2011 MLB All-Star Game to lack shimmer as star players opt-out – Part 1
The highly-awaited Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game commences in just a few hours. The stars from the American League and the National League will go head-to-head at the Chase Field in Phoenix on Tuesday, July 12. The game will be preceded by a formal
procession outside the streets of Chase Field in what will be a grand reception of the stars. Some of the true stars, however, seem to be missing.
As the game got closer, some of the players were either lost to injury or to the infuriating “Sunday before” rule which restricts the pitchers from pitching in the All-Star Game who have pitched for their team in Sunday’s game. Some players, however, have
pulled-out of the Game without citing any concrete reason.
Derek Jeter, who recently made history by crossing 3000-hits for the New York Yankees, chose to sit out of the game after being elected by the fans as short-stop for the American League team. Jeter’s decision has come under a lot of scrutiny for the reason
that he was hitting brilliantly on Saturday when he reached the milestone but then wanted to miss Tuesday’s All-Star encounter to avoid being injured again after already undergoing a stint on the disabled list.
Critics have questioned Jeter about not making a presence at the Chase Field when thousands of fans who had voted for him will be present just to see him. Playing is not a necessity but his presence would have definitely enthralled his followers.
Jeter, nonetheless, has his own reasons for sitting out. He has served the game of baseball for 17 untiring years. He had been under a lot of pressure to achieve the 3000-hits and he mesmerised Yankee stadium when he finally accomplished it. Jeter has shown
no disrespect in opting out. His record is his testimony.
Jeter says that he has been drenched, emotionally and physically. He is exhausted and cannot stand being in the limelight for another 48 hours. He cannot afford to fly cross-country for an exhibition game and then to return for eight games on the road. Jeter
would prefer to take a break and make himself available for the Yankees for the second-half of the season, that too in good shape.
There have been rumours that some of the stars have missed the game intentionally. Well, that may be true to some extent. This may be their way of expressing regret over the All-Star rosters where deserving players have been left out.
The American League suffered another blow when star-closer Mariano Rivera from the New York Yankees pulled-out as well. Rivera has been to the All-Star team 12 times and has never allowed an earned run in his eight appearances at the star-fest. He has a
record four saves and his need will definitely be felt when the AL will need a pitcher for the ninth-inning.
Rivera has opted out of the game due to persistent shoulder soreness. He feared that he would not be able to give the AL team his 100 percent and did not want to disappoint the fans in case he fails to perform. He has been pitching at an ERA of 1.85 and
needs to carry on for the Yankees post All-Star break.
“It’s never an easy decision,” Rivera said. “I am proud of it, but at the same time you have to be wise.”
The fans will definitely miss his dynamic style on game day.
Continued in Part 2
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