MLB planning unique way to honor dedicated fans

(MLB) For decades baseball fans have debated which players deserved to have their jersey numbers retired by their respective MLB teams. Now it’s MLB’s turn to debate which dedicated fans deserve the very same honor from the league itself.

On Wednesday, the league announced that for the first time ever, one dedicated fan will have his or her jersey retired during at the “Enshrine Mine” event at the MLB All-Star FanFest on Sunday, July 10th.

Of course, you’re probably wondering what jerseys we’re talking about. Well, that’s entirely up to you, the fan. The idea is to feature the jersey that has the most meaning to you, and then explain why it deserves this new honor.

Here’s a better explanation from the league’s press release:

To enter the “Enshrine Mine” contest, fans can post a photo or video to Instagram sharing their unique fan jersey story detailing why their jersey should receive the ultimate honor. One winner will be chosen based on submissions that illustrate fandom, passion for baseball, and share special, original moments experienced in the jersey. Fans can submit their jerseys for enshrinement by tagging entries with the contest hashtag, #EnshrineMine, between Wednesday, June 22nd and Wednesday, June 29th. A gallery of submissions and additional opportunities to enter can be found at allstargame.com/EnshrineMine. Finalists will be selected by Major League Baseball and All-Star Game spokespersons Trevor Hoffman and Dave Winfield. The winner will be notified Friday, July 1st.

“Major League Baseball has a tradition of retiring jerseys for the greatest players, but we know fans also give their all from the stands,” said Jackie Secaira-Cotto, Major League Baseball Director, Special Events. “We want to recognize an All-Star fan who has experienced major game and life moments in his or her jersey by honoring them at FanFest.”

It’s also noted that the same fan will win an All-Star prize package, which includes round-trip flights and accommodations for two in San Diego, and tickets to the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game (July 10th), T-Mobile Home Run Derby (July 11th) and the MLB All-Star Game presented by MasterCard at Petco Park (July 12th).

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That’s as good as it gets, so here’s a little advice for those entering. Passion and energy will be key here. Creativity wouldn’t hurt here either, as we’re assuming it’ll take some unique experiences to stand out.

We’re also guessing the more you can do to validate your story the better chance you’ll have of being selected. In other words, don’t rub some dirt on it and make up a story expecting to get picked. Tell of your experiences, back them up with some selfies or memorabilia, and then wait for that call.

Good luck to all.

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