Dodgers News: MLB Commissioner Discusses All-Star Game In LA
Outside of thrilling regular season and postseason games, Dodger Stadium has been devoid of an All-Star Game since 1980 and World Series since 1988. While the Los Angeles Dodgers control their own destiny in reaching the World Series, hosting an All-Star Game involves plenty of other external variables.
This season’s Midsummer Classic was awarded to Cincinnati Reds, with the San Diego Padres hosting in 2016, and Miami Marlins in 2017.
Former MLB commissioner Bud Selig said the Dodgers are deserving of an All-Star game and according to Eric Stephen of True Blue LA, current commissioner Rob Manfred said he’s held early talks over the Dodgers hosting the game with team president and CEO Stan Kasten:
I’ve had some preliminary conversations with Stan Kasten about an All-Star Game in LA. I’m aware of what the facts in terms of how long it’s been since there has been a game [in Los Angeles],” Manfred said. “Obviously, a market like LA, you can’t ask for a better showcase for the game, so more to follow on that one.”
The earliest the Dodgers conceivably could host the game is in 2018, though that appears doubtful when considering it will have been played in a National League stadium in three consecutive years.
Moreover, what may prove troublesome is MLB needing to fulfill commitments to teams that have recently built stadiums. They delivered in some regards with the 2013 game at Citi Field and last year’s at Target Field, and furthered their cause with the 2015 and 2016 games. However, that still leaves new Yankee Stadium and Nationals Park void of an All-Star Game.
What may somewhat expedite the Dodgers’ hosting an All-Star Game is if MLB shifts to a Super Bowl-like bidding process, which Manfred said he’s interested in doing.
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