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2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
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2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
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
DateJuly 13, 2021
VenueCoors Field
CityDenver, Colorado
Managers
MVPVladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)
Attendance49,184
Ceremonial first pitchPeyton Manning
TelevisionFox (United States)
Fox Deportes
MLB International (International)
TV announcersJoe 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)
RadioESPN
Radio announcersJon 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]

Coors Field

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]
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., overall vote leader and AL starting first baseman[26]

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]
  1. ^ Taijuan Walker was named as the roster replacement for Jacob deGrom due to deGrom opting not to play.[37]
  2. ^ Freddy Peralta was named as the roster replacement for Brandon Woodruff due to Woodruff starting on Sunday.[37]
  3. ^ Tim Anderson was named as the roster replacement for Carlos Correa due to Correa opting not to play.[38]
  4. ^ Chris Bassitt was named as the roster replacement for Ryan Pressly due to Pressly opting not to play.[38]
  5. ^ Whit Merrifield was named as the roster replacement for Jose Altuve due to injury.[38]
  6. ^ Joey Wendle was named as the roster replacement for Michael Brantley due to injury.[38]
  7. ^ Walker Buehler was named as the roster replacement for Yu Darvish due to injury.[38]
  8. ^ Justin Turner was named as the roster replacement for Mookie Betts due to injury.[38]
  9. ^ Max Scherzer was named as the roster replacement for Kevin Gausman due to Gausman starting on Sunday.[38]
  10. ^ Yadier Molina was named as the roster replacement for Buster Posey due to injury.[38]
  11. ^ Omar Narváez was named as the roster replacement for Yadier Molina due to injury.[38]
  12. ^ Manny Machado was named as the roster replacement for Ronald Acuña Jr. due to injury.[39]
  13. ^ Cedric Mullins was named starter in place of Mike Trout due to injury.[40]
  14. ^ Bryan Reynolds was named starter in place of Ronald Acuña Jr. due to injury.[40]
  15. ^ J. T. Realmuto was named starter in place of Buster Posey due to injury.[40]
  16. ^ Andrew Kittredge was named as the roster replacement for Gerrit Cole due to Cole throwing 129 pitches on Saturday.[41]
  17. ^ 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]
July 13, 2021 5:18 pm (MDT)
Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, 84 °F (29 °C), cloudy
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: HPTom Hallion (crew chief); 1BCB Bucknor; 2BChris Guccione; 3BLance Barrett; LFDavid Rackley; RFAdam Hamari; Replay Official – Greg Gibson[43]
Boxscore

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The 2021 was the 91st edition of the annual midseason exhibition contest featuring top players selected from Major League Baseball's (AL) and National League (NL), held on July 13, 2021, at in , —the first time the event occurred in the state. The AL defeated the NL 5–2 before an attendance of 49,184, extending the Junior Circuit's winning streak in the midsummer classic to nine consecutive games. Los Angeles Angels two-way star etched his name in history as the first player ever to start the game both as the AL's pitcher and leadoff designated hitter, earning the win after allowing one run in one inning while going 0-for-2 at the plate. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays, who had won the the previous evening by defeating Ohtani in the final round with 16 homers in the bonus round, delivered two RBIs in the game, including a pivotal two-run double in the third that helped secure the AL lead. The game lasted three hours and featured strong pitching from AL relievers like Garrett Richards and , who combined to limit the NL to two runs after an early deficit. Originally awarded to in Atlanta for the host , the event was relocated to in April 2021 after MLB Commissioner cited concerns over Georgia's newly enacted Election Integrity Act, which introduced voter ID requirements for absentee ballots, restricted unsupervised drop boxes, and aimed to prevent repeat irregularities from the 2020 election amid widespread fraud allegations—moves that drew bipartisan support in Georgia but intense opposition from national Democrats and activists who labeled it suppressive. The decision amplified debates over corporate political involvement, with critics arguing it prioritized partisan pressure over apolitical sports traditions, though MLB maintained it sought to uphold voting access values.

Venue Selection and Relocation Controversy

Original Host Award to Atlanta

On May 29, 2019, Commissioner announced that the and SunTrust Park would host the 2021 , marking the first time the Midsummer Classic would be held at the stadium since its opening in 2017. The announcement occurred at SunTrust Park in , attended by Braves executives, Hall of Famers like , and other franchise legends including , , , , and . Manfred highlighted the venue's excellence, stating, "The 2021 Game will be the fifth one for the Braves and the third one here in ... the facility here, including SunTrust Park and The Battery, is the best in baseball." 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 (1936) and (1955). Braves chairman Terry McGuirk emphasized the bid's collaborative effort with the city, thanking Manfred "for recognizing and this project for its excellence by staging one of 's crown jewels here in 2021." The partnership between the Braves organization and local authorities was credited for presenting a compelling proposal that showcased SunTrust Park and the adjacent development as premier infrastructure. Organizers projected the event, including associated festivities like the and Futures Game, would generate roughly $100 million in economic impact for the region through tourism, spending, and media exposure. 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 and as potential participants. , 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."

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 on March 25, 2021, sought to strengthen election security and administrative processes following documented irregularities in the state's elections, such as challenges with signature verification on absentee ballots and unsecured drop boxes. 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 periods across the state. Kemp described the measure as a balanced reform to ensure "free and fair elections" amid national debates over voting procedures, rejecting characterizations of it as restrictive. 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 , replacing prior reliance on signature matching alone. The act restricted drop boxes to one per county, available only during hours at election offices or polling sites, with requirements for video and secure storage to address prior vulnerabilities like unattended boxes observed in 2020. 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 or "line warming" tactics that could sway voters in long lines. 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. 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. 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. 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.

MLB's Decision to Relocate and Stated Rationale

On April 2, 2021, announced the relocation of the 2021 All-Star Game and the MLB Draft, both originally scheduled for in , Georgia, to an undetermined alternative venue. Commissioner 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. 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 ." The league's action was positioned as a principled stand against provisions in the law, including requirements for ID verification and reductions in drop box availability, which MLB aligned with broader criticisms of voter suppression despite the bill's expansions to periods and weekend access in some cases. The relocation specifically affected the 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. This marked an unprecedented intervention by the league into state-level debates, driven by internal consultations with players, clubs, and external stakeholders concerned about the law's impact on minority turnout.

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 Integrity Act's provisions, which he described as measures to restore public confidence in elections following the cycle's irregularities. Kemp emphasized that the law expanded 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. Former President labeled the move a "disgrace," accusing MLB of engaging in "" and predicting it would contribute to the league's decline by alienating fans who viewed the action as partisan interference in state election policy. Trump urged a 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. Other Republican figures, including Senator , echoed this, warning that relocating the event would disproportionately harm minority-owned businesses in , which stood to gain from the economic influx. Critics highlighted the economic repercussions, with Atlanta-area officials estimating a loss of over $100 million in , 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 . The decision was further faulted for selective outrage, as MLB continued operations in authoritarian regimes like without similar protests over abuses, suggesting a driven by domestic progressive pressures rather than principled consistency. 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 for players to speak against what they saw as league overreach into electoral matters. Proponents of the criticisms argued this mirrored a of corporate to activist narratives unsubstantiated by empirical voting data, as Georgia's turnout in subsequent elections exceeded 2020 levels, undermining suppression allegations.

Alternative Venue Selection in Denver

On April 6, 2021, announced that , home of the Colorado Rockies, would host the relocated 2021 All-Star Game on July 13. This decision came four days after MLB's April 2 statement pulling the event from Atlanta's in response to Georgia's Election Integrity Act. 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 , providing MLB with existing infrastructure assessments, logistical plans, and economic impact projections that expedited the process. , which previously hosted the in 1998, offered a proven venue with a capacity of 50,398 and facilities suitable for the event's broadcast and fan experience requirements. The choice avoided a full competitive bidding cycle, enabling rapid confirmation amid the tight timeline before the July date. The relocation to Denver also included the MLB Draft, originally planned for Atlanta, further utilizing the venue's capabilities for expanded programming. 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 infrastructure. While MLB emphasized logistical readiness in its rationale, the decision drew scrutiny for perceived inconsistencies, as '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.

Event Preparations and Logistics

Design of Logos, Uniforms, and Promotional Materials

The logo for the relocated 2021 All-Star Game at was unveiled on April 23, 2021, replacing the original design following MLB's decision to move the event. It incorporates a central star—drawing from the Rockies' primary color—outlined in the team's silver, white, and black accents, with stylized peaks of three forming the star's points and an MLB batter silhouette embedded within. This design symbolized the hosting while maintaining All-Star branding continuity. 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. 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 , 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.

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 . 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 results. 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 minimums beyond active status. In Phase 1, voters selected from all qualified candidates at each position—, first base, second base, third base, , three outfielders, and —advancing the top three vote-recipients per position (two for catchers) to Phase 2. 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. 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. 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. Player ballots prioritized peer recognition of performance metrics like , home runs, , and strikeouts, while the Commissioner's Office filled gaps for positional balance and team representation, without a formal mandate for one player per team. 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. This hybrid method contrasted with fan-driven starters by emphasizing expert evaluation over popularity, reducing risks of popularity contests overriding statistical merit.

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. 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). San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey was also sidelined by a right thumb injury, prompting a chain of catcher replacements. The replacements elevated the total number of first-time All-Stars to a record 40 for the event. In the American League, notable additions were shortstop Tim Anderson (replacing Correa), second baseman (for Altuve), shortstop , and starting pitcher . National League changes included third baseman (for Acuña), third baseman and starting pitcher , starting pitcher , starting pitcher , and Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher . 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. 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. These moves ensured full rosters for the July 13 game at Coors Field, maintaining competitive balance without further alterations reported prior to the event.
LeagueReplacement PlayerPositionTeamKey Notes
ALTim AndersonSSCWSFirst-time All-Star; replaced Correa.
AL2BKCReplaced Altuve.
ALSSTBFirst-time All-Star.
ALSPOAKFirst-time All-Star.
NL3BSDReplaced Acuña (ACL tear).
NL3BLAD-
NLSPLAD-
NLSPWSHEighth All-Star selection.
NLSPNYMFirst-time All-Star.
NLSPMILFirst-time All-Star.
NLYadier Molina / Omar NarváezCSTL / MILMolina replaced Posey, then Narváez (first-time) for Molina's foot injury.

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 , , , and , leading to replacements such as , Tim Anderson, and . uniquely appeared as both a designated hitter starter and a pitcher reserve.

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.
PositionPlayerTeamAll-Star Appearances
C7th
1BVladimir Guerrero Jr.Toronto Blue Jays1st
2BToronto Blue Jays1st
3BBoston Red Sox1st
SSBoston Red Sox3rd
OFNew York Yankees3rd
OFToronto Blue Jays1st
OF*9th
DH1st
*Inactive due to injury.

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.
PositionPlayerTeamAll-Star AppearancesNotes
C1st
1B1st
1B1st
2B2ndReplacement for Altuve
3BJosé Ramírez3rd
3B1stReplacement
SSToronto Blue Jays1st
SSTim Anderson1stReplacement for Correa
OFTexas Rangers2nd
OFTexas Rangers1st
OFBaltimore Orioles1st
DHMinnesota Twins7th
DHBoston Red Sox4th
Altuve and Correa were originally selected but ruled out due to injury.

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.
RolePlayerTeamHandednessAll-Star Appearances
StarterLance LynnChicago White SoxRHP2nd
StarterCarlos RodónChicago White SoxLHP1st
StarterShohei OhtaniLos Angeles AngelsRHP1st
StarterNathan EovaldiBoston Red SoxRHP1st
StarterKyle GibsonTexas RangersRHP1st
StarterChris BassittOakland AthleticsRHP1st
RelieverLiam HendriksChicago White SoxRHP2nd
RelieverAroldis ChapmanNew York YankeesLHP7th
RelieverMatt BarnesBoston Red SoxRHP1st
RelieverGregory SotoDetroit TigersLHP1st
RelieverAndrew KittredgeTampa Bay RaysRHP1st
RelieverTaylor RogersMinnesota TwinsLHP1st
Shane Bieber, Yusei Kikuchi, and Pressly were selected but inactive.

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. 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. 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.
PositionPlayerTeamAll-Star Appearances
CSan Francisco Giants7th
1B5th
2B2nd
3BSt. Louis Cardinals4th
SSFernando Tatis Jr.San Diego Padres1st
OF2nd
OFPhiladelphia Phillies6th
OF5th
DH2nd
The reserve position players, totaling eight selections made via player ballots (50%), manager input, and commissioner office choices to fill positional needs, were announced on July 4. These included first-time All-Stars like and , reflecting depth in infield utility and outfield production from the Giants and Reds, respectively. One additional and balanced infield/outfield representation ensured flexibility for the game at .
Position CategoryPlayerTeamAll-Star Appearances
CPhiladelphia Phillies3rd
INFChicago Cubs3rd
INFSan Francisco Giants2nd
INF2nd
INFSan Francisco Giants1st
OF3rd
OF1st
OF1st
Ronald Acuña Jr. was placed on the inactive list due to a torn ACL suffered on July 4, rendering him unavailable for the July 13 game, though no direct replacement was named for the starting outfield spot as managers adjusted lineups accordingly. No other starting or reserve position players opted out or were injured prior to roster finalization.

Unique Selections, Absences, and Roster Dynamics

of the Los Angeles Angels became the first player in 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 , 16 home runs, and 40 RBIs as a hitter. 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 . Other unique selections included of the , the first Pirates to start an All-Star Game since in 1967, underscoring positional rarities in voting outcomes. The 2021 rosters featured 41 first-time All-Stars, a notably high number that included standouts such as , , and in the starting infield—marking three debut starters for the AL—along with reserves like , , and . In the National League, newcomers comprised players like , Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and , driven by strong midseason performances and fan/player ballots that favored emerging talents over repeat selections in some cases. 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. Key absences included of the New York Mets, who opted out entirely, as well as Houston Astros reserves , , , and , all of whom declined participation citing health concerns or family obligations, leaving the Astros unrepresented for the first time since 1965. Injuries sidelined stars like Mike Trout (Angels, calf strain), (Dodgers, hip issue), (Padres), (Yankees), and (Braves), prompting multiple replacements such as for deGrom, , and . These dynamics led to a fluid roster process, with MLB Commissioner approving substitutions to maintain competitive balance, though critics noted the opt-outs diminished the event's prestige by prioritizing player rest over fan expectations.

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. Eight participants competed in a single-elimination bracket with head-to-head matchups seeded by regular-season home run totals entering the event. 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. 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. In the first round, of the set a single-round record with 35 s to defeat Salvador Perez of the , who hit 28. of the outlasted of the , 31–28, after the pair tied in regulation and a one-minute swing-off (both hitting six home runs); then went 3-for-3 in a three-swing tiebreaker to Ohtani's one. of the Orioles advanced by hitting 24 home runs to Matt Olson's 23 for the , including a streak of 11 consecutive homers. of the Colorado Rockies, benefiting from home-field conditions, defeated of the New York Yankees, 21–19, with a 518-foot home run among his output. The semifinals pitted the first-round winners per bracket seeding. Alonso edged Soto, 16–15, in a close contest. Mancini advanced to the final by topping Story, 13–12. 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. The $1 million winner's prize more than doubled Alonso's prorated annual salary.
ParticipantTeamRound 1 HRsSemifinal HRsFinal HRsEvent Total
New York Mets35162374
Trey ManciniBaltimore Orioles24132259
Washington Nationals311546
Colorado Rockies211233
Los Angeles Angels2828
Salvador Perez2828
Atlanta Braves2323
Joey GalloNew York Yankees1919

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. 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. 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). Prior to the game, batting practice sessions served as informal prospect showcases, highlighting the raw power and skills of participants, with Álvarez and (Chicago Cubs) drawing particular attention for their long home runs during warmups. The game itself showcased emerging talent in a competitive format, broadcast on and streamed on MLB.com, emphasizing the developmental pipeline of MLB. The National League defeated the 8-3, powered by five home runs, including two from , who went 2-for-3 and earned the MVP Award for his standout performance. Additional National League home runs came from Álvarez and Toglia, who drove in two runs with his blast, contributing to the decisive victory. Key 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. 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 venue.

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 of the selected to start for the and of the for the National League. Ohtani's selection marked a historic dual role, as he also batted leadoff as the —the first instance of a player starting both on the mound and in the batting order for an . 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 and 130 strikeouts through 73 innings that season. 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 rule at . manager positioned power hitters like and in the middle of the order to capitalize on 's hitter-friendly conditions, while Roberts opted for speed and contact at the top with Fernando Tatis Jr. leading off for the NL.

American League Starting Lineup

OrderPlayerTeamPosition
1LAADH
2Vladimir Guerrero Jr.TOR1B
3BOSSS
4NYYRF
5BOS3B
6Salvador PerezKCRC
7José RamírezCLE2B
8HOULF
9BALCF

National League Starting Lineup

OrderPlayerTeamPosition
1Fernando Tatis Jr.SDPSS
2LADDH
3STL3B
4ATL1B
5CINRF
6CINLF
7PHIC
8ATL2B
9ATLCF
Both lineups reflected the fan-voted position player starters, with reserves available for substitutions after the starters' planned limited innings to preserve health. Ohtani and Scherzer each pitched one scoreless in their starts, aligning with the event's format emphasizing showcase over endurance.

Play-by-Play Summary of Key Innings and Moments

In the top of the first , American League starter retired the National League in order, striking out and while reaching a top speed of 100.2 mph on a to Arenado. Ohtani's scoreless frame set a strong tone for the AL staff, which limited the NL to two runs despite multiple late-game threats. 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. Scherzer escaped further damage, but the early run highlighted the AL's opportunistic baserunning in the thin air of Coors Field. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. provided the game's signature moment in the top of the third, launching a 468-foot solo 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. The blast, the longest in history at the time, underscored Guerrero's power surge during the 2021 season. The AL padded its advantage in the fourth inning, scoring two runs against reliever : crossed the plate on Guerrero Jr.'s groundout to second with advancing to second, followed by Mullins scoring on ' single to right, making it 4-0. This rally exploited Burnes' control issues early in his appearance, contributing to his no-decision in a losing effort. The National League responded in the bottom of the fifth with J.T. Realmuto's 430-foot solo to left off AL reliever Greg Soto, trimming the deficit to 4-1. 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. 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. Zunino's opposite-field power stroke mirrored Realmuto's earlier homer, as both catchers connected for long balls in a matchup of defensive specialists. Freddy Peralta delivered a pivotal sequence for the NL in the seventh, striking out the side—, , and —preventing any AL response and marking the first such feat by a Brewers in All-Star history. Despite the NL loading the bases in the sixth and eighth innings, they added just one more run via a , underscoring missed opportunities against AL relievers. 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. 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 pitch.

Box Score, Final Statistics, and Winning Margin

The All-Stars defeated the National League All-Stars 5–2 on July 13, 2021, at , marking an eighth consecutive victory for the AL and a winning margin of three runs. Team totals reflected a close contest in hits but AL superiority in run production and fielding:
TeamRuns (R)Hits (H)Errors (E)
AL All-Stars590
NL All-Stars281
The AL scored via two home runs—Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2 RBI in the third inning off Yu Darvish) and Mike Zunino (1 RBI in the fourth off Chris Bassitt)—plus timely singles and a double, without additional extra-base hits. The NL managed one home run by J. T. Realmuto (1 RBI in the fifth off Greg Soto) and scattered singles, including a double by Ozzie Albies, but stranded multiple runners. AL pitchers collectively delivered 9 innings, allowing 8 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 4 walks, and 3 strikeouts, with earning the win after a scoreless opening frame (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K). NL pitchers recorded 9 innings, 9 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, and 12 strikeouts, but took the loss after yielding 2 runs on 4 hits in 2 innings. No saves were recorded, and the game lasted 3 hours with 49,184 in attendance.

Post-Game Analysis and Legacy

Shohei Ohtani's Dual Role and MVP Considerations

became the first player in history to be selected for the as both a and a , earning the DH spot through fan voting and the pitching selection from player ballots. On July 13, 2021, at in , , he started for the as the and while also taking the mound for the opening inning, a dual configuration unprecedented in All-Star history. This arrangement highlighted Ohtani's rare two-way capabilities, drawing widespread attention to his versatility amid his breakout 2021 season with the Los Angeles Angels. In his pitching appearance, Ohtani delivered a perfect first inning, retiring the National League side in order on 11 pitches, including two strikeouts—one of Patrick Wisdom on a 100 mph fastball—and inducing a groundout from Trea Turner. At the plate, he went 0-for-2 with two groundouts, contributing no hits or runs but drawing attention for fulfilling both roles without injury concern. As the starting pitcher for the victorious (5-2 win), Ohtani earned the win, his first in an , underscoring the symbolic value of his performance despite the exhibition format's limited stakes. Ohtani emerged as a leading contender for All-Star Game MVP due to the historic dual-role execution and his pitching dominance, which set a tone for the AL's eighth consecutive victory. However, the award went to Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who hit a three-run home run in the third inning—his only at-bat—driving in all of the AL's runs and becoming the youngest MVP winner in All-Star history at age 22. Analysts noted that while Ohtani's novelty and effectiveness positioned him strongly, Guerrero's singular, game-shifting offensive contribution—accounting for the entire winning margin—proved decisive in voter considerations, as MVP selections in All-Star contexts often prioritize direct impact on the scoreline over broader innovation.

Attendance Figures, Broadcast Ratings, and Revenue

The 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at in , , attracted an attendance of 49,184 spectators, marking a significant gathering amid ongoing restrictions that limited capacities at many venues earlier in the season. This figure represented near-full utilization of the stadium's adjusted capacity protocols, with tickets selling out well in advance despite the event's relocation from due to MLB's voting rights dispute. Broadcast on , the game averaged 8.24 million viewers, a 1% increase from the 8.14 million in , though it ranked as the second-lowest viewed in recent history excluding the canceled 2020 edition. Nielsen data indicated a 4.5 rating, reflecting steady but not exceptional , bolstered by the game's high-scoring outcome and Shohei Ohtani's participation. Revenue details for the event remain opaque, as MLB discontinued public estimates of economic impact following criticism from economists who argued prior claims overstated benefits through flawed multiplier effects and ignored crowd displacement. Colorado Governor projected a local economic boost of $100 million to $190 million from the All-Star festivities, including and spending, but such figures align with patterns of host-city optimism rather than rigorous , with independent studies of comparable events estimating direct gains closer to $4 million to $9 million after netting out substitutions. No official MLB revenue breakdown—encompassing sponsorships, , or —was released, though the viewership uptick likely contributed modestly to Fox's ad sales in a recovering post-pandemic .

Political Repercussions and MLB's Ongoing Relations with Stakeholders

The relocation of the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game from to on April 2, 2021, stemmed from MLB's opposition to Georgia's (SB 202), signed into law by Governor on March 25, 2021. The legislation introduced measures including voter ID requirements for absentee ballots, restrictions on unsupervised drop boxes to one per 100,000 voters, and prohibitions on giving food or water to voters waiting in line, which proponents described as safeguards against irregularities observed in the election, such as expanded mail-in voting vulnerabilities. MLB Commissioner stated that the league "fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ," framing the move as a stand against perceived disenfranchisement. The decision provoked immediate backlash from conservative politicians and commentators, who viewed it as capitulation to partisan pressure amid unsubstantiated claims of voter suppression. Former President urged supporters to "boycott baseball and all of the woke companies that are going along with this travesty," while host criticized MLB for prioritizing politics over sport. Republican lawmakers, including House Minority Leader , threatened to revisit MLB's longstanding antitrust exemption, and Georgia officials like Secretary of State condemned the action as punishing the state for enhancing election security. In contrast, Democratic figures such as President , who labeled the law "Jim Crow in the 21st century," and activist praised MLB's stance. Calls for conservative boycotts ensued, though empirical data indicated limited tangible impact, with the game's television viewership at 8.2 million—up 1% from despite broader trends in declining audiences—and no significant attendance drop attributable to the controversy. Subsequent elections in Georgia demonstrated record voter turnout under SB 202, with officials reporting no widespread suppression; for instance, the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential election saw participation rates comparable to or exceeding pre-2021 levels, countering narratives of disenfranchisement propagated by some media and advocacy groups. Critics of MLB highlighted inconsistencies, noting that —selected as the new host—imposes stricter photo ID requirements for all voting methods, including in-person, unlike Georgia's absentee-focused mandates. Ongoing relations with stakeholders reflected strained ties with Republican-led entities: the Job Creators Network filed a $1 billion lawsuit in June 2021 demanding the game's return, which MLB dismissed as "political theatrics." While no formal boycott materialized to disrupt league operations, the episode underscored MLB's navigation of cultural divides, prompting Commissioner Manfred to emphasize in later statements a preference for depoliticizing the sport amid persistent conservative skepticism toward the league's institutional alignments.

Long-Term Reflections Including 2025 Atlanta Return

The 2021 relocation of the from to elicited enduring criticism from conservative politicians and commentators, who argued that MLB's action was a capitulation to unsubstantiated claims of voter suppression under Georgia's Election Integrity Act (SB 202), prioritizing political signaling over empirical evidence. Former President urged a of MLB, labeling the decision an example of "" overreach that alienated fans, while Governor accused the league of endorsing "liberal lies" about the law's effects. This backlash contributed to perceptions of MLB as increasingly politicized, with some analysts noting a subsequent dip in viewership and fan engagement amid broader cultural debates over corporate involvement in elections. Empirical assessments of SB 202's impact revealed no systemic suppression of turnout, as Georgia recorded record volumes in the midterm elections—over 3 million ballots cast—and similarly high participation in 2024, exceeding pre-2020 levels when adjusted for pandemic-era mail-in surges. While advocacy groups like the Brennan Center documented a 3-percentage-point widening of the white-Black turnout gap in 2024, neutral analyses, including those from state election officials, attributed this to multifaceted factors such as reduced mobilization efforts rather than legal barriers, with requests and overall remaining robust. Economic projections of a $100 million loss to from the relocation were widely critiqued as inflated, with studies indicating that such event multipliers often overestimate net benefits due to displaced local spending. MLB's announcement on November 16, 2023, awarding the 2025 and to signaled a reversal, occurring without amendments to SB 202 and prompting Kemp to affirm the law's role in safeguarding election integrity. Commissioner cited the Braves' venue upgrades and fan enthusiasm as selection criteria, sidestepping direct commentary on the 2021 controversy, though observers interpreted the return as tacit acknowledgment that initial protests lacked lasting justification amid demonstrated electoral functionality. This development underscored MLB's shift away from high-profile political stances, potentially mitigating from the prior episode while highlighting the transient nature of corporate activism when confronted with sustained voter access data.

References

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