10 best MLB All-Star moments

Ripken in final All-Star Game

Speaking of legends, Cal Ripken, Jr. was one in his own right. Just two years after he was one of the most notable stars of the day present on the field with Ted Williams, it was time for him to get his All-Star Game respect.

The way the 2001 All-Star Game catered to him—a pessimist may seem pandered to him—was a foreshadow and likely symptomatic of what would become the more common practice in All-Star Games later.

In the more modern era, we recognize stars before they retire. Perhaps Ripken will have a moment like Williams’ in Boston in ’99 some time in the future. Even if he doesn’t, though, he sure had quite the sendoff in Seattle in 2001.

Not one, but two great moments made this game about Ripken, and the result was the “Iron Man” leaving the event with the game’s MVP trophy.

There was the touching tribute from the American League and Alex Rodriguez to switch positions just before the inning started. Ripken went back to his native shortstop—the position he played for the majority of his storied big league career.

At the time, Rodriguez was absolutely a shortstop. There was no foretold positional switch to third on the horizon. Because it was an All-Star Game, it mattered little that Rodriguez had played shortstop his entire career big league career to that point.

Ripken was always known in his career for exuding graciousness. He was taken aback a bit, it seems, and even tried unsuccessfully to deny the honor being granted him.

He was not so gracious later to San Diego Padres starter Chan-Ho Park, who grooved a fastball to him down the middle and Ripken did what he’d done 10 years prior in the All-Star Game in Toronto to also capture an MVP award.

The home run in his final All-Star Game will go down in history as one of the greatest moments in All-Star Game history.

Next: Touching as well, but in a more homely way