Written by Mark Bailey
The MLB All-Star Game is a yearly event that pits the best players in baseball against each other. But what is it exactly, and how do you qualify for it? Let’s take a closer look at this marquee event in the world of sports.
POINTS
- The All-Star Game is an annual event that brings the best players from each MLB league to play in a game
- A fan vote decides who should be elected as an All-Star
- The game was created in 1933 to bring attention back to the sport during the Great Depression
- In 2003, a fan vote for the selection of All-Stars was introduced to eliminate corrupt decisions made by coaches and organizations
- A special committee chooses who will host future All-Star Games based on factors such as if a team has never hosted before or if there are special circumstances involved
The All-Star Game brings together the best players across MLB to participate in a single game. While the All-Star Game is just one game, a whole weekend of events leads up to the game. There are things like the Home Run Derby, the Futures Game, and other cool events. This game showcases immense talent across the MLB, as only the best of the best come to play in this game.
What is the all-star game?
The All-Star Game is an annual occurrence that brings the best players from each league to play in a game. Fans get to vote on who should be elected as an all-star. Each league has 32 roster spots, so there are 64 total All-Stars every year.
With nearly 1,100 players in the MLB, this is a huge accomplishment to be selected for this game. After being nominated, the guys are separated into two teams based on their league. Many players dream of being selected for the All-Star Game, but it’s an opportunity that is truly hard to come by.
History of the all-star game in baseball
The first MLB All-Star Game took place in 1933. It is interesting to note that the All-Star Game was created to bring attention back to the sport as this time period was in the middle of the Great Depression. There have been many changes to this game since 1933, most of which have been positive. The main concept has always stayed consistent: bringing in the best players to compete in a game.
In 2003, a fan vote for the selection of All-Stars was introduced and implemented. Before this, coaches and organizations made their selections. This left a massive window for corrupt decisions to be made. By having the fans vote, you truly give them what they want to see. It was a great decision made by the MLB.
Choosing the venue
A special committee in the MLB chooses who will host the future All-Star Games. They make their decisions years and years down the road to allow for proper preparation. The motivation behind their choices is usually based on a couple of factors. For example, if a team has never hosted an All-Star Game, they will likely be at the top of the list for the next selection.
In years past, the committee has also chosen a location based on special circumstances. A true example is the All-Star Game going to New York before the old stadium was torn down. Some wonder if the All-Star Game went to St. Louis this year to recognize Albert Pujols in his final year.
All-star team rosters
Each league gets 32 roster spots for its All-Star team. Every player is chosen by a fan vote. Fans have the opportunity to cast their vote for all 32 spots. After voting, the top vote-getter at each position earns a roster spot.
When it comes to the coaches, two of them were chosen from the previous year’s World Series to coach their respective sides. For example, the Atlanta Braves’ head coach was the National League coach in this year’s All-Star Game. This has become a tradition and does not seem to be going anywhere in the near future.
Game format
The two teams play a standard 9-inning game. While the motivation may not be there, the MLB recently added a new feature to the game. The winner of the All-Star Game earns their league home-field advantage in that year’s World Series. If the National League wins the All-Star Game, the National League team that makes the World Series is given a home-field advantage.
The reason this was put in place was in hopes of making this game more competitive. In previous years, players haven’t really taken the All-Star Game seriously and were mostly just happy to be there. By adding this feature, teams have something to play for now. This was a chess move by the MLB that proved effective.
Other all-star weekend events
The MLB has implemented more events to add to the excitement of All-Star weekend. All these events lead up to the All-Star Game except the MLB Draft. Some of the top events include the Futures Game, the Home Run Derby, the MLB Draft, and the Celebrity Game.
The Futures Game consists of the youngest players throughout the league. The MLB selects guys in their first or second year who have exceeded expectations. Most of these guys end up being superstars.
The Home Run Derby is exactly how it sounds, as it is a competition to see who can hit the most home runs. The MLB chooses the best home run hitters across the league to compete in this event. The format has been changed frequently but has maintained its entertainment level. The MLB Draft occurs immediately after the All-Star Weekend, although it is still considered a part of it.
Lastly, the celebrity game includes actors, musicians, and other celebrities playing in a softball game. Some players from other professional sports play in this game as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are players selected for the all-star game?
Players are selected through a fan vote. Fans across the world have the chance to vote for their favorite plays to earn a spot in the game. At the end of the vote, the top vote-getter at each position earns a roster spot. The fan vote eliminates any controversy or bias that could be possible in the selection process.
Is one player required to participate from every MLB team?
Yes, as of recently, each team is guaranteed at least one spot in the All-Star Game. This was put in place to ensure each team has an equal opportunity, no matter the size of their fan base or their team’s record. If the fan vote doesn’t include a player from each team, the MLB commissioner must make amendments to include each team.
What is the purpose of the all-star game?
The purpose of the All-Star Game is to recognize the greatest players across MLB. Each year, the best players in the world are chosen to play in this game. It is considered a lifelong achievement to be selected as an All-Star. It also serves the purpose of bringing entertainment to the fans.
What does the winner of the all-star game get?
The winner of the All-Star Game earns their league home-field advantage in that year’s World Series. If the American League wins, the team in the World Series from the American League is given a home-field advantage. By doing this, a possible Game 7 will be played at home for the American League. This is a huge advantage or disadvantage for the losing team.
How many players are in the all-star game?
Each year, 32 players are selected for each team. This adds up to 64 total players in the MLB All-Star Game. This includes a range of position players and pitchers. While it sounds like a big number, it is small in comparison to the 1,100 total players in the MLB.
Is there an advantage to winning the world series?
Yes, the winning team gets bragging rights over the other league. More importantly, the winning league earns a home-field advantage in the World Series for their league. This provides all the motivation these teams could need to come out on top.
Best of the best
The All-Star Game brings the most talented players from across the MLB to play against one another in a single game. The main purpose of this is to recognize the achievements of some outstanding players. The game marks the halfway point of the season, so players have begun to separate themselves from others regarding stats and production levels.