A Midsummer Classic

I don’t think there is any other professional sport that has an All-Star break like Major League Baseball. The mid-summer baseball event that takes place each July is a special treat for baseball fans around the world. I was able to attend the All-Star break festivities in Detroit in 2005. It was one of the most memorable events that I have ever attended and had so much fun.

The week started off with a trip to the All-Star Fanfest. I kid you not, this is something that I could have spent the entire week at. So many great memorabilia stands and things to do. It was a lot of fun. But the main event, for me, was the Home Run Derby. Yes, that was the year that Bobby Abreu went crazy and started blasting balls into the Pepsi Porch at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers were represented by Ivan Rodriguez who had a great showing, but Abreu was the home run king that night.

The Futures Game and the celebrity softball game were a lot of fun as well. It was rather hot that Sunday afternoon when those events were happening, but it wasn’t that crowded and I was able to get a look at guys like Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya.

If you ever have a chance to attend any events during the MLB All-Star break, I would definitely recommend it. Outside of spring training and everyday batting practice, this is the best time to get a look at the major league players having fun. They make fun of each other and joke around. Many also bring their kids to enjoy the festivities. The event will be one that you will never forget.

Photo: Newscom