All-Star Tuesday: The Most Wonderful Day of the Year

Since I've been able to turn on a TV, I've missed one--ONE--All-Star Game. I feel like this is a pretty incredible feat, considering that I kept the streak alive in 2004 by capturing the broadcast from Armed Forces Radio on shortwave from the Ecuadorian rain forest.

It strikes me that the reason I like the All-Star Game so much was that, growing up, it was the one time that Mariners got any national coverage at all. Sometimes, not even that--in 1986, Jim Presley was the M's one representative, and he didn't get into the game. Though the local TV reporter noted dolefully that Presley "was featured in TV shots of the dugout."

That wasn't even the low point. In 1989, Jeffrey "Hac-Man" Leonard was the M's representative--he got an at bat in the 7th, looked at three straight strikes, and sat back down. Didn't even swing.

But--glory to God--Griffey was a starter the next year. And in 15 of the 18 All-Star games since (Griffey, 1990-94, R. Johnson, 95, Griffey, 97-99, Ichiro, 01-04, 06-07), the M's have had at least one starter. Mind-boggling. The joy of seeing a Mariner start an All-Star game hasn't worn off for me, not one bit.

Tonight, Ichiro--who's kept the All-Star starter streak alive with six starts in his seven ML seasons--will see be the first batter of the game as the leadoff hitter for the visiting American Leaguers. First pitch is 5:25.

So if you decide to enjoy this gorgeous Seattle night, roast a marshmallow at Golden Gardens for me. I'll be in my basement watching--and maybe even scoring--the All-Star Game.


You can buy that 1990 Leaf Jeffrey Leonard card for 15 cents at CheckOutMyCards.com