MLB All Star Game

[bobbiemcgee]

or Kansas City Royals vs. National League. Anyone attending?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I will be at the homerun derby and the All Star game. Can't wait. Wish I still lived at the Banks.

[Cheesehead]

might go to fanfest, game tickets are too pricey for me

[94GRAD]

I will be in section 143 row A. That's right, I'm in the front row. 16 years of season tickets paying off

[xavierdude]

I've got club seats for all 3 events. Will be in Florida and can't go :(

Who's got the bucks to pay for premium seating with all you can eat food?!

[GoMuskies]

Personally, I don't get the attraction. I'm a huge baseball fan, but the All-Star game sucks out loud. If someone was giving me tickets, and I got to choose between the ASG and a Tuesday night game against the Marlins, I'd go with the Marlins game.

[Porkopolis]

I'll be there for all of the events. Living at The Banks is going to be both wonderful and nightmarish the entire time.

[SlimKibbles]

I'll be there for all events with the g/f in sec 134 row EE. It was rather pricey and might defy some logic but I really wanted to go. I'm a baseball junky and this is a MLB baseball party.

[ammtd34]

I've got club seats for all 3 events. Will be in Florida and can't go :(

Who's got the bucks to pay for premium seating with all you can eat food?!

Not me.

[DC Muskie]

Personally, I don't get the attraction. I'm a huge baseball fan, but the All-Star game sucks out loud. If someone was giving me tickets, and I got to choose between the ASG and a Tuesday night game against the Marlins, I'd go with the Marlins game.

Really? That has to be the strangest thing I have heard about the All Star game ever.

[GoMuskies]

Really? That has to be the strangest thing I have heard about the All Star game ever.

I'm not sure what's strange about it. The All-Star game used to be great, but it has completely lost it's luster. I'd rather watch a game between two bad teams that actually counts (notwithstanding the MLB promos about the All-Star game).

[DC Muskie]

I'm not sure what's strange about it. The All-Star game used to be great, but it has completely lost it's luster. I'd rather watch a game between two bad teams that actually counts (notwithstanding the MLB promos about the All-Star game).

Well having the game "count" is silly. But there's no way I'd rather watch the Phillies and Marlins than the ASG because the game "counts." Are you telling me there's more luster to an August game between these two teams then watching the best players of each league play? Hell Mike Trout alone is more interesting to watch than the Trash and the Fish combined right now.

Your statement is very, very strange. It's only topped by the idea that you think terrible games have more luster because one team becomes even more terrible by losing.

[GoMuskies]

It's the fact that the game is the "best" (not true) players from each league "playing" an exhibition game that none of the players take seriously that brings my interest level down to "I'll watch if there isn't a WNBA game on tonight". I think the celebrity softball game has more competitive edge.

[nuts4xu]

In small markets like Cincinnati, who will never be an option to host a Super Bowl, Final Four, or other such grand events...it is cool to see the town gear up for the show. While I would prefer the ASG was here in a season the Reds were contending, it will be a great way to showcase the city. I am holding out hope to go, and welcome anyone selling tickets to let me know. I would love to be there, but won't spend a mortgage payment to see the game.

[DC Muskie]

It's the fact that the game is the "best" (not true) players from each league "playing" an exhibition game that none of the players take seriously that brings my interest level down to "I'll watch if there isn't a WNBA game on tonight". I think the celebrity softball game has more competitive edge.

Okay. Personally I think if any professional player takes an all star game seriously he's a bigger prick than Pete Rose. It's supposed to be a fun mid season break. And it is the best players. You could argue one or two every year who don't make it, just like anything that has a cutoff. But the game is for the fans and they vote who they think are the best.

Now if your dislike for the All Star game was "it used to be fun" now they "try and make it count" I could see that. But there's no way you are anything near a baseball fan if you'd rather watch under the rim basketball than the all star game because you think they don't take it serious enough.

[GoMuskies]

I'm glad for the players that they get their fun, mid-season break. Why anyone wants to pay hundreds of dollars (or any dollars) to watch guys have a fun, mid-season break is beyond me.

But the great thing about America is that each of us is allowed to squander money however we see fit.

[DC Muskie]

But the great thing about America is that each of us is allowed to squander money however we see fit.

Agreed, that's why the WNBA still exists.

[XUMIOH12]

The thing about baseball is that you cant truly just give half effort when you play. A pitcher isn't going to go out there and half ass it or else he will get pounded with extra base hits. Batters aren't just going to go in the box and not swing. The individual players are playing hard, its just not managed like a competitive game, which is where it loses some of its luster. But I enjoy seeing the 1 on 1 matchups that don't usually happen.

[XUMIOH12]

Out of the 4 major sports, I would say the MLB has the most competitive and close to real game play. The NHL and NFL games are complete jokes, while the NBA game is very entertaining, but nobody plays defense the entire time.

[PM Thor]

We got a special deal to buy tickets for all the events, fan fest, home run derby, and game, standing room only though. That's fine in my book, because, for me, the game on the field is secondary, the other events are where it's at. Wifey even got tickets for the free Ariana Grande concert too, so guess I'm going to that too.

And the coolest part? I will (probably) be on the field, MLB has asked for Cincinnati Firefighters to unfurl a giant USA flag for the national anthem. I did it once before for Opening Day and it was amazing. Can't wait to do that again.

On a side note, MLB is running this whole "volunteering" thing in Cincy terribly. The bureaucracy involved is ridiculous, and they are throwing money away hand over fist, just to keep their usual companies in the loop over using local, cheaper companies.

[paulxu]

Don't they play the All Star game for home field World Series advantage?

[xavierj]

Are the black lives matter people still holding people hostage with the threat to protest? Not sure where that is coming from, considering Cincinnati doesn't have police issues currently, but I know channel 5 gave some protesters face time a few weeks ago making threats.

[PM Thor]

Meh, I expect "Black Lives Matter" folks protesting next to anti gay marriage people and Obama is Kenyan whackadoodles during the All Star Game. These groups look for the biggest venue to air their concerns. No biggie.

[SlimKibbles]

Don't they play the All Star game for home field World Series advantage?

Yes. That's why people argue, and rightfully so, that the best players should be playing in the game. If it's a game that means something, don't make fans 100% in control of who starts. Have some points system that puts guys on the team based on where they sit in the rankings of certain statistical categories or something.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm glad for the players that they get their fun, mid-season break. Why anyone wants to pay hundreds of dollars (or any dollars) to watch guys have a fun, mid-season break is beyond me.

But the great thing about America is that each of us is allowed to squander money however we see fit.

People only paid hundreds?? Shit.

[KabeX]

We got the same deal ($325 for the strip). Taking my 10 year old son. I don't care if the players don't take it seriously. My boy does and the chance of a lifelong memory with him makes the ticket an great deal IMO.


We got a special deal to buy tickets for all the events, fan fest, home run derby, and game, standing room only though. That's fine in my book, because, for me, the game on the field is secondary, the other events are where it's at. Wifey even got tickets for the free Ariana Grande concert too, so guess I'm going to that too.

And the coolest part? I will (probably) be on the field, MLB has asked for Cincinnati Firefighters to unfurl a giant USA flag for the national anthem. I did it once before for Opening Day and it was amazing. Can't wait to do that again.

On a side note, MLB is running this whole "volunteering" thing in Cincy terribly. The bureaucracy involved is ridiculous, and they are throwing money away hand over fist, just to keep their usual companies in the loop over using local, cheaper companies.

[Xville]

I think the only all-star games that do a really good job is the NBA and the NHL. Not the games themselves because most of the time they are awful, but the skills competitions etc are pretty cool to watch. I'll actually watch those and not bother with the actual game.

MLB could learn a thing or two in regards to that....im sorry but the Home run Derby is stupid, and its made even worse with Chris Berman announcing it. The other stupid thing is that what should be an exhibition game has turned into a game that actually matters to the two participants that make it to the World Series. That's absolutely ridiculous. The whole MLB All Star Extravaganza is just another facet as to why baseball is dying a slow death to Football, Basketball, Soccer, heck even hockey.

I remember growing up where the only sport that was talked about all summer was baseball. Now, people are just as interested in NFL training camps, Basketball and Football recruiting as they are in baseball in July and August.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I think the only all-star games that do a really good job is the NBA and the NHL. Not the games themselves because most of the time they are awful, but the skills competitions etc are pretty cool to watch. I'll actually watch those and not bother with the actual game.



There used to be an MLB Skills Competition during the All Star festivities, then Barry Larkin got injured during one of them so the MLB shut it down.

[Lamont Sanford]

Wifey even got tickets for the free Ariana Grande concert too, so guess I'm going to that too.



So I guess you got that going for you, huh.

[chico]

Being the middle-aged white guy that I am, I'm looking forward to it. Actually got tickets in the moon deck for the home run derby (I'd only go if I was in the outfield seats). Was thinking about going down to fan fest one day with the kids but at $30 a pop I may hold off. Was at the game in 1988 and that was pretty cool, but I don't have the desire to go the game now, especially with the prices as high as they are.

My dilemma, though, is this: Do I bring my glove to the home run derby? I've always been a staunch "no glove to the game under any circumstances" type of guy, but for this one event my stance might change.

[Porkopolis]

Being the middle-aged white guy that I am, I'm looking forward to it. Actually got tickets in the moon deck for the home run derby (I'd only go if I was in the outfield seats). Was thinking about going down to fan fest one day with the kids but at $30 a pop I may hold off. Was at the game in 1988 and that was pretty cool, but I don't have the desire to go the game now, especially with the prices as high as they are.

My dilemma, though, is this: Do I bring my glove to the home run derby? I've always been a staunch "no glove to the game under any circumstances" type of guy, but for this one event my stance might change.

I'm sitting in the bleachers, so I'm considering taking mine. Might decide not to.

[94GRAD]

Being the middle-aged white guy that I am, I'm looking forward to it. Actually got tickets in the moon deck for the home run derby (I'd only go if I was in the outfield seats). Was thinking about going down to fan fest one day with the kids but at $30 a pop I may hold off. Was at the game in 1988 and that was pretty cool, but I don't have the desire to go the game now, especially with the prices as high as they are.

My dilemma, though, is this: Do I bring my glove to the home run derby? I've always been a staunch "no glove to the game under any circumstances" type of guy, but for this one event my stance might change.


I'm sitting in the bleachers, so I'm considering taking mine. Might decide not to.

I'm in the front row of 143, I'm definitely bringing mine.

[Kahns Krazy]

Don't currently have any tickets. My better half couldn't care less about baseball, much less fake baseball. If anyone winds up with an extra single seat and wants me to buy them beers, hit me up. You can also choose your preferred level of streetcar/bikepath/gay marriage discussion.

I'll probably head down Tuesday for the party atmosphere at least.

[bobbiemcgee]

I'm not sure what's strange about it. The All-Star game used to be great, but it has completely lost it's luster.

I was at the 1970 game. Ray Fosse wishes he wasn't.

[xu82]

I was at the 1970 game. Ray Fosse wishes he wasn't.

I'm sure he would have gladly traded places with you.

[SM#24]

I'm not sure what's strange about it. The All-Star game used to be great, but it has completely lost it's luster. I'd rather watch a game between two bad teams that actually counts (notwithstanding the MLB promos about the All-Star game).

What has changed so dramatically ?
Other than it now counts for home field, which I could care less about, I'm not seeing this dramatic change in the game itself.

[usfldan]

What has changed so dramatically ?
Other than it now counts for home field, which I could care less about, I'm not seeing this dramatic change in the game itself.

This article does a good job mentioning the two most significant events - 1993 with Cito Gaston and Mike Mussina in Baltimore and then the obvious one, the tie in 2002: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/07/the-sad-decline-of-the-mlb-all-star-game-began-in-1993/277729/

Since '93 the game has been more about getting everybody into the game than about winning or keeping the best players out there. The last time I can see that a pitcher stayed in the maximum three innings was Greg Maddux in 1995.

[ammtd34]

There was a guy on with Lance a few weeks ago that talked about free agency and interleague play also affecting the game. In Cincinnati in the 70s, you heard about the BIG BAD YANKEES (or whatever AL team) but never had the chance to see any of those players. The All Star Game was your only chance.

[X-band '01]

It was also in an era when maybe 1 or 2 baseball games a week were broadcast to a national audience on either NBC or ABC. Cable as a whole really didn't start to take off until the mid to late-1970s. Even then, a major network like ESPN didn't start broadcasting games until the late 1980s.

[Kahns Krazy]

I have been impressed by all of the activity and everything seems to be running much smoother than I expected. If there are any black lives matter protests going on, I haven't seen any. A nasty storm rolled through hours before the big block party yesterday and everything was up and running shortly after. The zip line thing is selling out. Bars are packed (even 2-bit, which I don't even think is really open yet), people are in a good mood.

Well done, Cincinnati. I'm impressed.

[Juice]

I have been impressed by all of the activity and everything seems to be running much smoother than I expected. If there are any black lives matter protests going on, I haven't seen any. A nasty storm rolled through hours before the big block party yesterday and everything was up and running shortly after. The zip line thing is selling out. Bars are packed (even 2-bit, which I don't even think is really open yet), people are in a good mood.

Well done, Cincinnati. I'm impressed.

Not a BlacK Lives Matter protest but Tracy Hunter and her group had a protest go from the JC, to the Prosecutors office, and through downtown yesterday. The Enquirer said it was 50 people but it really was about 15.

[bobbiemcgee]

HR Derby was fun to watch. Like the new format.

[Xville]

Haters gonna hate..retard reds fans booing Cardinals players. Must suck to lose to them all the time. The Butts are really hurt.

On another note, I will say that is the first derby I watched in a really long time. I thought it had gotten really old and way too drawn out (kind of like the nba slam dunk contest), but those new rules breathed some much needed life into it.

[GoMuskies]

Haters gonna hate..retard reds fans booing Cardinals players.

What will Chris Carpenter tell his children?

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[SM#24]

HR Derby was fun to watch. Like the new format.
Brackets are great.

[chico]

Haters gonna hate..retard reds fans booing Cardinals players. Must suck to lose to them all the time. The Butts are really hurt.

On another note, I will say that is the first derby I watched in a really long time. I thought it had gotten really old and way too drawn out (kind of like the nba slam dunk contest), but those new rules breathed some much needed life into it.

Were there Cardinals in the home run derby last night? I must have missed that round.

And my butt felt fine. It was great to get off of it to cheer Frazier.

[BandAid]

Haters gonna hate..retard reds fans booing Cardinals players. Must suck to lose to them all the time. The Butts are really hurt.

On another note, I will say that is the first derby I watched in a really long time. I thought it had gotten really old and way too drawn out (kind of like the nba slam dunk contest), but those new rules breathed some much needed life into it.

I'm glad to see the players handled it better than you did. It's a game. They're rivals. Neck Tattoo is a heel. Relax and have fun.

[Xville]

Were there Cardinals in the home run derby last night? I must have missed that round.

And my butt felt fine. It was great to get off of it to cheer Frazier.

Yeah cause the home run derby matters...ok

[Xville]

I'm glad to see the players handled it better than you did. It's a game. They're rivals. Neck Tattoo is a heel. Relax and have fun.

Cubs and Cardinals are rivals and I doubt you would see either of those teams boo the other teams players in the all star game. It's bush league, but I wouldn't expect anything different from the reds

[Juice]

Cubs and Cardinals are rivals and I doubt you would see either of those teams boo the other teams players in the all star game. It's bush league, but I wouldn't expect anything different from the reds

I originally thought you were joking. You're actually perturbed by Reds fans booing the Cardinals players? #BFIB !!

[STL_XUfan]

I'm glad to see the players handled it better than you did. It's a game. They're rivals. Neck Tattoo is a heel. Relax and have fun.

I personally thought it was hilarious. The smile on Yadi's face was absolutely priceless. (I loved it even more that Pujols got in on the joke by also booing Yadi and trying to inform the crowd he wasn't a Cardinal anymore when they started booing him)

However, whenever I am informed by Reds fans that they are the Cardinals' rivals, I always think of this scene from Mad Men.

https://41.media.tumblr.com/299649d427cf133f551cc65a840832bd/tumblr_nisplnSrTr1rhkvx5o1_500.png

[X-band '01]

I'm glad to see the players handled it better than you did. It's a game. They're rivals. Neck Tattoo is a heel. Relax and have fun.

Neck Tattoo certainly enjoyed trolling the crowd. I'm sure the fans were secretly happy that the American League won, if only to stick it to the Cards for their inevitable World Series run.

[paulxu]

I'll tell you what's bush league. Hacking into your opponents computer systems.

Right behind that is holier than thou. Get a grip. It's a game.

[XUFan09]

I personally thought it was hilarious. The smile on Yadi's face was absolutely priceless. (I loved it even more that Pujols got in on the joke by also booing Yadi and trying to inform the crowd he wasn't a Cardinal anymore when they started booing him)

However, whenever I am informed by Reds fans that they are the Cardinals' rivals, I always think of this scene from Mad Men.

https://41.media.tumblr.com/299649d427cf133f551cc65a840832bd/tumblr_nisplnSrTr1rhkvx5o1_500.png
Lol that sums up my feelings entirely.

[SemajParlor]

Booing rivals at All Star Games happens almost every year.

A personal favorite is when Mets fans booed Utley at Yankee Stadium and Chase responded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJWNIbgICA4

Bush league? It's a tradition in good fun.

[PM Thor]

1726

So I got on the field...with Koufax, Mays, Bench, on and on.....it was an incredible moment that I will never, ever forget. I'm exhausted even now, but wouldn't change a thing from the whole weeks events.

Cincy did this All Star thing up right. We pretty much went to everything that you could do, and every single event was amazing. The city looked absolutely great, and I am really proud of my home town for this. It was great.

[BandAid]

Cubs and Cardinals are rivals and I doubt you would see either of those teams boo the other teams players in the all star game. It's bush league, but I wouldn't expect anything different from the reds

Ah, well lucky for you I am a Cubs fan.

I'd boo Yadier, but not the rest of them. The guy is just very hate-able. (Although I loved his response last night, which is the first time I've ever liked anything about him.)

I'd also boo Ryan Braun because he's a piece of crap. And I think I'd hiss at A-Rod.

Booing Neck Tattoo would be the most lighthearted of the three.

[94GRAD]

Haters gonna hate..retard reds fans booing Cardinals players. Must suck to lose to them all the time. The Butts are really hurt.

On another note, I will say that is the first derby I watched in a really long time. I thought it had gotten really old and way too drawn out (kind of like the nba slam dunk contest), but those new rules breathed some much needed life into it.

Do you boo or cheer against u.c.? Fans don't cheer for the team that they're competing against!!!

[Juice]

Do you boo or cheer against u.c.? Fans don't cheer for the team that they're competing against!!!

Yeah only bush league fans do that. The "Best Fans in Baseball" would never stoop to that level. Way too much class in those seats in Busch Stadium. Did you know that Cardinals fans stand and clap when a Cardinals hitter moves a player over by laying down a bunt? I wish Reds fans, which includes myself, could learn to be that classy.

[STL_XUfan]

Yeah only bush league fans do that. The "Best Fans in Baseball" would never stoop to that level. Way too much class in those seats in Busch Stadium. Did you know that Cardinals fans stand and clap when a Cardinals hitter moves a player over by laying down a bunt? I wish Reds fans, which includes myself, could learn to be that classy.

Lucky for you, I am now offering a class in classiness. For just the low-low price of $29.95/month you will get one-on-one lessons in how to be classy. HOWEVER, IF YOU ACT NOW I will also throw in a copy of the unwritten rule of baseball with a forward written by Tony La Russa for FREE!

[BandAid]

Lucky for you, I am now offering a class in classiness. For just the low-low price of $29.95/month you will get one-on-one lessons in how to be classy. HOWEVER, IF YOU ACT NOW I will also throw in a copy of the unwritten rule of baseball with a forward written by Tony La Russa for FREE!

Why do I feel like buying a copy of the Unwritten Rules of Baseball would turn out like this?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3LHAlcrTRA

[paulxu]

Why do I feel like buying a copy of the Unwritten Rules of Baseball would turn out like this?

Save your money. Below is free copy of the Unwritten Rule of Baseball.

"














"

[94GRAD]

Save your money. Below is free copy of the Unwritten Rule of Baseball.

"














"

The first rule about the unwritten rules of baseball is you don't talk about the unwritten rules of baseball.

[GoMuskies]

Save your money. Below is free copy of the Unwritten Rule of Baseball.

"














"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih6XjO_fhrI

[THRILLHOUSE]

Cubs and Cardinals are rivals and I doubt you would see either of those teams boo the other teams players in the all star game. It's bush league, but I wouldn't expect anything different from the reds

You sure about that, slugger?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NytStz8Vwgk

[PM Thor]

1727

[SixFig]

Cincinnati was doing a great job hosting until someone started the wave in a 3-2 game. C'mon, it's not a Wednesday game against the Padres. It's the All Star game.

[SixFig]

a forward written by Tony La Russa for FREE!

Here is an excerpt from this forward:

"sorry officer....ahsdlfkahsfvljkvvk;lsdjflkjdlksjflkjsdf g...where are my pants....sdafljadsj"

1728

[XUFan09]

1727

Lol I've only seen Xville's protests. Elsewhere all I've seen is people chuckling at it or just not mentioning it altogether.

[Xville]

You sure about that, slugger?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NytStz8Vwgk
They were saying woooo not boooo. Ok u got me.

[SlimKibbles]

They were saying woooo not boooo. Ok u got me.

Boooo-URNS! Boooo-URNS!

[SemajParlor]

Boooo-URNS! Boooo-URNS!

I was saying Boo-Urns...

[Kahns Krazy]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/f9c911d00bcd320059af2e8a653dd3ab/tumblr_mgwoguXbac1qjpxbbo1_500.jpg

[D-West & PO-Z]

HR Derby was fun to watch. Like the new format.

I was at both and the HR derby was way better than the All Star game. HR derby was freaking awesome. I like the new rules as well. Very cool experience both of them. Glad I got to go.