Please, spare me the discussion of who belongs in the game and who does not. The fans vote. It's the fan's game. While the All Star Game decides home field advantage in the World Series, it's supposed to be a fun exhibition, and let's keep it as that.
In the days before inter-league play, and dozens of games a week on television, the All Star Game used to be one of the summer's highlights. If I was still a night time guy, I'd watch. The game has lost some of its luster, but it's still a good view.
Thankfully, MLB Network has resisted falling in to ESPN style schtick. Its morning highlight show is among the better sports TV offerings. As noted here earlier, I love how they use the local radio and TV calls rather than the studio announcers for the voice overs.
Some of my best friends are Yankees fans. Yet, I do enjoy watching them lose.
It's nice to see the Athletics, Orioles, Nationals and Royals doing well.
Locally, there are 14 teams in the International League. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders are 11th in attendance. I know things don't get rolling here until the weather warms up and the kids are out of school, so the first couple months of the season traditionally see attendance issues. Still, things should be better. The team promotes, and we have a nice ballpark. I don't get it.
By the way, there are only 25 home games left in the 2014 season.
Lehigh Valley averages nearly 9,000 a game, and it's one of the International League's success stories.
