ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – From heart-pumping music to All-Star sightings, baseball fans had no trouble getting fired up for Monday night’s MLB Home Run Derby.
“Yes, I think this thing is really cool,” baseball fan Abby Driskell said. “I mean, there is so much here to kind of absorb and I’m just so excited being a Braves fan and it being right here in my hometown. I’m just so excited to be able to come and do this.”
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Baseball legends like Tim Hudson and Andruw Jones interacted with fans of all ages at the All-Star Village, inspiring the next generation of greats.
“The main thing I took away is, just be humble,” baseball fan Griffin Snell said.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson will participate in Monday’s Home Run Derby. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)(Mike Stewart | AP)
Fans also lined up to see Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers and grab an autograph. He’s known for his iconic handlebar mustache.
“Oh, I think this does so much for our city,” Driskell said. “I live right down the road, so it’s incredible that we are able to get all these amazing people from all over the U.S. coming down here to Atlanta and just kind of supporting Braves Country.”
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Another big attraction are the All-Star pins. Fans searched for this year’s official chase pin, which is the Georgia peach. It’s hard to come by but highly sought after.
“You’re looking for that pin. So, you’re going to ask anybody that has pins or that is wearing a lanyard with pins, ‘Do you have the chase pin?’ And it’s always depicted, and this year with a peach,” an All-Star Village employee said.