Where Is The Free Agent Fan That Picked The Phillies
Back in 1997, Mike Volpe (almost better know as The Free Agent Fan) announced that he would no longer be a fan of the San Francisco Giants because of the team’s…
Back in 1997, Mike Volpe (almost better know as The Free Agent Fan) announced that he would no longer be a fan of the San Francisco Giants because of the team's decision trade his favorite players or allow them to become free agents.
How'd He Make This Happen?
He told me, "if these players can become free agents, well then why can't I?" Which brings up a very interesting point. Back in 1997, he decides to write a letter to the other 29 Major League Baseball teams asking them why he should sign with them to become a fan.
[Mike Volpe]In 1997, Mike Volpe decided to do something about his then favorite team taking advantage of him by offering up his fandom to all 29 teams, only to award it to one!
We met him at Phillies spring training in Clearwater, Florida where he (obviously) was wearing gear of the team his choice! You can see all of my photos, interviews and more from Spring Training right here.
He Did A Whole Tour To Multiple Parks
Many teams were vying for his fandom, it was in fact a very big national story and teams were rolling out the red carpet in order to win over Volpe.
In fact, here he is at Oriole Park at Camden Yards playing catch on the field.
[Mike Volpe]He was being woo-ed by them in order to sign his fandom over to the Baltimore Orioles!
They Weren't The Only Team!
In fact, the New York Mets even let him play catch with Bobby Valentine in order to win him over! Everyone was trying their hardest to get him on their side!
[Mike Volpe]But Ultimately, He Chose The Phillies!
Yes! That's right. Thanks to a beautiful letter written by the Phillies Director of Fun and Games, John Brazer, he chose to be a Phillies fan for life!!
His Son Has Documented The Entire Journey In Video
Jeff Kurkjian Interviewed Him While At Spring Training
They went into detail about the whole "Free Agent Fan" signing, how cool??
