WEEK OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL-STAR GAME
Each year, the Week of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game is kicked off by events leading up to the All-Star Game between the American League and National League. The All-Star game determines home-field advantage during the World Series.
The tradition dates back to 1933 when the American League won 4-2 in what was promoted as the “Game of Century” during a time when Americans had little to cheer about. Packed into Chicago’s Comiskey Park, a crowd of 47,595 fans witnessed Babe Ruth hitting the first All-Star home run, as well as the first winning pitcher, Lefty Gomez.
The week now includes All-Star Futures and Legends & Celebrity games on Sunday and the Home Run Derby on Monday. Added in 1985, the Home Run Derby offers a purely a powerhouse numbers competition. The biggest hitters in baseball come to the plate and aim for the fences at every bat until only one batter remains standing.
In 1999, the All-Star Futures game was added to the roster. Showcasing possible future new recruits from the minor leagues, these teams play 7 innings on the Sunday of the week. Introduced in 2001, the All-Star Legends and Celebrity softball game features professional baseball’s most exciting players of the past. They take the field each year on the Monday of the week.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MLBAllStarWeek
Whether you have tickets to one of the games or to the Home Run Derby, wear your team’s jersey and cheer them on. The games are also televised, so everyone can join in the fun. Host a Home Run Derby party. Invite friends and family to watch the All-Star game. You can also learn more about your favorite players, past, present, and future!
If you want to get up close and personal with the events, volunteer! The organization offers opportunities for fans to keep the week running smoothly each year.
Use #MLBAllStarWeek to share on Social Media.
WEEK OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL-STAR GAME HISTORY
On July 6, 1933, professional baseball hosted the first All-Star game at Chicago’s Comiskey Park as part of the Chicago World’s Fair. Legendary players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez, Bill Hallahan, Frankie Frisch, Al Simmons, and Jimmie Wilson took the field. The game ended with a score of 4-2 in favor of the American League.
