When’s the last time the National League won the MLB All-Star Game?

The National League and American League will wage battle in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game in Seattle. The AL has been the dominant force in recent years; when is the last time the NL actually won? 

The 2023 MLB All-Star Game will feature the best players from the American League and the National League pitted against one another, a time-honored tradition the league has held since 1933.

The game will take place at 8 PM E.T. on Tuesday, July 11 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The American League plays host this year after spending last season on the “road” in LA’s Dodger Stadium. But, the venue hasn’t really mattered for the AL in recent years.

It has been a long time since the National League actually won the All-Star game. So, how long exactly has it been since the American League was on the losing side of the scoreboard?

When’s the last time the National League won the MLB All-Star Game?

The National League lost the game last year, 3-2. Giancarlo Stanton’s two-run moonshot sealed the deal and earned him the MVP award. In 2021, the result was similar: 5-2, American League in the winner’s column. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took home MVP after rocketing the longest dinger in All-Star history.

That trend continues back several years. Like, over a decade now. The last time the National League actually won the MLB All-Star Game was 2012, when the NL spanked the AL 8-0 in Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium.

Melky Cabrera, in his only season with the San Francisco Giants, took home the MVP award, recording a single, a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Joel Hanrahan was the game’s winning pitcher.

American League vs. National League all-time MLB All-Star Game record

The American League holds the narrow all-time edge in the MLB All-Star Game with a record of 47-43-2. Of course, the AL has won nine straight. Before the last decade, it was the National League in the driver’s seat. That just goes to show how times change, and fast.

After a long stint in purgatory, the NL will hope to get back in the winners column on Tuesday night in Seattle. With MVP favorites Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman highlighting the lineup, it’s hard not to feel good about their chances — even with Shohei Ohtani and the AL looking to keep their historic streak alive.