Adrian Gonzalez from the American League All Stars hit a home run off Cliff Lee to start the scoring that presented a sort of deja vu in my mind like “oh boy, here we go again!” Last year was the first time the National League had won in over 13 years finally beating the American League winning streak and I thought for sure the American League was on their way to starting a new streak.
But Prince Fielder blasted a three run homer that contributed to the final score and gave the National League their second All Star victory in a row.
One of the more hilarious moments in the game came when Heath Bell was called in from the bullpen and instead of jogging onto the field as a relief pitcher usually does, he decided to “run fast, really fast” to the pitcher’s mound arriving with a slide at the mound and ending up at the feet of Manager Bruce Bochy. Pablo Sandoval who was also standing on the mound at the time couldn’t contain his laughter like others around him, but not a smidgeon of a smile could be seen on Bochy’s face, at least not from my point of view from the couch.
Too funny was the replay of the momentous jog to the mound showing the TV camera man running behind Bell as fast as he could trying to keep up, but eventually gave it up as Bell out sprinted him by ….. a lot! Brian Wilson, the illustrious SF Giants closer made an appearance, beard and all, and, of course, closed out the game.
Did I mention how much I missed Derek Jeter? Derek you’ve probably heard was too tired, exhausted was the word he used, to play in the game. Last I heard he was seen having a good time dining at a Miami restaurant today with his girlfriend, not that there’s anything wrong with that. But since Jeter was “selected” as an All Star, he’ll be receiving a $500,000 bonus as part of his contract. I just think it would have been a nice gesture if he would have at least attended the game for his fans who, after all, are the ones paying the tab. But that’s just my opinion. And I’m sure he really was exhausted after the fantastic week he’d had with that 3000th hit and 5 for 5 game. Okay, well maybe next year. Baseball fans have an incredible tolerance for their perceived heroes and I’m sure they’ll be there waiting for him again unless he decides to grace them with his appearance. Nice job if you can get it.
All in all I felt it was one of the better All Star games. Probably because in spite of the 16 original contestants who were selected and couldn’t or wouldn’t be there, the ones who wanted to be there, were there.
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