Let the Good Times Roll….

Photo by Randy Lawrence – Tim Mead speaks to AW.com members

By Eric Denton – Angelswin.com Senior Writer

AngelsWin.com Summer Fan-Fest 2008 is in the books, and a good time was had by all that participated. This was the first Angelswin.com sponsored meet-up members have had since the Spring Training get together in Tempe in March.

The July 5th event started early over at El Camino Park in Orange, as Team Grit defeated Mota’s MOTO Wrecking Crew by the final score of “many” to “not enough”.

An AW member showed off their skills with the bat and in the field as the game was a back and forth battle during the early innings. You could say the participants were squaring the ball up well. The game even had a cameo from former Angel “Jose Guillen” who got into a dugout tussle with a teammate.

The game ended with no further incidents and the game ended around noon time giving the players opportunity to get cleaned up before the next part of the festivities at the Big A.

Angelswin.com Summer Fanfest Photos (Softball Game)

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Tailgate time!

AW members started arriving around 1:30 pm and by 3:00 the air was filled with the smell of grilled burgers and hot dogs. This is where the party got kicked up a notch. There was plenty of delicious grub to choose from as AW contributed to a stellar feast.

It was also a chance for some community bonding as it was the first time that a lot of AW members were able to put a face to the screen name for the first time. Lots of laughs and stories were shared throughout the afternoon. The group was greeted with a surprise visit and impromptu Q&A from Angels VP of Communications Tim Mead, who spent some time answering questions from the fans.

As game time neared, AW members began filing into the stadium. A large group sat together and enjoyed the game; well “enjoyed” might be a strong word. Despite a late inning surge the Angels lost to the Blue Jays 7-5. Though the highlight at the game was a message that appeared on the scoreboard before the 6th inning that read “The Angels Welcome Angelswin.com to Anaheim Stadium”. That was cool.

Angelswin.com Summer Fanfest Photos (Tailgate Party)

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

AW then had a chance to drown their sorrows over at “Throwbacks Sports Bar & Grill” for a night cap where owners Jason Brennan and Sohayl Saboori showed AW members some fine hospitality. More food and adult beverages were consumed and even more new friendships were formed.

The next few opportunities for official AngelsWin.com meet ups will be held at Throwbacks starting on July 23rd after the Angels take on the Cleveland Indians.

Followed by July 28-31 Angels watch parties hosted by Dave Smith of KLAA 830 for Angels/Boston and Angels/NY series. Tickets will be given away each night for NY series in early August. There are rumors that a few former Angel players throughout the week will show up as guest co-hosts. Be sure to get there at least 30 minutes before hand to get signed up for the ticket raffle to be held during the bottom of the 5th inning.

Finally, on August 6th, “Angels Talk” with Terry Smith will be live from Throwbacks directly following game with Baltimore.

After our ‘07 Summer Fanfest, Angelswin.com Senior Writer – Adam Dodge tagged Angelswin.com as “The Internet Hangout for Angels Fans”. Sounds about right to this fan, so make sure you get involved with this fine community at Angelswin.com. An Angels Web site of the fans, by the fans, for the fans.