When you consider that there were five teams in Major League Baseball that averaged less than 22,000 in home attendance in 2014, it puts into perspective just how successful the Dodgers FanFest 2015 event was on Saturday. According to the Dodgers, their third annual uber pep rally drew a record crowd of more than 22,000 – up more than 10,000 from last year.

Over 22,000 fans attended Dodgers FanFest 2015.

It’s hard to argue that having the event inside Dodger Stadium for the first time instead of outside in the parking lots may have added to the largest FanFest crowd to date, but when you consider that the Dodgers led all of baseball in attendance last season and sold nearly 35,000 season seats (not to mention the absolutely beautiful weather), it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that so many Dodger faithful stopped by Blue Heaven on Earth for Saturday’s free event.

As with the previous two FanFest events, the player autograph sessions were among the most popular attractions for Dodger fans. In fact, the required autograph vouchers actually sold out within hours of being offered on-line more than two weeks ago. But that didn’t stop many current and former Dodger players and coaches from doing a little extra curricular autograph signing for their loyal fans.

1988 World Series hero Mickey Hatcher and top Dodgers outfield prospect Joc Pederson sign autographs for fans.

Popular Dodgers utility outfielder Scott Van Slyke signs a hat for a lucky fan.

Dodgers bench coach Tim Wallach tosses an autographed baseball back up to a young Dodger fan.

As expected, the on-stage player interviews got fans pumped up for Opening Day on April 6 at Dodger Stadium, but it was none other than Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully and Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda who brought the huge crowd to a fever pitch.

Among all those who took the stage on Saturday, none drew a bigger cheer than the great Vin Scully.

Nobody, absolutely nobody can fire up a crowd like Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda.

1981 World Series co-MVPs Steve Yeager and Ron Cey share a laugh with Dodger Talk Radio hosts Kevin Kennedy and David Vassegh.

Although many of the FanFest 2015 activities were geared towards youngsters such as face painting, airbrush tattooing, pitching and hitting, there were also many activities for adults and families, including an opportunity to have your photograph taken with the actual 1988 Dodgers World Series trophy.

Hopefully fans will be able to have their photograph taken with the 2015 World Series trophy at next year’s FanFest event.

No words needed for this photo – the smile says it all.

Fans were also given the opportunity to purchase game-used merchandise and a Mystery Ball grab bag with all proceeds going to the LA Dodgers Foundation team charity. Included in those Mystery Ball grab bags were baseballs autographed by both current and former Dodger players. But without question the Holy Grail of autographed baseball were those signed by Vin Scully, of which there were reportedly six of these gold nuggets among the hundreds of Mystery Ball grab bags.

This lucky Dodger fan struck gold when he got a Vin Scully autographed baseball in his Mystery Ball grab bag. Not a bad investment for $40.

If FanFest 2015 is any indication of what we can expect from loyal, die-hard Dodger fans this season, it’s going to be a great one.

Play Ball!

(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)