Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
View on Wikipedia
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date | July 13, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | Coors Field | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| City | Denver, Colorado | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Managers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Attendance | 49,184 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ceremonial first pitch | Peyton Manning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Television | Fox (United States) Fox Deportes MLB International (International) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TV announcers | Joe Buck, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci (Fox) Adrian Garcia Marquez, Carlos Alvarez and Edgar Gonzalez (Fox Deportes) Scott Braun and Cliff Floyd (MLB International) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radio | ESPN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radio announcers | Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 91st Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The game was hosted by the Colorado Rockies and played at Coors Field on July 13. It was broadcast nationally by Fox, Fox Deportes, and ESPN Radio.
The American League (AL) defeated the National League (NL) 5–2. It was the eighth consecutive All-Star Game victory for the AL.[1]
The game was originally to be hosted in Atlanta at Truist Park. However, following the Georgia State Legislature's passage of the Election Integrity Act of 2021, the game was moved to Coors Field in Denver. The All-Star Game was the second to be played in Denver after the 1998 game.
Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays managed the AL and Dave Roberts of the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers managed the NL. For the first time in All-Star Game history, Los Angeles Angels player Shohei Ohtani served as the starting pitcher and lead-off batter. The matchup also featured the 200th home run of the All-Star Game, which was hit by Toronto Blue Jays player Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Background
[edit]Host selection
[edit]Original selection of Atlanta
[edit]Atlanta was originally awarded the game on May 30, 2019; it was to be the first All-Star Game hosted by Truist Park and the third All-Star Game played in Atlanta after the 1972 and 2000 editions.[2]
Georgia voting law and relocation to Denver
[edit]In March 2021, there were calls for the All-Star Game to be moved from Atlanta, in protest of the Georgia State Legislature's passage of the Election Integrity Act of 2021. The bill contains various provisions that impact how elections are conducted in the state; some of these provisions have been considered by many on the political left to have a disproportionate impact on certain communities, such as African Americans and Hispanic Americans, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark stated that he was "very much aware" of the issue, and that he was willing to discuss the matter with Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred.[3][4][5] A sizeable portion of the player base and fan base are Hispanic and that had factored into the relocation threat.[5]
In an interview with ESPN's Sage Steele on March 31, President Joe Biden stated that he would "strongly support" moving the game out of Georgia, saying that Republican efforts to make voting laws more restrictive following the 2020 presidential election were "Jim Crow on steroids".[6][7] On April 1, Manfred stated that he was "talking to various constituencies within the game and I'm just not going beyond that in terms of what I would consider or not consider." In an April 1 interview with Fox News, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp criticized the efforts, calling them "ridiculous".[8][9]
On April 2, MLB announced that the game and the 2021 MLB draft (which was added to the All-Star festivities this year) would be moved from Georgia, and that the game would be relocated to a different city in another state, to be determined. Commissioner Manfred stated that "Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box."[10] Governor Kemp later responded by saying that he would not back down over his decision, claiming that MLB caved to "fear, political opportunism, and liberal lies." Kemp also claimed that the move was an example of cancel culture.[11] In a statement shared on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump also criticized the decision, calling for a boycott of MLB.[12][13] Texas Governor Greg Abbott cancelled a planned appearance at the Texas Rangers' home opener, where he had been scheduled to throw out the first pitch, in protest of the decision to move the game. In a letter to the Rangers stating his decision, Abbott also wrote that he would not participate in any future events organized by MLB and that Texas would not bid to host future All-Star games or other MLB special events.[14][15] (They would eventually host the All-Star game in 2024). On Twitter, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams at first called for the change; however, she later recognized the decision was not received well by Georgia citizens and eventually stated her disappointment over the decision, saying, "I don't want to see Georgia families hurt by lost events and jobs," while also stating that she understood why it was made.[16] In a tweet, former President Barack Obama also praised MLB for moving the game out of Georgia.[17] Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms also supported the move. However, Bottoms, like Georgia's two United States Senators, represent Fulton County, while the Braves, and Truist Park, is located in Cobb County. Legislators that represent Cobb County, home county of the Braves and Truist Park supported the bill.
On April 14, five Republican senators and representatives introduced legislation to strip Major League Baseball of its antitrust exemption in response to the move.[18][19][20]

An April 5 Morning Consult poll found that 39% of U.S. adults approved of the move while 28% percent of U.S. adults disapproved, and 32% of U.S. adults stated they had no opinion or didn't know about the move. Overall support for the move was higher among MLB fans, Democrats, and people of color compared to the general population.[21] Data from Morning Consult Brand Intelligence also showed that Republican approval of MLB dropped by 35 percentage points from 47 points to 12 points.[22]
The 2021 MLB All-Star Game became at least the third major sporting event in the United States to be relocated for political reasons.[23][24] Prior relocations that were announced in protest of states' political decisions include the 2017 NBA All-Star Game, which the NBA relocated in 2016 from Charlotte, North Carolina, in response to the passage of Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act which critics found transphobic, and Super Bowl XXVII, which the NFL relocated in 1990 from Tempe, Arizona, in response to a failed state referendum to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day.[3]
On April 5, MLB announced that Coors Field in Denver would host the All-Star Game.[25]
Logo and jerseys
[edit]
On April 23, the All-Star Game logo was unveiled, featuring the Rockies' colors of purple, white, black, and silver with a profile representing the Rocky Mountains at the bottom.[27] On June 24, MLB announced that players would wear standardized jerseys during the All-Star Game, rather than their own team's jerseys—navy blue for American League players and white for National League players.[28]
Roster selections
[edit]Voting for All-Star Game starting players was conducted in two phases: the first phase determined three finalists for each defensive position in each league (with nine finalists for the three outfield positions in each league) plus a designated hitter for the American League, and the second phase determined the starting players.[29] Voting for each phase was independent; that is, votes did not carry over between phases.[30] First phase voting was held from June 3 through June 24, and second phase voting was June 28 through July 1.[30] All voting was conducted online, at MLB.com (or associated mobile applications) or via Google Search.[30] Starting players, as selected via voting, were announced on July 1.[30][31] Reserve position players and all pitchers—selected through "a combination of Player Ballot selections and choices made by the Commissioner’s Office"[30]—were announced on July 4.[32]
Under MLB rules, at least one player from each major-league team has to be selected for the game.[33][34] However, there is no requirement for each team to have a player rostered for the game—for various reasons, each of the four players from the Houston Astros selected to the game became unavailable, leaving the Astros without a player on the American League's active roster for the game.[35]
The total of 40 players named All-Stars for the first time set a new MLB record.[36]
Rosters
[edit]Roster notes
[edit]- ^ Taijuan Walker was named as the roster replacement for Jacob deGrom due to deGrom opting not to play.[37]
- ^ Freddy Peralta was named as the roster replacement for Brandon Woodruff due to Woodruff starting on Sunday.[37]
- ^ Tim Anderson was named as the roster replacement for Carlos Correa due to Correa opting not to play.[38]
- ^ Chris Bassitt was named as the roster replacement for Ryan Pressly due to Pressly opting not to play.[38]
- ^ Whit Merrifield was named as the roster replacement for Jose Altuve due to injury.[38]
- ^ Joey Wendle was named as the roster replacement for Michael Brantley due to injury.[38]
- ^ Walker Buehler was named as the roster replacement for Yu Darvish due to injury.[38]
- ^ Justin Turner was named as the roster replacement for Mookie Betts due to injury.[38]
- ^ Max Scherzer was named as the roster replacement for Kevin Gausman due to Gausman starting on Sunday.[38]
- ^ Yadier Molina was named as the roster replacement for Buster Posey due to injury.[38]
- ^ Omar Narváez was named as the roster replacement for Yadier Molina due to injury.[38]
- ^ Manny Machado was named as the roster replacement for Ronald Acuña Jr. due to injury.[39]
- ^ Cedric Mullins was named starter in place of Mike Trout due to injury.[40]
- ^ Bryan Reynolds was named starter in place of Ronald Acuña Jr. due to injury.[40]
- ^ J. T. Realmuto was named starter in place of Buster Posey due to injury.[40]
- ^ Andrew Kittredge was named as the roster replacement for Gerrit Cole due to Cole throwing 129 pitches on Saturday.[41]
- ^ Taylor Rogers was named as the roster replacement for Yusei Kikuchi due to injury.[41]
- #: Indicates player would not play (replaced as per reference notes above).
Game summary
[edit]MLB allowed the American League to roster Shohei Ohtani as both the team's starting pitcher and starting designated hitter (DH), allowing Ohtani (and his replacement) to continue as DH even after he was removed from the game as a pitcher.[42]
Starting lineup
[edit]
|
|
|
Line score
[edit]| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American League | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| National League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting pitchers: AL: Shohei Ohtani NL: Max Scherzer WP: Shohei Ohtani (1–0) LP: Corbin Burnes (0–1) Sv: Liam Hendriks (1) Home runs: AL: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Mike Zunino (1) NL: J. T. Realmuto (1) Attendance: 49,184 Time: 3:00 Umpires: HP – Tom Hallion (crew chief); 1B – CB Bucknor; 2B – Chris Guccione; 3B – Lance Barrett; LF – David Rackley; RF – Adam Hamari; Replay Official – Greg Gibson[43] Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Castrovince, Anthony (July 13, 2021). "AL staves off NL for 8th straight All-Star win". MLB.com. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ^ "It's Official Atlanta Awarded 2021 MLB-All Star Game". Ballpark Digest. May 30, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2019.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Blackistone, Kevin B. "Sports brought Atlanta so much. As voting laws change, it's time to take something away". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ "President Biden would 'strongly support' moving MLB All-Star Game in response to Georgia voting restrictions". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ a b Yamanouchi, Kelly; Kempner, Matt. "Delta, Coke face boycott campaigns over new Georgia voting law". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on March 30, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ Campisi, Jessica (April 2021). "Biden says he would 'strongly support' moving the MLB All-Star Game out of Georgia over new voting law". CNN. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ "President Joe Biden calls no limit on fans for opening game at Texas Rangers' ballpark 'not responsible'". ESPN.com. April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ Young, Jabari (April 1, 2021). "MLB discussing options for Atlanta All-Star game following Georgia voting law". CNBC. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Leonard, Ben. "'Ridiculous': Kemp slams Biden on push to move MLB All-Star Game due to voting law". Politico. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ "'21 All-Star Game, Draft moved from Atlanta". MLB.com. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Axelrod, Tal (April 2, 2021). "Georgia governor on MLB decision: League 'caved to fear' and 'liberal lies'". The Hill. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Politi, Daniel (April 3, 2021). "Trump Calls for Major League Baseball Boycott After It Moves All-Star Game Out of Georgia". Slate Magazine. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
- ^ Axelrod, Tal (April 2, 2021). "Trump calls for boycott of MLB for moving All-Star Game". The Hill. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
- ^ "Texas Gov. Abbott won't throw Rangers' first pitch, balks at MLB stance on voting rights". NBC News. April 5, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- ^ Garrett, Robert T. (April 5, 2021). "Gov. Greg Abbott decries MLB's dabbling in politics, spurns Texas Rangers' invite to throw out first pitch". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- ^ Castronuovo, Celine (April 2, 2021). "Abrams disappointed All-Star Game moving, but proud of MLB stance". The Hill. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ Axelrod, Tal (April 3, 2021). "Obama praises MLB for pulling All-Star Game from Georgia". The Hill. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
- ^ "Republicans want to yank baseball's antitrust immunity after MLB reaction to Georgia voting law". Reuters. April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ^ "Trio of GOP senators seeks to strip MLB of antitrust exemption after All-Star Game decision". NBC News. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ^ Pickman, Ben. "Legislation Introduced Seeking to End MLB Antitrust Exemption". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ^ "MLB Fans More Likely to Support League's Decision to Move All-Star Game Than Oppose It". Morning Consult. April 5, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- ^ "After Moving All-Star Game, MLB Becomes Latest League to Fall Out of Favor With Republicans". Morning Consult. April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ^ Castrovince, Anthony (April 2, 2021). "'21 All-Star Game, Draft moved from Atlanta". MLB.com. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ Chavez, Nicole; Martin, Jill (March 29, 2021). "Georgia voting law leads to calls for some sports events to be moved or canceled". CNN. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ Harding, Thomas (April 6, 2021). "Rockies to host 2021 All-Star Game". MLB.com. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ Matheson, Keegan (July 1, 2021). "Vlad Jr., Semien, Teoscar are All-Star starters". MLB.com. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
- ^ "2021 All-Star Game logo revealed". MLB.com. April 23, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ "MLB reveals first-ever in-game All-Star jerseys". ESPN.com. June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ "Votes are in: All-Star Ballot on to Phase 2". MLB.com. June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e Castrovince, Anthony (June 14, 2021). "FAQ: All you need to know about ASG ballot". MLB.com. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ "Red Sox teammates Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts earn All-Star Game starting nods". The Boston Globe. July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
- ^ "All-Star Game rosters: Who's going to Coors?". MLB.com. July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
- ^ Fischer, Ezra (July 13, 2015). "Why does each team get a player in the MLB All-Star game?". dearsportsfan.com. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ "MLB All Star Game: Does every team deserve an All-Star?". Sports Illustrated. July 4, 2019. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
- ^ Lerner, Danielle (July 10, 2021). "MLB All-Stars not bothered by Astros' absence". Deadspin. Retrieved July 13, 2021 – via HoustonChronicle.com.
- ^ Murphy, Brian (July 11, 2021). "ASG subs bring number of 1st-timers to 40". MLB.com. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ a b "Mets' Taijuan Walker, Brewers' Freddy Peralta join NL All-Star team as replacements". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Murphy, Brian. "All-Star Game replacements announced". MLB. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ Sattell, Glenn. "Acuña out for '21 season with torn ACL". MLB. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ a b c Castrovince, Anthony. "All-Star Game starting pitchers, lineups, FAQ". MLB. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ a b Randhawa, Manny. "Kittredge, Rogers named to AL All-Star team". MLB. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ Papke, Grey (July 12, 2021). "Shohei Ohtani will start All-Star Game as pitcher and DH thanks to MLB rule tweak". Yardbarker. Retrieved July 13, 2021 – via MSN.com.
- ^ "Umpires, coaches & official scorers announced for 2021 All-Star Game". MLB.com. July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
External links
[edit]2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
View on GrokipediaVenue Selection and Relocation Controversy
Original Host Award to Atlanta
On May 29, 2019, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the Atlanta Braves and SunTrust Park would host the 2021 All-Star Game, marking the first time the Midsummer Classic would be held at the stadium since its opening in 2017.[7] The announcement occurred at SunTrust Park in Cobb County, Georgia, attended by Braves executives, Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, and other franchise legends including John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Andruw Jones, Phil Niekro, and Hank Aaron.[7] Manfred highlighted the venue's excellence, stating, "The 2021 Game will be the fifth one for the Braves and the third one here in Atlanta... the facility here, including SunTrust Park and The Battery, is the best in baseball."[7] This selection represented Atlanta's third hosting of the event in the city—previously in 1972 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and in 2000 at [Turner Field](/page/Turner Field)—while the fifth for the Braves franchise overall, accounting for earlier games in Boston (1936) and Milwaukee (1955).[7][8][9] Braves chairman Terry McGuirk emphasized the bid's collaborative effort with the city, thanking Manfred "for recognizing Atlanta and this project for its excellence by staging one of baseball's crown jewels here in 2021."[7] The partnership between the Braves organization and local authorities was credited for presenting a compelling proposal that showcased SunTrust Park and the adjacent Battery Atlanta development as premier baseball infrastructure.[7] Organizers projected the event, including associated festivities like the Home Run Derby and Futures Game, would generate roughly $100 million in economic impact for the Atlanta region through tourism, spending, and media exposure.[7] The award underscored the Braves' recent investments in their ballpark and surrounding amenities, positioning Atlanta as a modern hub for MLB's marquee midseason showcase and highlighting emerging stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman as potential participants.[7] Chipper Jones, a Braves Hall of Famer, expressed enthusiasm for the next generation, noting, "You can't imagine what a proud moment that's going to be for the next group of guys."[7]Provisions and Intent of Georgia's Election Integrity Act
The Georgia Election Integrity Act of 2021, enacted as Senate Bill 202 and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on March 25, 2021, sought to strengthen election security and administrative processes following documented irregularities in the state's 2020 elections, such as challenges with signature verification on absentee ballots and unsecured drop boxes.[10] The bill's proponents, including Republican legislators, emphasized restoring public confidence in electoral outcomes by codifying safeguards against potential fraud while maintaining or expanding voter access in certain areas, such as standardizing early voting periods across the state.[11] Kemp described the measure as a balanced reform to ensure "free and fair elections" amid national debates over 2020 voting procedures, rejecting characterizations of it as restrictive.[12] Key provisions included mandates for voter identification on absentee ballot applications, requiring applicants to provide a Georgia driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number, replacing prior reliance on signature matching alone.[13] The act restricted ballot drop boxes to one per county, available only during early voting hours at election offices or polling sites, with requirements for video surveillance and secure storage to address prior vulnerabilities like unattended boxes observed in 2020.[10] It prohibited non-poll workers from distributing food, drinks, or gifts to voters within 25 feet of a queue or 150 feet of any entrance, aiming to prevent undue influence or "line warming" tactics that could sway voters in long lines.[13] Additional measures expanded oversight by transferring authority over county election boards to the state election board, enabling removal of underperforming superintendents and authorizing investigations into malfeasance.[10] The law banned unsolicited mass mailings of absentee ballot applications by third parties, limiting such distributions to registered voters or those requested, and required applications to include warnings against fraudulent use.[13] To facilitate access, it guaranteed at least 17 days of early voting with two mandatory Saturdays and permitted counties to offer Sunday voting, while shortening the advance voting period for runoffs but adding flexibility for mobile voting units in underserved areas.[10] These changes were framed as causal responses to empirical issues, including Fulton County's 2020 audit revealing unverified ballots and chain-of-custody lapses, prioritizing verifiable processes over convenience claims unsubstantiated by pre-2021 turnout data.[11]MLB's Decision to Relocate and Stated Rationale
On April 2, 2021, Major League Baseball announced the relocation of the 2021 All-Star Game and the MLB Draft, both originally scheduled for Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, to an undetermined alternative venue.[14] Commissioner Rob Manfred cited the decision as a response to Georgia's Senate Bill 202, enacted on March 25, 2021, which MLB viewed as imposing undue restrictions on voting access.[14] [15] Manfred's official statement emphasized that "Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box," framing the relocation as "the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport."[14] The league's action was positioned as a principled stand against provisions in the law, including requirements for absentee ballot ID verification and reductions in drop box availability, which MLB aligned with broader criticisms of voter suppression despite the bill's expansions to early voting periods and weekend access in some cases.[14] [15] The relocation specifically affected the All-Star Game planned for July 13, 2021, and the Draft set for July 11–13, 2021, with MLB committing to select a new host city that shared its commitment to democratic principles and voting equity.[14] This marked an unprecedented intervention by the league into state-level policy debates, driven by internal consultations with players, clubs, and external stakeholders concerned about the law's impact on minority turnout.[16]Criticisms of MLB's Political Involvement
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp condemned Major League Baseball's relocation decision as capitulating to "fear and disinformation" propagated by liberal activists and media, asserting that the league had been misled about the Election Integrity Act's provisions, which he described as measures to restore public confidence in elections following the 2020 cycle's irregularities.[17][18] Kemp emphasized that the law expanded early voting opportunities by one week and maintained no-excuse absentee voting, countering claims of voter suppression while addressing issues like ballot harvesting and unsecured drop boxes.[19] Former President Donald Trump labeled the move a "disgrace," accusing MLB of engaging in "cancel culture" and predicting it would contribute to the league's decline by alienating fans who viewed the action as partisan interference in state election policy.[18] Trump urged a boycott of MLB games and products, arguing the decision punished Georgia for enacting reforms supported by a majority of its Republican-controlled legislature to enhance auditability and prevent fraud, rather than restricting access.[19] Other Republican figures, including Senator Kelly Loeffler, echoed this, warning that relocating the event would disproportionately harm minority-owned businesses in Atlanta, which stood to gain from the economic influx.[18] Critics highlighted the economic repercussions, with Atlanta-area officials estimating a loss of over $100 million in tourism, hotel bookings, and local spending tied to the event's absence, though independent analyses pegged the actual direct impact closer to $3.9–$21 million based on comparable host cities like Minneapolis.[20][21] The decision was further faulted for selective outrage, as MLB continued operations in authoritarian regimes like China without similar protests over human rights abuses, suggesting a double standard driven by domestic progressive pressures rather than principled consistency.[17] The relocation fueled broader accusations that MLB was politicizing a traditionally apolitical pastime, risking fan disengagement; surveys post-decision indicated declining approval among conservative viewers, who comprised a significant portion of baseball's audience, and prompted calls from figures like Herschel Walker for players to speak against what they saw as league overreach into electoral matters.[18] Proponents of the criticisms argued this mirrored a pattern of corporate deference to activist narratives unsubstantiated by empirical voting data, as Georgia's turnout in subsequent elections exceeded 2020 levels, undermining suppression allegations.[19]Alternative Venue Selection in Denver
On April 6, 2021, Major League Baseball announced that Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, would host the relocated 2021 All-Star Game on July 13.[22] This decision came four days after MLB's April 2 statement pulling the event from Atlanta's Truist Park in response to Georgia's Election Integrity Act.[23] Denver's selection leveraged the city's prior preparation, as the Colorado Rockies and local organizers had submitted a detailed bid to host the 2024 All-Star Game, providing MLB with existing infrastructure assessments, logistical plans, and economic impact projections that expedited the process.[24] [25] Coors Field, which previously hosted the All-Star Game in 1998, offered a proven venue with a capacity of 50,398 and facilities suitable for the event's broadcast and fan experience requirements.[22] The choice avoided a full competitive bidding cycle, enabling rapid confirmation amid the tight timeline before the July date.[26] The relocation to Denver also included the MLB Draft, originally planned for Atlanta, further utilizing the venue's capabilities for expanded programming.[27] Local officials projected an economic boost of over $100 million from All-Star Week activities, including fan events and media coverage, building on the city's established sports tourism infrastructure.[28] While MLB emphasized logistical readiness in its rationale, the decision drew scrutiny for perceived inconsistencies, as Colorado's mail-in voting system—used by over 90% of voters in recent elections—contrasted with the voter access concerns cited for Georgia, though MLB did not address such comparisons publicly.[29]Event Preparations and Logistics
Design of Logos, Uniforms, and Promotional Materials
The logo for the relocated 2021 All-Star Game at Coors Field was unveiled on April 23, 2021, replacing the original Atlanta design following MLB's decision to move the event. It incorporates a central purple star—drawing from the Colorado Rockies' primary color—outlined in the team's silver, white, and black accents, with stylized peaks of three Rocky Mountains forming the star's points and an MLB batter silhouette embedded within. This design symbolized the Denver hosting while maintaining All-Star branding continuity.[30][31][32] Uniforms for the game, introduced as the first dedicated All-Star attire worn during the Midsummer Classic, were unveiled by MLB and Nike on June 24, 2021. American League participants donned navy blue jerseys, contrasting with white jerseys for National League players; both featured button-front styling limited to the top button, block-letter team names across the chest, embroidered individual team logos on the left sleeve, and All-Star Game patches on the right. Matching dark navy New Era caps displayed recolored team logos in red, white, and blue on the front panel, accented by a purple star outline behind the emblem to nod to the host city's logo. These uniforms prioritized league distinction over traditional club jerseys, marking a shift in All-Star presentation.[33][34][35] Promotional materials centered on the updated Denver-themed logo and uniforms, including merchandise lines such as replica jerseys, performance t-shirts, and caps available via MLB's official shop starting in June 2021. The official event program, distributed at Coors Field, highlighted the new branding alongside game schedules and player features. These items extended the visual identity to fan engagement, with the purple star motif recurring across apparel and stadium displays to evoke the Rockies' mountain heritage.[36]Fan Voting Process and Roster Qualification Rules
The fan voting process for the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game determined the starting position players for both leagues through a two-phase online ballot sponsored by Google. Phase 1, running from June 3 to June 24, 2021, allowed fans to submit up to five ballots per 24-hour period across MLB.com, the MLB app, and other official platforms, with one additional full ballot via Google search results.[37][38] Eligible players included those on active MLB rosters meeting standard participation thresholds, such as appearing in a minimum number of games, though exact criteria emphasized current season performance without rigid innings or plate appearance minimums beyond active status.[37] In Phase 1, voters selected from all qualified candidates at each position—catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, three outfielders, and designated hitter—advancing the top three vote-recipients per position (two for catchers) to Phase 2.[39] Phase 2 voting, from June 29 to July 1, 2021, restricted ballots to these finalists, with unlimited votes permitted per day on MLB platforms to determine the nine starters per league.[39] This structure aimed to balance broad participation with final decisiveness, though it drew criticism for potential ballot stuffing via automated or organized voting campaigns, as no robust anti-fraud measures beyond platform limits were publicly detailed.[39] Reserve position players and all pitchers were selected independently of fan voting, using a combination of ballots from current MLB players and selections by the Commissioner's Office to complete 34-player rosters per league, including an expanded number of reserves amid post-2020 health protocols.[40] Player ballots prioritized peer recognition of performance metrics like batting average, home runs, ERA, and strikeouts, while the Commissioner's Office filled gaps for positional balance and team representation, without a formal mandate for one player per team.[41] Pitchers qualified based on active status and season stats, typically favoring starters with sub-3.50 ERAs and relievers with high save totals, ensuring a mix of approximately 12 pitchers per league.[42] This hybrid method contrasted with fan-driven starters by emphasizing expert evaluation over popularity, reducing risks of popularity contests overriding statistical merit.[41]Final Roster Replacements and Injury Adjustments
On July 10, 2021, Major League Baseball announced 11 replacement players for the American League and National League rosters, filling spots vacated primarily due to injuries or pitchers' recent starts that conflicted with participation.[43] These adjustments included high-profile absences such as Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts (right hand fracture), Houston Astros infielders Jose Altuve (quadriceps strain) and Carlos Correa (COVID-19 positive test), and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (torn right ACL sustained on July 10).[44][45] San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey was also sidelined by a right thumb injury, prompting a chain of catcher replacements.[42] The replacements elevated the total number of first-time All-Stars to a record 40 for the event.[43] In the American League, notable additions were Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (replacing Correa), Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield (for Altuve), Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Joey Wendle, and Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt.[45] National League changes included San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (for Acuña), Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner and starting pitcher Walker Buehler, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer, New York Mets starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, and Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta.[43][45] Catcher positions saw additional shuffling: St. Louis Cardinals' Yadier Molina initially replaced Posey but was later sidelined by a right foot injury, leading Milwaukee Brewers catcher Omar Narváez to step in as a first-time All-Star.[43] Several pitchers, including New York Mets' Jacob deGrom, San Diego Padres' Yu Darvish, Milwaukee Brewers' Brandon Woodruff, and San Francisco Giants' Kevin Gausman, opted out due to starts on July 11, with their spots filled by the above selections.[42] These moves ensured full rosters for the July 13 game at Coors Field, maintaining competitive balance without further alterations reported prior to the event.[42]| League | Replacement Player | Position | Team | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL | Tim Anderson | SS | CWS | First-time All-Star; replaced Correa.[45] |
| AL | Whit Merrifield | 2B | KC | Replaced Altuve.[45] |
| AL | Joey Wendle | SS | TB | First-time All-Star.[43] |
| AL | Chris Bassitt | SP | OAK | First-time All-Star.[45] |
| NL | Manny Machado | 3B | SD | Replaced Acuña (ACL tear).[43] |
| NL | Justin Turner | 3B | LAD | -[45] |
| NL | Walker Buehler | SP | LAD | -[45] |
| NL | Max Scherzer | SP | WSH | Eighth All-Star selection.[43] |
| NL | Taijuan Walker | SP | NYM | First-time All-Star.[45] |
| NL | Freddy Peralta | SP | MIL | First-time All-Star.[43] |
| NL | Yadier Molina / Omar Narváez | C | STL / MIL | Molina replaced Posey, then Narváez (first-time) for Molina's foot injury.[43][42] |
Team Rosters
American League Starting and Reserve Players
The American League's starting position players for the 2021 All-Star Game were determined by fan voting conducted from June 28 to July 1, with the top vote-getters at each position earning starting berths. Reserves were selected by Major League players, supplemented by the Commissioner's Office, while pitchers were chosen exclusively by players. The roster featured 34 players in total, though several were sidelined by injuries, including Mike Trout, José Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Michael Brantley, leading to replacements such as Whit Merrifield, Tim Anderson, and Joey Wendle. Shohei Ohtani uniquely appeared as both a designated hitter starter and a pitcher reserve.[46][42]Starting Position Players
The starters included a mix of established stars and emerging talents, reflecting strong fan support for Toronto Blue Jays players amid their early-season contention.| Position | Player | Team | All-Star Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Salvador Pérez | Kansas City Royals | 7th |
| 1B | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Toronto Blue Jays | 1st |
| 2B | Marcus Semien | Toronto Blue Jays | 1st |
| 3B | Rafael Devers | Boston Red Sox | 1st |
| SS | Xander Bogaerts | Boston Red Sox | 3rd |
| OF | Aaron Judge | New York Yankees | 3rd |
| OF | Teoscar Hernández | Toronto Blue Jays | 1st |
| OF | Mike Trout* | Los Angeles Angels | 9th |
| DH | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels | 1st |
Reserve Position Players
Reserves provided depth across positions, with multiple shortstops selected to cover potential absences and versatility needs. Outfield reserves highlighted power hitters from contending teams.| Position | Player | Team | All-Star Appearances | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Mike Zunino | Tampa Bay Rays | 1st | |
| 1B | Matt Olson | Oakland Athletics | 1st | |
| 1B | Jared Walsh | Los Angeles Angels | 1st | |
| 2B | Whit Merrifield | Kansas City Royals | 2nd | Replacement for Altuve |
| 3B | José Ramírez | Cleveland Guardians | 3rd | |
| 3B | Joey Wendle | Tampa Bay Rays | 1st | Replacement |
| SS | Bo Bichette | Toronto Blue Jays | 1st | |
| SS | Tim Anderson | Chicago White Sox | 1st | Replacement for Correa |
| OF | Joey Gallo | Texas Rangers | 2nd | |
| OF | Adolis García | Texas Rangers | 1st | |
| OF | Cedric Mullins | Baltimore Orioles | 1st | |
| DH | Nelson Cruz | Minnesota Twins | 7th | |
| DH | J.D. Martinez | Boston Red Sox | 4th |
Pitchers
The pitching staff comprised a balance of starters and relievers, with several aces unavailable due to injury or personal reasons, such as Gerrit Cole and Ryan Pressly. Replacements included Andrew Kittredge and Taylor Rogers.| Role | Player | Team | Handedness | All-Star Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Lance Lynn | Chicago White Sox | RHP | 2nd |
| Starter | Carlos Rodón | Chicago White Sox | LHP | 1st |
| Starter | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels | RHP | 1st |
| Starter | Nathan Eovaldi | Boston Red Sox | RHP | 1st |
| Starter | Kyle Gibson | Texas Rangers | RHP | 1st |
| Starter | Chris Bassitt | Oakland Athletics | RHP | 1st |
| Reliever | Liam Hendriks | Chicago White Sox | RHP | 2nd |
| Reliever | Aroldis Chapman | New York Yankees | LHP | 7th |
| Reliever | Matt Barnes | Boston Red Sox | RHP | 1st |
| Reliever | Gregory Soto | Detroit Tigers | LHP | 1st |
| Reliever | Andrew Kittredge | Tampa Bay Rays | RHP | 1st |
| Reliever | Taylor Rogers | Minnesota Twins | LHP | 1st |
National League Starting and Reserve Players
The National League's starting position players for the 2021 All-Star Game were elected primarily through fan voting conducted in multiple phases from June 8 to June 29, with final results announced on July 1.[47] These selections emphasized players with strong first-half performances, such as Fernando Tatis Jr.'s league-leading 23 home runs and .282 batting average for the Padres.[47] The designated hitter spot, introduced for the All-Star Game in 2021 mirroring the universal DH rule, was filled by Max Muncy of the Dodgers.[42]| Position | Player | Team | All-Star Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Buster Posey | San Francisco Giants | 7th |
| 1B | Freddie Freeman | Atlanta Braves | 5th |
| 2B | Ozzie Albies | Atlanta Braves | 2nd |
| 3B | Nolan Arenado | St. Louis Cardinals | 4th |
| SS | Fernando Tatis Jr. | San Diego Padres | 1st |
| OF | Ronald Acuña Jr. | Atlanta Braves | 2nd |
| OF | Bryce Harper | Philadelphia Phillies | 6th |
| OF | Mookie Betts | Los Angeles Dodgers | 5th |
| DH | Max Muncy | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2nd |
| Position Category | Player | Team | All-Star Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | J.T. Realmuto | Philadelphia Phillies | 3rd |
| INF | Kris Bryant | Chicago Cubs | 3rd |
| INF | Brandon Crawford | San Francisco Giants | 2nd |
| INF | Javier Báez | New York Mets | 2nd |
| INF | Donovan Solano | San Francisco Giants | 1st |
| OF | Starling Marte | Miami Marlins | 3rd |
| OF | Jesse Winker | Cincinnati Reds | 1st |
| OF | Nick Castellanos | Cincinnati Reds | 1st |
Unique Selections, Absences, and Roster Dynamics
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels became the first player in Major League Baseball history to be selected as an All-Star in both the pitching and designated hitter roles, reflecting his exceptional two-way performance that season with a 9-2 record and 3.18 ERA on the mound alongside a .257 batting average, 16 home runs, and 40 RBIs as a hitter.[46] This dual selection highlighted the roster's emphasis on versatile talent amid a league-wide push to recognize multifaceted contributors, with Ohtani ultimately starting on the mound and batting leadoff for the American League.[48] Other unique selections included Adam Frazier of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the first Pirates second baseman to start an All-Star Game since Bill Mazeroski in 1967, underscoring positional rarities in voting outcomes.[46] The 2021 rosters featured 41 first-time All-Stars, a notably high number that included American League standouts such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Marcus Semien, and Rafael Devers in the starting infield—marking three debut starters for the AL—along with reserves like Adolis García, Cedric Mullins, and Teoscar Hernández.[46] In the National League, newcomers comprised players like Corbin Burnes, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Jesse Winker, driven by strong midseason performances and fan/player ballots that favored emerging talents over repeat selections in some cases.[46] Absences were pronounced, with 14 players opting out or declared inactive—the second-highest total in All-Star history—primarily due to injuries, minor ailments, or personal commitments like paternity leave.[49] Key absences included Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets, who opted out entirely, as well as Houston Astros reserves José Altuve, Carlos Correa, Michael Brantley, and Ryan Pressly, all of whom declined participation citing health concerns or family obligations, leaving the Astros unrepresented for the first time since 1965. [50] Injuries sidelined stars like Mike Trout (Angels, calf strain), Mookie Betts (Dodgers, hip issue), Yu Darvish (Padres), Gerrit Cole (Yankees), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves), prompting multiple replacements such as Taijuan Walker for deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Walker Buehler.[44] [46] These dynamics led to a fluid roster process, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred approving substitutions to maintain competitive balance, though critics noted the opt-outs diminished the event's prestige by prioritizing player rest over fan expectations.[51]Pregame Events
T-Mobile Home Run Derby Results
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby took place on July 12, 2021, at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, as the lead-in event to the All-Star Game.[52] Eight participants competed in a single-elimination bracket with head-to-head matchups seeded by regular-season home run totals entering the event.[53] Each round featured a three-minute hitting period (reduced to two minutes in the final), with unlimited pitches from a batting practice pitcher and bonus time awarded for every 10 home runs hit during regulation; ties triggered one-minute swing-offs, potentially followed by three-swing tiebreakers.[54] The high altitude of Coors Field contributed to inflated home run distances and totals, including Juan Soto's 520-foot blast, the longest of the night.[55] In the first round, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets set a single-round record with 35 home runs to defeat Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals, who hit 28.[55] Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals outlasted Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, 31–28, after the pair tied in regulation and a one-minute swing-off (both hitting six home runs); Soto then went 3-for-3 in a three-swing tiebreaker to Ohtani's one.[56] Trey Mancini of the Baltimore Orioles advanced by hitting 24 home runs to Matt Olson's 23 for the Atlanta Braves, including a streak of 11 consecutive homers.[57] Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies, benefiting from home-field conditions, defeated Joey Gallo of the New York Yankees, 21–19, with a 518-foot home run among his output.[52] The semifinals pitted the first-round winners per bracket seeding. Alonso edged Soto, 16–15, in a close contest.[58] Mancini advanced to the final by topping Story, 13–12.[58] In the final, Alonso defeated Mancini, 23–22, securing his second consecutive title (following 2019) and tying Ken Griffey Jr. as the only back-to-back winners in the event's modern era; Alonso's event total of 74 home runs stood as a record at the time.[52] The $1 million winner's prize more than doubled Alonso's prorated annual salary.[59]| Participant | Team | Round 1 HRs | Semifinal HRs | Final HRs | Event Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pete Alonso | New York Mets | 35 | 16 | 23 | 74 |
| Trey Mancini | Baltimore Orioles | 24 | 13 | 22 | 59 |
| Juan Soto | Washington Nationals | 31 | 15 | — | 46 |
| Trevor Story | Colorado Rockies | 21 | 12 | — | 33 |
| Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels | 28 | — | — | 28 |
| Salvador Perez | Kansas City Royals | 28 | — | — | 28 |
| Matt Olson | Atlanta Braves | 23 | — | — | 23 |
| Joey Gallo | New York Yankees | 19 | — | — | 19 |
All-Star Futures Game and Prospect Showcases
![Coors Field, Denver][float-right] The 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game was held on July 11, 2021, at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, as part of MLB All-Star Week festivities preceding the All-Star Game.[60] This annual seven-inning exhibition featured top minor league prospects divided into American League and National League teams, with rosters announced on June 30, 2021, comprising 50 players, 32 of whom ranked among MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects.[61] Notable selections included American League prospects like Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals, MLB No. 1 prospect), Jarred Kelenic (Seattle Mariners), and Julio Rodríguez (Mariners), alongside National League standouts such as Francisco Álvarez (New York Mets) and Michael Toglia (Colorado Rockies).[61][60] Prior to the game, batting practice sessions served as informal prospect showcases, highlighting the raw power and skills of participants, with Álvarez and Brennen Davis (Chicago Cubs) drawing particular attention for their long home runs during warmups.[60] The game itself showcased emerging talent in a competitive format, broadcast on MLB Network and streamed on MLB.com, emphasizing the developmental pipeline of MLB.[61] The National League defeated the American League 8-3, powered by five home runs, including two from Brennen Davis, who went 2-for-3 and earned the Larry Doby MVP Award for his standout performance.[60][62] Additional National League home runs came from Álvarez and Toglia, who drove in two runs with his blast, contributing to the decisive victory.[60] Key American League moments included efforts from prospects like Witt Jr., who took batting practice swings that underscored his elite potential, though the team struggled offensively against NL pitching.[60] The event provided fans and scouts a preview of future stars, with Davis's multi-homer game marking a highlight in the game's history at the high-altitude Coors Field venue.[63]Game Details
Starting Lineups and Initial Pitching Decisions
The starting pitchers for the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game were announced on July 12, 2021, with Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels selected to start for the American League and Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals for the National League.[64][65] Ohtani's selection marked a historic dual role, as he also batted leadoff as the designated hitter—the first instance of a player starting both on the mound and in the batting order for an All-Star Game.[66] Scherzer, an eight-time All-Star entering his fourth start in the Midsummer Classic, was chosen by National League manager Dave Roberts for his 2.46 ERA and 130 strikeouts through 73 innings that season.[67] Lineups were finalized and announced by the managers on game day, July 13, 2021, incorporating fan-voted starters with adjustments for Ohtani's inclusion and the universal designated hitter rule at Coors Field.[47][66] American League manager Kevin Cash positioned power hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Aaron Judge in the middle of the order to capitalize on Coors Field's hitter-friendly conditions, while Roberts opted for speed and contact at the top with Fernando Tatis Jr. leading off for the NL.[68]American League Starting Lineup
| Order | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shohei Ohtani | LAA | DH |
| 2 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | TOR | 1B |
| 3 | Xander Bogaerts | BOS | SS |
| 4 | Aaron Judge | NYY | RF |
| 5 | Rafael Devers | BOS | 3B |
| 6 | Salvador Perez | KCR | C |
| 7 | José Ramírez | CLE | 2B |
| 8 | Yordan Alvarez | HOU | LF |
| 9 | Cedric Mullins | BAL | CF |
National League Starting Lineup
| Order | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernando Tatis Jr. | SDP | SS |
| 2 | Max Muncy | LAD | DH |
| 3 | Nolan Arenado | STL | 3B |
| 4 | Freddie Freeman | ATL | 1B |
| 5 | Nick Castellanos | CIN | RF |
| 6 | Jesse Winker | CIN | LF |
| 7 | J.T. Realmuto | PHI | C |
| 8 | Ozzie Albies | ATL | 2B |
| 9 | Ronald Acuña Jr. | ATL | CF |
Play-by-Play Summary of Key Innings and Moments
In the top of the first inning, American League starter Shohei Ohtani retired the National League in order, striking out Nolan Arenado and Trea Turner while reaching a top speed of 100.2 mph on a fastball to Arenado.[71] Ohtani's scoreless frame set a strong tone for the AL staff, which limited the NL to two runs despite multiple late-game threats.[72] The AL drew first blood in the second inning against NL starter Max Scherzer when Aaron Judge walked, advanced on a wild pitch and stolen base, and scored on Marcus Semien's RBI single to center, putting the AL ahead 1-0.[73] Scherzer escaped further damage, but the early run highlighted the AL's opportunistic baserunning in the thin air of Coors Field.[74] Vladimir Guerrero Jr. provided the game's signature moment in the top of the third, launching a 468-foot solo home run to center field off Scherzer—measured at 110.2 mph exit velocity—extending the AL lead to 2-0 and positioning him for MVP honors at age 22.[71] The blast, the longest in All-Star Game history at the time, underscored Guerrero's power surge during the 2021 season.[72] The AL padded its advantage in the fourth inning, scoring two runs against reliever Corbin Burnes: Teoscar Hernández crossed the plate on Guerrero Jr.'s groundout to second with Cedric Mullins advancing to second, followed by Mullins scoring on Xander Bogaerts' single to right, making it 4-0.[74] This rally exploited Burnes' control issues early in his appearance, contributing to his no-decision in a losing effort.[1] The National League responded in the bottom of the fifth with J.T. Realmuto's 430-foot solo home run to left off AL reliever Greg Soto, trimming the deficit to 4-1.[71] Realmuto's opposite-field shot off a lefty provided a brief spark for the NL, which struggled against the AL's pitching depth throughout the night.[72] Mike Zunino restored a three-run cushion for the AL in the top of the sixth, belting a 433-foot solo home run to right off Yu Darvish, pushing the score to 5-1.[71] Zunino's opposite-field power stroke mirrored Realmuto's earlier homer, as both catchers connected for long balls in a matchup of defensive specialists.[72] Freddy Peralta delivered a pivotal sequence for the NL in the seventh, striking out the side—Adolis García, J.D. Martinez, and Matt Olson—preventing any AL response and marking the first such feat by a Brewers pitcher in All-Star history.[71] Despite the NL loading the bases in the sixth and eighth innings, they added just one more run via a passed ball, underscoring missed opportunities against AL relievers.[72] Jared Walsh preserved the AL's lead in the eighth with a diving catch in left field on a sinking liner, thwarting a potential NL rally and exemplifying the game's defensive highlights.[71] Liam Hendriks closed out the ninth for the save, capping the AL's eighth consecutive All-Star victory by retiring the side in order, including a charity-inspired knuckleball pitch.[71][72]Box Score, Final Statistics, and Winning Margin
The American League All-Stars defeated the National League All-Stars 5–2 on July 13, 2021, at Coors Field, marking an eighth consecutive All-Star Game victory for the AL and a winning margin of three runs.[2][74] Team totals reflected a close contest in hits but AL superiority in run production and fielding:| Team | Runs (R) | Hits (H) | Errors (E) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL All-Stars | 5 | 9 | 0 |
| NL All-Stars | 2 | 8 | 1 |
