Real talk: Five reasons why I love the MLB All-Star Game
By Matt Gajtka
4. Death to the American League
I’m the furthest thing from a baseball traditionalist, as one of my hopes is that the National League adopts the designated hitter in the near future, if only to spare us all the sight of pitchers flailing away at the plate. Still, as a Pirates fan, there’s something about the American League that bothers me.
Jul 15, 2013; Flushing, NY, USA; National League catcher Yadier Molina (right) of the St. Louis Cardinals talks with catcher Buster Posey (28) of the San Francisco Giants during the Home Run Derby in advance of the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
His Braves uniform aside, Brian McCann will always have a place in my heart for his MVP performance three years ago in Anaheim; the Atlanta catcher’s three-run double in the seventh inning helped the NL break its 13-game winless streak. Since then, Senior Circuit victories in Arizona and Kansas City have restored order to the universe.
In all seriousness, baseball is the only sport in which two major leagues sport noticeable distinctions. We may argue about the necessity of those differences, but they make the All-Star Game more interesting. Interesting is good.
5. Give ’em a break
Finally, the four-day reprieve that envelops the All-Star Game gives all of us who love baseball an opportunity to pump the brakes. At its highest level, the sport is a grind unlike any other, and there’s value in letting all involved hang loose in the midst of a relentless seven-month stretch.
Although it’s a sport loathe to self-promote, this week allows the players to show their faces, to smile, laugh and put their personalities on display. Yes, there is something to play for, with copious amounts of pride on the line, but lighthearted fraternizing and star-gazing provide a wonderful prelude to the stretch run.
As a popular soft-drink advertising campaign once said, it’s the pause that refreshes. For that reason alone, the MLB All-Star Game is worth watching.