With a two-run home run, Giancarlo Stanton became MVP of the 2022 MLB All-Star Game. The American League trailed 0-2 against the National League until Stanton hit his homer to tie during the fourth inning. Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins batted next and delivered a homer to give the American League their 3-2 edge.
Prior to the start of the All Star Game, the Dodgers paid homage to the legacy of Jackie Robinson. Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington delivered a speech about Robinson’s contributions to baseball and civil rights.
“On the field, he was the Rookie of the Year, the Most Valuable Player, a World Series Champion, and a seven-time All Star,” Washington said. “Beyond the field, Jackie Robinson challenged us to become better versions of ourselves, business leader, family man, activist, Hall of Famer.”
Mookie Betts paid tribute to Rachel Robinson, as the July 19 All Star Game is on the same day as her birthday. She is now 100 years old.
“I think that tribute there is probably what I’ll remember the most, it was very special for me to be able to mic it and say it,” Betts said.
Prior to the start of the MLB All Star Game, Mookie Betts leads the NL, AL teams and Dodgers Stadium in wishing Jackie Robinson’s wife, Rachel, a happy birthday. She turns 100 today. #ASG2022 #MLBAllStar pic.twitter.com/kaa8lACUt3
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) July 20, 2022
Dodgers players who were starters in the Midsummer Classic gave positive contributions to the National League team. Clayton Kershaw struck out one player and allowed a single while Mookie Betts hit an RBI single to put the team on the board in the first inning.
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Tony Gonsolin was on the mound in the fourth quarter when Stanton and Buxton slugged their homers. Despite this, Gonsolin remained positive about being selected for the All Star Game.
“I threw some good pitches today,” Gonsolin said. “It was just one bad pitch to Stanton there that he really took advantage of but overall, it was a great experience out there.”
For Stanton, a native of Panorama City and an alum of Notre Dame high school in Sherman Oaks, the MVP win was a full-circle moment. In his youth, he would attend Dodgers games with his father to see Hideo Nomo and Mike Piazza. They would also try to catch the likes of Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa when they competed at Dodgers Stadium, according to Stanton.
“[I] tried to get a ball thrown to me from whoever was playing in left field when I was a kid,” Stanton said. “Just to be out there was so fun.”
Shohei Ohtani was selected to be the starting designated hitter for the American League. Last year, he became the first MLB player to get an All Star selection for two different positions. He hit a single, but Kershaw picked him off at first base.
Mike Trout was put on a 10-day injured list with rib cage inflammation on Monday and was inactive in the Midsummer Classic. He and Ohtani were the only Angels selected to play in the Midsummer Classic.
The Dodgers flaunt six All Star selections, including Tyler Anderson and Trea Turner. This year marked the first time Los Angeles hosted the MLB All Star Game since 1980.
