Thousands of dedicated fans flocked to Arlington early Sunday to celebrate the culmination of all things baseball at MLB’s All-Star Village.
Some people began lining up at Choctaw Stadium’s gates more than an hour before they were scheduled to open. The sun beat down as temperatures crept toward the upper 90s and Alabama’s “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” played over the loud speakers.
Less than a year after the Texas Rangers won the World Series, the team turned around to host the Midsummer Classic and the associated festivities. (The Rangers are the first defending World Champs to host an All-Star Game in nearly 90 years.)
While events like Monday’s Home Run Derby and Tuesday’s All-Star Game will be played at Globe Life Field, neighboring Choctaw Stadium, Esports Stadium Arlington and the land connecting them have been turned into a swath of activities and events. The All-Star Village opened Saturday and lasts through Tuesday evening.
Once the gates opened at the stadium, a wave a people flowed in before breaking toward what they were most excited about. Some prioritized getting a glimpse of or autograph from at least one of the number of players scheduled to be at the village.
“Wow! This is so big and beautiful,” a young girl shouted, grabbing her mom’s hand as they walked toward the field.
The same ballpark, then known as Globe Life Park, where major leaguers played in the 1995 All-Star Game was transformed into an area where fans could show off their skills in pitching and batting, pose for pictures in front of the dugout with cutouts of Rangers players like Adolis García and gawk at the “world’s largest baseball” signed by Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Derek Jeter, Yogi Berra, Willie Mays and others.
Fans were abuzz inside the concourse as they sought shade, fun and familiar game-day experiences.
As early as 10 a.m., smells of classic ballpark foods filled the air. Soft pretzels rotated in a warmer, hot dogs sizzled on the grill and a kid munched on nachos he dipped in strikingly yellow cheese.
Most fans were sporting some sort of Rangers or All-Star Game-branded gear while others represented other MLB teams.
Cheering echoed from the MLB Draft Experience.
“With the first pick in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, the defending world champions the Texas Rangers pick Julian Martinez,” an announcer belted as employees clapped.
Ten-year-old Julian jogged toward him with a big smile, put a Rangers jersey on and his dad snapped a photo. As Julian walked away, high-fiving onlookers, his older sister — 12-year-old Chloe — was also “drafted” by the Rangers.
The siblings and their dad, Joey, traveled in from Maypearl. They were excited to try the activities, though Chloe said she is more of a softball girl.
The first night of the MLB draft will be Sunday in the Rangers’ backyard at Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum.
Nearby, large photos of players selected to represent the American and National League teams in the All-Star Game, including last-minute addition Ranger Marcus Semien, lined one section of the concourse, drawing in a lot of selfie-takers.
Other fans shopped for event merchandise, sought out which team’s mascot they wanted to share a handshake with and debated on which collectors pins or baseball cards they wanted to trade.
Around a quieter corner, Johanna and Luis Ramirez, with their 2-year-old son Giancarlo, took photos with a Jackie Robinson No. 42 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey.
The family, decked out in Los Angeles Dodgers gear, traveled from Milwaukee, Wis., to visit the All-Star Village and watch the Home Run Derby.
“This guy right here is why we came,” Luis said, gesturing at his son, who was wearing a curious look and holding a toy baseball bat.
“And we just saw everything this event had to offer,” Johanna said. “It seemed like a cool event for baseball fans.”
