The Major League Baseball All-Star game is Tuesday night in Kansas City. As a youngster, I used to be filled with excitement for that Tuesday night in July. It was a chance to see the very best players in each league. It was a chance to see great pitchers challenging great hitters.

It was a "showcase" of talent. Bragging rights would last for the year. When I was a youngster, players pretty much played with one teamand certainly were identified as National Leaguer or American Leaguer.

Free agency changed all of this over the years.

Players used to consider it an honor to play in the game. In those days, the all-star "paycheck" was a significant percentage of a player's salary. The game meant a lot to the players for many reasons.

Now, the all-star "paycheck" is barely a blip on the radar of most players' salary. Many players would prefer to go play golf, fish or do nothing during the three ot four day break from the schedule. The game is not as important any more.

I am sure the fans in Kansas City will turn out in large numbers. They have not seen "good" baseball for decades and this is their chance to see all of the stars (those who will be there, that is) and enjoy the EXHIBITION.

This brings me to another topic that can be for another day, however, there is not enough column space and time to completely address it. Briefly and to the point, the fact that the winning league gets to have home field advantage in the World Series is the BIGGEST joke in professional sports. Bud Selig is the absolute worst commissioner in the history of professional sports. He came up with this after a tie in the All-Star Game back in 2002 in Milwaukee. Seriously, how can he think this way? Again, another topic for another day.

Yes, I will tune in on Tuesday night and watch. Justin Verlander will start for the American League and Matt Cain will start for the National League. I like watching great pitchers and these are two of the best. Who knows what will happen in the game? Unfortunately, the winning team will secure home field advantage for its league in the World Series.

No, I will not watch the Home Run Derby. I know 'chicks dig the long ball' and most fans enjoy seeing tape measure shots leave the park. I do not enjoy watching glorified "batting practice." In fact, a rerun of "King of the Hill" is fine for me on TV tonight.

Tommy Krysan is the host of "Tigers Roar" a live TV show each Wednesday night at 8:00 pm on Pelican Sports TV in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans. He also hosts Pelican Sports Radio, Monday – Friday, 3:00-4:00 pm in Baton Rouge on KKAY 1590 AM. Online at; kkay1590.com or globalradiokkay.com

Email Tommy; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it