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Play in the 2008 Chevy Virtual World Series for your chance at a trip to the MLB Fall Classic - http://mlb2k8onlinetournament.2ksports.com/

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Reference: MLB.com - Pictures available on MySpace/Facebook

FanFest hosts virtual World Series
MLB 2K8 tournament is a All-Star Week highlight
By Ben Apatoff / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Despite being situated on one of New York City's busiest streets, it would be tough to miss the parade of baseball fanatics walking in and out of the building, toting merchandise from the DHL All-Star FanFest any time this week--but especially on Sunday, July 13.

Yesterday, fans crowded the bleachers at the Javits Center's carpeted indoor baseball diamond, gathering for one of FanFest's most anticipated events this year: the first annual MLB 2K8 Virtual World Series, which promised appearance of two MLB greats, billed as "special guest coaches."

Event representatives asked the fans trivia questions and gave out prizes before introducing the two participants in the Series game. Zach Albano of Elmwood, N.J., known by the gamertag "InFaMoUsXKillA," represented the Red Sox of the American League. His opponent, Chris Bratton of Somers, N.Y., represented the National League's Mets and played by the gamertag "Bratman."

The two sat in front of a game console on the diamond and started playing. Fans followed the championship via a large screen that displayed the game, but their attention was diverted when Orioles Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. stepped into the diamond to sounds of Smash Mouth's 1999 hit "All Star."

Ripken was greeted with much fanfare before answering questions about his career and the current state of baseball. The record-shattering former shortstop stated that he will miss Yankee Stadium, and he told young MLB hopefuls to hang on to their aspirations.

"The secret to getting better is to practice, and there are no shortcuts there, so be patient," advised Ripken, before revealing that he hit .128 as a freshman in high school. The 19-time All-Star signed baseballs and chatted with fans in the front row for several minutes after the Q&A.

The second MLB star to enter the diamond was MLB 2K8 cover athlete and Mets shortstop José Reyes.

When asked about the home run he had hit the day before against the Colorado Rockies, Reyes joked, "I don't hit many, so when I hit one, I have to enjoy it." He called his appearance on the MLB 2K8 cover "a dream come true," and said he telephoned his family right away when he heard the news.

The cheerful All-Star would not reveal which team in the NL East he thought of as his biggest competition, but responded that he wanted to take the game "one day at a time." "We have the talent to do the best we can and take it from there," Reyes said, right before his 2K8 likeness hit a home run and received cheers from the crowd.

Despite the distractions of two MLB stars answering questions just a few feet away, the gamers stayed intently focused on MLB 2K8.

When the game ended, Albano's Red Sox were victorious, 7-2. The heavily pro-New York crowd booed at the announcement of the Boston victory, but the fans applauded both players' efforts and took photos while Albano accepted his prizes -- tickets to the 2008 World Series and a glass trophy presented by Reyes.

"This is pretty big," said Albano, who showed no interest in resting on his laurels. "I just want to tell all the Madden players to watch out, because I'm coming for you."

2K Sports' MLB 2K8 is now available, and can be purchased in the MLB.com shop.