The MLB All-Star game on July 19th at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles is just another exhibition game, no different than ceremonial contests held by the NBA or the NFL Pro Bowl. But for Hispanic baseball fans across the country, this year’s classic between the best players in the National and American leagues has special significance.
An impressive list of Latino players, young and old, were selected to participate in Chavez Ravine at the venue made famous by Fernando Valenzuela. Veteran Jose Altuve will be there along with his Houston Astros teammate Yordan Alvarez, 23, who is considered by many to be the best hitter in baseball. Other youthful starters in the junior circuit include Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, along with Vlad Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays. His pop is in the Hall of Fame. And the fans also voted for Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez, certain to be named Rookie of the Year.
If you’re pulling for the National League where the Dodgers hold a comfortable lead in the west division, expect to be entertained by the Washington Nats phenom Juan Soto, a five tool player who will roam the outfield. Padres third baseman Manny Machado, having an MVP season, will also be in the starting lineup along with the Braves Ronald Acuña Jr. Plus the Contreras brothers, Willson and William, will be the first siblings to appear together for the same league in decades. In the pitching department, the Marlins Sandy Alcantara deserves to get the opening nod on the mound. That being said, expect that privilege to be bestowed on a hurler that normally suits up in Dodger blue.
That however, doesn’t really matter because the evening will belong to Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols. The latter Dominican legend, 42, returned to the St. Louis Cardinals for his final MLB season. Cabrera, a native of Venezuela, has one year left on his contract with the Detroit Tigers worth $32 million. Besides, Miggy is still chasing too many records and at 39 is still a kid, at least at heart. What’s important is that this pair of iconic players, clearly Cooperstown bound, were “Legacy” picks to play by Commissioner Rob Manfred, a man who has a flair to produce drama. They will both get their shot to produce at the plate, and Pujols has even agreed to compete in the Home Run Derby on July 18th, the evening prior to the big game.
Fox Sports will carry all the coverage for both dates. So if you don’t mind listening to Joe Buck, check the local listings for the broadcast times in your area.
