In the past I’ve been pretty negative towards the MLB All-Star Game.
I definitely don’t like the fact that the game decides who gets home field advantage. The better record, not one game in July, should determine that.
And this year’s edition is fast becoming one of the more watered-down All-Star Games, with the likes of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Jose Reyes, Cole Hamels and Justin Verlander all out due to injury or just because they played on Sunday.
But this year, it’s at home. And although the All-Star Game has its flaws, it’s one of the few chances we’ll get to see all the big names in baseball on the same field at the same time.
Who doesn’t want to watch the MLB’s best sluggers pound home run derby baseballs into the pool area? Or see a different ace pitch every inning?
The All-Star Game may not be back in Arizona for another 30 years. So take advantage of it, and head down there, even if it’s only for the Fan Fest.
Look past the silly tie-ins and the absence of Mariano Rivera. This is supposed to be about the celebration of baseball as America’s pastime.
And I’d participate in that anytime.
