The New (Improved?) MLB All-Star Game

The MLB got very lucky that the Cubs won the World Series last year – and not just because it ended the longest drought in sports history in a remarkable fashion. Imagine the firestorm of protest that would come from the Cubs’ fan base if they had lost Game 7 in Cleveland. After all, the only reason why Cleveland had that critical home field advantage on the biggest stage was the result of the 2016 All-Star Game, which took place three months before (the AL won, 4-2). Chicago had the better overall record, so many people pointed out that the Cubs should have had home field advantage in the World Series.

The rule that made the All-Star Game so important was put in place in 2002, after an embarrassing 7-7 tie during the Midsummer Classic. Fans threw beer bottles onto the field, and it was just a terrible look for the MLB. Bud Selig, in response, overreacted to ensure that the All-Star Game decided who had the extra home game in the World Series. Essentially, he took the most meaningless game of the season and made it impact the most meaningful game of the postseason. All-Star Games, in any sport, lack real competition. Trying to artificially pump motivation into the players hurts the game more than it helps. The ideal Midsummer Classic would be a day where unique personalities come out to have fun and celebrate the game – with a little bit of actual baseball in between. It should be a chance for players to connect with fans more, do some crazy bat flips, come up with unique handshakes, and just horse around with each other.

When Torii Hunter robbed Barry Bonds of a home run back in the infamous 2002 All-Star Game, Bonds picked him up playfully in response. That is a taste of what the All-Star Game could be in the future, now that the home field advantage rule is gone. This is the first time in the last 15 years where the players are there just to have fun. No more trying to convince the fans and players how important it is. Between this change and the new home run derby format (introduced in 2015), the All-Star break is heading in a good direction.

Written by Matt Loehle