All-Star games have their iconic moments that stand years after they happen. However, despite their star appeal, sports leagues have yet to perfect All-Star game procedures and the game itself. Look at the un-credible Pro Bowl nominations, where the NFL invites half the players due to injury, to the NBA All-Star Game, where social media constantly questions effort in a game with low stakes minus a payday.

Recognizing the essence of the league should be the core thought process behind how each entity explores how to cater to markets, some of which overlap. Furthermore, designing a system that recognizes players for their season achievements should be the focus of the ceremonies. Understanding markets and what type of product each league has must be the focal point of each All-Star game.

MLB’s timing of the All-Star game at midseason during a weeklong break ignores second-half performances, leading to a retrospective look at how some players were rewarded for first-half performances when they may have faltered in the second half. Moving the All-Star game after the season, while it may be troublesome for players tired after the season, would create a system in which the best players are on the field.

As of June 27th, Fernando Tatis Jr., who has yet to play a single second of MLB baseball due to his infamous motorcycle accident, ranks fifth in NL Shortstop balloting for the 2022 All-Star game. Why a player is honored for the achievement of sitting on the IL does speak to Tatis Jr.’s influence and Padres faithful voting for their own but raises the valid question of why the MLB All-Star game is a fan vote without any limits. What is the purpose of the All-Star game if that season’s best is not on the field due to a fan vote?

Implementing an innings minimum for starters and relievers alike and an at-bat minimum would restore needed credibility to the players. It would make the All-Star more legitimate and honor those who have performed at a high level, instead of having players who have yet to play a game make the All-Star game.

Moving the All-Star game to after the playoffs would allow for a public presentation of the major awards and honor the World Series champions. A break with the Home Run Derby and pitching competitions would continue to give players needed rest, elevate the star appeal of the events, and put the entire season into perspective with the ups and downs of the regular season.

The MLB league body can fix the All-Star Game but would require a shift in their mindset and thought process. Players make MLB what it is, and the All-Star game must reflect that. The game needs to be about the players, with fans still receiving a say in the festivities. The MLB needs to give the players their needed respect as they continue to perform at a high level. Establishing the MLB All-Star Game as a credible game with the whole season in mind would increase marketability and add to the honor of the yearly ceremonies.

References

• Image courtesy of Dodger Blue