MLB "tried to remind itself this game is still about
family," as players participating in last night's All-Star
Game were introduced during the pregame festivities
surrounded by their children (Carlos Frias, ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION, 7/12). In Cincinnati, John Fay writes that
MLB "tried to put on a feel-good production," as players
came out "hand in hand with their children" (CINCINNATI
ENQUIRER, 7/12). In Toronto, Richard Griffin writes that the
opening ceremony "was pure, simple and touching, a return to
family values. ... It was another Field of Dreams ripoff,
but ... it proved effective. The fan reaction was warm and
responsive" (TORONTO STAR, 7/12). In DC, Dave Sheinin calls
it a "unique pregame ceremony" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/12). USA
TODAY notes that the introduction "was a first for baseball
and a big hit with the players" (USA TODAY, 7/12).
BUT DOES THE GAME MATTER? In Boston, Dan Shaughnessy
writes that since the AL and NL entities have been
"neutralized or diluted," MLB has "finally succeeded in
sapping all significance out of the All-Star Game."
Shaughnessy adds that there was "no league identity" last
night and "next year they should just wait till game time
and choose up sides," as AL vs. NL "means nothing anymore"
(BOSTON GLOBE, 7/12). NBC's Bob Costas opened the All-Star
Game by saying, "While a rash of injuries has removed some
of baseball's biggest names from tonight's line-ups, this
game is still brimming with stars" ("All-Star Game," 7/11).
ESPN's Chris Berman said, "It's kind of a 'Twilight Zone'
All-Star Game a little bit. ... A lot is being made of some
of the biggest name stars not playing, and that's too bad"
("Baseball Tonight," ESPN, 7/11). In DC, Sheinin writes,
"However much the players tried to play it down, it was
impossible to ignore the absence of nine prominent players
who ... were too injured to play" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/12).
On MSNBC.com, Mike Celizic wrote if MLB "had any pride,
they'd cancel [the All-Star Game] for lack of interest --
not on the part of fans, but on the part of the players"
(MSNBC.com, 7/11). NBC Sports' Joe Morgan said, "I'm
concerned that this is the jewel of games for baseball, and
all the stars don't take it as such. ... I don't like the
way the team is selected. This is the first year there
haven't been league presidents to appeal to the players who
are selected after the starters, and it's shown up (in the
pullouts)" (USA TODAY, 7/12).
ODDS & ENDS: VA Baseball Club Exec VP Michael Scanlon
said reaction to the group looking to bring an MLB team to
Northern VA has been "totally different." Scanlon:
"Everywhere we go here (in Atlanta) people are very upbeat
about our chances,owners and baseball officials included"
(WASHINGTON TIMES, 7/12)....USA TODAY's Hal Bodley reports
that the Expos ownership situation will be "high on [MLB]
owners' agenda" when they meet Friday in N.Y. (USA TODAY,
7/12)....MLB COO Paul Beeston, on next year's All-Star Game
at Safeco Field: "We're going to take it to a new level"
(SEATTLE P-I, 7/12)....In S.F. C.W. Nevius, on the state of
MLB: "In some ways, the grand old game has never been
better. It is well-housed, well-played, and packed with
power." He noted MLB's new ballparks and added that
Houston's Enron Field "looks as if it was designed by
someone doing mushrooms," while the debut of Pac Bell Park
"is an acknowledged rave" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/11).
