NewsDates set for Yanks Fantasy Camp
Fans can enjoy authentic experience in November, JanuaryBy Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
11/09/09 5:55 PM EST
NEW YORK -- If you have ever fantasized of setting foot on a finely manicured baseball field, clad in pinstripes with an interlocking "NY" logo across your left chest, the New York Yankees Fantasy Camp makes these dreams come true every year.
While the Yankees bask in the afterglow of their 27th World Series title, two Fantasy Camps will be held at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., from Nov. 16-22, 2009, and Jan. 11-17, 2010, making the most famous uniform in sports available to fans.
"Yankees Fantasy Camp is literally seeing your dreams become reality," Yankees Fantasy Camp director Julie Kremer said. "You wouldn't believe some of the letters we receive from campers telling us how life-changing the experience was. We have folks cry!
"Our camp is a totally authentic Yankee experience that you can't get anywhere else. You get to socialize and befriend players you grew up watching. You use the same clubhouse, training room and fields as the big league team."
Priced at $5,500, the Fantasy Camp experience includes seven days and six nights at the host hotel with a private room for each participant and ground transportation to and from the airport, as well as to the hotel and fields daily.
Campers play in nine games total -- two games each day of camp, followed by a Dream Game against Yankees greats on the last day. They are also instructed and coached daily by former Yankees Major Leaguers, assisted by the personal clubhouse staff and professional trainers.
With a welcome reception and awards banquet, campers receive their own clubhouse locker as well as an official Yankees uniform and Nike apparel to keep.
Breakfasts, lunches and socials are held at George M. Steinbrenner Field's state-of-the-art facilities. Anyone 30 years of age or older is eligible to participate, regardless of baseball skills.
"We have a wide range of all skill levels attend Fantasy Camp," Kremer said. "Some play in adult leagues, while others haven't touched a baseball since grade school. Campers can be highly fit, or highly rusty!"
Subject to change, the November 2009 and January 2010 campers can expect to be instructed by Ron Blomberg, Tommy John, Mickey Rivers, Al Downing, Roy White, Oscar Gamble, Homer Bush, Bucky Dent, David Wells and Ken Griffey Sr. Reggie Jackson is also scheduled for a two-day appearance at the November camp.
For more information on the New York Yankees Fantasy Camp, e-mail brochure requests to fantasycamp@yankees.com.
Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
