A Critique Of MLB's All-Star Game

A few words accompanied by some pics on the 96th All-Star Game.

To be clear, I did not watch the entire game. Some years it be like that. Why? It’s an exhibition, and my care-concern is the 162 that wraps around the ASG, not the game and especially not the Home Run Derby, which nary a swing did I see.

Broadcasting

Fox broadcasting crew Jody Davis (left) and John Smoltz.

Jody Davis is good. John Smoltz is horrible. Smoltz often relies on outdated baseball norms. He adds nothing. I typically listen to the radio broadcast of which ESPN aired.

The ESPN crew was spot on; the duo was Karl Ravech and Doug Glanville. An entertaining and insightful call of the game by them.

Pregame And Other Non-Play Moments

Player introductions at MLB's 96th All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Player introductions consisted of each starter signing a pseudo Declaration of Independence?

Whose unbrilliant idea was that?

Sometimes, and this was one of those times. I believe the people involved in sports production aren’t fans of sports.

Whaddya mean, Charles?

I mean that was so freaking boring!

How in the world does anyone involved with sports think it's a good idea to have players casually walk across the field, sign a piece of paper, then continue their Sunday stroll to join the other players who declared their independence?

And what are they declaring their independence from, anyway? Commissioner Rob Manfred? Is he that bad? Oh boy, if so, then the CBA negotiations are going to be more problematic than I thought.

As an aside, let's stop the America the Beautiful singing and the Stand Up For Cancer drag. We come to our devices to watch a baseball game, not have it prolonged by unnecessary delays. We all know cancer is a problem and we all know America is beautiful. It simply isn't the right time nor place for such things.

I did love this!

Flyovers Rock!

One can quibble with how the Fed Gov uses US Armed Forces. One can't quibble with the people in the Armed Forces. Flyovers are my jam!

Ben Stiller's piece, before the game, was more of the same, a bland mess.

It was at the above moment in the carnival promo piece narrated by Ben Stiller when he said, "lefties righties tonight everyone is winner."

Again, who thinks of these things?

This is an MLB game! Not everyone is a winner in baseball nor in life. Why are we subjected to infantilism in a baseball game?

I'll leave it to a higher mind than mine to explain.

"There's winners, and there's losers, but they ain't no big deal. Cause the simple man, baby, pays the thrills, the bills, the pills that kill. Oh, but ain't that America for you and me?" Thank you, John Cougar Mellencamp, for the clarification. Yes, there are winners and losers.

The Game

Speaking of winners and losers, the AL won the game in rather snore boring fashion, 4-0.

Cage Cam Was Cool!

Philadelphia Phillies Kyle "Schwarbomb" Schwarber taking hacks.

Another side note: After the game, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O'Brien went to check on Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero. So far, Junior is fine, after getting plunked by Riley O’Brien.

“The last thing you want to do in an All-Star Game is hit anyone,” O’Brien was quoted in this morning's St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “God forbid I would have hurt him. I went over there and just wanted to check on him, make sure he was alright."

“I really appreciate the gesture,” Caminero replied per the STL-PD. “He came into the clubhouse and took a few seconds to say he apologized. But I told him, ‘Look, it’s part of the game.’ He was really worried. But I told him, ‘Look, these things happen. We’re here to have fun."

Ya know what else is happening and fun? The 162-game regular season. Can't wait to get back to it!

Charles I. Guarria is an author, reporter and host based in the state of Florida, USA, covering any topic, anywhere in the world. His career began in 2009. Mr. Guarria is a three-time winner of Emerald Group Publishing’s Highly Commended Award and host of The Opinion Guy Fun Friendly Informative. He is available for hire to write, research, or beta-read. 

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Photo credits: MLB

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