All-Star Apathy

By CHRIS RASMUSSEN

It doesn’t matter that last night’s All-Star game turned into a 15-inning marathon. The last time baseball’s All-Star Game was relevant was also the last time A-Rod’s new girlfriend was hip.

Every All-Star Game lost importance in the last two decades. The Pro Bowl has always been an after-thought, where players for playoff teams did not appear and the remaining stars more interested in avoiding injury than “trying.” The NBA or NHL? The play in those exhibitions resembles a video game. In fairness, the NBA All-Star Game was the venue for the greatest performance of the National Anthem ever, by Marvin Gaye.

Baseball’s All-Star Game was different. Moments of the All-Star Game were an integral part of the game’s lore: Ted Williams’ game-winning home run off Rip Sewell’s eephus pitch, Reggie Jackson’s shot at Tiger Stadium, Pete Rose (in some cheap showboating) destroying Ray Fosse’s career, Dave Parker’s arm…