Last week the AL once again got the better of the NL in the MLB All Star Game. Even though this game is in our rear view mirror, its implications cast a shadow over the rest of the season.
In the 2002 game, both teams were dangerously low on pitchers. It was agreed upon between the coaches and the MLB commissioner that the game would simply end in a tie if no one scored in the 11th inning. The side was easily retired in the 11th and the game ended, sending the fans into a frenzy of boos.
The all-star game was in trouble well before this incident. This was the straw that broke the camels back. All-star game ratings had been on a consistent slide since the advent of free agency in the 70’s.
After this debacle, Bud Selig (the commish) decided that something needed to be done or risk losing the fans in the stadium as well as the ones watching from home. What he came up with was just as controversial as the 2002 game ending in a tie. He declared that the winning league would be awarded home field advantage in the World Series! Are you kidding me! How can such a crucial element of game play, hinge upon the performance of players, who are just doing their best not to get injured.
Well as much as I thought this was a ludicrous move, I have been proven wrong… at least from a business perspective. The ratings numbers from this year’s All Star Game were the highest since 2002, even beating out last year’s World Series! It appears now, as if Selig is actually some sort of Genius.
I want just as badly as anyone else to have this game return to its former glory. I want to see the best in the world truly giving it their all in a dream scenario. So has Selig gotten the All Star Game back on the right track? I still don’t agree with Selig’s strategy. I would prefer just a straight record comparison between the two competing teams, or a comparison of the two leagues interleague records. But the proof is in the pudding. Major league baseball is a business, and I’m sure they could care less what baseball purists want, as long as Joe six-pack is watching, they are making money. Let me know what you think!


Pro 8 Sports
mblake@pro8news.com