Tagged: All-Star Game

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.

Trout Is The New Face Of Baseball

It’s not news to anyone the 2014 All-Star Game, just like the entirety of the season, will be a celebration of Derek Jeter.

The Yankees shortstop has certainly earned everything coming his way tonight, but as one chapter closes, another opens.

For the bulk of the past two decades, Jeter has been the face of baseball – and those who disagree acknowledge he’s at least always been in the conversation – but that era is coming to close and it’s time for Jeter to pass the torch.

Tonight, he won’t have to look very far as the guy ready to take over is right behind him in the American League batting order.

Although he is just 22 years old and only in his third full season as a Major Leaguer, Mike Trout is well on his way to a tremendous, possibly Hall of Fame, career.

Like Jeter, Trout has proven to be everything that is right about the game of baseball.

Trout is a 22-year old with a ton of money and the baseball world seemingly at his fingertips. It would be easy for him to be brash and arrogant. He could use his social media presence to show off parties and bling and other things that some athletes often do.

But those who have met Trout for even two minutes know that is simply not who he is.

Instead, Trout posts pictures with his parents, telling the world how much he loves and appreciates them. He spent the past few weeks on Twitter trying to get his friend, roommate and teammate Garrett Richards named to the All-Star game. 

He is the type of teammate, player – and more importantly, person – you hope your kids choose to idolize.

Trout roams the outfield at Angel Stadium with an infectious smile and childlike sense of joy. He truly enjoys playing the game and has a way of reminding us all how beautiful the game of baseball is.

In addition to his five tools on the field, Trout has a sixth tool that is very important when discussing the face of baseball.

Marketability.

Trout is associated with Nike, Subway, BodyArmor and others. Earlier this season Nike gave Trout his own shoe (cleats), making him the first player to receive such an honor since Ken Griffey Jr.

If there is anything holding Trout back from taking his place atop the baseball world, it’s the fact he has yet to play in the postseason.

However, the Angels currently have the second best record in baseball and this could be the season baseball fans get to watch Trout play when the stakes are highest.

Trout has already been asked several times about taking over as the face of the game and every time he downplays the subject and says it’s not something he thinks about. He simply says he’s focused on playing the game he loves to the best of his ability.

And in the end, that’s exactly what makes him the perfect candidate.