As the 2017 Home Run Derby goes into full swing, the MLB All-Star Game is about to take to the plate just the same this Tuesday for what should be another fantastic installment of the timeless event.
Let’s find out below how the Midsummer Classic works and how it differentiates from the All-Star Games in other major sports.
32 players will make up the All-Star roster for the American and National League sides. The 32-man roster requirement this 2017 is a first after having a 34-man squad from the 2016 edition of the event.
Starting positions – eight position players for the NL and nine for the AL due to the designated hitter spot – are voted in by the fans. MLB players then get to decide on the five starting pitchers and three relief pitchers for each team, as well as a set position-player reserves. The Commissioner’s office and one “Final Vote” from the fans for one last position player will round out the selection process for each team’s 32-man roster.
All 30 teams in the majors must have a representative in the All-Star Game.
The Game Proper
Basically, the MLB All-Star Game plays out like any normal baseball game. Nine innings of action, with the league wherein the hosting city is from (in this year’s case, Miami from the National League) will serve as the virtual home team.
But unlike the regular season, starting pitchers do not see a normal workload as they often pitch just one full inning before having another starting pitcher on their team take the mound in the next frame to showcase his own All-Star-worthy form.
What’s at Stake
What makes the Midsummer Classic unique amongst All-Star games from other major sports is that it isn’t just a mere exhibition contest. The winning team will earn home-field advantage in that season’s World Series.
Last year, the American League won the All-Star Game, 4-2, which gave the Cleveland Indians home-field advantage. That’s in spite of the fact that the National League’s Chicago Cubs had the best overall record during the regular season.
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