The All-Star Game is one of the most action-packed weeks of the year. It’s been two decades since the Boston Red Sox last hosted the event and they’d like to change that.
The last time the MLB All-Star Game took place in Boston was 1999, what feels like a lifetime ago. It’s been two decades since the Red Sox got to host the annual event and if they have their way it could be coming back to Beantown soon.
"“I would hope that Fenway would have the opportunity to host an All-Star game in the next 3-5 years,” Kennedy said in an email. He added that there have been no substantive talks about the possibility to this point.More from Red Sox NewsRed Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports GroupBizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departureRed Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contractRich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB recordRed Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure"
The last time that the All-Star Game took place in Fenway Park there weren’t any Monster Seats, just let that sink in. My fondest memory of the game being held at Fenway Park was the special honor given to Red Sox legend Ted Williams. “The Greatest Hitter That Ever Lived” made his way around Fenway in a golf cart and then would be swarmed by players near the pitcher’s mound.
Legends such as Ken Griffey Jr, Cal Ripken Jr, Tony Gwynn, and Derek Jeter were all transformed back into kids who loved baseball when they got to speak to Williams. At the end of the ceremony, there was a touching moment between Williams and then Red Sox star Nomar Garciaparra where Williams told Nomar “you’re gonna beat ’em all.” Just an awesome moment for anyone watching.
Garciaparra would also compete in the Home Run Derby where he’d only hit two homers. Nomar wasn’t the only Red Sox player to take part in the festivities as the American League would call upon the arm of Pedro Martinez to be their starter.
Pedro would pitch just two innings in the game while striking out five of the six batters he faced. Martinez would also earn MVP honors on the night and became the first pitcher to strike out the side to open the All-Star Game.
Coincidentally enough the opposing starting pitcher would be future Red Sox legend, Curt Schilling. Both Martinez and Schilling would be key in ending the Curse of the Bambino and delivering Boston’s first World Series title in 86 years.
With the recent success of the Red Sox and the passion of the city overall for the game of baseball, now is the right time to strike. Pun absolutely intended. The next couple of years are already booked as far as the MLB is concerned with Cleveland getting 2019 and Los Angeles hosting in 2020. So with the direct future all locked up, it’s possible the Red Sox could host the week-long ceremony sometime in the mid-2020s.
With heavy interest from the Red Sox to bring the All-Star Game back to Fenway Park now is the time for the MLB to book it. It doesn’t have to be within the next few years but it would be wise to do so while the current crop of Boston players are still on the squad. There is a great business sense in capitalizing while the team is successful and the roster is highly likable to fans. I can guarantee one thing if the MLB All-Star Game heads to Boston, Fenway Park will be rocking all night long.