The 95th MLB All-Star Game was last night in Atlanta and it was a true midsummer classic. It was truly one of the most memorable All-Star games in a long time.
For the first time automatic ball-strike (ABS) challenge system was tested in MLB. The goal is that ABS will improve the accuracy of balls and strike calls. Players are able to challenge calls they believe are incorrect and each team is given two challenges. Dodgers manager and National League coach, Dave Roberts said he likes it and “it’s good for the game.”
Hank Aaron
The Hank Aaron tribute was one of the coolest moments I have ever seen in sports. It was amazing. Just WOW. Even the piano music, which I’m pretty sure was from Field of Dreams gave you all the feels. With the help of technology, Truist Park recreated Hank Aaron’s 715th home run that broke Babe Ruth’s major league record on April 8th 1974. It was an incredible way to honor Hank Arron. And hearing Vin Scully’s voice, once again, gave me goosebumps. Click the link, it’s incredible.
Not sure why they cut Vin Scully’s full call. “A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. And it is a great moment for all of us.” Here’s the full call from the greatest announcer in sports history; Vin Scully. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjqYThEVoSQ
Hank Aaron ended his career with 755 home runs, 3,771 hits, 25x All-Star, 4x NL home run leader, 3x Golden Glove winner, and World Series Championship (1957) just to name a few of his career highlights. Henry Louis Aaron is an absolute legend and was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee. Hank Aaron passed on January 22, 2021. His wife, Billye Aaron, was in attendance last night to watch the tribute to her late husband. It was a special moment.
Shoutout to the creative team behind the vision and execution. They truly knocked this one out of the park.
Swing Off
This year, we got to witness a new format in the event of a tie; a swing-off! The 2022 collective bargaining agreement changed the All-Star Game from playing extra innings to a swing-off. This year was the first All-Star Game to end in a tie after nine innings and implementing the new format. Sounds crazy but man, it was fun to watch.
Three players were selected from each team and they would each get three swings to decide the outcome. The team with the most total home runs would be crowned the winner. Basically, it was a mini home run derby. Here is the recap:
National League swing-off total 4 home runs. Kyle Stowers (Marlins) 1 home run, Kyle Schwarber (Phillies) 3 home runs, and Pete Alonso (Mets) wasn’t needed.
American League swing-off total 3 home runs. Brent Rooker (A’s) 2 home runs, Randy Arozarena (Mariners)1 home run, and Jonathan Aranda (Rays) 0 home runs.
National League
Because of Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber was able to go deep with all three of his allotted swings, he gave the National League the lead. However, you can blame the Padres and Giants pitchers for how the National League blew a six-run lead to force a swing-off. But I’ll be nice because it was great way to end the game.
The National League won 7-6. Schwarber was named the Ted Williams All-Star Game MVP. Great job Atlanta on hosting the 2025 All-Star game.
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