A Fond Farewell

The 79th MLB All-Star Game takes place tonight at Yankee Stadium, and with baseball's cathedral in its final season, this year's game is creating quite a buzz. While MLB's summer classic in recent years has failed to rate with viewers as some pundits claim the game has "lost some of its charm," Fox is earning record ad prices for its coverage, fans are spending upwards of $725 per seat at face value, and sponsors are pouring money into promotions surrounding the game. And while some established stars are not playing, the spotlight will shine on the newest generation of MLB greats. With Bud Selig maintaining a high profile around the festivities -- making the rounds with the media and hanging out last night with David Letterman -- the game is receiving tremendous attention. Meanwhile, the Home Run Derby last night gets a much-needed boost of energy from Josh Hamilton, who continues to build upon his already inspirational story. Hamilton's record-setting barrage makes the made-for-TV Derby "one of those events that makes sports worth it still."