My Thoughts on the MLB All Star Game

I've watched this game ever since I was a kid. I remember when Cal Ripken hit a home run in his first at bat in '01 and went on to win the MVP. I remember the year that they had to call it a tie because they went into so many extra innings that there were no more players to come in. I remember Pedro's ridiculous two innings in Boston in '99. I still watch it every year, and can not fathom missing it.

This game is more than just a showcase of talent. Obviously, yes, this is the only all star game with late season implications. But it's so much more than that. Home field advantage in the World Series probably doesn't matter to Chris Sale, who plays for the beleaguered White Sox. But for the past three years he comes in and throws shut down innings. I'm sure Jeter is hoping home field will be relevant in the next few months, but I doubt that's the only reason this was so emotional.

This game is about pride. It means the world to these players to be elected for this game. To be able to say that you are among the best in the world at a sport you've been playing since you were a toddler has got to be an incredible feeling. Hell, I remember being chosen for my little league all star game and it was worth me skipping a family vacation to play in it.

Baseball players take pride in their sport, and their talent. More so than most athletes. It's not the fact that they get to show off what they can do, I believe playing here has to be humbling for them. To be chosen to compete in the same game that Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, and Bob Gibson played in reminds the athletes why they play this game to begin with: the money is great, but to be remembered in history I'm sure is much more satisfying.