MLB is Missing an Opportunity to make All Star Game Weekend 100 Times Better

Alright let’s cut to the chase, we all want to see what Madison Bumgarner can do in a home run derby. The man has power there is no denying that. The debate over pitchers in the home run derby makes me think of what I have wanted for a long time now, more events during MLB All Star weekend.

While I love watching Jennie Finch on the mound pitching to other celebrities and all time greats in the celebrity all star game, something needs to be added to the weekend. Last year’s derby was the highest rated and most viewed on ESPN since 2009. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t love to see high flyers like Carlos Gomez and Mike Trout go up in a home run robbing contest, or Dee Gordon (when he stops with the PEDs) vs. Billy Hamilton in an around the base speed challenge. Even having catchers go up in a pop time contest. I think this is exactly what baseball needs to be “fun” again as Bryce Harper would say.

Speaking of Bryce, put him up in a long toss competition against Yoenis Cespedes? I think there is so much potential for the MLB All Star weekend. Viewership is up, why not ride the wave and see what you can do? While it is fun natured, I bet there is so much shit talking going on during the home run derby. Let the other players who excel in other parts of the game get to prove who really is the best.

Originally published at baseballfam.com on July 7, 2016.