From July 12 through July 16, the neon lights of this grandiose city will shine a little brighter as the Big Apple will once again host Major League Baseball’s annual All-Star Game extravaganza.
Baseball’s extraordinary stars from both leagues will gather at Citi Field in Queens to showcase their athletic prowess, and the expectations on them are high. For either ball club, an impressive win would be a mission accomplished, because this victory determines home-field advantage in the World Series.
Jubilant fans will either attend or watch this nationally televised game. Throughout this five-day period, fans can also participate in various baseball activities sponsored by MLB and its corporate supporters.
Events include FanFest, a thrilling all-day experience of interactive attractions at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the All-Star 5K & Fun Run in Brooklyn, a Central Park charity concert featuring Mariah Carey plus the All-Star Futures & Celebrity Softball game, the Chevrolet Home Run Derby and, of coures, the 84th MLB All-Star Game.
The NY Mets are extremely thrilled to be hosting this year’s mid-summer classic, especially because the last time that the All-Star Game was held in Queens was nearly 50 years ago. The year was 1964, and the Mets had just christened their newly constructed ballpark named Shea Stadium.
Once again, baseball fans were given the unique opportunity to vote online or use the traditional ballot to choose their favorite ballplayers. Representing the Mets was seven-time All-Star David Wright, who received 6,411,381 votes, making him the unanimous choice as the National League starting third baseman; and newest Met phenom Matt Harvey, who quite possibly may be given the nod as the National League starting pitcher.
Representing the Yankees was Robinson Cano, who will be the starting American League second baseman, and the legendary Mariano Rivera, who will be retiring after the season and is making his 13th All-Star appearance.
On FanFest Theme Day, MLB celebrates diversity, and fans can experience baseball’s historical moments. Players from the Negro Leagues; Vera Clemente, wife of the late Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente; and Sharon Robinson, daughter of the late Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, will participate in a Q&A session with fans on Saturday, July 13.