By CHRIS RASMUSSEN
It doesn't matter that last night's All-Star game turned into a 15-inning marathon. The last time baseball's All-Star Game was relevant was also the last time A-Rod's new girlfriend was hip.
Every All-Star Game lost importance in the last two decades. The Pro Bowl has always been an after-thought, where players for playoff teams did not appear and the remaining stars more interested in avoiding injury than “trying.” The NBA or NHL? The play in those exhibitions resembles a video game. In fairness, the NBA All-Star Game was the venue for the greatest performance of the National Anthem ever, by Marvin Gaye.
Baseball’s All-Star Game was different. Moments of the All-Star Game were an integral part of the game’s lore: Ted Williams’ game-winning home run off Rip Sewell’s eephus pitch, Reggie Jackson’s shot at Tiger Stadium, Pete Rose (in some cheap showboating) destroying Ray Fosse’s career, Dave Parker’s arm…
And Bo Jackson, whose home run nearly two decades ago was the last time a Royal got a hit in the Midsummer Classic. No. Really.
It was also one of two times that the American and National leagues played one another, giving us dream match-ups we craved. Now? In addition to providing the Royals a winning streak every year, inter-league play provides those dream match-ups for almost three full weeks.
The Home Run Derby occasionally provides a water cooler moment, but it goes on wayyyyy too long. It also requires one to watch Chris Berman – listening to his “back, back, back” call is cruel and unusual punishment, even at Gitmo -- for two full hours.
Some of the lack of relevance? Normally, Kansas City’s representative is the All-Star’s version of The Bad News Bears’ Timmy Lupus , only to be used in case of catastrophe.
Thanks to Joakim Soria, this is the first time in years we’ve actually had a legitimate All-Star, chosen on its merits (and the first time a Royal pitched in an ASG in nine years).
But once he left the game, there was no compelling reason to continue watching.
Joakim Soria was in the game? I couldn't tell as I was listening to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver who I am not sure even mentioned Soria by name. But they did do a great job interviewing Yogi Berra - note to McCarver -do not interrupt Yogi Berra, ever. I am sure Yogi is glad to the know the museum he was rambling about is in Bumphuck, New Jersey and is the best one in town or whatever, but next time Tim shut up and Yogi ramble.
As a fan who watched the National League consistently kick our George Brett-led AL teams' ASS in the 70's and 80's I am pleased to see the AL domintate like it has recently. But the gushing about Yankees stadium and the complete lack of small market team coverage made it a drag.
MM
Posted at: July 16, 2008 10:36 PM