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Reactions: MLB All-Star game attraction Most seem to think it's worth our attention
Posted: Monday July 10, 2000 03:31 PM
Why should we care about the MLB All-Star game? CNNSI.com users had a variety of reasons why. From the novelty of seeing their favorite players together in one place to feeling as if this game of greats on the diamond was played like a regular game are just a few. Other users felt that the game itself was a farce due to the selection process. Here's a sample of the most interesting responses we received: The MLB All-Star game is unmatched by any other. The dazzling defensive plays on both sides, the unbelievable pitching (ex. 1999 Pedro Martinez), and the occasional long fly is just more exciting than on any other day. It's too bad the 2000 all star game will have so much missing. The greatest outfield of all time was set to start, but Junior and Bonds miss out. The awesome display of power that was waiting in the wings, now minus Piazza, Junior, Bonds, McGwire. The game will still be unbelievable, the Home Run Derby will still be exciting. Nothing can match what lies ahead. Nothing.
The "all-star" game isn't and hasn't been, since the fans elected the starting line-up. The all-popularity" game is a sham. Voting by "big" baseball markets often gets players to the game, that simply don't deserve to go by this year's performance. Let the managers and coaches pick the team for the all-star game for midseason. Let the fans pick the all-popularity game for after the season.
The All-Star game used to be the highlight of the summer. The baseball "stars" lit up the scene, as the greatest players in baseball got together to compete with and against each other.
But these were players who seemed to put the game ahead of how much money they made - team players who were recognized as much as who they played for as who they were individually.
Today, we have a group of spoiled millionaires, thinking not of "the game," but of their potential to lose earnings if they play with a knee or a back or a shoulder that is sore.
They have removed the brilliance of what once was and have left us with a game that has lost its drawing power. It is now "ho-hum." Money has ruined the sport and the all star game of that sport. I doubt that I will even tune in...
It's a nice thing but way to commercial. Game starts too late (east coast complaint only). It was good to see players from different leagues face each other, but with the addition of interleague play it doesn't hold the interest as much anymore. I thought the All-Star Game was about the fans... how many of them can afford to go to the games? Those who can don't get good seats, those are all taken up by sponsors. They should sell all box seats as general admission. Let the corporations have the upper deck.
I like the All-Star game. I remember as a child watching the game with my older brother and our father. Even though the game "doesn't mean anything", I enjoy seeing all the talent on the field at once. Last year's game in Boston was great. Well, the game wasn't as great as others, but seeing the players react to Ted Williams was fantastic.
I think the All-Star game is just fine in the middle of the season. Even though it is disappointing that some of the biggest stars aren't playing, it gives them a chance to heal their million dollar bumps and bruises. Also it gives a team like the Braves a few days off and try to figure out why they aren't playing as well as they are capable of. It is fun to see all the guys who like to have fun playing in a harmless game of baseball.
The All-Star Game would mean a whole lot more if the game actually mattered. If the players, managers, and media treated the game less like an exhibition and more like a competition, then it would turn out better. Return to the way it used to be, MLB, and obtain bragging rights every year for the National or American league.
The MLB All-Star game is the best! It's the only game in which the participants actually try to beat one another by using strategy, instead of just trying to show off just to light up the score board. Also, you can never get tired of the Home Run Derby. It's such a joy to watch children running after a longball that goes into the stands!
The MLB All-Star Game is the greatest such game in professional sports. Unlike basketball, which is a showboating festival, and football and hockey, which features players trying not to get hurt, baseball's affair actually resembles a regular contest. And unlike the other three major sports, where all the teams play one another throughout the year, baseball doesn't feature the dream match-ups fans get to see in the All-Star Game (unless they get lucky in interleague play).
The whole affair is a great reward for a serious baseball fan. In fact, prohibit contractual incentives that reward players for making the team, and let the players, coaches (and umps) from each league vote on the reserves, and you'd have one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.
I think the All-Star game at mid-season is great. If the All-Star game was played at the end of the season it would probably not get as much attenion and the players would probably not be as excited because they would be burnt out and ready for a break. Also, the home run derby is one of my favorite events. It is always disappointing when stars like Mark McGwire will be out of the game and derby but no one can predict injuries.
The All-Star Game is a joke. It should be renamed the Most Popular Players Game. Fans are too biased and uninformed to make a reasoned decision about who is worthy of being selected an All-Star. We should go back to players, managers and sports writers picking them. Fan votes should count for 1/4 of a vote. I seriously object to the fact that a player hitting .239 is voted to start the All-Star Game. The only way he should attend is as a fan and buy a ticket. It is a pure shame that Frank Thomas was not selected and once again you find that old fart Cal Ripken taking up space that should go to some youngster. It has been a long time since Ripken was a legitimate All-Star. Also, play the game after the World Series when we can put things in a true perspective.
The MLB All-Star game is the only "all-star" game worth watching. The Pro Bowl is a complete waste of time because the star players always sit out to avoid injury and the season is already decided. The NBA All-Star weekend is crap. My only other justification is the 1999 game at Fenway. If I have to explain anything other than that you are not a true baseball fan.
The best game of the year, any sport, any league is the MLB All-Star game. It is the only All-Star game that is not made into a slower, less intense version of the sport. The world's greatest players are truely allowed to show off their talents. The home run derby and other events around the game add to the excitement. As well, baseball more than any other sport has a better sense of history.
To me, the All-Star game should be played at the end of the season. Players are playing 162 games a year, and this break in the season should be used for rest and relaxation. Look at the number of All-Stars injured and not playing in this years game. They can better use this time to heal their ailments.
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