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Orioles Faithful 'Buckle Up' For Another Season At FanFest 2014

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baseball fans pack the Baltimore Convention Center for Orioles FanFest 2014. As part of our Continuing Community Commitment, WJZ is proud to join MASN in supporting the O's in this year's festivities.

Linh Bui reports it was a full day of fun, and Orioles fans tell WJZ the FanFest gets bigger and better every year.

The crowd was at a fever pitch as Orioles FanFest took over the Baltimore Convention Center. There were thousands of diehard O's fans.

"Opening Day to the end of the season--orange and black all the time. Nothing else in my wardrobe," said Stephanie Blizzard, Orioles fan.

"FanFest is a wonderful opportunity to come and learn about the new Orioles, the old Orioles, see what the stadium has to offer, what the Orioles have to offer. It's a wonderful experience," one fan said.

The annual event kicked off the club's season. Fans are thrilled to meet the players.

"You get to see all the players and it's really fun! And you get to get all their autographs and merchandise," said Ellie Blue, Orioles fan.

Outfielder Nick Markakis posed for pictures, pitcher Kevin Gausman signed baseballs and hats, pitcher Wei-Yin Chen signed some cards and catcher Matt Wieters also gave out his autograph.

"Baltimore's got great baseball fans. I've known that for quite awhile now. But it's more fun more now that we're doing more activities to interact with the fans," Wieters said.

Vendors sold memorabilia and there were baseball clinics for the kids, plus question and answer forums.

"Seeing all the fans, seeing all my teammates, that's what makes everything worth it. And we enjoy coming out here," said Orioles slugger Chris Davis.

Your friends at WJZ were also part of the fun, chatting all day with fans who can't wait for baseball season.

"FanFest is awesome!" Sean Bridges said.

"I love the Orioles!" said Jennifer Pille.

The excited crowd made this FanFest a home run.

There were also interactive games and an opportunity to apply for seasonal employment.

The O's soon head down to Florida. Spring training starts this month.

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