Latest news with #MLBAllStarGame
New York Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
MLB to use Automated Ball-Strike system during All-Star game: Sources
The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system that MLB rolled out during spring training and has been used in the minor leagues will be getting primetime treatment, as the ABS system will be used at the MLB All-Star Game for the first time, league sources told The Athletic. The All-Star Game is next Tuesday in Atlanta. Advertisement As was the case in spring training, teams will be given two challenges, with retention if their challenge is upheld. Pitchers, catchers and hitters can challenge ball-strike calls. Challenges must be made immediately after a ball or strike call is made. MLB hasn't announced a timeframe for when the ABS system might be used in regular-season games, but this could be another step towards making that a reality. The system has been used at the Triple-A level since midway through the 2024 season, and major leaguers got the opportunity to test it out this spring, where walks were up slightly and strikeouts were down slightly. Not surprisingly, run scoring was up slightly, as well. The Athletic's Jayson Stark spoke with players about their experience with the ABS system this spring and got a variety of responses. Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto told Stark he had mixed feelings about the system. 'I like it as a hitter,' Realmuto said. 'I don't really like it as a catcher as much, just because I think it takes part of the game away, part of the catcher position. Framing is still going to matter, but it's not going to be as big of a deal. So that part I don't like. But as a hitter, I do like having the consistent strike zone.' Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers told Stark he felt the strike zone was smaller. So, what is the ABS strike zone exactly? As it turns out, it plays a little differently than the traditional human strike zone. The All-Star Game hasn't traditionally been filled with much controversy, especially when it comes to balls and strikes, so it remains to be seen how much players will call on the ABS system to challenge calls during the game itself. But it could give fans a preview of what everyday MLB games will be like in the near future.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mets slugger Pete Alonso won't take part in 2025 Home Run Derby
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Two-time Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso won't be going for title No. 3 at this year's MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. The New York Mets first baseman has declined an invitation to the July 14 slugfest, ending his five-year streak of participating. Alonso won the competition in 2019 and 2021. Advertisement "I just decided not to do it this year," Alonso told reporters on Sunday, July 6. "I have never really fully enjoyed the three off days, so I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win in the second half." Alonso will still be part of the festivities in Atlanta after being selected to the NL All-Star team for the fifth time. Alonso is off to an excellent start this season, posting a .267/.380/.543 slash line with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs. "I'm in a groove with certain things. I definitely will do it again," he said of the Derby. "It doesn't mean no forever." Mets first baseman Pete Alonso flips his bat after hitting a three-run home run against the Dodgers in a June 4, 2025, game at Dodger Stadium. Kyle Schwarber declines HR Derby invite Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, who ranks third in the National League with 27 home runs, also said Sunday he won't compete in the Home Run Derby. Advertisement The three-time All-Star and two-time Derby participant could return next year though, especially with the festivities being held in Philadelphia. Schwarber is a free agent at the end of this season, but the Phillies are expected to make a strong bid to re-sign him. Other star players who've indicated they won't be taking part in the Derby include Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and last year's winner, Teoscar Hernandez. 2025 Home Run Derby participants So far, MLB has received commitments from four players for the eight open spots in the Home Run Derby: Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves James Wood, Washington Nationals Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins When is the 2025 All-Star Home Run Derby? MLB's Home Run Derby, held annually the day before the All-Star Game, will take place on Monday, July 14, from Truist Park in Atlanta. Advertisement How to watch 2025 All-Star Home Run Derby The Home Run Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN with Karl Ravech on play-by-play and Eduardo Perez and Todd Frazier providing commentary. Date/time: July 14 at 8 p.m. ET TV: ESPN Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pete Alonso passes on this year's All-Star Game Home Run Derby
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw gets heroic MLB All Star Game pick as legend despite injury comeback
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw gets heroic MLB All Star Game pick as legend despite injury comeback (Image via Getty) The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be held at Atlanta's Truist Park on July 15, and the hype is gaining momentum quickly. Among all the headlines in the run-up to it, one surprising announcement overshadowed them all a Dodgers icon, considered by some to have well past his All-Star days, has been given one final ride to the Midsummer Classic. And it wasn't through usual voting or stat-based choice it was through a rare pick made by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred himself. Commissioner Rob Manfred honors Clayton Kershaw with final All-Star appearance In a surprise even to Clayton Kershaw, the 37-year-old hurler has been included on the National League All-Star team as part of Manfred's rarely used "Legend Pick." Players who have consistently influenced the game have the token spot. — dodgers (@dodgers) It was Eleven-time All-Star Kershaw who was humble and appreciative of the invitation . "I'm extremely happy to get to go," Kershaw remarked with a smile. 'You never take for granted getting to go to an All-Star Game.' He admitted he hasn't 'pitched very much' this season due to ongoing recovery, but didn't hesitate when given the opportunity: 'I will never pass up the opportunity.' When questioned about how he discovered, Kershaw explained, "I don't know if Doc was thinking of surprise or not. But I had no idea until he said it." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was also involved in constructing the NL roster, was also a staunch supporter of the decision, adding, "It's not charity; it's something that's earned over a long period… what he's done for the game, on and off the field." 3,000 strikeouts make Clayton Kershaw's choice even sweeter Only days away from the All-Star selection announcement, Kershaw hit a mark that few pitchers ever reach. In Dodger Stadium on July 2, he became the 20th player in the history of Major League Baseball to achieve 3,000 career strikeouts. He did it in vintage Kershaw fashion with a pitch-perfect slider to retire Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox. Also Read: Clayton Kershaw Chronicles 3000th Strikeout Against The Chicago White Sox That was cemented into elite status, joining immortals such as Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia as among the best left-handed starters in the history of the game. "It was overwhelming," Kershaw said afterward. "I don't have a lot of great words other than that it was just really special." Since coming onto the scene with the Dodgers in 2008, Kershaw has amassed just about every prominent honor a pitcher can imagine: three Cy Youngs, an MVP, a no-hitter, a World Series crown, and now 3,000 strikeouts. This surprise All-Star selection just marks another chapter in an incredible career. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Quavo ‘Ready to Bring It Home' to Perform at The Players Party Ahead of 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta
With major league baseball quickly approaching the halfway point of the regular season, that only means one thing: The MLB All-Star Game is right around the corner. To celebrate the seminal midsummer classic, the MLBPA, Fanatics, The Topps Company and Lids are partnering to throw their star-studded event The Players Party, headlined by a special performance from Quavo on July 14 in Atlanta. More from Billboard Quavo's Rocket Foundation Hosts Brunch for Mothers Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence Amyl & The Sniffers Defend Bob Vylan, Kneecap Over Glastonbury Backlash Post Malone Falls Off Stage Mid-Toast During Arizona Show 'There's a unique energy when your city hosts something as big as the All-Star Game. Performing at the Players Party in Atlanta is my way of giving back to the place that raised me,' Quavo tells Billboard exclusively. 'This is bigger than music or sports — it's about celebrating the hustle, heart, and unity that define the A. Big thanks to the MLBPA, Fanatics, Topps & Lids for making it happen. I'm ready to bring it home!' Last year, The Players Party featured MLB heavy hitters Mookie Betts, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Shohei Ohtani. Similar to last year, The Players Event will offer guests an exclusive event hat with the chance to enhance with more than 10 unique pin and patch options. The Players Event will take place at Flourish Atlanta, following the Home Run Derby. Atlanta's hip-hop presence will be felt during MLB All-Star Week, after Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri shot commercials teasing the city's upcoming takeover, donning Braves jerseys. 'I'm excited to see it being in this city and how it feels different from when it's in other cities,' Ludacris told the MLB regarding the All-Star Game being held in his hometown. 'It was in Texas last year. And I don't remember the last time it was in Atlanta — 25 years ago? I'm celebrating my 25-year anniversary. So a lot has changed in 25 years, and I'm just excited to be in this city and see not only what MLB brings to it, but what we bring to MLB.' The MLB 2025 All-Star Game arrives at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mariners' Cal Raleigh to participate in MLB Home Run Derby amid historic 2025 pace
Cal Raleigh's storybook first half to the 2025 MLB season just received another uplifting twist. The Seattle Mariners catcher, who leads all major league players with 32 home runs, will be taking part in the Home Run Derby on July 14 as part of the MLB All-Star Game festivities at Truist Park outside Atlanta. Advertisement Raleigh announced the development on June 27 on social media, writing in a post on Instagram 'See you in Atlanta!' REQUIRED READING: MLB at the midway point: Cal Raleigh's HR pace could deny Aaron Judge a Triple Crown It's the first derby appearance for the 28-year-old Raleigh, who is two homers away from matching his career high for a season. Known affectionately as 'Big Dumper,' Raleigh became the first switch-hitter and first catcher in MLB history to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star Break. If Raleigh were to win, he would also become the first catcher and the first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby outright (as noted by switch-hitter Ruben Sierra tied with Eric Davis in 1989). Advertisement He becomes the second player in the event, joining Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., who committed to participate on June 25. Once in Georgia, he'll look to become the first catcher to ever win the derby, which began in 1985. The moment will carry some extra personal significance for Raleigh. His father, Todd, will be throwing to him and Raleigh, according to is hoping that his 15-year-old brother Todd Jr. will be catching behind him. Raleigh, a North Carolina native who went on to star at Florida State, grew up only about 150 miles from Truist Park and regularly played in the Atlanta area as a child and teenager. Advertisement NIGHTENGALE: MLB's best catcher Cal Raleigh smashes records. His biggest fan? The GOAT backstop. This season, Raleigh is batting .275 with 69 RBIs, 15 doubles and 47 walks. He will be the eighth Mariners player to take part in the derby, though Ken Griffey Jr. was the only one of that group to win it. "I'm excited to represent the Mariners and our fanbase," Raleigh said in a statement. "It will be extra special for me getting to do it in Atlanta, where I spent a lot of time playing baseball as a kid." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cal Raleigh to participate in MLB Home Run Derby
