Free-Wheeling Atmosphere Returns To MLB All-Star Game

Last night’s All-Star Game marked the first time since '02 that it was played without World Series home-field advantage at stake, and it “showed in the relaxed attitudes." Fox’ broadcast included Alex Rodriguez "interviewing players at their positions in between innings” and conversations with Nationals RF Bryce Harper and Astros RF George Springer during play (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/12). No moment summed up the return of fun to the All-Star Game more than when Mariners DH Nelson Cruz "reached into his back pocket and pulled out his cellphone” to take a picture with home plate umpire Joe West (SEATTLE TIMES, 7/12).

The AL beat the NL 2-1 thanks to a 10th inning home run by Mariners 2B Robinson Cano. There were "lots of strikeouts (23), a few walks (six), and two homers, draining all of the pre-game energy out of the sellout crowd" (USA TODAY, 7/12). The game was "representative of the sport’s long-term trend of increasing velocity and strikeout totals" (THERINGER.com, 7/12).