You wanted the best, so you got the best. No, Kiss is not making a comeback…not yet anyways. I’m talking about All-Star Week. 

Now TJ, stay with me. As we know, most All-Star games, it’s a joke. The NBA plays no defense, the NHL is a glorified backyard three on three game, and the NFL is a total disaster. So what makes baseball the exception? Let’s start with how we get to the game.

The fans play the lead role in determining the starters. Please remember, even though we want to reward players that deserve to be here, this game is about the fans. If we want to see a certain player, even if they are having an off season, so be it, it’s our game. With that being said, MLB has allowed the players and coaches to vote for the rest of the team. There will always be a few players that miss out. but having the fans be a part of this process is what makes it feel special.

The All-Star Week itself? The game might not even be the top draw. The Home Run Derby is fantastic and MLB has made changes almost each season to make it better. This year’s Derby will feature some significant changes; most notably that the first round won’t be a head-to-head bracket — the top four first-round scores will advance to the semifinal bracket. Hitters will see a maximum of 40 pitches in each timed round, placing more of an emphasis on efficiency. Baseball has also added the draft to the All-Star Week. What a great way to introduce the new breed of players to the league.Then the game. It is the ONLY all-star game that is competitive, it’s not even close.

Can it be made better? I think so.The uniforms have to go.This year’s uniforms look like a Goodwill auction winner. Please go back to each team wearing their own home and away uniforms. Teams nowadays have multiple uniforms to pick from so let’s use them. I think all starters should play the first five innings (excluding starting pitchers), that’s why we picked them.  I don’t want to see Shohei take one at-bat and be done. Yes, I know now not everyone will play, but that’s ok. I also want the game winning league to get home field in the World Series. 

MLB gets it right in this one week. I just hope the game is not blacked out.