The Orioles fanfest has been going down hill. I've gone every year since 99 , and will be going again on January 7th, but it keeps getting smaller and smaller. It used to be two days with an entire exhibition hall full of dealers. Now there's probably 10-15 tables of memoribilia dealers and I couldn't even find cards last year. Its only really worth it if you're a season ticket holder. I've had a season ticket plan for 4 years and each year holders get to go in 1/2-a full hour earlier for a special signing. Last year it was Javy Lopez, and the year before it was Palmeiro. This is great because its a short line and its guaranteed, and you get to stake out your spot for the next person that signs when the gates open to the public. But after that its not worth the wait in line.
One of the worst things is that Tejada hasn't been there, and probably won't be this year. He has the worst autograph on the team and it would be nice to be able to get him when he's sitting down and not rushing like at the ballpark. He has ruined plenty of photos or cards of mine and my buddy's because he rushes or uses bad pens, and I would love to get him at a signing. I guess I'll have to settle for Javy, Mora, or Roberts or whoever else is early this year.