Fort Scottian gets chance to work at MLB FanFest

A former high school standout will get his chance to mingle with current and former pro players today at Major League Baseball's FanFest in Kansas City, Mo.

Mark Hall, 38, who averaged .835 during the state tournament in Garden City when as a member of the Fort Scott Dragoons -- senior Babe Ruth team, will be a "utility player" during the event at Bartle Hall.

That job title means Hall will be anywhere he's needed whether it's the homerun derby for kids or the autograph booths.

To get this chance, Hall visited the Kansas City Royals website nine months ago and put in an application. After a background check, he was approved to work.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's awesome," Hall said Friday.

For all of FanFest, Friday through Tuesday -- the day of the All-Star game -- more than 100,000 people will probably attend.

The Fort Scott native could have played college baseball and gone pro, but a car accident when he was 17 or 18 put paid to that dream. After being thrown out of a Jeep, he was lifeflighted to University of Kansas Medical Center where he underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. He was in a coma for 26 days and had to learn how to walk, talk and eat again.

To be dismissed from the hospital, he had to show he could cook for himself. His dish? A peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

At FanFest, he will work three shifts and catch a glimpse of current and former players and all the Major League trophies.

"It'll be frickin' awesome," Hall said.