2017 MLB All Star Game Recap

steemsports (80)in #steemsports • 7 years ago

SteemSports Presenter: Scott Frank, @scottybuckets

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The 88th Major League Baseball All Star Game took place in Miami, FL last night. Robinson Cano’s 10th inning home run gave the American League the win, but this year the game had a different meaning.

Starting in 2003, whichever side won the All Star Game, would reward that league with home field advantage in the World Series. All other major sports rewards the team with the best regular season record the home field, with the exception of the Super Bowl, which is played on a neutral field.

But the rules changed this year. The All Star Game simply went back to just a game with the outcome not mattering, other than pride. After the amazing show in the Home Run Derby the night before, fans were hoping for a slugfest and especially one from Aaron Judge, who was hitting +500 foot bombs the night before without even breaking a sweat. But the 6’8 285 pound rising Superstar went 0-3 with one strike out.

There were 2 balls that sailed over the fences though. St. Louis Cardinal, Yadier Molina ripped a solo Home Run along with Robinson Cano’s game winner off of the only Chicago Cub All Star this year, closer Wade Davis. When the night ended, the scoreboard read 2-1 American League with Cano winning the MVP. There were 17 hits but most of them were singles. The pitchers played well and the real fireworks were some of the side shows during the game.

The most talked about moment of the night was when Nelson Cruz pulled out a camera to get a picture with home plate umpire Joe West. This was the first time a player in a major American sport was in awe of an official. It initially looked as if Cruz was going to take a selfie with his friend, catcher Molina, but instead requested that Molina take Cruz pitcher with the legendary umpire.

Another great moment in the game was the first pitch that honored hall of fame Latin players like Roberto Alomar Jr, Pedro Martinez and Ivan Rodriguez. 8 Latin born players in all joined them near the mound to throw out the first pitch to Molina. Miami has a deep and rich heritage with Latin America and it was nice to see them honored.

Finally, the memorial to late Miami pitcher, Jose Fernandez, was seen and talked about throughout the night. Fernandez was killed in a late night boating accident last summer. It was devastating to a team that embraced him and his family as one of their own. Bryce Harper, outfielder for the Washington Nationals, had cleats with a picture of Fernandez on them. He wasn't the only player to honor the late pitcher. St. Louis pitcher, Carlos Martinez, wrote Fernandez number in the sand when he took the mound in the 3rd inning.

Did you watch the game last night and if so, what did you think? Should the All Star Game go back to determining home field for the World Series or are you happy with this years change? Please let us know what you think! Cheers!