Triple-A All-Star Game

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The Triple-A All-Star Game is a single baseball game held between the two Triple-A leagues in minor league baseball—the International League and the Pacific Coast League. Each league fields a team composed of the top stars in their respective leagues as voted on by fans, the media, and club field managers and general managers.

The event has taken place every year since 1988 when the first Triple-A All-Star Game was played in Buffalo, New York. Prior to 1998, a team of American League Triple-A All-Stars faced off against a team of National League Triple-A All-Stars. Traditionally, the game has taken place on the day after the mid-summer Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Contents 1 History 2 Structure 3 Past Triple-A All-Star Games 3.1 American League vs. National League 3.1.1 1988 - Buffalo, NY 3.1.2 1989 - Columbus, OH 3.1.3 1990 - Las Vegas, NV 3.1.4 1991 - Louisville, KY 3.1.5 1992 - Richmond, VA 3.1.6 1993 - Albuquerque, NM 3.1.7 1994 - Nashville, TN 3.1.8 1995 - Moosic, PA 3.1.9 1996 - Salt Lake City, UT 3.1.10 1997 - Des Moines, IA 3.2 International League vs. Pacific Coast League 3.2.1 1998 - Norfolk, VA 3.2.2 1999 - New Orleans, LA 3.2.3 2000 - Rochester, NY 3.2.4 2001 - Indianapolis, IN 3.2.5 2002 - Oklahoma City, OK 3.2.6 2003 - Memphis, TN 3.2.7 2004 - Pawtucket, RI 3.2.8 2005 - Sacramento, CA 3.2.9 2006 - Toledo, OH 3.2.10 2007 - Albuquerque, NM 4 All-time results 5 Future Triple-A All-Star Games 6 Notable All-Stars 7 References 8 External links

[edit] History

The Triple-A All-Star Game has been played every season since 1988. At the time, there where three Triple-A leagues in the United States, the other being the American Association. Due to the odd number of leagues, it was decided that one team would be made up of All-Stars from American League affiliates and the other of National League affiliates. The American Association ceased operations after the 1997 season. So in 1998, the teams were reorganized so that one team consisted of International League All-Stars and the other of Pacific Coast League All-Stars.

Since 2006, the league that wins the game has also earned the distinction of having its league champion (determined at the end of the season) being given home team status for the Bricktown Showdown, a Triple-A championship game held between the IL and PCL in the post-season.^[1][2]

[edit] Structure

The All-Star Game consists of a single nine-inning game to determine a champion. The league in which the host city competes is considered the home team for the game and the other team is designated the visiting team.

Players wear their respective team uniforms. Players on the home team wear their club's white home uniforms, while players on the away team wear their club's gray road uniforms.

[edit] Past Triple-A All-Star Games

[edit] American League vs. National League

[edit] 1988 - Buffalo, NY

The first Triple-A All-Star Game took place on July 13, 1988 at Buffalo, New York's Pilot Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons of the American Association. A sell-out crowd of 19,500, in addition to viewers of the ESPN broadcast and listeners of more than 100 radio stations, witnessed the American League All-Stars defeat of the National League All-Stars by a score of two runs to one. Urbano Lugo (AL - Edmonton Trappers) was the winning pitcher and Joe Boever (NL - Richmond Braves) took the loss. Mike Kinnunen (AL - Columbus Clippers) was credited with the save. Ed Jurak (AL - Tacoma Tigers) was the MVP of the game.

[edit] 1989 - Columbus, OH

The second event took place on July 12, 1989 at Columbus, Ohio's Cooper Stadium, home of the International League's Columbus Clippers. The attendance was 14,131, and the game was also broadcast on ESPN and radio. The NL defeated the AL by a score of eight to three. The winning pitcher was Ramón Martínez (NL - Albuquerque Dukes) and the losing pitcher was Mike Trujillo (AL - Toledo Mud Hens). Instead of naming a single MVP, one player from each of the three Triple-A leagues was named "Star of Stars." The three "Stars of Stars" were Mark Lemke (IL - Richmond Braves), Tom Drees (PCL - Vancouver Canadians), and Scott Coolbaugh (AA - Oklahoma City 89ers).

[edit] 1990 - Las Vegas, NV

The third All-Star Game was played on July 11, 1990 at Las Vegas, Nevada's Cashman Field, home of the Pacific Coast League's Las Vegas Stars. The attendance was 10,323, and the game was also broadcast on television and radio. For the second year in a row, the NL defeated the AL by a score of eight runs to five. The winning pitcher was Terry Gilmore (NL - Las Vegas), and Scott Chiamparino (AL - Tacoma Tigers) took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" were Luis Sojo (IL - Syracuse Chiefs), Eddie Williams (PCL - Las Vegas), and Juan González (AA - Oklahoma City 89ers).

[edit] 1991 - Louisville, KY

The fourth event took place on July 10, 1991 at Louisville, Kentucky's Cardinal Stadium, home of the AA's Louisville Redbirds. The attendance was 20,725, and the game was also broadcast on television and radio. The NL, again, defeated the AL by a score of six to five. The winning pitcher was Armando Reynoso (NL - Richmond Braves) and the loser was Tom Edens (AL - Portland Beavers). Mike Christopher (NL - Albuquerque Dukes) was credited with the save. The "Stars of Stars" were Steve Scarsone (IL - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons), Gary Cooper (PCL - Tucson Toros), and Jim Olander (AA - Denver Zephyrs).

[edit] 1992 - Richmond, VA

The fifth All-Star Game was played on July 15, 1992 at Richmond, Virginia's The Diamond, home of the IL's Richmond Braves. A sellout crowd of 12,186, plus television and radio audiences, waited out a one hour, 32 minute rain delay before the AL beat the NL by a score of two to one. Dennis Moeller (AL - Omaha Royals) was the winning pitcher, Mike Draper (AL - Columbus Clippers) recorded the save, and Randy Marshall (NL - Tidewater Tides) took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" were Sam Militello (IL - Columbus), Tim Salmon (PCL - Edmonton Trappers), and Jim Tatum (AA - Denver Zephyrs).

[edit] 1993 - Albuquerque, NM

The sixth installment of the All-Star game was played on July 14, 1993 at Albuquerque, New Mexico's Albuquerque Sports Stadium, home of the PCL's Albuquerque Dukes. The attendance was 10,541. Though the game was broadcast on radio, it was not shown on television, making it the first non-televised Triple-A All-Star Game. After a two hour rain-delay preceding the game, the NL defeated the AL, fourteen to three. John O'Donoghue (NL - Rochester Red Wings) was the winning pitcher, and Roy Smith (AL - Buffalo Bisons) took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" winners were Ryan Klesko (IL - Richmond Braves), Billy Ashley (PCL - Albuquerque), and LeRoy Smith (AA - Buffalo Bisons).

[edit] 1994 - Nashville, TN

The seventh Triple-A All-Star Game took place on July 14, 1994 at Nashville, Tennessee's Herschel Greer Stadium, home of the AA's Nashville Sounds. Before a crowd of 11,601, in addition to live television and radio audiences, the NL defeated the AL, with a score of eight runs to five. Brad Woodall (NL - Richmond Braves) was the winning pitcher, Gary Buckels (NL - Louisville Redbirds) recorded the save, and Kirt Ojala (AL - Columbus Clippers) scored the loss. The "Stars of Stars" winners were Luis Lopez (IL - Richmond), Paul Faries (PCL - Phoenix Firebirds), and Ray Durham (AA - Nashville).

[edit] 1995 - Moosic, PA

The eighth event took place on July 12, 1995 at Moosic, Pennsylvania's Lackawanna County Stadium, home of the IL's Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. Total attendance was 10,965; the game was also broadcast on ESPN2 and radio. In the first shutout in Triple-A All-Star Game history, the AL defeated the NL with a score of nine to zero. Starter Pat Ahearne (AL - Toledo Mud Hens) picked up the win and Jason Isringhausen (NL - Norfolk Tides) took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" were Howard Battle (IL - Syracuse Chiefs), Ricardo Ingram (PCL - Salt Lake Buzz), and Luis Lopez (AA - Buffalo Bisons).

[edit] 1996 - Salt Lake City, UT

The ninth All-Star Game was played on July 10, 1996 at Salt Lake City, Utah's Franklin Quest Field, home of the PCL's Salt Lake Buzz. Before a sellout crowd of 15,500, as well as a live television and radio audience, the NL beat the AL by a score of two to one. Derek Wallace (NL - Norfolk Tides) was the winning pitcher, and Jeff Schmidt (AL - Vancouver Canadians) took the loss. "Stars of Stars" winners were Huck Flener (IL - Syracuse SkyChiefs), Todd Walker (PCL - Salt Lake), and Brook Fordyce (AA - Indianapolis Indians).

[edit] 1997 - Des Moines, IA

The 10th game took place on July 9, 1997 at Des Moines, Iowa's Sec Taylor Stadium, home of the AA's Iowa Cubs. The game was viewed by 11,183 in attendance as well as live television and radio audiences. The AL defeated the NL with a score of five runs to three. Brian Rose (AL - Pawtucket Red Sox) took the win and Dave Swartzbaugh (NL - Iowa) recorded the loss. "Stars of Stars" winners were Frank Catalanotto (IL - Toledo Mudhens), Nate Minchey (PCL - Colorado Springs Sky Sox), and Magglio Ordóñez (AA - Nashville Sounds). This game marked the last time that All-Star teams were divided by which major league their parent club played in.

[edit] International League vs. Pacific Coast League

[edit] 1998 - Norfolk, VA

The 11th Triple-A All-Star Game was played on July 8, 1998 at Norfolk, Virginia's Harbor Park, home of the International League's Norfolk Tides. This was the first game in which a team of International League Triple-A All-Stars would face off against their counterparts in the Pacific Coast League. With 11,049 in attendance and additional fans watching on ESPN2 and listening to the radio broadcast, the IL defeated the PCL with a score of eight runs to four. Joel Bennett (IL - Rochester Red Wings) earned the win, while Travis Baptist (PCL - Salt Lake Buzz took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" were Mike Lowell (IL - Columbus Clippers) and Terry Shumpert (PCL - Colorado Springs Sky Sox).

[edit] 1999 - New Orleans, LA

The 12th annual All-Star Game took place on July 14, 1999 at New Orleans, Louisiana's Zephyr Field, home of the PCL's New Orleans Zephyrs. The total attendance was 8,895; the game was also broadcast on ESPN2 and radio. The PCL defeated the IL by a score of nine runs to five. Jason Boyd (PCL - Tucson Sidewinders) was the winning pitcher, Cory Bailey (PCL - Fresno Grizzlies) earned the save, and Eddie Gaillard (IL - Durham Bulls) took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" winners were Daryle Ward (PCL - New Orleans) and Russell Branyan (IL - Buffalo Bisons).

[edit] 2000 - Rochester, NY

The 13th Triple-A All-Star Game was played on July 12, 2000 at Rochester, New York's Frontier Field, home of the IL's Rochester Red Wings. The total attendance was 12,810; the game was also broadcast on ESPN2 and radio. The PCL defeated the IL by a score of eight to two. Giovanni Carrara (PCL - Colorado Springs Sky Sox) recorded the win, while Tomokazu Ohka (IL - Pawtucket Red Sox) took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" winners were Joe Vitiello (PCL - Las Vegas Stars) and Javier DeLaHoya (IL - Rochester). This year, two new awards, the Maurice Lacroix Lou Gehrig Batter- and Pitcher-of-the-Game, were created to honor the best batter and the best pitcher of the game. Vitiello won Batter-of-the-Game, and DeLaHoya won Pitcher-of-the-Game.

[edit] 2001 - Indianapolis, IN

The 14th event took place on July 11, 2001 at Indianapolis, Indiana's Victory Field, home of the IL's Indianapolis Indians. In addition to ESPN2 and radio audiences, 15,868 in attendance witnessed the PCL defeat the IL with a score of nine runs to five. Ruben Quevedo (PCL - Iowa Cubs) scored the win and Brett Jodie (IL - Columbus Clippers) took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" were Juan Thomas (PCL - Tacoma Rainiers) and Adam Dunn (IL - Louisville Riverbats). Dunn was also named Batter-of-the-Game, while Rubén Quevedo (PCL - Iowa) was named Pitcher-of-the-Game.

[edit] 2002 - Oklahoma City, OK

The 15th All-Star Game was held on July 10, 2002 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma's SBC Bricktown Ballpark, home of the PCL's Oklahoma RedHawks. The total attendance was 11,343; the game was also broadcast on ESPN2 and radio. The PCL shutout the IL, five runs to zero, the second shutout in All-Star history. Shane Nance (PCL - Las Vegas 51s) was the winning pitcher; Derrin Ebert (IL - Indianapolis Indians) took the loss. The "Stars of Stars" were Jack Cust (PCL - Colorado Springs Sky Sox) and Doug Linton (IL - Richmond Braves). Cust was also named Batter-of-the-Game, and Aaron Myette (PCL - Oklahoma) was named Pitcher-of-the-Game.

[edit] 2003 - Memphis, TN

The 16th game was played on July 16, 2003 at Memphis, Tennessee's AutoZone Park, home of the PCL's Memphis Redbirds. In addition to 15,214 in attendance, fans could also follow the game on ESPN2 and on radio. The IL defeated the PCL by a score of thirteen runs to nine. The winning pitcher was Sam Marsonek (IL - Columbus Clippers); the losing pitcher was Jason Ryan (PCL - Memphis). The "Stars of Stars" winners were Johnny Estrada (IL - Richmond Braves) and Jason Jones (PCL - Oklahoma RedHawks). Estrada was chosen as Batter-of-the-Game, and Marsonek was chosen as Pitcher-of-the-Game. This would be the final year that the latter two awards would be handed out.

[edit] 2004 - Pawtucket, RI

The 17th All-Star Game was held on July 14, 2004 at Pawtucket, Rhode Island's McCoy Stadium, home of the IL's Pawtucket Red Sox. Total attendance was 11,192; the game was also broadcast on ESPN2 and radio. The IL beat the PCL, four runs to three. Matt Whiteside (IL - Richmond Braves) was the winning pitcher, and Scott Atchison (PCL - Tacoma Rainiers) took the loss. The "Stars of the Game" were Midre Cummings (IL - Durham Bulls) and Danny Haren (PCL - Memphis Redbirds). This game marked this first time since the first All-Star Game in 1988 in which a single player was recognized as the MVP of the game. Andy Phillips (IL - Columbus Clippers) was selected as the Dodge Most Valuable Player.

[edit] 2005 - Sacramento, CA

The 18th Triple-A All-Star Game was played on July 13, 2005 at Sacramento, California's Raley Field, home of the PCL's Sacramento River Cats. The game was broadcast on ESPN2 and on radio. The 14,414 fans in attendance saw the PCL defeat the IL by a score of eleven runs to five. Gerald Laird (PCL - Oklahoma RedHawks) hit the first grand slam in All-Star Game history. The winning pitcher was Chris Gissell (PCL - Memphis Redbirds); Jason Scobie (IL - Norfolk Tides) earned the loss. The "Top Stars" of the game were Laird (PCL) and Edwin Encarnación (IL - Louisville Bats).

[edit] 2006 - Toledo, OH

The 19th game was held on July 12, 2006 at Toledo, Ohio's Fifth Third Field, home of the IL's Toledo Mud Hens. In attendance were 11,300; the game was also broadcast on ESPN2 and on radio. In the third shutout in All-Star Game history, the IL defeated the PCL with a score of six to nothing. Heath Phillips (IL - Charlotte Knights) scored the win, and Ben Hendrickson (PCL - Nashville Sounds) was the losing pitcher. The "Top Stars" were Kevin Witt (IL - Durham Bulls) and Rich Hill (PCL - Iowa Cubs).

[edit] 2007 - Albuquerque, NM

The 20th All-Star Game was played on July 11, 2007 at Albuquerque, New Mexico's Isotopes Park, home of the PCL's Albuquerque Isotopes. The game was viewed by 12,367 in attendance; the game was also broadcast on ESPN2 and on radio. Bryan Bullington (IL - Indianapolis Indians) was the winning pitcher, Cory Doyne (IL - Norfolk Tides) earned the save, and Justin Lehr (PCL - Tacoma Rainiers) took the loss. The "Top Stars" were Timo Pérez (IL - Toledo Mud Hens) and Valentino Pascucci (PCL - Albuquerque).

[edit] All-time results

American League vs. National League (1988–1997) Year Score Winner AL NL 1988 2 1 American League 1989 3 8 National League 1990 6 8 National League 1991 5 6 National League 1992 2 1 American League 1993 3 14 National League 1994 5 8 National League 1995 9 0 American League 1996 1 2 National League 1997 5 3 American League All-time: American League: 4 wins National League: 6 wins

International League vs. Pacific Coast League (1998–present) Year Score Winner IL PCL 1998 8 4 International League 1999 5 9 Pacific Coast League 2000 2 8 Pacific Coast League 2001 5 9 Pacific Coast League 2002 0 5 Pacific Coast League 2003 13 9 International League 2004 4 3 International League 2005 5 11 Pacific Coast League 2006 6 0 International League 2007 7 5 International League All-time: International League: 5 wins Pacific Coast League: 5 wins

[edit] Future Triple-A All-Star Games

The 2008 event will take place on July 16, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky at Louisville Slugger Field, home of the Louisville Bats of the IL. Louisville will become the second team to host the game twice; they first hosted in 1991.

The 2009 event will take place in July 2009 in Portland, Oregon at PGE Park, home of the Portland Beavers of the PCL.

[edit] Notable All-Stars

Of the more than 830 players named as Triple-A All-Stars, 61 have gone on to play in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.^[3] These players are:

Sandy Alomar, Jr. Garret Anderson Bronson Arroyo Jay Bell Ronnie Belliard Hank Blalock Aaron Boone Bret Boone Jeromy Burnitz Jeff Conine Ron Coomer Scott Cooper Joey Cora Adam Dunn Ray Durham Damion Easley

Johnny Estrada Carl Everett Steve Finley Darrin Fletcher Carlos García Brian Giles Alex González Juan González Dan Haren Todd Helton Ken Hill Orlando Hudson Todd Hundley Jason Isringhausen Gregg Jefferies

Derek Jeter Lance Johnson Chipper Jones Ryan Klesko Paul Konerko Paul Lo Duca Kenny Lofton Javy López Mark Loretta Mike Lowell Pedro Martínez Ramón Martínez Tino Martinez Justin Morneau Denny Neagle

José Offerman Magglio Ordóñez Mike Piazza Rick Reed Henry Rodríguez José Rosado Richie Sexson Alfonso Soriano Ed Sprague Jim Thome Chase Utley Greg Vaughn Bob Wickman Bernie Williams Dmitri Young

[edit] References

• "Triple-A All-Star Game". Triple-A Baseball. 5 January 2008.

[edit] External links

• The All-Star Game at Triple-A Baseball.com
• All-Star Game coverage at MiLB.com