To a baseball fan, there is nothing more enjoyable than the introduction of the players, coaches and managers of the annual MLB All Star Game…..and this introduction of the 1987 All Stars is no exception….as there are a total of 20 Hall of Fame Members introduced in this 1987 All Star Classic….which includes Gary Carter, Ryne Sandberg, Ozzie Smith, Mike Schmidt, Andre Dawson, Lee Smith, Tony Gwynn and Tim Raines….along with honorary captain Billy William….all just from the National League….whereas, on the American League side includes Kirby Puckett, Harold Baines, Alan Trammell, George Brett, Jack Morris, Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson, Cal Ripken Jr.., Wade Boggs and Manager Tony LaRussa….along with honorary captain Catfish Hunter.
While the previous three All-Star games had had good pitching….the 1987 Midsummer Classic had great pitching. Never before was an All-Star game scoreless after five innings, however, the 1987 game did not see a run until the 13th inning.
After 12 scoreless innings, National League catcher Ozzie Virgil began the 13th with a single off American League pitcher Jay Howell….who would get pitcher Lee Smith to strike out trying to bunt, however, shortstop Hubie Brooks followed with a single….thus moving Virgil up to 2nd base….then OF Willie McGee lined out for the second out of the inning…..bringing up outfielder Tim Raines…..who delivered in the clutch with a two-run triple…..and giving the National League a 2-0 lead…..as 2B Juan Samuel lined out ending the inning. In the bottom of the 13th, NL pitcher Sid Fernandez walked lead off man Kevin Seitzer…. but retired the next three batters in order to give the National League the victory.
If getting to see 20 Hall of Famers introduced along with the rest of the 1987 All Stars doesn’t get you excited to watch this video…..then you simply are not a Sportsphile…..as ANY and ALL Sportsphiles that we know would click NOW.
