No other pro sport has as good an All-Star game as baseball. Since its inception in 1933, the Mid-Summer Classic has been a special part of baseball’s fabric. The first game was played in Chicago at Comiskey Park and was the brainchild of former Chicago sports writer, Arch Ward.
Appropriately enough, Babe Ruth hit the game’s first home run.
The NFL has the Pro Bowl, the NBA and the NHL have All-Star games as well, but none of them have the history or the allure of baseball’s All-Star game. For all of the flaws and warts of Major League Baseball, the All-Star game is still special. Here are some of my favorite All-Star memories:
1964 – The National League wins the game at Shea Stadium on a three run home run in the bottom of the ninth off of the bat of outfielder Johnny Callison of the Philadelphia Phillies. The home run was served up by, almost unbeatable relief ace, Dick “The Monster” Radatz of the Boston Red Sox.
1967 – The longest All-Star game in history, this one was not decided until the 15th inning. In the twilight of a California evening, the game was finally decided on a home run by Tony Perez of the Cincinnati Reds. The winning pitcher for the National League was a young rookie, Tom Seaver.
1970 – Another win for the National League and once again by one run. In the new home of the Cincinnati Reds, Reds great Pete Rose provided one of the most memorable moments in All-Star history when he bowled over Cleveland Indians rookie catcher, Ray Fosse, at home plate, to score the winning run. Rose went on to become the game’s all time hit leader. Fosse was never the same.
1971 – Even though the National League dominated the All-Star game at this time, this was a rare win for the American League in venerable Tiger Stadium. The game is known for Reggie Jackson’s home run off of the light tower on top of right field. Former Pirate pitcher Dock Ellis was the pitcher that gave up the home run to Jackson.
Frank Giardina
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