Hounds Pack the House for Fan Fest

Editor's note: This story was updated from a previous version to reflect updated numbers from the Loudoun Hounds.

Loudoun baseball fans of all ages got a little taste of the boys of summer in February.

On Sunday afternoon at Stone Bridge High School.  Bobby Richardson, Frank Howard, Cecil Fielder, and Otis Nixon were among some of the former Major League legends on hand to talk baseball and sign autographs for fans.

 “I’m not sure that baseball right now on the major league level has the same integrity that it once had. There’s a lot missing in the game of baseball because everything today is built around finances now,” Richardson said while talking about the golden years of baseball in the 1960s and 70s. “But I feel that at the college level and with the league your putting together here, you’re going to create in this area a new interest and fans and families will be coming out together to enjoy this great game of baseball.”

There were also in depth renderings of what the Hounds stadium will look like when their season begins in the summer of 2012.  Loudoun Hounds president and CEO Bob Farren said construction will begin on the new stadium in July.

“We want to bring that magical experience that children get from being at a ballpark to Loudoun,” Farren said while on stage with Richardson.  “Loudoun is one of the most underdeveloped areas in the country and seeing as how it’s one of the fastest growing counties in the nation; it only makes sense to bring a baseball team here.”

The official mascot of the Loudoun Hounds was also introduced to Fan Fest attendees.

The “Kids Zone” featured a moon bounce, balloon animals, and speed pitch and T ball hitting tents.  Also in the Kids Zone was the popular teenage rock band, the A+ Dropouts performing many of the songs that have gained them a cult following and air play on DC101.

Former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Michael Young provided color commentary during the bubble-blowing contest, which followed the last of the baseball chats with all the major leaguers in attendance.  The winning contestant took home a case of the long time Baseball staple Big League Chew gum.

Following the bubble-blowing contest, staff from Buffalo Wing Factory Ashburn hosted a wing eating contest, awarding the winner with a 50 dollar gift certificate to their restaurant. 

The Hounds memorabilia table featured autographed baseballs, cleats and photographs from some of the best players ever to pick up a bat including Joe Di Maggio and Babe Ruth.  Fans were also given information on tickets and official Hounds gear was on sale at the Fan Fest.

Organizers counted about 9,800 attendees, and expect a packed house when the Hounds play their first Atlantic League game next season.