The Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR) National Finals, which is a baseball and softball skills competition that provides boys and girls, ages seven to 14, the opportunity to showcase their pitching, hitting and running abilities, saw winners in four different age groups.
It did not take long after the final pitch of the 2010 All-Star Game for preparations to begin for the 2011 game, to be played at Chase Field in Phoenix.
This will be remembered as the year Brian McCann helped the National League end the longest drought in the history of Major League Baseball's All-Star Game. But we will remember Anaheim 2010 for so much more than that.
While he didn't stand out quite like he did in 2007, when he took home MVP honors, Ichiro Suzuki made his ninth start as a leadoff hitter in the All-Star Game, which set a new record.
The Yankees' 13-time All-Star, Alex Rodriguez, did not make an appearance in Tuesday's 81st Midsummer Classic, but the stars still shone in Anaheim from beginning to end.
With some help from right fielder Marlon Byrd, Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton worked around a leadoff single in the top of the ninth Tuesday night at Angel Stadium and earned the save in the National League's 3-1 win, its first since 1996.
Jose Valverde always celebrates his strikeouts a little, save situation or not. He was definitely going to celebrate these -- the three that came in the ninth of Tuesday's All-Star Game.
For the NL pennant winner, Brian McCann's hit means home-field advantage. And the weight of that benefit wasn't lost on any of the Braves' five All-Star representatives afterward.
It was an emotional, roller-coaster day for Commissioner Bud Selig, which began early with a phone call telling him that Yankees owner George Steinbrenner had died and ended with him presenting the All-Star Game MVP trophy -- a glass bat -- to National League catcher Brian McCann.
The Junior Circuit's 13-game undefeated streak in the All-Star Game came to an end on Tuesday, and with it the NL clinched home-field advantage in the World Series for the first time since 2001. And nearly every key player in the win has reason to think that advantage might benefit his own team.
Matt Thornton's first All-Star appearance will put him in a special place in Midsummer Classic history, but one he probably would've rather avoided.
Three Blue Jays migrated to Angel Stadium for the All-Star Game, and while they might have come out on the short end of the 3-1 NL win, all three saw action and said they relished the experience.
Marlins right-hander Josh Johnson was able to participate in the All-Star festivities for the second consecutive year, but he calls this year the best for two reasons.
Brian McCann doubled in all three of the NL's runs in the seventh inning of the 3-1 victory in the 81st All-Star Game and was named the Most Valuable Player.
Fans voted Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina into the All-Star Game, but it was teammate Matt Holliday who came up with the biggest hit by a Redbird in the National League's 3-1 win on Tuesday night.
Winners laugh, it's often said. So it was a jovial Giants trio that reveled in the National League's 3-1 victory over the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game.
The clock finally struck midnight for Cinderella. The American League stepped out of its glass slipper Tuesday night and no longer owns the All-Star Game.
A night earlier, David Ortiz was in his element, swinging for the fences and carting home the trophy that crowned him the champion of the State Farm Home Run Derby.
All-Star Game MVP Brian McCann hit a two-out, three-run double in the seventh and the NL withstood an AL rally in the ninth to win its first Midsummer Classic since 1996, 3-1.
Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd had not played in right field all season, but there he was in the ninth inning, with the 81st All-Star Game on the line. In perfect position to make a bit of history.
It was exactly the type of situation Angels center fielder Torii Hunter dreamed about heading into Tuesday's 81st MLB All-Star Game at Angel Stadium.
The Yankees brought their pinstripes to Angel Stadium for Tuesday's All-Star Game en masse, playing notable roles in the American League's 3-1 loss to the National League.
The National League decided it had suffered in the All-Star Game long enough Tuesday, and the pitchers took it into their own hands to snap a 13-year winless streak in the Midsummer Classic.
The 81st All-Star Game ended with the tying run at home plate for the American League and baseball's active home run leader on the bench.
The Reds had more than one reason to savor the National League's 3-1 triumph over the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game.
Los Angeles-born Ryan Braun is already an All-Star veteran, but he had one of those "is this really happening?" moments on Tuesday morning during a parade that carried players through Disneyland.
Ty Wigginton didn't get a hit or make a diving stop in his first All-Star Game, but he left Anaheim with a smile on his face and memories for a lifetime.
A numerical look at the 81st All-Star Game at Angel Stadium on July 13, 2010, won by the National League, 3-1.
Ubaldo Jimenez won a battle with his emotions and delivered two scoreless innings in the National League's 3-1 victory in Tuesday's All-Star Game.
Both Roy Halladay and Ryan Howard felt good to be part of the NL All-Star team that snapped the losing streak against the AL with Tuesday's 3-1 victory in Anaheim. Both were happy to see Charlie Manuel manage the team that did it.
Joakim Soria will have to be content with being the Major League leader in saves. He did not get to demonstrate what got him to the top of the list on Tuesday night in the All-Star Game.
Michael Bourn knew a couple of innings early that he would be entering the 81st All-Star Game in the eighth inning. Still, when you're participating in your first Midsummer Classic there are bound to be plenty of butterflies in your stomach.
The two days of thrills and excitement coming from Paul Konerko's fourth All-Star appearance and Matt Thornton's All-Star debut came to an end Tuesday night via the National League's 3-1 victory at Angel Stadium.
Asked about his assignment in Tuesday night's All-Star Game, holding onto a slender lead in a high-visibility, high-stakes game, Adam Wainwright grinned. He repeated the word "yeah" about three times. He laughed. Wainwright lives for situations like the one he faced on Tuesday.
In his All-Star debut, an elated Matt Capps picked up the victory as the NL defeated the AL, 3-1, at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. The victory broke the NL's 13-game losing streak as Capps became the first NL pitcher to win since John Smoltz in 1996.
The Rangers are known for their big moments in the All-Star Game. The stage was set for one more on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium.
Now that he's gotten a taste of the All-Star Game experience, D-backs outfielder Chris Young cannot wait for another.
Angel Stadium was a destination point for Padres closer Heath Bell, who grew up in the area and watched Reggie Jackson, Brian Downing and Bob Boone. Bell retired the only batter he faced in Tuesday's 3-1 National League victory in the All-Star Game.
Andrew Bailey came up big for the American League ending the National League's decisive three-run rally in the seventh inning by fanning Brandon Phillips in the All-Star Game on Tueday.
Despite a 3-1 setback to the National League, all four Rays All-Stars left Anaheim with lasting memories.
Twins catcher and top All-Star vote-getter Joe Mauer went 0-for-2 and reached on an error Tuesday in the 81st Midsummer Classic before being pulled at the conclusion of the fifth inning for John Buck.
David Wright's two hits in two at-bats provided most of the NL's offense in the early innings. He reached on an infield single in the second inning to extend his All-Star Game hitting streak to five games.
Major League Baseball fans are starring in another commercial. Remember the "Priceless" spot that was filmed live by MasterCard Worldwide and Stand Up To Cancer during Game 3 of the 2009 World Series at Philadelphia? They did it again after the sixth inning of the 81st All-Star Game at Angel Stadium on Tuesday.
American and National League All-Stars mingling through a crowd of 30 People All-Stars Among Us could be the scene of the All-Star game, along with other events from the pregame festivities.
Players and their families were excited to ride in the parade during Major League Baseball's sixth annual Red Carpet Show.
Unsurprisingly, Torii Hunter drew the loudest screams from the Little Leaguers gathered on the diamond in Santa Ana on Tuesday morning, but they were excited to see all of the All-Stars.
With each home run, the total increased, and the donation to the Anaheim-area Boys and Girls Clubs became even greater, impacting countless youths throughout the region.
David Ortiz took his rebound to the national level on Monday night, winning the State Farm Home Run Derby with a confident display of power that recalled memories of when Big Papi was at his peak in the mid 2000s.
First and second place in the State Farm Home Run Derby were both taken by Dominicans, close friends covering two baseball generations -- veteran David Ortiz and young star Hanley Ramirez.
Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera finished fourth in this year's State Farm Home Run Derby with 12 home runs, but his tape-measure power provided some of the bigger home runs of the competition Monday night at Angel Stadium.
Capping his 32-homer night, David Ortiz launched 11 home runs in the final round of Monday's competition to outslug Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez and claim the Home Run Derby crown.
Welcome to Angel Stadium and the 2010 All-Star Game, where the gap between the AL and NL appears to be narrowing to a razor's edge. Irresistible force, meet the immovable object.
Jose Valverde has become a star of sorts for his save celebrations. Come Tuesday, he could get a chance to celebrate a save in the All-Star Game.
Matt Holliday hit five home runs in the first round of the 2010 State Farm Home Run Derby on Monday, leaving him two long balls short of advancing to the second round.
Corey Hart finished third in the Home Run Derby on Monday in Anaheim. Hart belted a first-round high of 13, but then hit none in the second round.
If there had to be one person Hanley Ramirez didn't mind falling to in the Home Run Derby on Monday, it was his friend, David Ortiz, who beat the Marlins' All-Star in the finals.
Comedian and lifelong Angels fan Will Ferrell made a promotional appearance for his upcoming film, "The Other Guys," during the 2010 Home Run Derby at Angel Stadium.
Andrew Bailey and Trevor Cahill are glad to be sharing this year's All-Star experience, though their paths could diverge sharply as the game unfolds.
Nick Swisher smacked four homers into the far reaches of right field at Angel Stadium in the Home Run Derby on Monday night -- not enough to advance past the first round, but plenty to leave the Yankees' right fielder feeling good about the experience.
It's not just that Vernon Wells was knocked out of the first round after hitting just two home runs at Angel Stadium on Monday. Wells, battling the late afternoon Southern California sun and shadows, saw just 18 pitches during his time at the plate.
Part of what makes the All-Star Game great are the matchups or pairings you wouldn't see in the regular season. For example: Giants right-handers Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson pitching out of the bullpen for the National League All-Stars on Tuesday.
Chris Young joked that his line-drive swing was intact after his one-homer performance in the Home Run Derby, but his modest performance did nothing to take away from the experience.
David Price is just one of the youngsters that have burst onto the scene in 2010 with their guns blazing, defining a season graybeards are calling "The Year of the Pitcher."
Troy Tulowitzki will miss Tuesday's All-Star Game with a fractured left wrist. He's mainly going to spend the time talking baseball with the game's greats, but in his heart he'll be on the field.
The Rangers, at least in the past decade, usually don't walk away from an All-Star Game without having a significant impact on events, and they are well-positioned to do so again on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium.
All-Star week is especially sweet for Chris Young, who only a year ago was searching for his confidence with a .196 average during the Midsummer Classic.
Owners of the National League's best record, the Braves saw five of their players earn All-Star selections this year, their most since sending seven to the 2003 Midsummer Classic.
Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez's historic first half earned him the start for the National League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game at Angel Stadium.
The People All-Stars Among Us, gathered in a ballroom in advance of their coming-out party Tuesday night before Major League Baseball's 81st All-Star Game are everyday heroes who are not out for this kind of publicity and attention.
Roy Halladay, who joined teammate Ryan Howard at the National League All-Star media availability Monday, is excited for the All-Star Game and optimistic for the second half.
As Dodgers manager Joe Torre says, it's an imperfect system. And up until Sunday, two days before the 81st All-Star Game, his players were on the short end.
They might as well call him Mayor Hunter for the next few days. "I'm shaking hands, saying `hi' to everybody, kissing babies," Angels center fielder and clubhouse centerpiece Torii Hunter said, beaming.
Three-fourths of the Cincinnati infield -- Joey Votto, Scott Rolen and Brandon Phillips -- will be fortifying the National League's roster for Tuesday's All-Star Game at Angel Stadium.
With three players in the starting lineup and their closer possibly pitching the ninth inning, the Rays could have a big say in the outcome of Tuesday's All-Star Game.
It seemed that Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre was off the American League's All-Star team and Texas' Michael Young was in as a replacement. But not long after, Beltre reclaimed the roster spot that he truly never lost.
As he looked around the ballroom during media day, Astros outfielder Michael Bourn felt like a rookie all over again, and the lack of attention did not bother Bourn, who was selected for his first All-Star Game.
Commissioner Bud Selig answered a variety of questions -- some submitted online, others asked by those among an overflow crowd -- during a his 10th annual Town Hall-type event Tuesday at All-Star FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Dustin Pedroia's crutches sat on the ground next to him, serving as a reminder of his spectator-only status at this year's All-Star Game. Victor Martinez held court with a bandaged splint still covering the fractured tip of his left thumb.
David Wright and Jose Reyes, the Mets' two representatives on the NL All-Star team, think it would have been nice to have more of their teammates with them in Anaheim.
While the Tigers ended up with three players at this year's Midsummer Classic, including Justin Verlander and Jose Valverde, much of Detroit's focus will be on Miguel Cabrera, who seems to be settling into the All-Star spotlight.
Matt Thornton was an unlikely pick as a setup man in a game for which few get selected to go; Paul Konerko needed an injury to another star to get in despite posting stellar numbers in his own right. But both have defied the odds like their White Sox and are ready to enjoy the All-Star Game.
This is the second straight season the Marlins are represented at the Midsummer Classic by two of the top young talents in the game. Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson -- both 26-years-old -- are the faces of the franchise.
Still a hit machine at age 36, Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is just as excited to play in his 10th straight All-Star Game as he was for his first.
Albert Pujols chartered the jet that carried the five Redbirds west on Sunday. It's the largest cadre of Cardinals All-Stars since the reigning National League champions sent six players to Detroit in 2005.
Marlon Byrd will be representing the Cubs in the 81st annual All-Star Game on Tuesday night in Anaheim in his first appearance in Major League Baseball's Midsummer Classic.
Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell, representing the Padres in the All-Star Game for the second straight year, are both hoping they can be part of helping the National League break its losing streak.
Corey Hart was not in the Opening Day lineup and left off the All-Star ballot. Ryan Braun has struggled at the plate. Yovani Gallardo is injured. But all three are All-Stars.
Nationals closer Matt Capps was having brunch with his family and friends Monday when he saw several All-Stars walking in and out of the restaurant. It was at that moment he was thinking about his dad, Mike.
During a news conference on Monday, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel announced his National League starting lineup and starting pitcher for Tuesday's All-Star Game at Angel Stadium.
The Orioles' Ty Wigginton might be the club's lone representative at this year's All-Star Game, but Tigers outfielder Johnny Damon is glad the utility man was selected to his first Midsummer Classic because he "plays the game the right way."
Some people will look at Fausto Carmona's numbers (8-7, 3.64 ERA) and wonder what he's doing in the All-Star Game. But as far as the Indians are concerned, the 26-year-old Carmona has earned this first visit to the Midsummer Classic.
David Price's numbers, combined with his high-octane stuff and maturity, made him the logical candidate to start for the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game.
Tuesday's All-Star Game and all the preceding festivities are a celebration, and for the eight Yankees All-Stars -- seven of whom are soaking up the sunshine, with Mariano Rivera out due to injury -- there's no reason not to love a few more days on the West Coast.
Joakim Soria is thrilled to be an American League All-Star for the second time. The only downside is that this time he won't get to sit in the bullpen with the Yankees' Mariano Rivera.
A little more than five hours before Sidney Holland was to throw the first pitch of Monday's State Farm Home Run Derby to Chris Young, the eight participants gathered for a brief, yet jovial, press conference.
Vernon Wells was held back by a right wrist injury that was corrected with offseason surgery, and now he is once again an All-Star, joined by teammates John Buck and Jose Bautista in Anaheim. It is their first All-Star experience and the third for Wells.
Surrounded by the game's best, Evan Meek said it was all beginning to sink in. Still, as Meek spoke to reporters on Monday afternoon, there were plenty of reminders that this was, indeed, a first-time experience.
Bob Sheppard's voice lives on with Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium. Now it will travel with him to Southern California.
Under the bright lights of the Marriott ballroom on Monday morning, American League manager Joe Girardi and National League skipper Charlie Manuel made their tough calls a matter of record, revealing the starting pitchers and starting lineups for Tuesday's Midsummer Classic.
The Senior Circuit heads into the 81st rendition of the Midsummer Classic with a rather large monkey on its back, one that comes in the form of a seven-game losing streak to the American League, which is actually 12 if you discount 2002's 7-7 tie at Miller Park in Milwaukee.
Even before the 2010 All-Stars got going in their morning news conferences Monday, Joe Mauer was on his game. The cover boy of MLB 10 The Show on Playstation 3 was at the Playstation Patrol Truck at 8 a.m. PT, getting the day's FanFest off to a quick start.
It was perhaps the most difficult assignment that Joe Girardi had on his plate in preparing for Tuesday's All-Star Game, and it happened to be the same task that he tackles each day as the manager of the Yankees.
The All-Star Game returns to Anaheim for the first time in 21 years and the third time in the Angels' 49-year history on Tuesday. But this one is particularly significant to Arte Moreno, who has enjoyed a great run of success since he purchased the team from Disney in 2003.
If we, the Home Run Derby fans, had our way, this haven for home runs would be inhabited by only the creme de la creme of competitors and would have all the drama of Game 7 of the World Series.
As the rosters came together for the 2010 All-Star Game, to be played July 13 in Anaheim, a few more names appeared to be etching their way into being annual fixtures on the game's most prestigious guest list.
Bo Jackson knows about home runs. Especially right here at Angel Stadium, where the State Farm Home Run Derby now takes center stage Monday night amid a fabulous All-Star Week in Anaheim.
Hank Conger, Mike Trout and Luis Jimenez all took full advantage of their time in the Futures Game, combining for four hits, three RBIs and three runs scored Sunday in the 9-1 U.S. triumph.
MC Hammer's American League team beat the National League, 15-11, and former Angels slugger Tim Salmon took MVP honors with two home runs. But that really wasn't the point on Sunday.
Grant Green might have had the biggest cheering section among any of the participants in Sunday's XM All-Star Futures Game. But that only partly explained why the A's prospect enjoyed himself so much.
Padres pitching prospect Simon Castro has made great strides the past two years, and his progress has not gone unnoticed.
Carlos Peguero, the Mariners' outfield prospect and power prodigy, went the distance for the World in Sunday's XM All-Star Futures Game.
Rays prospect Jeremy Hellickson pitched on his biggest stage yet on Sunday when he started for the U.S. Team in the XM All-Star Futures Game at Angel Stadium -- and again he shined.
Both of the Giants' prospects who participated in Sunday's XM All-Star Futures Game distinguished themselves in their brief exposure.
The moment CC Sabathia in Seattle and Jered Weaver and Trevor Cahill in Oakland delivered their first pitches on Sunday, the AL's pitching staff for Tuesday night's Major League All-Star Game at Angel Stadium began to take its final form.
Domonic Brown said he simply felt some tightness coming out of the batter's box on an infield single in Sunday's Futures Game, and that he did not want to push it.
Hank Conger gave Angels fans a sneak preview of his offensive potential with a three-run homer in the fifth inning, turning a Futures Game pitchers' duel into a U.S. runaway for a 9-1 victory Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium.
Angels prospect Hank Conger captured the XM All-Star Futures Game MVP on Sunday at Angel Stadium.
Willin Rosario was one of two Rockies prospects to appear in the game -- a 9-1 USA victory. Left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich, pitching for the USA, faced one batter and coaxed a fly ball in the ninth inning.
In lieu of injured rookie Jayson Heyward being one of the youngest to play in an All-Star Game, Dodgers pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo will carry a different distinction to Anaheim: the first Taiwanese All-Star.
Pat Corrales, a senior assistant in player development for the Nationals, made a bold statement. He said shortstop Danny Espinosa is the best all-around prospect in the organization.
After Brett Lawrie emerged from an early season slump in his first season at Double-A Huntsville (Southern League), a second trip to the Futures Game was, in a sense, a reward for responding to some adversity.
Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer in the same lineup. It's something that Kansas City Royals' fans hope to see in the near future at Kauffman Stadium.
As he donned a black and gold hat and took the mound at Angel Stadium in Sunday's XM Futures Game, Bryan Morris did so as arguably the Pirates' most promising pitching prospect.
After missing the entire second half of last season with soreness in his pitching elbow, Reds Minor League reliever Philippe Valiquette has come back strong, with a performance that landed him on the World Team for the XM Futures Game held Sunday at Angel Stadium.
Reds prospect Yonder Alonso doesn't look at who is blocking him on the big league depth chart anymore. It seems he has finally found the perfect position: diplomat.
Tanner Scheppers, who pitched in Sunday's 2010 XM All-Star Futures Game at Angel Stadium for the U.S., knows there is a possibility he could be next pitcher with relatively little Minor League experience to debut with the Rangers this season.
Austin Romine, who played in Sunday's Futures Game, knows he sits second in line among Yankees Minor League catchers, but he tries to keep his focus on the field.
Sixteen starts into his professional career, Shelby Miller has already packed several seasons' worth of high-profile experience.
Don Baylor, now the Rockies' hitting coach, accomplished a career first on Sunday, when he handed in the lineup card as manager of Team USA at the XM All-Star Futures Game.
The All-Star FanFest kicked off Friday with a record total of 24,917 tickets sold. It's sure to get even better on Monday and Tuesday with several Hall of Famers and current big leaguers scheduled to make appearances.
Sunday's All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run near Angel Stadium raised over $200,000, as more than 9,000 runners joined together to fight cancer.
Of the eight sluggers participating in Monday's home run derby, six of them will be bringing along a hand-picked hurler for the event, including Matt Holliday, who'll try to take his brother deep.
It's no secret that the 81st All-Star Game on Tuesday will feature some of the best talent in the Majors. But it will also feature a star-studded cast of musicians and entertainers on hand to help cap the festivities.
Billy Wagner was appreciative Saturday night, when he received an invitation to compete in this year's All-Star Game. But the Braves' closer has decided he'd rather spend the next couple of days resting his sore right ankle.
Despite being a scratch for Tuesday's All-Star Game, Jose Reyes still plans to make the trip to Anaheim. Reyes, who missed the 2006 All-Star Game with an injury, expressed his desire to savor the unique experience with his family.
Despite coming up short in the Final Vote contest, White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is still going to be on the American League All-Star team it was announced on Saturday.
Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal was named on Saturday to the National League All-Star team as a replacement for injured Mets shortstop Jose Reyes.
Chris Young's All-Star experience just became a little more exciting, as the outfielder has been tabbed to participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby on Monday night at Angel Stadium.
Major League Baseball and the Angels teamed with Starlight Children's Foundation to donate a "Starlight Fun Center" to the Children's Hospital of Orange County on Saturday.
The field for the State Farm Home Run Derby is set, with the D-backs' Chris Young and the Yankees' Nick Swisher accepting the final two spots for their respective leagues.
The XM All-Star Futures Game is set to take place Sunday afternoon, and it's a staple in the weekend, a known quanitity, something every player in the Minor Leagues is familiar with and strives to participate in.
After reaggravating his strained right oblique and leaving Saturday's game against the Braves at Citi Field, Mets shortstop Jose Reyes will miss Tuesday's Midsummer Classic in Anaheim.
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau will not be taking part in this year's All-Star Game due to lingering concussion symptoms.
Nick Swisher couldn't believe what he was hearing. When Major League Baseball invited him to participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby, the Yankees slugger couldn't say no.
The State Farm Home Run Derby will introduce some new sluggers to the masses on Monday, when five players take part in the annual exhibition for the first time.
Major League Baseball, the Angels, Rebuilding Together and Bank of America celebrated the grand opening of the rehabilitated facilities of non-profit organization Mary's Kitchen on Saturday, as part of the festivities of MLB All-Star Week.
The 2010 Major League Baseball Jr. RBI Classic officially kicked off Friday night with a skills session and opening ceremony at Chapman University.
About 30 young children with special needs played a one-inning game in the outfield at Angel Stadium on Friday, hearing their names called and receiving cheers from the crowd as they rounded the bases.
Swinging for the fences won't mess up Hanley Ramirez.
Justin Morneau's headache still had not gone away by Friday afternoon and the first baseman is now questionable for not only the rest of the Twins' series against the Tigers this weekend, but also for next week's All-Star Game due to his lingering concussion symptoms.
After a long recovery from a hamstring tear and a thyroid condition, Jose Reyes was named to his third All-Star team, a testament to not only his stats this season but all he's overcome.
Of the nearly 500 players who have played in the Futures Game, over 80 percent of them have gone on to reach the Major Leagues, including 73 that have become big league All-Stars.
Each year, Futures Game players wow fans with their bats, their speed, their gloves and their arms. This year will be no different, with many young players sure to thrill with their on-field exploits.
The 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Week officially is arriving in Anaheim on Friday with the start of MLB All-Star FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center.
While any hopes for a Triple Crown season were dashed by a finger injury, Andre Ethier's 2010 campaign is a success nonetheless, as he'll start in his first All-Star Game on Tuesday.
When the final out is recorded on July 13 at Angel Stadium, the American League All-Stars will be shaking hands and slapping backs in the middle of the infield.
Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher and Reds first baseman Joey Votto were chosen by fans on Thursday for the final two roster spots in Tuesday's All-Star Game.
Though 2010 has garnered acclaim as the "Year of the Pitcher," it's more accurately the year of a few particular pitchers. More specifically, it's the year of a few particular pitchers in the NL.
On Thursday, Major League Baseball announced that Hanley Ramirez has committed to participating in the 2010 State Farm Home Run Derby on Monday, July 12, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
Hall of Famer and All-Star FanFest spokesman Rod Carew hosted children from the local Boys & Girls Club on Thursday for a special sneak peek at Major League Baseball's All-Star FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Major League Baseball's 81st All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, and now at last it is time to find out who you chose as the 34th and final players on the American and National League rosters.
MLB, the host Angels and the Angels Baseball Foundation will host a series of community events leading up to the 81st Midsummer Classic, and will donate about $5 million from Gatorade Workout Day ticket sales to local and national charities.
As the countdown continues to the 81st All-Star Game, daydreams of anticipation grip the 68 players and field staffs chosen to represent the American and National Leagues in Major League Baseball's annual midsummer blowout.
Robinson Cano might always wonder how he would have performed in the State Farm Home Run Derby, but the Yankees slugger has accepted the reasoning that he drop out of Monday's competition.
Rays closer Rafael Soriano was named to the American League All-Star team on Wednesday as a replacement for Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who had to withdraw from the Midsummer Classic so he can rest his ailing left side and right knee.
In a conference call, MLB analysts Aaron Boone and Bobby Valentine along with ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions, Mike Ryan spoke about the Home-Run Derby, the Padres' unexpected first half and of course, Stephen Strasburg.
An anti-counterfeiting task force will crack down on the production and sale of counterfeit merchandise and tickets during the 2010 MLB All-Star Week in Anaheim.
The first five sluggers are ready to swing in the State Farm Home Run Derby. Miguel Cabrera, David Ortiz and Vernon Wells will represent the AL, and Corey Hart and Matt Holliday will compete for the NL.
For the first time in team history, the Rays had two players elected by the fans to the All-Star Game -- Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria. In addition, David Price was selected through the players vote.
Billy Wagner pitched for Phillies manager Charlie Manuel before and the two are longtime friends, but the Braves closer needs help in the Final Vote to become the 34th player on the National League All-Star roster.
Once viewed as a Los Angeles bedroom community with no central identity or focal point, Orange County's diverse towns have rallied around the Angels as a form of civic pride.
Nick Swisher regained his lead over Kevin Youkilis on Wednesday, setting the stage for a frantic final day of online fan balloting in the 2010 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint.
It was hard to hide the smile on Delmon Young's face Tuesday as he watched one of his teammates walk by in the visitor's clubhouse at Rogers Centre wearing a t-shirt with the slogan "Drive in Delmon Young" sprawled across the front.
Robinson Cano is among six Major Leaguers who have committed to participating in the 2010 State Farm Home Run Derby, Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday.
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has removed himself from the All-Star Game, citing injuries to his left side and his right knee.
The sixth annual MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Chevy will give fans the opportunity to see their favorite All-Stars, plus a couple of Hall of Famers, up close on the streets of Anaheim.
Matt Holliday might not seem like the most obvious choice to participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby, unless you've ever seen him take batting practice.
After a 2009 season in which he hit only 15 home runs with 66 RBIs, Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells was not only named to this year's American League All-Star team, but he will now also represent the AL in the State Farm Home Run Derby.
Miguel Cabrera wasn't exactly calling his shot on Tuesday when he confirmed his spot in next week's State Farm Home Run Derby, but he made it clear that he isn't just doing his part for All-Star festivities.
Red Sox slugger David Ortiz always swings for the fences, so it won't be much of an adjustment for him to participate in Monday night's State Farm Home Run Derby.
Corey Hart has tabbed Sandy Guerrero, the hitting coach at the Brewers' Triple-A Nashville affiliate, to serve as his pitcher in Monday's Home Run Derby.
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby.
Team marketing departments have decorated their websites, created T-shirts, started creative ad campaigns, planned giveaways, put together videos and even made alliances for the Final Vote.
The Brewers placed right-hander Yovani Gallardo on the 15-day disabled list with a left rib-cage strain and officially removed him from eligibility to participate in next week's All-Star Game.
Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis caught and passed right fielder Nick Swisher of the rival Yankees for the AL lead, while Joey Votto of the Reds maintained his NL edge.
With the 81st All-Star Game just a week away, the Angels are excited about hosting the event for the first time in 21 years.
The first All-Star experience of Clay Buchholz's career will be purely as a spectator. The righty will now officially be replaced on the American League squad, as the Red Sox placed the 10-game winner on the 15-day disabled list Mondaywith a left hamstring strain.
Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher and Reds first baseman Joey Votto are your early leaders after more than 10 million votes were registered in the opening 24 hours of the 2010 All-Star Game Final Vote.
Andy Pettitte walked out of Yankee Stadium on Sunday expecting that he'd at some point be named an All-Star. As he climbed a mound for his scheduled bullpen session a coast away the next afternoon, he knew for sure.
Rangers sluggers Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero both reiterated on Monday that they will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby. Guerrero won the 2007 Derby in 2007 and Hamilton was the star of the 2008 affair.
Red Sox slugger David Ortiz said before Monday night's game against the Rays that he will participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby on July 12 at Angel Stadium if he's asked.
Home runs are a big part of why Jose Bautista found his way onto the American League All-Star team, which was revealed on Sunday. His power showing currently has him atop Major League Baseball's home run leaderboard, leaving just one question for Bautista to answer: Would he be willing to slug it out in the State Farm Home Run Derby?
Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo will not pitch in the All-Star Game next week in Anaheim, manager Ken Macha said Monday.
If this truly is the last season of Billy Wagner's stellar career, his final opportunity to gain an All-Star selection now rests in the hands of the fans.
After a scintillating All-Star Selection Sunday, baseball fans are gearing up for the 2010 Final Vote, eager for their chance to punch two more tickets to Angel Stadium for the Midsummer Classic.
The Angels, host team for the 2010 Major League All-Star Game at Angel Stadium on July 13, will be represented by center fielder Torii Hunter in a reserve role on the American League squad.
The 2010 All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint is underway, lasting until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, and this one is set up as a real playoff-picture passion contest.
If you are a Major League Baseball player who needs a little extra boost from some of your friends -- and occasional enemies -- to be selected for the 81st All-Star Game on July 13 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, it's all about the Player Ballot.
Matt Thornton is no longer simply a talented left-handed specialist working out of the deep White Sox bullpen. The hard-throwing southpaw has been anointed as an All-Star.
Rangers third baseman Michael Young has been named one of the five Final Vote candidates for the 2010 All-Star Game, which fans can vote for either online or on their cellphone.
Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who swings one of the most prodigious bats in the NL, is headed to his third consecutive All-Star Game.
Heath Bell has saved 23 games this season for the surprising Padres and finds himself a candidate to return to the All-Star Game by way of the Final Vote.
Joe Girardi will have familiar faces in the home dugout at Angel Stadium on July 13, and the American League manager should have confidence in his middle infielders, as Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter have been voted into the starting lineup.
Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has a chance to make his second All-Star appearance, as he was named one of the finalists in the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on Sunday.
The State Farm Home Run Derby is one of sports' great opening acts, and the climax of next Monday's All-Star Workout Day activities will be suitably star-studded.
Nick Swisher has been selected as one of the five 2010 American League Final Vote candidates, needing one more push from the public to help him make his first All-Star roster.
Add the phrase All-Star to Matt Capps' resume. For the first time his in career, Capps is heading to the Midsummer Classic, as he was named to the National League squad on Sunday afternoon.
Joe Mauer, who was named the starting catcher for the American League on Sunday, was the leading overall vote-getter in Major League Baseball for the first time in his career, receiving 5,372,606 votes.
The Blue Jays will have a trio of players at Angel Stadium in Anaheim for this year's All-Star Game. Outfielders Vernon Wells and Jose Bautista, along with catcher John Buck, will represent Toronto on the American League's elite squad as reserves.
Justin Morneau will be a first-time starter for the American League at this year's All-Star Game on July 13 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim and his teammate, Joe Mauer, will start behind the plate.
The Tigers missed out on an All-Star starter, but they didn't miss out on All-Star firepower. While first baseman Miguel Cabrera earned his first All-Star selection as a member of the Tigers, Jose Valverde became the first Detroit closer to make the Midsummer Classic in 10 years.
Joining starters Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, pitchers Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter and outfielder Matt Holliday will represent the Cardinals at the All-Star Game.
Delmon Young may be considered by some of his teammates to be a star, but to earn his first trip to the July 13 All-Star Game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, he will need the help of the fans, as he's one of five American League Final Vote candidates.
Brewers slugger Corey Hart says he'll be swinging for the fences in the State Farm Home Run Derby.
The 66 All-Stars revealed on Sunday included 27 first-time selections divided nearly equally between the NL (15) and the AL.
Joakim Soria, the Royals' premier closer, on Sunday was named the team's only representative on the American League team for the July 13 Midsummer Classic at Anaheim, his second All-Star selection.
To get through the first 81 games of the season tied for the Major League lead in wins, the Red Sox needed contributions from a lot of different players. Six of them were recognized as American League All-Stars on Sunday.
While Kevin Youkilis was not selected as a starter or a reserve during Sunday's All-Star selection, he is one of five American League candidates for the Final Vote.
Ryan Braun has been voted an All-Star Game starter for the third consecutive season, while Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo and outfielder Corey Hart were also selected to the NL team.
Reds first baseman Joey Votto was named as one of five players that can make the National League All-Star squad via the 2010 All-Star Final Vote.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are six players in each league who undoubtedly were at least statistically deserving of All-Star berths for the 2010 game.
Ty Wigginton is headed to his first All-Star Game. Wigginton was selected as a reserve, and will be the lone O's representative at the 2010 All-Star Game in Anaheim. It marks the fifth straight year Baltimore has had just one player selected.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer, the leading vote-getter overall, and Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, who claimed the top spot in the National League, are among the All-Star starters.
Online voting has dramatically changed the balloting for the All-Star Game, and in this case the term "changed" basically means "improved."
One of the best starts to a season in recent baseball history was rewarded Sunday when right-handed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez was named to the National League squad for the 81st All-Star Game. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, hitting .306 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs before suffering a fractured left wrist, was also picked.
Trevor Cahill's name wasn't even on the A's Opening Day roster. Rather, he was on the disabled list, where he spent a couple of weeks nursing a stress reaction near his left scapula. Now, less than four months later, he's on the All-Star roster.
Pirates right-hander Evan Meek has been among the best relief pitchers in the Major Leagues this season, and on Sunday he was rewarded with a spot on the NL All-Star roster.
Ichiro Suzuki extended another one of his streaks on Sunday and left-hander Cliff Lee was rewarded for his impeccable control and finish-what-you-start mentality.
Injured second baseman Chase Utley was voted in as a starter for the fifth straight year, and he'll be joined on the NL All-Star team by ace Roy Halladay and first baseman Ryan Howard.
Jason Heyward, Martin Prado, Omar Infante, Tim Hudson and Brian McCann have all been elected or selected to represent the Braves at this year's All-Star Game, which will be held July 13 at Angel Stadium.
In July 2009, Chris Young was nearing the low point of his Major League career. One year later, the D-backs' outfielder is an All-Star, selected on Sunday as a reserve on the NL team.
Hanley Ramirez is the people's choice to represent the Marlins as the National League starting shortstop at the All-Star Game. Josh Johnson, meanwhile, was picked by his peers.
Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson were named Sunday to the National League's pitching staff for the July 13 All-Star Game at Anaheim.
There is still a chance that Jason Heyward will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to be in the National League's starting lineup for the July 13 All-Star Game at Angel Stadium.
Speedy Astros center fielder Michael Bourn was named to his first All-Star team on Sunday.
After a late surge over the final two weeks of online voting, David Wright was named the starting third baseman for the National League All-Star team. He will join Jose Reyes, the Mets' other representative on the NL squad.
Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier will start for and closer Jonathan Broxton was named to the National League squad for the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, to be played July 13 in Anaheim.
Third baseman Scott Rolen, second baseman Brandon Phillips and lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes were selected as reserves to the National League All-Star squad.
Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd was named to his first All-Star team on Sunday, selected in the balloting by the National League players, managers and coaches.
Fans are voting online at a frenzied pace ahead of the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline for the 2010 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot sponsored by Sprint. Here is a look at the races going down to the wire.
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