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There are few things far more parochial than baseball’s All-Star Game. Newspapers (they still exist in most big-league cities at last look) tend to send reporters and/or columnists to the Midsummer Classic. They have since the game began in 1933 in Chicago. That contest was played at the White Sox’ Comiskey Park (with the Cubs losing a coin flip for the honor).
Either a picture from baseball's all-star game or one of pageant participants representing Illinois, Amber Podell and Nancy To. Decisions, decisions.
The latest All-Star Game was Tuesday (July 10) in Kansas City, Mo. Much to the delight of Sox fans, designated hitter Adam Dunn and pitcher Jake Peavy were on the American League roster, as were first baseman Paul Konerko and left-hander Chris Sale. Much to the chagrin of Sox fans, Dunn and Peavy did not get into the game. Konerko was hit by a pitch, and Sale allowed two hits and recorded a strikeout in one inning of work in the National League’s 8-0 victory.
Before there’s too much outrage, here’s what Dunn had to say after being one of seven players not to get into the game: “I didn’t even bring my bats down. I really could care less. I know it sounds bad. But I know four days will help me and I don’t want to go do something stupid. It worked out good. I had fun, great time. Enjoyed it. Wash [Texas’ Ron Washington, who managed the AL team] is awesome.”
Peavy’s perspective: “That’s the way we hoped it would work out. I’m healthy. I’m fine. But being a late add, my preparation, my mindset, to come here, I just wasn’t in that mindset. Obviously a long day [Monday]. I did get some throwing in and I’m excited to go Saturday night.”
One of the hits that Sale allowed was to Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, appearing in his final all-star contest. No doubt the Sox fans in the audience will tell you that if Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham would have reached the grounder that went for Jones’ hit. Let the conspiracy theorists conclude that Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler did not make a concerted effort that Beckham — or others — would have.
From a Cubs perspective, shortstop Starlin Castro entered the game as an eighth-inning pinch hitter. He flied out to center on the second pitch he saw. First baseman Bryan LaHair had one at-bat that consisted of grounding out to shortstop on the first pitch he saw to end the NL ninth inning.
* Speaking of things Cubs and Sox, the interleague series between the teams next season will be reduced from six game to either four or three, as will be the case for other rivalries involving cities with two teams (New York: Mets-Yankees; Los Angeles: Dodgers-Angels).
* The game’s result means the National League will have the homefield advantage for the 2012 World Series. Yet another blow to the Cubs’ chances of winning their first World Series since 1908. Well, assuming the Cubs continue on a pace that has seen them win nine of their last 13, reach the postseason and their first Fall Classic since 1945.
Last week this space featured Laura Eilers, the 2011 Ms. United States, who recently was in Chicago for a Going Pro Entertainment event. On July 8, she handed over her crown to Ms. Arizona United States Ashley Dickerson in Arlington, Va., at the 2012 national pageant. First runner-up: Ms. Texas Dr. Corinne Devin. Second runner-up: Ms. New York Jeannette Josue. Also in the top five were Ms. District of Columbia Tina Montgomery and Ms. North Carolina Lisa Patel.
Thank you to our friend Pierce “Professor P.,” for providing this video from the weekend’s 2012 Miss United States competition. Pierece is one of the fitness folks found freqeuntly at HiFi Fitness (don’t you just like a little alliteration?) in Chicago:
Nancy Faust was a key player in White Sox history.
If it’s Wednesday (and because yesterday was Tuesday, I’m fairly confident that it is), then it is one day before Thursday. Which means we’re only a day away from the latest edition of “Sports & Torts” with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris.
Among the featured guests on the program that is available on talkzone.com at noon Chicago time will be former White Sox organist Nancy Faust.
Nancy still plays events (she provided the music at the Chicago Baseball Museum’s recent tribue to Dick Allen and the 1972 Sox) and also performs at Kane County Cougars games on Sundays. Meaning she should be in the ballpark for the July 15 game. The likelihood of talkzone.com having an organ in the studio for her appearance seems slim. Sad to say.
As has been noted this week, adult entertainment actress Sunny Leone is among those scheduled to be at this weekend’s 2012 Exxxotica event at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. It is unclear whether she will be doing any pole dancing, but the possibility exists.
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