What's Not To Love About The Break

The All-Star Break is upon us, as is the usual bickering that goes along with it. During the Break you'll hear it all: It's a meaningless game; it's not real baseball; does anyone really care?

The answers to those gripes are slightly different. But, the basic point remains: What's not to like?

These are the days we forget Yankees or Red Sox, Mets or Phillies, Cubs or Cardinals. It's all about baseball. Sure the teams are split American League and National League, but let's be honest that doesn't really matter. The A.L. has won what seems like 30 consecutive All-Star contests yet the N.L. has won its share of World Series, so what does it really prove.

Yes, it is a meaningless game in terms of actual standings -- despite what Bud Selig and Co. will tell you -- but how often do we get the celebrate this game we love? In October there are only a handful of teams and it's way too intense to just sit back and enjoy the game. The regular season is a marathon not an event.

This game provides a stress-free environment to just sit back and enjoy baseball.

Why is it not considered "real baseball?" There is a pitcher, a batter, an umpire, fielders and a scoreboard, just like any other baseball game. In addition to the usual, the best players on the planet are on the field. Sure some of guys are missing due to Steroid use (Manny Ramirez) injury (Evan Longoria) or both (Alex Rodriguez). But, overall the lineups are stacked with some real top-line hitters and pitchers.

Sure we care. Some of the most memorable events in baseball history took place in the Mid-Summer Classic. Some of these accomplishments are still reveled at today. Carl Hubbell faced five straight future Hall of Famers in the second All-Star contest in 1934, and struck them out in order. Have a look at these names: Babe Ruth; Lou Gehrig; Jimmie Foxx; Al Simmons and Joe Cronin. Some of the best batsmen baseball has ever seen.

In the first edition of the game, Babe Ruth hit the first All-Star home run. How great is that.

In 1993 Randy Johnson still had all sorts of control problems, yet was good enough to be considered one of baseball's best. John Kruk of the Phillies was facing Johnson when the fireballer sailed one over the hefty first basemen's head. As the next pitch was coming, Kruk backed out of the box in mock fear. Kruk did the same on the next two pitches as he struck out. That's still one of the funniest moments in baseball.

In 1945 World War II was heading to its conclusion, yet much of baseball's best talent was still in the military. The lack of legitimate All-Stars combined with war time travel restrictions caused the first cancellation of the game. In its place inter-league games were played between teams who shared the same city.

Of course there are also the dubious moments that occurred. The 2002 tie in Milwaukee is still one of Bud Selig's worst moments. In 1970 Pete Rose ran over Ray Fosse injuring the young catcher and all but ending a promising career.

Then again just last year, at the only real Yankees Stadium, Josh Hamilton completed his comeback from drugs and injuries in a home run derby for the ages. The game itself went 15 innings and was the last memorable baseball event at the cathedral in the Bronx.

So tonight just sit back and relax. Who wins is of little importance. It's just the game of baseball being played by those who play it best. Who knows we may even see history, or just plain ol' funny. Enjoy.