MLB All-Star Game 2015: 5 most memorable All-Star Games
By Will Osgood
1999
This video is a great quick recap of everything which transpired in Boston in mid-July of 2009. At least of the All-Star Game itself.
But remember the All-Star Game is not only about the game, it’s also about the Home Run Derby. The 1999 All-Star Game was also pretty special.
It was the year after “Big Mac” Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa recaptured the imaginations of Americans everywhere and reminded us why baseball was once America’s pastime.
The Home Run Derby was McGwire’s encore, when he hit a then-record 13 home runs in the first-round of the Home Run Derby. But Ken Griffey, Jr. ruined his encore eventually dethroning the one-time single season home run record bearer.
The game the next night at Fenway only built on the drama of the previous evening. All-time great Ted Williams was honored, as were many of the other all-time great baseball legends who were still living—accomplished men like Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, Eddie Murray, Roger Clemens as well as future Hall of Famers in the game such as Cal Ripken, Jr. and Tony Gwynn.
It was baseball at its best with the game’s greats at the moment in admiration of the game’s past greats, with former Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams ultimately stealing the show.
Once the game itself began, Pedro Martinez made everyone forget about the beauty of a sweet swing or hitting approach, and reminded us pitching is as important, if not more. He took All-Star Game MVP in his home park after two almost flawless innings, making the game’s best hitters look absolutely silly.
After those two innings, the game was not particularly memorable, but those two innings and the ceremony preceding the game made it one of the most memorable All-Star Games ever played.
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