For the first time in ages, the MLB All-Star game, thankfully, had zero to do with the postseason as the home field advantage once again goes to the team that has the best overall record in baseball.
The way that it should be.
Because that allows the All-Star Game to be nothing more than the fun exhibition—the break in the midst of a grueling 162-game schedule, that these players deserve.
And never was that laid back playful spirit of the game more apparent than in the top of the sixth inning last night when Seattle’s Nelson Cruzstrode up to the plate and didn’t ask home plate umpire Joe West for a time out, as much as for a moment of his time.
To pose for a cell phone picture with him!
Yup, turns out he had walked out to the plate with a cell phone in his back pocket…and yes, West was glad to oblige.
The picture was snapped by NL catcher Yadier Molina – but as good as the picture was, Molina’s best shot came in the bottom of the inning—when he drilled a solo shot to center to tie the game at 1 apiece.