Báez’s magical All-Star experience, Alomar’s kicks, smiling Martes
By Tab Bamford
An El Mago All-Star Experience
Javier Báez wasn’t the All-Star Game MVP, but he’s owned social media over the past three days. He started the break with this incredible hype video.
Then he had to get to Cleveland. Báez’s family joined him the private plane trip, along with Cubs teammates Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras.
On Tuesday “El Mago” took the red carpet with style.
Those shoes, though!
Cleveland fans have a good memory. All four players associated with the 2016 World Series champion Cubs – Báez, Bryant, Contreras and Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman – received a hearty welcome from the Indians’ faithful.
During the game, Báez had to face his brother-in-law, Twins ace José Berríos. Apparently Berríos, Báez and Francisco Lindor were having a friendly conversation leading up to the plate appearance.
After the game Berríos shared that it’s all love between the Boricua brothers.
Can I Kick It?
Let’s take a moment to enjoy these amazing shoes given to Sandy Alomar Jr. to wear at the All-Star Game.
Ketel and the kid
Ketel Marte‘s smile was enormous when he learned he was headed to his first All-Star Game. The next generation in the Marte household modeled that joy again on the field during this week’s events in Cleveland.
Chapman’s style on point again
The Yankees closer always brings it when he’s on the red carpet.
Catching up
Contreras and Yasmani Grandal of the Brewers will be chasing the NL Central crown the rest of the year. But on Tuesday night they were teammates.
Pro Post of the Day
Red Sox and Yankees playing together – mass hysteria!
Fan Post of the Day
This fan ran into Daddy Yankee at the All-Star Game. Great photo!
OTD
2016 – Red Sox prospect Yoán Moncada hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning to lead the World Team to an 11-3 win in the 2016 Futures Game. Moncada won the Larry Doby Award as the game’s MVP. Cubs prospect Eloy Jiménez hit a three-run home run during a seven-run ninth inning.
2013 – A second-inning double is the 1,689th hit in the career of David Ortiz, making him the all-time hit leader as a designated hitter. He passed Harold Baines for the record.
2012 – Melky Cabrera hit a two-run home run and was named the MVP of the 2012 All-Star Game as the National League won 8-0, the third straight win for the NL. The National League hasn’t won since 2012.
2009 – San Francisco’s Jonathan Sanchez pitched the first no-hitter of the 2009 season, leading the Giants past the Padres 8-0.
2000 – Sammy Sosa won the Home Run Derby, beating defending champ Ken Griffey Jr. in the finals.
1990 – After a rain delay keeps the game from beginning on time at Wrigley Field, the AL shut out the NL 2-0 while allowing just two hits. Rangers second baseman Julio Franco was named the MVP after driving in both runs in the seventh inning.
1984 – Fernando Valenzuela struck out Dave Winfield, Reggie Jackson and George Brett in the fourth inning to begin a record-setting streak of six consecutive strikeouts by NL pitchers in an All-Star Game; Dwight Gooden struck out the side in the fifth. The NL won 3-1.
1968 – The American League and National League reached an agreement on next year’s expansion format. The twelve teams in each league will be divided into two divisions playing a best-of-five games League Championship Series to determine the pennant winner.
1964 – Jesus Alou became the first Giant with six hits in a game in almost 40 years, leading San Francisco past the Cubs, 10-3. All six hits came off different pitchers.
Happy Birthday!
Sergio Alcantara (b. 1996)