OT - Case study on FanFests

[allstarsplus]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

You gotta love some of the front office people the Braves have in charge of marketing. Geez, now I keep forgetting why I didn't renew those season tickets.

I have thought the same thing sometimes with respect to the decision makers of off-the-field decisions.

I remember about over 10 years ago when the Braves took some of their season tickets holders and formed a fan focus group that made suggestions to the marketing group which had many ideas implemented.

It is a shame to see a team move backwards in marketing efforts, but I am sure it comes down to time and money.

[jobathenut]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

Sorry once again grammer police.Wow, i really butchered that last post of mine ,did'nt i? We really need a edit button.Or better yet i need to learn to proof read before hitting the darn reply button.Sorry everyone.

[jobathenut]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

sox83cubs84-I really thought i was taking a chance when i replied about the "kids only line" with my sarcastic-IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS.But i am surprised to find out i am not alone on the thought towards kids at games.First xpress34 shared my same thought and now you.Thank you as i thought i was all alone on this.I have never caught a ball at a game,not even as a kid.But my brother did and of course go that "give it to a kid".I can believe the kid that in your story.He thew the ball at him.Wow,if that was my kid,or if i did that,that for sure would be the last game i or my kid went to.

I find most (not all, though) of the kids to be obnoxious and cursed with a feeling of entitlement, especially when they see adults backing them up. When I catch a BP baseball, I'll get the "Give it to a kid" line, which usually transaltes to "give it to MY kid". I usually ignore these, and, when I do give one out, it's to a kid 10 or 15 rows up, or to one just coming down from the concourse. I gave a brat at New Comiskey a fotoball of Mike greenwell when I caught a BP HR and he whined for it. Greenwell was shagging fly balls in front of us, and the kid demanded (not asked for) an autograph. Greenwell expalined that he couldn't sign while he was working, so the rugrat THREW the ball at Greenwell!!

I could start awhole thread about obnoxious kids/parents stroies...maybe I'll start it myself tomorrow.

Dave M.
Chicago area

[hiramman]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

I just wish the Atlanta Braves would have one this year. The've had them at the Stadium in the past, at the huge World Congress Trade Center a couple of years ago and then had what they called an Autographfest at the stadium last year. All have had things I've loved and things that didn't work out so well for everyone.

However this year, considering they're probably the best team in baseball, with a huge ever-growing national fan base, with every game a complete sell-out, with fan's fighting to just get a chance at having the luxury to purchase a ticket, with the waiting list for season tickets being handed down from one generation to the next, and attendance at every game growing and growing... they've decided it's not worth the hassle to put on something for Braves fans.

You gotta love some of the front office people the Braves have in charge of marketing. Geez, now I keep forgetting why I didn't renew those season tickets.

[LastingsMilledge85]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

Back in 2007 at Shea stadium a young kid,maybe 10 or 9 the oldest, very funny to a ball player. Joe Smith was singing autographs and the kid asked Joe if he could have his hat, and Joe said, "You want my hat?" and smiled. Joe is a very nice guy BTW, but couldn't give up his hat.

[Manram]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

I find most (not all, though) of the kids to be obnoxious and cursed with a feeling of entitlement, especially when they see adults backing them up. When I catch a BP baseball, I'll get the "Give it to a kid" line, which usually transaltes to "give it to MY kid". I usually ignore these, and, when I do give one out, it's to a kid 10 or 15 rows up, or to one just coming down from the concourse. I gave a brat at New Comiskey a fotoball of Mike greenwell when I caught a BP HR and he whined for it. Greenwell was shagging fly balls in front of us, and the kid demanded (not asked for) an autograph. Greenwell expalined that he couldn't sign while he was working, so the rugrat THREW the ball at Greenwell!!

I could start awhole thread about obnoxious kids/parents stroies...maybe I'll start it myself tomorrow.

Dave M.
Chicago area

Can't wait to hear all your stories

[sox83cubs84]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

I find most (not all, though) of the kids to be obnoxious and cursed with a feeling of entitlement, especially when they see adults backing them up. When I catch a BP baseball, I'll get the "Give it to a kid" line, which usually transaltes to "give it to MY kid". I usually ignore these, and, when I do give one out, it's to a kid 10 or 15 rows up, or to one just coming down from the concourse. I gave a brat at New Comiskey a fotoball of Mike greenwell when I caught a BP HR and he whined for it. Greenwell was shagging fly balls in front of us, and the kid demanded (not asked for) an autograph. Greenwell expalined that he couldn't sign while he was working, so the rugrat THREW the ball at Greenwell!!

I could start awhole thread about obnoxious kids/parents stroies...maybe I'll start it myself tomorrow.

Dave M.
Chicago area

[jobathenut]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

murfsteve-Oh my friend was pissed.He said he does'nt think he has ever got that mad.As he was also a fan of the player.But the way they guy was going on and on.My friend thought he would be nice and give it to him saying he was a bigger fan.

I'd be pissed

[allstarsplus]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

One more thing...

My fav fanfest is the Braves. They have the entire stadium available to you. Walk around the concourse all you want. Sit in any seat you'd like. Take fly balls in the outfield. Throw strikes in the bullpen. Sit in the dugout.Take a tour of the clubhouse, look in the showers, see the athletic trainers office, check out the putting green.

They have autograph sessions going on everywhere. Not in just one little spot. When i went, Francoeur was signing in the 755 suite. Chipper was signing in some room behind home plate. Bobby Cox and Sid Bream were signing in some hallway in the left field suites.

If I could attend only one fanfest ever again, it would be the Braves only because they give you access to check out a lot of things. Even though I was able to get auto's from Cox, Francoeur, Chipper...my fav part was going in the dugout and clubhouse.

Interesting. The President of the Nats is Stan Kasten who used to be the President of the Atlanta Braves and that is almost the model the Nationals use except it is cold on the last weekend in January when the NatsFest is so not much going on outside and the indoor areas get crowded real quick which is why they may have to move it to a convention center.

Do the Braves have dealers setup to sell their own merchandise as well as the team selling game used?

[murfsteve25]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

So when the player came over my friend let the guy get the hat.And as he was walking out the stdium the guy was selling it.

I'd be pissed

[xpress34]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

Have something unique for the players to sign.

I will agree with this one too...

In fact, I have a Pro Model HoH (Heart of the Hide) catchers mitt that now has almost 50 autos on it - all catcher's of course!

My friends laugh when I tell them it's like a catcher's 'fly trap' or 'magnet', but I have gotten or guys turn and come right to me when I hold that thing up for autos. Only 2 catchers have ignored me/turned me down that I have asked to sign it - Piazza and Soto.

Notables are Bob Uecker, Pudge Rodriguez, Joe Mauer, Kurt Suzuki, Doug Mirabelli, Bengie Molina, Yadier Molina (I now need Jose to have all 3), Saltalamacchia, Jason LaRue, Jason Kendall... I would pay (if they are even near here for a show - Denver,CO) for Yogi Berra and Johnny Bench.

Planning on trying to add Torre this season as well as some others...

As I said, it's a magnet... I've had starting catchers (who usually don't sign before games) see it on their way to the Bull Pen, set down their gear and come right over to sign it.

Paul Phillips (when the Rox had him up last year), I couldn't catch up to him at a game... he's driving out after a day game, fans are calling and he keeps driving - I hold up the glove, he sees it - stops and calls me over to sign it.

Best story on it is Uecker. TOUGH Auto... when the Twins were here 2 seasons ago, Uecker made Ned Yost (who I forgot to have sign it!) come and get the glove - take it to him, he signed it - and then had Yost bring it back to me.

I have lots of Mgrs who were catchers on it - Hurdle, Brenley, Bochy - as well as a lot of could have beens, JD Closser, Danny Ardoin, etc...

Besides Torre, looking to add LoDuca, Soto (I'll try again), Pierzynski, and a few others at Spring Training this year.

Chat with you soon...

- Chris

[jobathenut]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

xpress-That really made me laugh.I did'nt realize i have been standing here for a hour to hold you kids place in line-CLASSIC.You don't mind if i use that,do you? And yeah now that i know your that big i am going to watch what i say to you.So i am sure the parents know not to mess with you.But even more than that,if you try to teach the kids some manners some parents get mad at you.As i have had that,after a hockey game this kid could not get this players attention and kept yelling "hey you" and after the 50th time i got upset and i told the kid,try saying mr--- to get his attention.And say please and thank you.And the kid did it and the player turned around signed it and the player smiled at me.As i know the player and knew he did that on purpose.As players do not like being yelled at even by kids.But anyway,the dad came up to me and asked who i thought i was telling his kid how to ask for a autograph.And i just said i was sorry but i was tired of hearing your kid screaming and demanding a autograph.And thought if i help him he could get it.Sorry by all means have your kid continue to yell and see how mnay autographs he gets.All those guidelines are the right ones if you were to write a book.But me and my brother will go one furthur.Have something unique for the players to sign.As my brother was a big paul moiltor fan so at twins fest every year he would hunt down the most unique things to get him to sign.Nothing gets the player talking you more than something he has not signed 10000,s of times.And it always worked for my brother and molly.And with the hockey team we follow.I love taking sport pictures so i take games pictures and print them to 8x10s and my brother gets them signed.Nothing makes a college player happier than seeing a picture of them playing.They know we are big fans.So i take the pictures and my brother gets the autographs.We have a good system worked out now.Thats great you still have the hat,as you are a true collector.One of my friends was telling me this story about this team was giving away thier hats like that after the game.And this guy was begging for this players hat.And saying how he was a big fan.So when the player came over my friend let the guy get the hat.And as he was walking out the stdium the guy was selling it.And my friend i guess went up to him and started yeslling at him.Thanks for the email,i will email you some time as this has been great writing to you about this.

Joba -

Yes, I do. I also have Tulo's 2007 St Pat's GU hat (auto'd) and I kept Stritty's hat - but had Holliday sign it for my collection.

Tulo's has his # (14 before he changed to 2), but Stritmatter's was blank inside.

As far s the kids pushing forward, I quit moving. I've had parents yell at me and I've turned around and told them to teach their kids some manners... I also know most of the lower level (meaning 1st 10 rows) ushers at Coors Field and they back me when the parents go and complain to them that people won't move for their kids. Again, REALLY? I'm sorry that I was standing here for an hour apparently holding a place for YOUR kid!!! Most parents shut up when I say something though... must be something about being 6'1", about 240 with a goatee and a shaved head...

I always try - my kid or not - to teach them the best way to get an auto.

My basics:

1) KNOW who the players are - and even better if you know something about them or have a quick story to share that involves them.

2) ALWAYS say PLEASE.

3) Always know WHAT you want to get signed, WHERE you want it signed, and WHAT pen you want it signed with.

4) Do not JUST Thank them - Thank them for their time as well as the autograph. Gets lots of guys to smile and probably more likely to sign again.

NOTHING sours a player on signing than rude or bad/obnoxious fans.

If you ever want to chat outside the board, feel free to drop me a line - xpress34@comcast .net - I always separate it at the . so the SpamBots don't pick my eMail off the forum...

- Chris

[xpress34]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

By the way I love your storys as thats great the coach did that and player did that. Its shows respect both ways. Still have the hat?

Joba -

Yes, I do. I also have Tulo's 2007 St Pat's GU hat (auto'd) and I kept Stritty's hat - but had Holliday sign it for my collection.

Tulo's has his # (14 before he changed to 2), but Stritmatter's was blank inside.

As far s the kids pushing forward, I quit moving. I've had parents yell at me and I've turned around and told them to teach their kids some manners... I also know most of the lower level (meaning 1st 10 rows) ushers at Coors Field and they back me when the parents go and complain to them that people won't move for their kids. Again, REALLY? I'm sorry that I was standing here for an hour apparently holding a place for YOUR kid!!! Most parents shut up when I say something though... must be something about being 6'1", about 240 with a goatee and a shaved head...

I always try - my kid or not - to teach them the best way to get an auto.

My basics:

1) KNOW who the players are - and even better if you know something about them or have a quick story to share that involves them.

2) ALWAYS say PLEASE.

3) Always know WHAT you want to get signed, WHERE you want it signed, and WHAT pen you want it signed with.

4) Do not JUST Thank them - Thank them for their time as well as the autograph. Gets lots of guys to smile and probably more likely to sign again.

NOTHING sours a player on signing than rude or bad/obnoxious fans.

If you ever want to chat outside the board, feel free to drop me a line - xpress34@comcast .net - I always separate it at the . so the SpamBots don't pick my eMail off the forum...

- Chris

[jobathenut]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

xpress-I don't really think we are off topic that much about discussing this.As it kind of has to do with the things that go at the "fests".And beleieve me i am not just hating on "kids".But i am hating on the things you just gave examples of.Man i thought again me and my brother were the only people that thought this way.And i never spoke up because i fear especially on here to get bashed for giving my thoughts.And you hate the same things that i hate.And me and my brother see this every hockey game we go to."GIVE ME,GIVE ME,GIVE ME".We have stayed after for years to get autographs and become freinds with the players and parents.And thats all you hear from the kids.And most of the time they ask us who that player was.And i tell them tell me the final score of the game and i will tell you.And not one kid has been able to do it.And heres a little secret-MOST KIDS DON'T WATCH THE GAMES.And i gave a example about the pucks.An what was funny is that the one kid yelled at the guy in the penelty box "hey my friend did'nt get his puck".They think they are entitled to things now.And manners please for get about that.If i talked the way i hear some kids talk,my dad would have pulled me right out of there and we would have left and proberly never gone to another game.So thats the way i am,and thats what i ahve taught my daughter like i said, you address them by name,you say please mr so and so and then you say thanks.You do not yell and you wait your turn and dont push other people.Thats why i think these fests are the best way for "kids" to get autographs as its more organized and if you buy a ticket and stand in line is alot easier than fighting for one before a game.And i like them for the same reason.Nothing gets me madder than parents that tell their little billy to push thier way up there to get the autograph.I had another story but this post is long enough.By the way i love your storys as thats great the coach did that and player did that.Its shows respect both ways.Still have the hat?

Again, I agree!!! I HATE going early for BP and autos only to have kids stand there screaming out numbers at players - and not even asking PLEASE. If I had a .05 for every time I've heard a kid scream 'GIVE me..., SIGN my... Hey you..., etc' without a PLEASE in site... and their parents just stand there and say nothing.

And even worse is when you are already shoulder to shoulder waiting and they get there whenever they decide to come and their parents teach them to just shove their way up front - no excuse me, nothing - like they're entitled...

As far as knowing players names - enough said! I cannot stress this enough to people who want to auto hunt!

TWO examples - one happened at RockiesFest yesterday: I was waiting for my 12:30 Auto in Mountain Ranch Club (had just found out it was to be Helton!) when I saw Tulo coming down the hall... all these 'fans' and no one recognized him! I didn't ask for an auto, but I did call out 'Triple T' (Trot Trevor Tulowitzki) and he High Fived me as he walked by... then people were asking me, "who was that?" REALLY?!?!

2nd happened at St Patty's game 2008 at Hi Corbett in Tucson... the Rox generally give away or toss their hats into the stands (Green CR and St Pats Logo on back) and many scrums ensue... anyway, Mark Strimatter (Bullpen Coach) is coming in after the game - and here come the 'Hey you... hey mister... hey #...etc) for his hat. I wait for Mark to get in earshot (he has to have passed 100 people screaming for his hat) and I yell out, 'Stritty - may I have your lid?'... He looks up at me and says ,'What?' Again I say, 'Stritty, may I please have your hat?' He says, 'Since you know who I am, sure.' and gives me his hat.

Maybe we should start a new thread on these subjects!!!

2nd time - my apologies for driving this train off the rails!

- Chris

[xpress34]

Re: OT - Case study on FanFests

'Triple T' (Trot Trevor Tulowitzki)

Should read TROY Trevor Tulowitzki

Oh for an EDIT feature!!!