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HOW I GOT INVOLVED
The first time I heard of volunteering for the ASG, I scoffed at the idea of giving time and labor to a multi-billion dollar sports industry. But in 2006 in Pittsburgh I found out most of the folks working the exhibits and games at FanFest, both inside and outside the convention center, were the volunteers. I started asking questions.
In this case of course, most were from Pittsburgh and excited to be part of the festivities involving their beloved Pirates. I spoke to a few locals who heard about the chance to get into FanFest and interact with fans and being closer to the game. Sounded fun.
But the thought to sign up if ever attending another ASG wasn't really serious until the next day I had a conversation with a gentleman from NY who was ahead of me in line for a player's autograph. While chatting, he said he was a volunteer and had done so annually for over a decade. He and his son took off ASG Week each year and took a trip to participate in the festivities of each host city and specifically went to volunteer with FanFest.
He described being involved in a number of events and shared some experiences that you don't just get from buying a ticket to the game. As a result, I said next time I am lucky enough to get to partake in ASG Week, I'd sign up.
It wasn't until 2012 in Kansas City did I get to take a week off to immerse myself in my favorite sport, and all aspects of that particular trip were truly amazing. And from there, opportunity arose in 2017 (Miami), 2018 (Washington, DC), 2019 (Cleveland), 2021 (Denver), 2022 (Los Angeles) and 2024 (Arlington, TX).
I was looking forward to a "short" drive to participate in the 2021 ASG in Atlanta. But while disappointed in the nugatory decision of relocation of the game to Colorado, I still attended. I am sure Manfred was upset to re-award Atlanta the game in 2025, so I'm ready. Bright side is Denver was panicked with Covid procedures in 2021 and the quick window for setup, so Atlanta's turn in 2025 will actually be full power at The Battery, Truist Park, Buckhead and all around the ATL!
Unlike filmmakers and documentarians like Ken Burns, I ended up not making big journals or taking thousands of photos. But for that which I did archive, I hope you'll share in my fun by checking out some highlights behind the scenes of becoming and being a MLB All-Star Ambassador via the "Experience Team" Program.
SIGNING UP
The fun starts in the spring, coincidentally about the same time as the Big Leaguers are reporting to FL and AZ. The ASG website, generally in February, opens a window for a few weeks to allow fans to register to participate.
Once closed, acceptance emails go out allowing participants to setup profiles in the MLB system for what will be needed for background checks to be conducted. With the info collected, MLB then sends shortly thereafter a DocuSign to authorize the background checks.
It seems the earlier fans can return the background check it helps to get thru the process faster so less time waiting for the acceptance email, usually in mid-May. But not withstanding any outstanding warrants forgotten from drunken college days, acceptance is a pretty sure thing. So it's nothing like the excitement and anticipation waiting for the date to pick assignments.
Learn more here from 2025 site: https://www.mlb.com/all-star/experience-team
Registration: https://www.mlb.com/all-star/experience-team/apply
FAQs from 2025 site: https://www.mlb.com/all-star/experience-team/frequently-asked-questions
General Procedures for being part of the team:
February/March
Registration opens and applicants will be invited to setup a profile. Alumni have to submit again each year, but they do keep records of participation and it's minimal info to input to get back in the running for the current year's festivities.
Late May/Early June
Registration may close depending on how many applicants complete the first step and those who are on pre-accepted (before background checks are run) will be notified by Atrium (employer of record) and sent a link for pre-employment paperwork, profile and picture update, payroll documentation and approve a background check. Once a bulk of Atrium's work is done, notices will go out of the Opportunity Selection date and time, generally split Alumni on day 1 and New Team Members on day 2. Note, they generally split up the opportunities so new members have a shot at the coveted shifts.
About a week before events begin
All-Star Experience Team required in-person training, usually mid-week and offer two sessions at either 10AM or 7PM
OPPORTUNITY SELECTION DAY
First Come First Serve
Two months into the MLB Season, and once completing the tasks to get registered, the long awaited assignment selection day comes. Now I would venture to say most fans who sign up are locals to the host city and likely have not participated before, unless of course they attended ASGs in other cities. So the idea of picking shifts for most are assignments are done to not interfere with work or school, or picking days that it's most convenient for them.
The MLB site does give "teasers" as to what volunteers may be able to assist, such as Baseball/Softball Pitching and Batting Cages, Legends Autograph Stages, All-Star Experience Pass Prize Redemption, and MLB Pre-Game Ceremonial Rehearsals, to name a few. Needless to say there are absolutely coveted events to be a part of, and these assignments can vary city by city for what MLB will need help.
It's not until the countdown ends and the selection site goes live that participants see what they are getting into.
on your mark, get set, GO!
The moment the MLB ETA site goes live, it's a free-for-all to as quickly as possible navigate to each date and see what assignments are available. MLB generally does not give advance notice as to what specific shifts will be available, but there are some consistencies each year and it's a matter of checking the right day and clicking claim as soon as seeing one of interest.
This year as in past years you have 15 minutes to pick to shifts that do not overlap before you hit the submit button to save. The key is to know the days with possible events you are most interested and select any 4 non-overlapping opportunities by checking each one. You'll see them added to your list. The key is selecting one removes a slot from the available number, so once you have a particular shift, it's yours as long as you confirm before the 15 minutes runs out. But you cannot go back and change shifts once you confirm!!! So use your 15 minutes wisely and that you did your homework for all events you may want to attend during hours not working your daily Experience Team Shift. Example would be you want to attend the Home Run Derby, you should pick only a Monday AM shift of whatever may be available to fulfill your 4-shift requirement.
As far as years I participated, I have been able to field fly balls, assist with prepping fans for batting practice simulation, assist in the alumni player Hospitality Suite, guide alumni players, staff and families to their awaiting transportation, help at the concerts, welcome fans into the MLB Clubhouse exhibit, and host a video game console in the ballroom for the player/family breakfast. But the most amazing was in 2018 to be on the field at Washington Nationals Park as a stand-in for a true dignitary for the opening ceremony rehearsals. I'll always have a place in my heart for US Medal of Honor recipient Major General James E. Livingston for filling in for him at rehearsals and actually meeting him when showing him his spot on the field on the second day at the Park. This is a link to the MLB page of the tribute to the US Medal of Honor recipients.