by By Luke Thompson ¿ lthompson@post-dispatch.com , St. Louis Post-Dispatch

From the "Hometown Heroes" section just inside the front entrance to the Home Run Derby and infield near the back of the America's Center, fans will be inundated with nearly every aspect of the game's past and present.

The first of over 40 exhibits and attractions features dozens of displays showcasing the franchise's illustrious history, and even some St. Louis natives who didn't play for their hometown team. Cardinals fans can take pictures with cutouts of the entire Cardinals roster, and also see the original World Series trophies from 1967, '82 and 2006.

Inside the main hall, where banners of teams and players adorn the walls and hang from the high ceiling, plenty of exhibits are available for those interested in Baseball's unique history.

Just beyond the Hall of Fame relics and the Negro Leagues exhibit is the Minor Leagues attraction. One wall features an immense map of the United States that shows the locations of every team, while another has the official caps for every team organized by franchise.

Those looking to get an interactive experience can head to the south side of the building to try to strike out video images of major-league players, or step into batting cages to try their luck against a pitching machine. Not even announcing, umpiring and stealing home are left out of the live experiences, which will often offer prizes. So it only makes sense that Fanfest offers a Home Run Derby, where participants can try to launch balls over an eight-foot wall approximately 75 feet from home plate.

Just beyond the wall lies an infield where kids can learn how to field grounders from two Hall of Famers, Cal Ripken, Jr. and former Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith. All-Stars Justin Morneau and Evan Longoria will be in town to give clinics Monday and Tuesday.

Smith is Fanfest's official spokesperson, and he'll be doing just about everything except his signature backflip.

"I may roll over going after a groundball or something, but I don't do it intentionally anymore," Smith said with a laugh.

Plenty of items on display are for sale, including old collectibles and colorful portraits of Baseball legends. On the second floor, several former players such as Bob Feller, Lee Smith and Will Clark will be signing free autographs at all times.

With attendance for the five-day event expected to top the record of 130,000 set in New York last year, the biggest problem at Fanfest is likely to be long lines. MLB's Director of Special Events, Jackie Secaira-Cotto, said her staff will be taking steps to address the issue, such as limiting lines for autographs. Additionally, fans willing to pay for more than just a $30 ticket can move through lines quicker through a priority pass program.

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