D-backs Fan Fest draws huge crowd

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Chip Hale has been with some organizations where getting players to attend fan events was not always easy, but the D-backs manager had no such trouble with his team when it came to Sunday's Subway Fan Fest at Chase Field.

"It's fantastic," Hale said of the event. "I try to tell the players and the players are really good about it here. They're excited to see our fans. Once you get into it and see the electricity of the fans and the energy that they have it kind of gets you pumped up for Spring Training."

Around 25,000 fans attended the event, now in its 11th year and D-backs players made their way from a morning workout at Salt River Fields to downtown Phoenix to join them.

"It keeps getting bigger and bigger and the response from our fans is extremely positive," D-backs team president/CEO Derrick Hall said. "It provides the perfect setting to allow fans to have full access of the stadium while getting face-to-face with our players and coaches. It was clear today how excited our fans are for the upcoming season."

Said pitcher Patrick Corbin, "It's great to see the whole team go. It's a good opportunity for us to thank the fans for the way they've supported us. Every year it's packed and there are a lot of fun events going on. If I was a kid I would enjoy it. That's how I look at it."