https://baseballfireside.com/mlb-all-stars-not-all-stars/
Stick To The Home Run Derby
The 2026 “All-Star” game was a flat out debacle. The hitters went up to the plate looking as helpless as any beer guzzling, nachos munching fan would have. Who can blame them? They are facing rested pitchers who are throwing one inning. The hurlers hold nothing back and whip 102 M.P.H. flames past batters who might as well bring a toothpick instead of a Louisville slugger. The American and National League teams combined for 27 strikeouts. Doesn’t that make you want to watch more All-Star Games? Isn’t that a great way to sell the game to the youngest fans?
This is how I remember All-Star Games as a youngster:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqodoUk-rtA
Tell me the the 2026 Whiffathon was more fun than that 1971 game!
The night before The Dull- Star Game the Home Run Derby was shown on Netflix. While there was dissatisfaction with Elle Duncan and other hosts, the contest itself delivered. The finals between Justin Walker of the Cardinals and Kyle Schwarber was a nail biter. Walker hit six straight homers to close out an 11-10 win over Schwarber. There was controversy in that Netflix broadcasted graphics proclaiming Walker as the winner–before he won. So of course cries of “conspiracy” and “rigged” flew all over the internet. Keep in mind, the Derby is not likely to come down to an umpire’s oversight; these sluggers must jack the ball 400+ over and over again. Anybody rigging the result can’t manufacture bombs to the upper deck. I also have a background in radio and tv production, and it’s common practice to have the graphics ready in advance. I’m positive that graphics were declaring each of the eight hitters as the contest winner were already drawn up. Somebody in the control room likely made a goof and leaked Walker’s win in an untimely manner.
Other All-Star Game Issues
The Fox Network doesn’t realize the old adage that talk is cheap. The All-Star Game is about watching the best players play, not them chit-chatting about the game. Yet the broadcast started with future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander being interviewed just before the game started. Later he was interviewed again during the game. Ironically enough, he never actually pitched in the contest. Then the players were microphoned and interviewed while they were playing! Pitcher Dylan Cease and catcher Shea Langeliers were mic’d up and answering questions while performing. Later on hitters were being interviewed at the plate. It makes me wonder if the hitter bashed a triple would he be interviewed while legging it out? While huffing and puffing? Also, there were 36 first time All-Stars playing. Little time was given by announcers to introducing them and their abilities to the national audience. No, the broadcast booth would rather talk instead to both All-Star managers simultaneously while they jabber on about trivia.
Speaking of trivia, only those with elephant memories will remember this 4-0 win by the AL. Three of the runs were scored in the first inning. Only a homer by White Sox slugger Miguel Vargas in the 8th inning broke the long monotony of whiffs by batters after the initial scoring surge. The National League put up only three singles for the night. It isn’t just home runs, however, that make the game exciting. I didn’t see great catches run down in the outfield, close plays at the plate, or speedy runners stealing bases off strong armed catchers. This is what happens when the ball makes its home in the catcher’s mitt after swings, not making a journey across the diamond hit in play.
Take Your Best Swing
Are you tired of the All-Star Game and Fox production, or are you satisfied with cure for insomnia this game provided? Let me know in the comments section below.