The 1980 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 51st mid-season classic between the all-stars of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL)….the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was played on July 8, 1980, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California….which is home of the Los Angeles Dodgers of the National League. The game resulted in a 4-2 victory for the NL.
This All-Star Game would be known for some exemplary pitching performances, most notably AL starter Steve Stone’s three perfect innings with three strikeouts)….as Jerry Reuss struck out the side for the NL in the sixth, as well. This game would also be one of the final games for NL starter J. R. Richard….who was diagnosed with a career-ending stroke weeks later.
The AL and NL were locked in a scoreless duel for four innings….which included Stone’s perfect performance….as Fred Lynn would break the deadlock in the top of the fifth with a two-run homer off Bob Welch. The National League came back with a single run in their half of the fifth when Ken Griffey homered off Tommy John. The NL took the lead in the bottom of the sixth when George Hendrick singled home Ray Knight and Phil Garner scored on a Willie Randolph error. The NL’s final run scored in the seventh when Dave Concepcion reached on a fielder’s choice who went to second on a wild-pitch by Dave Stieb….then to third on a passed ball by Darrell Porter….then scored on another Stieb wild pitch.
This All Star Game featured fifteen (15) future MLB Hall of Fame Members including OF Dave Winfield, 3B Mike Schmidt, C Gary Carter, OF Paul Molitor, SS Robin Yount, 3B George Brett, OF Rickie Henderson, OF Jim Rice, P Goose Gossage, C Johnny Bench, P Steve Carlton, P Bruce Sutter, C Carlton Fisk, OF Rod Carew and OF Reggie Jackson…..which make this video well worth watching.
