MLB All-Star Game 2016: 5 most memorable All-Star Games

3. 1999: Pedro K’s 5

The 1999 All-Star Game was held in Boston’s Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. On the mound for the American League that night was their ace, Pedro Martinez, who was the most dominant pitcher in Major League Baseball. The stage was set for one of the most memorable pitching performances in All-Star Game history.

The game was a tribute to the Red Sox, with Ted Williams throwing out the first pitch. Major League Baseball’s All-Century team was announced on this night as well, with Williams being a part of it. The American League would win the game 4-1, but it was Pedro who would make his mark in Major League Baseball history.

All Martinez would do this night was run through the top of the National League lineup like a buzzsaw, striking out five batters over two innings. After striking out the side in the first inning (Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, and Sammy Sosa), Martinez struck out Mark McGwire to start the second. After an error by the second baseman, Roberto Alomar, Pedro struck out Jeff Bagwell, then caught Matt Williams stealing on the pitch to end the inning.

It was an all-time performance by a man who would go on to be elected to the Hall of Fame. Striking out five batters over two innings in hard to do against a regular lineup, but to do it against the best hitters in baseball, well that is almost impossible.

Martinez pitched in an era riddled with steroids, so the numbers he put up, are the stuff of legend. On this night in July, Martinez cemented his legacy as one of the best right-handed pitchers in the history of the game.

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