The American League team fell 3-1 to the National League at the 81st annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game, losing for the first time in 13 years. The NL won on the strength of a seventh-inning, bases-clearing double by Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves. The Tampa Bay Rays’ own Evan Longoria was the only man to cross the plate for the AL as they lost for the first time since 1996.
As a result of the outcome, the NL champion team will get home field advantage. Now we can get into the debate about how since the all-star game actually means something these days, managers should be able to field the best team and not be saddled with excess baggage by having a representative from every team – I’m looking at you, former Ray and current Baltimore Oriole Ty Wigginton. I think if you’re going to give meaning to the spectacle, then the team should be comprised of the best possible players, without regard for the sensitive feelings of poor professional athletes. Trust me, if a team has no all-stars, it won’t be some big surprise to their fans; they bitch about it constantly.
This article appears in Jul 8-14, 2010.