I am wondering if Home Run Derby is starting to upstage the event itself. When you have guys like Judge, Stanton and the rest the game might be a little anti-climactic. Us old folks remember Home Run Derby from the early 1960's that was taped and shown on the weekends. All the big stars were on it and it was independent of the All-Star game. Each program had two guys competing.

The All-Star game started in 1933 in Chicago. it was the idea of Arch Ward, a writer for the Chicago Tribune. The plan was for a game between the best players of both leagues and the proceeds would go to retired ball players who needed financial help. The game was held in conjunction with the World's Fair to take advantage of the people already in the area. 

The first home run was hit by, you guessed it, Babe Ruth. He had  an ability to produce at the right time which few other players could. The game was a big success (won by the American League) and the baseball owners agreed to make it an annual event. Earl Averill of the Indians was on the team and he would get selected for six straight All-Star teams. Pitcher Mel Harder was a standout in three appearances, not allowing a run each time he pitched. The 1935 game was played at Cleveland Municipal Stadium and drew a crowd of nearly 70,000, a record for many years.

With the second half of the season beginning, I look for the Indians to gradually pull away from Kansas City and Minnesota. The team needs another starting pitcher whether that be Danny Salazar or somebody in a trade. One way or another I am sure the problem will be solved.