The 1971 All Star Game was a classic game.
After nine consecutive losing appearances, the American League appeared to be on their way to yet another disappointing loss. The National League jumped out 3-0, but the American League came back in the bottom of the third and, for the first time since 1964, actually took the lead. Luis Aparicio led off with a single and Earl Weaver sent up Reggie Jackson, who was in only his fourth full season. Jackson made his at-bat debut with a homerun that struck a light tower on Tiger Stadium's roof some 520 feet from home plate. It was just a preview of what was to come from the future hall of famer.
Reggie hits one of the light standard in Tigers Stadium in the 1971 All Star game off Pirate Dock Ellis.
My all time favorite for sheer drama is still the 1970 game.
The American League entered the 1970's determined to break the embarrassing seven-game losing streak that had plagued them throughout the previous decade.
American League manager Earl Weaver anticipated strong pitching as their best chance against the National League's power hitters. It appeared to be working as a pitcher's duel dominated the majority of the game. Finally, the streak appeared to be a bad memory as the American League took a 4-1 lead going into the bottom of the ninth.
Then it happened... The National League hooked into Catfish Hunter, who gave up a lead-off home run to Dick Dietz. Singles by the next three batters followed and a Roberto Clemente sacrifice put the game into extra innings. In the bottom of the twelfth, Pete Rose singled, then went to second on another single by Billy Grabarkewitz. Jim Hickman lined a single to center and Amos Otis charged the ball, firing a rocket to the plate for a play on Rose. Fosse tried mightily to block the plate, but Rose was determined to score and it was no contest. He bowled over Fosse, who was dazed by the collision, and scored the winning run. A new decade had begun, but the same results echoed on. Once again, the National League had come from behind to snatch another victory from the Americans.
All I can hope is this years game has some of those memorable moments.
Enjoy !
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