Category: All-Star Game

Custom All-Star Game Hats Are The Way To Go

When it comes to sticking to their ways, baseball is about as staunch as it gets for a major sports organization.

However, Major League Baseball subtly strayed from the norm at this year’s All-Star Game and if that change continues into the future, it would certainly be welcomed.

In years past the players wore their standard uniform and hat while participating in the All-Star Game, but this season, the All-Star wore two-tones hats that mirrored the Twins’ batting helmets from the 60s and 70s.

It was a small change – one that has no impact in the grand scheme of things – but it was cool to see a tiny tribute to the history of baseball in the host city, Minneapolis.

The 2015 All-Star Game will take place in Cincinnati and some have speculated that the hats could be of the pillbox style that Mr. Red wore when he debuted in 1955.

The Cincinnati Enquirer recently put out images of what every hat would look like in a pillbox style, and most of them look pretty good.

There are a few I don’t like (why do the Dodgers have a red stripe? White would have looked better) but either way it would be cool to see.

Hats are a big part of baseball – and fashion in general – and if baseball can come up with a way to consistently make the All-Star hats a small tribute to the host city, it’d be a pretty nice touch to the Midsummer Classic.

 

Mike Trout Birthday Facts

Mike Trout is so polished as a baseball player and has accomplished so much that it’s easy to forget how young he is.

If one was to simply scan through his list of accomplishments, they’d likely assume he had played a full career. Never would they guess he turns 23 tomorrow.

While most people are figuring out life after college when they turn 23, Trout’s resume already consists of the following:

  • Trout joins Jimmy Foxx, Joe DiMaggio, Mel Ott and Ted Williams as the only players to have multiple seasons of at least 25 home runs, 80 RBI, 100 runs and a batting average over .320 before the age of 23.
  • Becomes the seventh player all-time with 210+ extra base hits before turning 23 (Mel Ott, Ken Griffey Jr., Ted Williams, Alex Rodriguez, Cesar Cedeno, Jimmie Foxx, Al Kaline).
  • Is the only player ever with 80+ HR and 80+ stolen bases before age 23.
  • He joins Cesar Cedeno as only players with 200+ extra base hits and 80+ stolen bases before turning 23.
  • Joins Mel Ott and Orlando Cepeda as only players with three 60+ extra base hit seasons before turning 23.
  • Is the fourth AL outfielder to make three All-Star teams before age 23 joining Ken Griffey Jr., Al Kaline and Mickey Mantle.
  • Only player to have a season of 30 HR, 40+ SB, 120+ R and a batting average over .320 (2012) before the age of 23.
  • Joins Jim Fregosi as the only Angel to accrue 20+ triples before turning 23.
  • According to Fangraphs WAR, his 27.4 WAR before age 23 ranks first all-time, ahead of Ty Cobb (25.9), Mel Ott (25.1) and Jimmie Foxx (21.0)
  • Mike Trout and Alex Rodriguez are the only two players to amass 80 home runs, 90 steals, 300 runs, and 500 hits before turning 23.
  • Trout is one of four players (Mel Ott, Eddie Matthews, Frank Robison) to accumulate three season of 25 homers before their 23rd birthday.
  • Trout is one of six players (Mel Ott, John McGraw, Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams) to have 500+ hits and 240+ walks before his 23rd birthday.
  • Trout is also the youngest American League player in history to hit for the cycle.
  • He won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2012 and is the youngest player to ever win the award
  • Trout was awarded a Silver Slugger in 2012 and 2013
  • Was also named the MVP of the 2014 All-Star game.
  • Has finished second in MVP voting twice
  • Is the only player to hit 30 or more homers and steal at least 40 bases in his rookie season
  • Is the only player to hit 30 homer, steal 45 bases and score 125 runs in a season – a feat he also accomplished in his rookie year.
  • Trout homered on both his 21st and 22nd birthday’s.

Oh, and that six year, $144 million contract isn’t too bad either.

Special thanks to the Angels PR department for providing a lot of the facts in this post.

All-Star Game Reflections

Once again, Major League Baseball proved it has the best All-Star Game in all of sports.

Last night provided baseball fans with plenty of memorable moments. In short, the 2014 All-Star Game was fantastic.

The baseball community was treated to a celebration of Derek Jeter’s career. The Captain went 2-2, made a diving stop on defense and left the game to a heartwarming standing ovation.

Mike Trout went 2-3 with two RBIs and won the games MVP Award and seemingly took over as the face of MLB in the process.

The Minnesota Twins battery of Kurt Suzuki and Glen Perkins closed the game in front of their home town fans.

The list of great moments goes on and on and it truly was a great exhibition of baseball.

But that’s just it. It’s an exhibition.

If baseball wants to drive interest into the Midsummer Classic and award home-field advantage in the World Series to the league that wins the game, that’s fine, but go all in.

If the game really counts fans should not vote for the starters. The managers should each pick a set number of deserving players and go from there. Clayton Kershaw should have pitched six or so innings and the position players should have played all nine.

Sixty two players appeared in last night’s game. Does that sound like teams are really trying to win? To me, it sounds like the managers are doing their best to make sure everyone gets in – and that’s fine by me.

Baseball has this really awkward situation on their hands as it claims the All-Star Game matters, but acts as if it doesn’t.

Last night’s All-Star Game felt like an exhibition throughout. It was a showcase of the top talent of the league and that’s exactly how it needs to be.

Home-field advantage for the World Series can be decided any number of other ways, just don’t mess with the All-Star Game.