KC is making MLB all star a bigger joke

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by packs

Yeah but what is your point exactly? Should fan popularity factor into all star game voting? If yes, then there's nothing to complain about. If no, then you can't argue that a HOFer in their final twilight years who is having a terrible season (see Willie Mays 1972 & 1973) belongs on the team.

I know everyone wanted Mickey to be there in '68! The great ones deserve a final bow!

[packs]

I agree. That's why I think fan voting is best. Give us something that's just for us.

[nolemmings]

I know everyone wanted Mickey to be there in '68! The great ones deserve a final bow!

The problem with that statement is that a) the fans did not vote for the 1968 All-Stars; and b) Mantle did not retire until the Spring of 1969, with no "farewell tour" the year prior, so it wasn't certain that the '68 AS game would be his final bow in any event. Just sayin.

[nolemmings]

You do know that this same thing happened in 1957 with Reds fans stuffing the ballot box, right? That led to fans losing the privilege to vote for a dozen or so years. So various approaches have been tried. I'm with those who believe one should rally the vote if it's that important to him/her.

[digdugdig]

Originally Posted by packs

I agree. That's why I think fan voting is best. Give us something that's just for us.

Home field advantage in the W.S. goes to the winning league of the all-star game, does it not??

[clydepepper]

I just voted several times: The first ballots I voted a straight Oakland vs. Milwaukee (except Jason Rogers* taking cheater Braun's slot), then I voted for Twins vs. the home team Reds who actually have some legit candidates.

Now if the Reds had eight voted in, that would be cool for the home team.

*- played at the same college I did

I'm just being creative and the fact that I DID actually vote, allows me to have a legit voice in the argument.

[frankbmd]

Controversy surrounded the 1957 outing as the fanatical Cincinnati voters stuffed the ballot boxes and elected nearly their entire team (minus first baseman George Crowe & the batboy) onto the National League's starting roster. This upset Commissioner Ford Frick greatly and he responded by removing Gus Bell and Wally Post from the starting nine. He also transferred the responsibility for All-Star voting to the players, managers and coaches the next year.

The fans did not select the All-Stars in 1958.

History does indeed repeat itself.

[FenwayFaithful]

You can't have fans voting for starters AND make the game mean something (home field advantage in the World Series).

It's an awful, awful, AWFUL system.

[freakhappy]

I think what's happening this year is a blessing. Let them f it up so bad and force the commissioner's hand. Can ratings be up from this sort of thing? Possibly, but I doubt it. Plus many people will be upset at stupidity happening, that you'd think something will inevitably change. It's not an all-star game, it's a popularity game...a bias one at that. I haven't watched an "all-star" game in years and definitely won't start this year.

And just because someone didn't vote, doesn't mean they can't call out an obviously flawed system when they see it...Omar Infante...that's as obvious as it gets!