5 Fast Facts: MLB All-Star Games

Beth Simon

7 years ago

I, like many Americans, grew up with baseball. I cheered from the stands as my brothers played in little league, watched the Cubs™ on TV next to my dad on the couch, and sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” with gusto at every opportunity.

Every fan has their favorite MLB® team of course, but there’s more than just who you root for that makes baseball so great. It’s the pace of the game itself, the perfectly manicured grass in the outfield, the comradery shared after a home run. It’s as American as apple pie.

I love watching the MLB All-Star Games every year because it celebrates the essence of what makes the game so great. It brings the best of the best on the field for a good old fashioned game of baseball. American League vs. National League, with each position in the starting lineup picked by fans (minus the pitcher). What could be better?

As we gear up for this year’s Midsummer Classic, scroll down to learn 5 fast facts about the history of the MLB All-Star Games to share with your fellow fans:

1. It marks the symbolic halfway-point in the season.

The All-Star Game usually occurs on the second or third Tuesday in July, which is about a week later than the mathematical mid-point of the season.

2. The first All-Star Game was played on July 6, 1933.

It took place at Comisky Park in Chicago, home of the Chicago White Sox™ from 1910 – 1990, and was held as part of the 1933 World’s Fair. What was initially intended to be a one-time event to boost morale during the Great Depression became an annual tradition due to its great success.

3. Babe Ruth hit the first All-Star home run.

At the first All-Star Game in 1933, the baseball legend Babe Ruth hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning. Due in part to “The Sultan of Swat” doing what he did best, the American League defeated the National League 4-2 in 2 hours and 5 minutes.

4. New York City has hosted more All-Star Games than any other city.

New York City has hosted nine times total with four different host teams: New York Yankees™ (4 times), New York Giants (2), New York Mets™ (2), Brooklyn Dodgers™ (1).

5. The National League has won the most All-Star Games…for now.

Eighty-seven All-Star Games have been played so far with the National League in the lead at 43 wins. The American League has won 42 times and there have been 2 ties (1961 and 2002).

It should be an exciting game this year! I know I’ll be tuning in, will you? Are you going to be cheering for the American League or National League? Who are your favorite players? I’d love to connect with you in the comments!

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