Where should the ASG be played? (no politics)

[strumdatjaguar]

The NBA has done such a great job marketing itself in China. This would be a great time for MLB to gain fans in the world’s largest country.

[Craig Arko]

I actually think Puerto Rico could be a good location, if the infrastructure can handle it. They could use the influx of money and attention.

 

[strumdatjaguar]

There isn’t enough revenue for MLB in Puerto Rico. It’s time for MLB to think big and move the game to China. Again following the NBA’s good example.

[Squirrel]

In a different year, that might be something to think about, but there are still a lot of travel restrictions out there. And I think the logistics of making that happen in a relatively short time span, even without the added issues, might still make that difficult. But I think MLB should consider that for another year.

[strumdatjaguar]

The virus is waning in the Far East. It would be less dangerous virologically. This is the perfect opportunity for MLB to spread its appeal internationally. Play the game in China. Cuba or Venezuela would be two other great choices for the new MLB.

[IndianaTwin]

Time zone differences as it relates to travel would probably make China a non-starter for during the season. I’m intrigued by your Cuba/Venezuela suggestions.

 

[strumdatjaguar]

Cuba and Venezuela would be perfect places for the game. Think of all the great players that have come to MLB from those countries. Johan Santana and Tony Olivia are two Twins greats.

[Squirrel]

But like you said re PR about revenue, wouldn’t the same be true for VZ and Cuba? But it would be a great idea for the reasons you gave.

[strumdatjaguar]

The lack of revenue could be a problem. Probably the best idea is just to move the game permanently to Toronto.

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

The lack of revenue could be a problem. Probably the best idea is just to move the game permanently to Toronto.

Are you joking around? Trolling ... Not cool.

[strumdatjaguar]

No trolling. By moving permanently to Toronto, there would no longer be any risk of this type of issue this year or in the future. The safe thing to do is to play the All-Star game in a country other than the USA starting this year snd into the future.

[Squirrel]

No trolling. By moving permanently to Toronto, there would no longer be any risk of this type of issue this year or in the future. The safe thing to do is to play the All-Star game in a country other than the USA starting this year snd into the future.

Okay, moderator hat ... I specifically said not to go there. If this thread was a ruse for this kind of response, I will close it. If you want to have a serious discussion of where the ASG should be played this year do it without this kind of subterfuge.

[strumdatjaguar]

I cannot imagine how Toronto could ever be controversial.

[Nine of twelve]

I think it would be great to hold the ASG at a neutral site. However, I don't think there is a neutral baseball venue in the Western Hemisphere suitable for such an event. Japan would probably be the only option.

[AceWrigley]

I hear Mars is all the rage now.

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

I hear Mars is all the rage now.

Yeah, but they take social distancing to such extremes on Mars.

[Squirrel]

 

Yeah, but they take social distancing to such extremes on Mars.

I don't think that will be a problem, but I think the time zone difference would be a logistical nightmare.

[ashbury]

OK this is better. Can the Twins get a hit now.

The thin Martian atmosphere probably would aid them in their quest.

 

[BeatTheRich]

 

Japan would probably be the only option.

 

Not going to happen in a year where the Japanese are not permitting foreign visitors for the Olympics.

[Squirrel]

Moderator warning:

 

We already had one thread closed down because of the political talk. We initially gave it some leeway because of the nature of MLB's decision, but, as some people just can't contain themselves to not have an actual discussion but resort to name calling and disrespect, and then have the debate go far afield from the topic, we shut it down. So ... if you want to discuss where you want the game to be played, have at it ... but leave the politics out of it. The decision has been made, it's done, regardless what you think of it, so move on. Posts have been removed. Here is my original warning, if you care to read it. Don't step over that line again, please. And if you can't post without making a reference to the politics, DON'T POST.

[Squirrel]

I think it should be in Chicago. We have two MLB teams and stadiums here ... we can play half the game in one, the move it to the other and finish it off ... from one crappy stadium to another crappy, albeit iconic, stadium.

 

In the other thread someone suggested Milwaukee, because the game was going to honor Hank Aaron, and the connection of the Braves there might be fitting.

 

Another suggested LA. It's been a long time since it was there, they were going to have it in 2022, so, just move it up a year?

 

I think Minneapolis would be a nice spot, too. Great stadium, good weather in July, beautiful city ... what's not to like there?

 

As I said above ... NO POLITICS. The decision has been made, regardless your opinion on it. Move forward.

[Nine of twelve]

 

Not going to happen in a year where the Japanese are not permitting foreign visitors for the Olympics.

I thought I had posted the following already, but now I don't see it. My apologies if it appears twice.

 

Regarding 2021, I agree. I was speaking in more general terms about where a suitable neutral baseball venue might be.

[Brock Beauchamp]

The obvious choice is LA, in my opinion. They’re the champs and missed out on hosting the 2020 ASG.

 

With that said, Manfred will probably choose the AAA stadium in Portland because he’s Rob Manfred.

[strumdatjaguar]

Toronto

[Squirrel]

 

Toronto

There is no guarantee we'd be able to travel there, so, for this year, it has to stay in the U.S.

[mnfireman]

How about we just scrap the game altogether. The season is in danger of running into November if playoffs get expanded, so let's get rid of an unnecessary week off in July. Play ball!!

[Eris]

Here is a list of Negro League stadiums still standing. There are 6 stadiums. Rickwood Field is still in use. I would pick one of these 6 stadiums. Potential negatives are the stadiums are smaller and will hold fewer people. They playing fields may not be up to modern safety standards.

 

Edited to add Bighat in the now closed thread had also suggested Rickwood Field.

 

https://ballparkdigest.com/2020/06/15/ballparks-that-live-on-former-negro-leagues-ballparks/

[strumdatjaguar]

How about we just scrap the game altogether. The season is in danger of running into November if playoffs get expanded, so let's get rid of an unnecessary week off in July. Play ball!!

This is the best common sense idea.

[Giles Ferrell]

I saw some baseball people saying Oakland as the replacement since they havent had one since 1988. That's great and all, but do these people see the poor condition the Coliseum is in? I can't ever imagine MLB taking the game to Oakland while they are still in the Coliseum.

[strumdatjaguar]

Here are some ideas - States and Stadia for this year’s All-Star Game:

Wisconsin: American Family Field - Brewers (as long as the nearby recycling plant doesn’t catch fire, this is a beautiful stadium, no rain outs). Even though he played with the Braves, Hank Aaron can still be properly honored in the city where he began his career.

Kentucky: Louisville Slugger Field - Louisville has supported AAA baseball with high attendance for years (often leading all minor league teams). It’s a beautiful ballpark. The Louisville Bats are the minor league team, and offer a poignant double entendre.

North Carolina: Durham Bulls Athletic Park - Great Stadium designed by the designers of Camden Yards. Durham is almost synonymous with minor league baseball even before the iconic movie Bull Durham. This is a successful franchise (like Louisville) deserving of this game.