BASEBALL'S ALL-STAR GAME

In our rotisserie baseball league, I'm the old fogey. For the most part, the rest of the guys are in their thirties. One, maybe two in their forties, one in his twenties.

We meet at one of the guys' house after an afternoon of Lincoln Ball, kind of an Indian ball game with tennis ball. We order pizza, watch the All-Star game and add an additional American League player to our predominantly National League rosters. Trades, with draft picks for next year, are wildly offered, some accepted and a good time is had by all.

And you know what? It's the only All-Star game party of any kind that I know of. And that is sad. How could the baseball people like Bowie Kuhn, Bart Giamatti, Bud Selig, Marvin Miller, Donald Fehr, the billionaire owners and the players' union mess up such a great thing? They did. That's why there's so little interest. That's why there are no celebrations on this day. Most are usually looking for an excuse to celebrate, to get together, to eat and laugh, and yes, party. But there's not much action at the Mid-Summer classic.

As a kid, I used to get excited about the introductions of the starting line ups. I'd cheer when a Cardinal was announced, whether player, coach or trainer. I even remember keeping score on a yellow legal pad while watching. I don't think there's that type of following anymore.

So to the guys in the MVRL Baseball League, enjoy tonight. And when you go yard the first time today at Lincoln School, tip your hat west to me back in AZ. I'll call tonight with a few trade offers. Here's to baseball--the way's it's supposed to be on All-Star night!