It’s the dog days of summer. Football is right around the corner, moves are still to be made on the NBA front and we are smack dab in the middle of All-Star break. Days are long, sun is hot, BBQ’s are blazing and summer love is in full swing. Turning on the news is a mistake, the hatred, ignorance, and negativity are consuming. No one televises the positive stories anymore, so I turn to sports instead.
Yesterday, I attended my first HR derby, first of many. Not since the days of Sosa and McGwire have things been so exciting. No rumors or accusations of steroid use, just natural talent and competitive spirit defined the 2016 spectacle.
Last year’s winner, Todd Frazier tried to become only the 3rd player to win back to back in the HR derby (Ken Griffey Jr. and Yoenis Cespedes were the other two), however, came up short to slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
GianCarlo Stanton put up a clinic. With fire in his eyes, Stanton smashed 61 hrs, most ever in a single derby. The Panorama City native is one of the elite players in the game despite his recent struggles. Stanton hadn’t been the same since coming back from his season-ending hand injury last year. If the HR derby was any indication, he is healthy and ready to dominate again.
It what will be the first of many mentions this summer, fan favorite, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, the 10X All- Star played in his final All-Star Game tonight. Ortiz posted a walk in his one at bat, but received an epic ovation from fans and players at Petco Park. Well liked, and considered a mentor by many young guys around the league, Ortiz has had an impact on the game that will leave a lasting effect for years to come.
Despite the criticism, no sport has All-Star festivities quite like MLB. Walking through the ballpark last night, the energy was palpable. There is something about America’s favorite pastime that gets me everytime. I don’t know if it is the sounds: the crack of the bat, the laughter of children, the loud cheers or the boos. Or the smell of hotdogs and popcorn, the faint scent of freshly cut grass, or the distinct combination of various scents that combine on any given summer night at the ballpark. Or maybe just the sight of the best athletes in the game, future Hall-of Famers taking the field to showcase their god given talent. Or just maybe, in hard times when the news has only negativity and pain, the All-Star Festivities gives us just what we need, a small, temporary escape to a game that America has turned to for entertainment, hope and distraction on more than one occasion.
On that note, congratulations are in order for the AL, they prevailed tonight on the heroics of Eric Hosmer cementing their home field advantage in the World Series!
