Jeter’s Last All-Star Game an AL Triumph

July 16, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

Midweek musings: OK, so the National League lost to the American League 5-3 Tuesday in Minneapolis. Yes, Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo struck out. But it was St. Louis Cardinals pitching that was responsible for allowing the runs that will prevent the Cubs from having homefield advantage in the 2014 World Series.

Model Hannah Davis is among the lovely ladies to have dated Derek Jeter.

* But seriously (you mean the Cubs will have homefield advantage?), the Midsummer Classic was actually that. Certainly as far as New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was concerned. Jeter, who will retire after the season, went 2-for-2 after receiving a heartfelt ovation from the crowd in player introductions. He was removed from the field so that he could receive more applause. You didn’t have to be a Yankees fan — and quite frankly didn’t have to be a baseball fan — to appreciate the moments.

* Speaking of Jeter, let the record show White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez replaced him in the fourth inning — although Yankee fans will tell you nobody can take Jeter’s place.

* Not only was this Jeter’s last All-Star Game as a player, it was Bud Selig’s last as commissioner. Maybe after Selig is gone, Major League Baseball will alter the concept of the All-Star Game determining homefield advantage for the World Series. Maybe the Home Run Derby? OK, both bad ideas. How about alternating years the way it used to be and before Fox tried to boost its television ratings by having the game — the best in any sports — be “meaningful.”

* Speaking of Selig, you’d think he or Fox or someone would have figured a way to insert a brief tribute to the late Tony Gwynn during the All-Star telecast. They did not. Gwynn deserved better. And baseball fans deserved better.

* Still speaking of the All-Star Game, White Sox left-hander Chris Sale. pitched an inning and allowed a run; first baseman Jose Abreu flied out to left on the first pitch in his only at-bat. Ramirez singled in two at-bats, stole a base and scored a run.

* For those desiring some baseball on the day after the All-Star Game, Comcast SportsNet will televise a Cubs victory — from 2004. The 7 p.m. “Greg Maddux Hall of Fame Classic” will feature Maddux shutting out the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field (July 17, 2004).

* For those desiring some baseball on Thursday, CSN debut its documentar “Welcome to Cooperstown: Frank Thomas” at 6:30 p.m. The show will replay at 10 p.m. At 7:30, the “Frank Thomas Hall of Fame Classic” will air. Featured will be the Cleveland Indians at the Sox (July 27, 1993) in a 7-4 Sox victory.

* Also on the agenda Thursday, Ben Smith of the Blackhawks will be a Yorktown Center (203 Yorktown in Lombard, Ill.) to sign autographs from 6:15-8 p.m. Cost per autograph is $32 with $10 additional for inscriptions. The signing will be outside Lucky Strike Bowl. For tickets, persons should call (630) 294-4207 ot (480) 998-2061).

* Meanwhile in Las Vegas, rookie Doug McDermott (20 points) and second-year player Tony Snell (12 points) of the Chicago Bulls continue to impress in NBA Summer League competition. The Bulls (3-0) beat Minnesota 107-73 Tuesday and are closing in on homecourt advantage for the league finals. There are league finals, aren’t there?

***

Here is where to go for a daily dose of non-gratuitous video (thanks to the efforts of the editorial and video departments at ElliottHarris.com):