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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) and 2022 (Los Angeles).
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.
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 in April 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.
late February/early March through Early May
Registration should open sometime late February/early March, so be on the lookout on the MLB ASG site or here as soon as I receive info about the link being open.
Learn more here from 2024 site: https://www.mlb.com/all-star/experience-team
Go straight to registration: not available at this time
FAQs from 2024 site: not available at this time
Early May
Applicants will be invited to create a profile in the Experience Team App and to attend a virtual information session.
Following the information session, applicants will be notified of acceptance and sent a link to select your opportunity/role preferences.
June - July
Atrium (employer of record) will initiate pre-employment paperwork including background check and payroll documentation. Once onboarding is complete, you will receive your confirmed schedule and orientation information.
July
All-Star Experience Team required training
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 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 does not give any info as to what specific posts 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.
For the years I participated, I have been able to field pop flies, assist in a Hospitality Suite, guide alumni players, staff and families to their awaiting transportation, 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 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.