Finally, after a 49-year hiatus, the All-Star Game made its official return to Flushing, Queens. In front of a jubilant crowd of 45,186 fans—the largest crowd in Citi Field history—the American League provided the national and global audience a glimpse of the extraordinary pitching coming through the major leagues.
Although NL starter and Met ace Matt Harvey (7-2) started off his All-Star debut somewhat shaky—he actually hit Robinson Cano—he didn’t disappoint and struck out three AL batters. However, the National League simply couldn’t muster any offense. Former Mets Carlos Beltran and David Wright provided two of the three hits, while the American League capitalized on three lead-off doubles from Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera and Adam Jones; excellent base running; eye-popping defense (Manny Machado, seventh inning); a rare Prince Fielder triple; and, let’s face it, dominant pitching. Likewise, in his final All-Star Game, the legendary Mariano Rivera was named All-Star MVP.