Giants Fans Turn Out in Droves, Some Turned Away
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- The San Francisco Giants held their annual winter celebration "Fanfest" at AT&T Park Saturday, but the turnout was so big, team executives reluctantly had to turn many fans away.
Fans came out in droves to support the 2010 Baseball World champions. Team President Larry Baer estimated the crowd to be around 50,000 people converging in the same spot and added that it was too crowded.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
The doors at the baseball park had barely opened when team spokesperson Staci Slaughter made an announcement.
"We are just overwhelmed, humbled, just cannot believe it. We expected record crowds this year, but not to this level and as early as people showed up. I mean parking lots were full by eight thirty, nine o'clock this morning," said Slaughter.
The event's organizers began to plead with the public to not come to the ballpark and said they would be turned away unless they were already present. Anyone arriving after the announcement wouldn't be able to get in because the facility could no longer accommodate that amount of people.
Some lucky fans that arrived in time to get inside the ballpark got to hang out with the Giants in some very summery weather.
"You go into a season with so much momentum and you come out here and you see the fans. Everybody is so excited because we're going to kill the Dodgers on opening day," said Andre of Truckee with authority.
Giants' reliever Brian Wilson jokingly commented on Pittsburgh Steeler Brett Keisel's beard and how it may be an infringement on his own trademark facial hair. You may recall the 'fear the beard' mantra that became all the rage last season.
"He does have a sweet beard though, I've seen it," said Wilson, "I like it."
Giants pitchers and catchers will be in training camp next weekend in Arizona and fans are fired up.
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