All-Star Scrapbook
Looking in on Detroit's fourth Midsummer Classic
Ryan Schreiber
Issue date: 7/12/05 Section: Sports
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This year the Midsummer Classic will make its fourth appearance within Detroit city limits. Previous games were held in 1941, 1951 and 1971. During the '71 contest, future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson hit a one-out pitch by Dock Ellis out of Tiger Stadium, striking the light tower on the roof. The astounding 520-foot shot in the third inning was one of six home runs, accounting for all the runs of both teams and tying the record for most in a game. Comerica Park will be the third Detroit stadium to host the game after Briggs Stadium hosted in 1941 and 1951.
John Hancock All-Star FanFest
The All-Star Weekend's largest family event is bigger and better than ever this year. Numerous events and games for baseball fans of all ages were available including batting cages, pitching machines, video game stations and broadcast studios. Autograph signings took place throughout the weekend and fans had the chance to purchase merchandise of all major and minor league teams. "It's great to see the fans come down and we've had a very good response," says Morgan Littlefield, director of the event. Tickets are still available and the event at Cobo Hall runs through Tuesday.
Taco Bell All-Star Sunday
The first day of events at Comerica Park included the XM Satellite Radio Futures Game and the Legends & Celebrities Softball Game. Detroit Tigers minor leaguers Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya suited up for the USA Team against manager and ex-Tiger Willie Hernandez of the World Team. Team USA was shutout 4-0 despite scoreless innings pitched by the Tiger prospects. The softball game included the likes of Chris Webber, former Michigan basketball star, and Jennie Finch, USA Olympic Softball gold medalist. The AL won 9-7 thanks to two home runs by Desperate Housewives star James Denton.
Century 21 Home Run Derby
The format changed this year in the annual power hitter's competition. Eight of the MLB's best from different countries around the world square off for bragging rights. Another change to this year's contest is the Golden Home Run Ball that will be introduced once during each player's at-bat. Home run leader Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves and hometown favorite Ivan Rodriguez will take swings at the trophy. For every home run hit by a Home Run Derby participant after his ninth out, Major League Baseball and Century 21 will combine to donate $21,000 to charity.
76th MLB All-Star Game
This is the game everyone's been waiting for. And this time it counts. The annual game will take place Tuesday night on Fox at 8 p.m and pits the best players of the American League against the rivals in the National League. Detroit Tiger Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez will make his 12th appearance in the Midsummer Classic and Manager Alan Trammel will assist Boston Red Sox Manager Terry Francona in the dugout. The winner of the game gets home-field advantage during the World Series in October. The last eight All-Star games saw the AL win seven times and a 7-7 tie in 2002.
Impact on the city of Detroit
The streets are clean and the roads look, well, better at least. The 2005 MLB All-Star festivities has brought a new look and feel to the city of Detroit. Seen as a dress rehearsal for the Super Bowl in January, the events, security and local interest have all been key ingredients to show the world what the Motor City is truly made of. Trash has been picked up, buildings have been rented, businesses are beginning to thrive and walls have been painted in preparation for the weekend. But Detroit needs to keep it looking fresh for the city to consider its facelift a success.