All Star Games Matter

Growing up, the only thing during MLB's regular season that was more exciting than Opening Day was the MLB All-Star game.

In 1976, I could hardly contain my excitement when Mark "The Bird" Fidrych started on the mound for the AL Stars against Randy Jones. The Bird was certainly the most exciting rookie of my generation - and I saw him duel Ron Guidrey and face Hank Aaron in the same rookie season. The Bird was very special, a phenom among greats. "We want the Bird! We want the Bird! We want the Bird!"

But the All Star game lost its luster - as did baseball in general in the mid 90s. I no longer agreed with George Will that the game within the game was exciting (sorry Dad). I could no longer tune into an Ernie Harwell broadcast (thanks Bo). And, canceling a season over economics made me think College Sports, Inc. was a charitable organization (older and wiser?).

But guess what? I found my interest again around the time the league created the carrot to award the winning league home field advantage in the World Series.

This incentive was not the reason for my renewed excitement. It's more fun because I now make my annual wager for a penny with my good friend, Jason Dichter. His beloved team, the Phillies, aligns him with the NL and my Tigers keep me pulling for the AL.

And a penny in perpetuity has made the All Star game fun again, especially since my Maize & Blue penny in perpetuity has dried up against those dreaded Buckeyes.

It's not about the penny, it's about the bragging rights. Just Book It!
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Posted by Joseph M Saunders - MBB Founder - www.mybetbook.com