Fanfest information and other news
In just a few hours, the doors will open to the Baltimore Convention Center. Thousands of Orioles fans will file in, some with autograph vouchers, some just to casually stroll around with friends and family. But all will have one thing in common. They’re all happy that baseball is back – in some capacity, anyway.
This year’s Fanfest should be one of the more interesting events the team has held. For the first time, new GM, Mike Elias as well as new Manager, Brandon Hyde will be addressing Birdland season ticket holders. The event will be held without Adam Jones, but will feature legends Brooks Robinson, Boog Powell and Eddie Murray.
There probably won’t be any contract discussion questions thrown around by reporters this year. We’re more like to hear about Jonathan Villar starting at second base than if the team will offer an extension to Mark Trumbo.
It should be an exciting event nonetheless, as there will be tons of new faces to get to know.
Downtown Baltimore will be flooded with fans in orange and black for the first time since September. The unofficial kickoff to the season is upon us.
Fanfest schedule
If you’re heading down to the Convention Center this morning, here’s the schedule of events taking place.
On the Main Stage
10:30am – Exclusive Birdland Member Q&A with Mike Elias and Brandon Hyde
11:10am – In the Dugout: Brandon Hyde and the new coaching staff
11:50am – Kids’ Press Conference featuring Chris Davis, David Hess, Renato Núñez and Jonathan Villar
12:40pm – Future of the Orioles: Mike Elias and Brandon Hyde
1:20pm – Password game show featuring Richard Bleier, Paul Fry, Mychal Givens and Jimmy Yacabonis
2:10pm – Using Analytics Across Baseball Ops featuring Sig Mejdal and Koby Pérez
2:50pm – Orioles Greats featuring Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Boog Powell and Brooks Robinson
3:30pm – Kids’ Press Conference featuring Trey Mancini, Joey Rickard and Mark Trumbo
4:10pm – Password game show featuring Donnie Hart, Austin Hays, DJ Stewart and Mike Wright Jr.
5:00pm – Kids’ Press Conference featuring Miguel Castro, Cedric Mullins, Tanner Scott and Austin Wynns
At the Little League Park (For Fans 14 and Under)
11:30am – Fielding Clinic
12:50pm – Catching Clinic
1:30pm – Hitting Clinic
2:00pm – Fielding Clinic
3:00pm – Pitching Clinic
Autograph Stations
Station 1:
11:20am-12:20pm: Richard Bleier, Brooks Robinson, DJ Stewart
12:40pm-1:40pm: Chris Davis, Cedric Mullins, Jonathan Villar
2:00pm-3:00pm: Renato Núñez, Joey Rickard, Mark Trumbo, Mike Wright Jr.
3:20pm-4:20pm: Rick Dempsey, Chance Sisco, Jonathan Villar
4:40pm-5:40pm: Keegan Akin, DL Hall, Richie Martin, Boog Powell
Station 2:
11:20am-12:20pm: Mike Bordick, Dylan Bundy, Mark Trumbo
12:40pm-1:40pm: Eddie Murray, Tanner Scott, Austin Wynns
2:00pm-3:00pm: Mychal Givens, Austin Hays, Brandon Hyde
3:20pm-4:20pm: Chris Davis, Ryan Mountcastle, Yefry Ramírez
4:40pm-5:40pm: Paul Fry, Hunter Harvey, Ryan McKenna, Jim Palmer
Station 3:
11:20am-12:20pm: Rick Dempsey, Trey Mancini, Dillon Tate
12:40pm-1:40pm: Dylan Bundy, David Hess, Jim Palmer
2:00pm-3:00pm: Richard Bleier, Mike Bordick, Trey Mancini
3:20pm-4:20pm: Miguel Castro, Cedric Mullins, Tanner Scott
4:40pm-5:40pm: Donnie Hart, Luis Ortiz, Joey Rickard, Jimmy Yacabonis
Other Orioles happenings
*Yesterday, the Orioles announced their non-roster invitees to Spring Training. I covered it yesterday, but it’s worth noting that three of the five pieces in the Manny Machado trade will be competing for a shot on the big league club.
*Of the 18 names invited to big league camp, eight are pitchers, three are catchers, four are infielders and three are outfielders.
*I spoke with third base coach José Flores yesterday. He won’t be at FanFest. He’s in Puerto Rico, wrapping up the finals of the Roberto Clementé Professional League. Coaching third base for Los Cangrejeros de Santurce, they defeated Los Indios de Mayagüez, 1-0, winning the series four games to zero.
*Orioles minor league infielder Trey Whitley was suspended 50-games for violating the leagues drug abuse policy. This is the second time he has failed a drug test.
