In any sport.
The times have changed. All-Star games used to be a very watchable game. Something we didn't want to miss.
The players played hard. They wanted to win. They were proud of their league. They were proud to show off their abilities.
They were proud, period.
Over time, things have changed.
First, money.
Money has made the All-Star game, in any sport really, into more of a party atmosphere. No longer are the players there so we can see which league is better. Now, it is more of a showcase. Things around the sporting event themselves, are almost as 'important' as the game. The home run hitting contest, a slam dunk contest, the three point shooting contest.
It is almost as if players are doing us a favor in showing up to play the game.
The public feels this and lose interest. We want them to be combative, not play for laughs and giggles.
Second, sports themselves.
Leagues mean little.
Every team in every sport will play against each other, or the other league, during the year. Back in the day, an All-Star game was the only time you can see Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle on the same field.
Ted Williams and Stan Musial.
Mike Schmidt and George Brett.
Now, Derek Jeter could face Alfredo Simon in the first days after the All-Star game after facing him in the All-Star game.
The Commissioner tried to make the game mean something, by declaring the winner the home field advantage in the World Series.
But, players and Managers don't act like that's a big deal.
So neither do the fans.
Third, and last, is technology and the times a'changin'.
We can see any player play on any day. Watching them play in an All-Star game is not as cool.
Especially when that player will probably be on the field for limited innings.
Ted Williams used to say that the All-Star game was made for Willie Mays.
And all those cities who could not see Willie Mays play everyday would delight in watching him play in the All-Star game.
And the Manager, who wanted to win the game badly, would leave Mays in the game all nine innings.
A Win for the fan, a win for the National League.
A person in Poughkipsee can see Mike Trout play everyday. The MLB package is all that's needed.
San Francisco would feel proud about Willie Mays displaying his talents for nine innings.
Most likely, Trout will not play the whole game.
LA is proud of Trout, but now with coddling persisting through professional sports, a manager would not want to 'tire' Trout or risk injury.
America knows.
Players make a lot of money and most would prefer the extra days off instead of being in the game.
America knows.
Although the talking heads in the press pretend like it is a big deal game.
America knows.
Although the Commish has stated that the game matters.
America knows.
An All-Star game in any sport is more fun to watch than a political race for Congress. The similarity, however, is found a month later.
Most, forget who won.