The All-Star game goes back to 1933, started by Arch Ward, a Chicago newspaperman. Ward wanted to raise money for retired ballplayers that were in need of financial help. The first game was a success, drawing a crowd of 49,000 at Comiskey Park. The American League team had six Yankees on the squad, including Ruth, Gehrig and Bill Dickey. The Indians had Earl Averill, Wes Ferrell and pitcher Oral Hidebrand. 

Ruth, as you might have guessed, belted a two-run homer in the third inning to lead the A.L to a 4-2 victory. Two years later the All-Star game was held at Cleveland Municipal Stadium before a record crowd of 69, 831. This was right in the middle of the Great Depression which makes the crowd numbers even more amazing. Fans came from around the United States to see the new stadium.

The American League won again, this time 4-1. Lefty Gomez of the Yankees pitched six strong innings, then turned things over to the Indians Mel Harder who shut out the Nationals the rest of the way. The Tribe's Joe Vosmik had a base-hit and scored a run.

The All-Star game is always a fun event to watch, seeing the best players of both Leagues' show their stuff. I am sure the 2019 contest will be a great one!