been limited over the years. It's hard to say if this change into a studio will provide fans with more or less access before and during games.</p>
<p>The new host of Padres Social Hour, <a href="https://twitter.com/jesseagler">Jesse Agler</a>, was not in attendance at today's FanFest. Word is he was at a wedding. <i>Or was he?</i> Yes, he was.</p>
<p>Oh and in case you were wondering <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/5/5383548/new-padres-social-hour-needs-us-to-vote-for-their-logo">which logo won the fan vote</a>, well it was "C", the one with the Swinging Friar that's pictured above.</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5394000/padres-social-hour-set-to-shoot-in-new-club-336-studiojbox2014-02-08T16:41:31-08:002014-02-08T16:41:31-08:00$50 million set aside for ballpark improvements
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/57pd3wwCiVRIOrJqCpX4lMjYR9I=/0x46:1100x779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28310997/img_2996.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>We heard earlier this week during a <a href="http://www.xtrasports1360.com/media/podcast-chris-and-ben-the-world-of-worldofsports/2614-world-of-sportshour-3-24297929/">1360 AM interview with President Mike Dee</a> that the <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/6/5386366/mike-dee-talks-about-changes-to-the-ballpark-in-the-upcoming-season">Padres were making improvements to Petco Park</a>. Today at Padres FanFest, Executitive Chairman Ron Fowler said he committed $10M a year for 5 years for maintenance and improvement projects for the ballpark. Fowler said that Dee had plenty of ideas on how to spend the money.</p>
<p>One project that was both easy to miss and hard to ignore was the resurfacing of the floors along the park's concourses. Most fans don't take notice of the surface their walking on, but the ever present fumes were a constant reminder today. The new resin surface won't collect or show dirt as much as the previous surface did and will provide better traction for guests during inclement weather and soda spills.</p>
<p>There's also a plan to replace the sound system at Petco Park. Today the sound kept cutting out during the scheduled Q&A sessions. I overheard Fowler tell another guest while a session was delayed, that this is why the Padres needed a new system.</p>
<p>Another improvement that Dee mentioned during his radio interview was a 50% bigger video board in the Park at the Park. He made it sound like the screen had already been replaced but upon close inspection we determined that it was still the same old sh_tty one. In the Q&A, Dee said it will be installed before Opening Day.</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5393910/padres-chairman-fowler-set-aside-10m-a-year-for-5-years-for-ballparkjbox2014-02-08T16:19:49-08:002014-02-08T16:19:49-08:00Dick Enberg is scheduled to broadcast 135 games
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rrIP4t2ZH53LXhng53OhZftVncA=/296x32:869x414/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28310179/124752970.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Al Bello</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>At Padres FanFest today, Dick Enberg was asked several questions by fans while he was hosting a Q&A session with ownership.</p>
<div class="pullquote">My wife hasn't seen Dick in two years!</div>
<p>One fan stood up, took the microphone in hand and stated "My wife hasn't seen Dick in two years!" the crowd gasped, then tittered. He went on to complain that Dick Enberg and the Padres broadcasts haven't been available for Time Warner Cable customers for two years, ever since the Padres signed a contract with Fox Sports San Diego. I was still giggling so I missed how the Padres leadership responded to his statement and question.</p>
<p>Enberg responded by revealing his schedule for the 2014 season, saying that he would be broadcasting 135 games of the 162. He also said that Fox Sports San Diego will broadcast 7 Spring Training games. Mike Pomeranz is expected to fill in for Enberg while he's on vacation.</p>
<p>Enberg was also asked his favorite Padres uniform. Earlier he had been the only person to raise his hand for the old PCL uniforms in an informal vote initiated by Padres President Mike Dee, for favorite uniform colors. Enberg explained that he loved the touch of red in the uniform and called them, "very handsome".</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5393866/dick-enberg-is-scheduled-to-broadcast-135-padres-games-this-seasonjbox2014-02-08T16:02:14-08:002014-02-08T16:02:14-08:00Padres trying for All-Star game in 2019
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7VqqyoRfbJBAYv0csihCoOHV9TE=/222x290:649x575/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28309369/img_2998.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Today at FanFest the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>' ownership representatives spoke and answered questions. Chairman Ron Fowler, Peter Seidler and President Mike Dee were on stage with Dick Enberg, who was acting as a master of ceremonies.</p>
<p>During the Q&A segment a fan asked if the Padres were any closer to bringing an All-Star game to San Diego. Ron Fowler says he's been in contact with the commissioner's office and hinted at a commitment. He told us that the All-Star games have all been spoken for until 2017. Fowler revealed that the Padres are trying for 2019 when the Padres organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Fowler says he is trying for an All-Star game on <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Padres&src=hash">#Padres</a> 50th anniversary.</p>
— Gaslamp Ball (@gaslampball) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball/statuses/432264921791725568">February 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The Padres under their former ownership group had been trying to make the All-Star game a priority for years but today was the closest the Padres have come to committing to a date.</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5393836/padres-trying-for-all-star-game-for-their-50th-anniversaryjbox2014-02-06T09:01:30-08:002014-02-06T09:01:30-08:00Padres FanFest 2014 Activities and Autographs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FWLq46GQvLVjEcHe8P_VmJIQk3Q=/0x80:2532x1768/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28162783/20130424_ajw_ah2_105.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>FanFest is just two days away so let's take a look at what the Padres have in store for us.</p> <p>Last Thursday the Padres announced some details about FanFest, such as what activities are scheduled, how the parking situation is going to work, and how to register for early access.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a> details have been announced! Here's your first chance to get early access vouchers. DETAILS: <a href="http://t.co/YVYP0Bs7RW">http://t.co/YVYP0Bs7RW</a></p>
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/statuses/428952999184961536">January 30, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>It looks like mostly the same old stuff (which is good I suppose): garage sale; opportunities to run the bases, catch balls in center field, and pitch in the bullpen; clubhouse tours; autograph sessions; etc.</p>
<p>But there was still a significant amount of information missing. Luckily, jbox was on the case.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball">@gaslampball</a> We'll announce players & autograph sessions next week. Activities are listed at <a href="http://t.co/9KKWO7O80a">http://t.co/9KKWO7O80a</a></p>
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/statuses/428953967733649408">January 30, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Every day this week I kept an eye on Twitter and went back to the FanFest website to see if the autograph schedule had been released. Finally, yesterday afternoon <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/5/5384324/padres-finally-release-fanfest-autograph-schedule" target="_blank">the Padres delivered</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Here's your <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SDFanFest&src=hash">#SDFanFest</a> autograph schedule! <a href="http://t.co/skVa7sHVTV">pic.twitter.com/skVa7sHVTV</a></p>
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/statuses/431222433278746624">February 6, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Or did they? No Chase Headley? No prospects*? No alumni other than Eric Owens? Don't get me wrong, I'm excited as all get out for that Venable/Stauffer autograph sesh. Seriously, that is probably the one I'm looking forward to most. But I know a lot of people were hoping to see Headley and maybe a guy like Hunter Renfroe, Austin Hedges, or Max Fried. And could they really not get anyone else to be an alumnus along with Eric Owens? Did you know that guy is a <a target="_blank" href="http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/team/coaches.jsp?c_id=la">hitting coordinator</a> for the DODGERS? It would've been cool to maybe see a player or two from the 1984 team for the 30th Anniversary of their NL Championship Title. What has Steve Garvey done for us lately?</p>
<p>Oh well. There are still a lot of players in that schedule I'd love to meet and get a picture with or autograph from.<br><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3966111/autofanfest1.jpg"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3966111/autofanfest1_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Autofanfest1_medium"></a> <br><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3966119/autofanfest2.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3966119/autofanfest2_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Autofanfest2_medium"></a></p>
<p>Wait. What? Correct me if I'm misunderstanding, but you're only allowed to get a voucher for ONE autograph session? And if you want to TRY to get a second one you have to exit the park and re-enter? I couldn't go to FanFest last year and I didn't get any autographs in 2012, but I know in 2011 you could get vouchers for as many autograph sessions as you wanted. This seems like such a stingy policy. A lot of fans look forward to this event because you get to meet so many players in one place at the same time, but this is basically saying you have to choose the two players you want to meet most and just forget about everyone else. If your two favorite players are signing in separate sessions, even if they're at different times, you have to go through the time and trouble of leaving the ballpark and getting back in line to try to score a second voucher. Seriously, someone please tell me I'm reading <a target="_blank" href="http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/downloads/fan_forum/fanfest_2014_schedule.pdf">this</a> wrong because I can't understand why they'd do this.</p>
<p>/rant</p>
<p>You'll also notice that there will be hitting and pitching clinics by Yonder Alonso and Tyson Ross, respectively. Learning to pitch from Tyson Ross? Sign me up. I'm all over that. I don't know if Yonder Alonso would be my first choice to host a hitting clinic, but that's cool too.</p>
<p>In addition, there will be forums centered around Padres leadership, ownership, and players, as well as an Awards Presentation.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3966135/fanfest_forum_sched.jpg"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3966135/fanfest_forum_sched_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Fanfest_forum_sched_medium"></a></p>
<p>Finally, fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects once again to Jerry Coleman. From 11am to 2pm at the Coleman statue, you have the opportunity to record a message or share a memory about the Colonel. The messages will be used throughout the season to pay tribute to Coleman.</p>
<p>You can check out the rest of the details at <a target="_blank" href="http://padres.com/fanfest">padres.com/fanfest</a> or print out <a target="_blank" href="http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/downloads/fan_forum/fanfest_2014_schedule.pdf">this flyer</a> to keep handy.</p>
<p>* Well, I guess you might count Casey Kelly.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/6/5385230/padres-fanfest-2014-activities-and-autographsjodes0405