A full house at Chase Field was more than ready for the opening pitch here in Phoenix Tuesday. After all, the Fan-Fest and Futures, and even Celebrity games were just a prelude to the big boys taking centre stage! The HR Derby also just a warm-up for some of MLB’s biggest names.

National League starter Roy ‘Doc’ Halladay did not let the crowd down as he came out strong and threw two perfect innings Tuesday. It marked just the sixth time since 1980 that a starting pitcher was indeed perfect in two innings in an All-Star encounter.

Murph and the ESPN America crew got as close to the Diamond as possible!

The crowd were definitely behind the National League squad, hoping that a win may mean home field advantage in the World Series if the Diamondbacks can get that far!

There was certainly a feeling that this could be a low scoring affair, as we didn’t see any fireworks until the fourth inning. That’s when Home Run Derby finalist Adrian Gonzalez stepped up to the plate and hit a solo blast into the seats to give the American League a 1-0 lead.

It looked as if the AL could get some momentum in hostile territory and start to put up some runs. The sentiment was short lived! Gonzalez’s blast in the top of the inning was quickly answered by a three run shot in the bottom of the fourth. NL HR Derby Captain Prince Fielder hit a huge jack to give his side a lead they would hold to the death. The homer by Fielder was the first in MLB history by a Brewers player in the Midsummer Classic.

The crowd loved the turn of momentum, and the NL bullpen seemed to sense blood. It was indeed a great performance in a game where the pitchers are usually fodder for the immense talents of the hitters they face. When Heath Bell came sliding to the mound to do his bit, followed by the ‘Beard’ Brian Wilson, the NL knew that it was almost a done deal.

Wilson is an intimidating figure – even in a game like this that is supposed to be more friendly than hostile. He came in glassy eyed and went about his business as if it were last season’s World Series final appearance all over again. You can see that he’s more than a ‘Beard’ and a gimmick – a true warrior for sure.

After the dust had settled and Wilson sat the AL down for the final time, the NL had an impressive 5-1 win. The NL spoils (as mentioned before) will be home field advantage in the World Series to whichever club gets that far. It’s actually great incentive for these guys…it makes the game much more than an exhibition. After all is said and done, a home advantage in the final is a nice prize to play for. The victory also marked back-to-back wins for the NL at the All-Star Game.

Prince Fielder captured the All-Star Game MVP trophy for his efforts, and was humble afterward.

Prince Fielder was the MLB 82nd All-Star Game MVP.

“It’s always nice to win, so to get the MVP too is a good honour,” Fielder said afterward, “it’s always nice to be successful, and we wanted to get a win here tonight for the fans and the National League, so I’m pleased with the way it turned out.”

An event like this does bring a lot of attention to MLB.  Muhammad Ali and Justin Timberlake got loud ovations from the crowd Tuesday, as well as Larry Fitzgerald and Jordin Sparks.

Enough can’t be said about the fans, and staff here at Chase Field.  An absolutley brilliant exhibition of baseball by a city that is a true sports town.

“They did a great job here” Reds star Joey Votto told me afterwards, “it was a pleasure to be in Phoenix for the past few days.”

I agree with Votto’s sentiment. What an experience for the ESPN America crew! 40 degree heat, an eight hour time difference, and wall to wall baseball. It truly was a magical few days here, and an event that really is a special one on the MLB calender.

Well we’re back to London now. Follow us the rest of the MLB season as we continue to bring you all the news and info, and of course more behind the scenes action from the Diamond.

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