Without a doubt, the MLB all-star game is the best all-star game in professional sports because it means something. In the NBA, the all-star game is always high scoring, but there is always a lack of defense, hustle, and determination to win the game since a win does not mean much. In the NFL, the all-star game is pretty much pointless. Except for last year, the pro bowl has taken place after the entire season was over (a week after the Super Bowl). The players show very little motivation because they do not want to risk injury going into the off season. The only inspiration NFL superstars have is a little more extra money when they win. The MLS Soccer All-Star game is at least somewhat exciting this year as the MLS players take on the very talented Manchester United club. Also, NASCAR has an all-star event, but does anybody even watch it or know about it? The same thing goes for the National Hockey League, a game which is usually only on cable.
Since 2003, the winner of the all-star game has decided which league gets home-field advantage in the World Series in October. This decision was made by the MLB commissioner because in 2002, there was a tie in the all-star game. Bud Selig wants this game to count, be worthwhile for the players to participate in, and be worthwhile for the fans around the world to watch. A mid season exhibition game decides the fate of a champion. Is this the right move for sports? I think it is. The MLB midsummer classic has meaning. The fielders hustle for ground balls, the outfielders dive for sinking line drives, and pitchers show off their best stuff in order to win the ball game. The two managers from the previous World Series coach and manage the players just like it is a meaningful game because they know how important home-field advantage is to their respective leagues.
The American League has owned the National League since 1996. This year (2010) was the first time the NL beat the AL. Honestly, this year was somewhat boring. Only four runs crossed the plate. The AL scored on an unearned run, and it was Brian McCann's late hit that put the NL up 3-1, which was the final score. There was very little offense. No home runs were hit. However, the defense was exciting to watch. Corey Hart made a spectacular diving catch in left field. In the ninth, the right fielder for the NL made a nice throw to get David Ortiz out at second in a game-saving situation.
So, home-field advantage determined by a mid season game does make professional baseball more intriguing. It seems to make intuitive sense, but has it really influenced who would actually win the World Series? From 1996-2009, the American League has won the all-star game. Since 2002, the American League has won the World Series five times, and the National League has won three times. So, there is a slight advantage to winning the all-star game, but there is not much because the World Series is a way bigger game than the all-star game. The players' emotions are running high. There is less room for error. The World Series is all or nothing. While the all-star game just determines how many games a team will have at their home ballpark in front of their fans come October.
Overall, I hope other professional leagues will follow Major League Baseball's example and make the mid season exhibition game meaningful to take part in and watch. This was a great idea for America, America's game, and sports history.
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