2022 MLB All-Star Game: All You Need to Know

Major League Baseball’s biggest stars gathered in the city of stars on Tuesday, as the American League all-stars defeated the National League all-stars for the ninth consecutive season, 3-2, in the 92nd edition of the midsummer classic.

The game, which was held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for the first time since 1980, featured many memorable moments, including the first career all-star game start for Dodger legend Clayton Kershaw. 

The left-hander, who was making his ninth all-star game appearance, finally got the nod to start the game, and in front of his home fans no less.

“I don’t know if I have the right words for it right now,” Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times after the game. “But it was such a unique experience for me that I think I’ll look back on it and think, ‘Man, I’m so glad I got to do that.’ I’m really thankful I got that opportunity.”

New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was named the game’s most valuable player. He hit a game-tying, two-run homer off Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin, and afterwards reminisced about going to Dodger Stadium as a child.

“I would sit in left field and try to scalp tickets, whatever we could afford,” he said during a post game interview. “To hit one out there is amazing.” 

Stanton grew up in Southern California and attended Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks. He credited his father for introducing him to baseball. 

“My pops took me to my first Dodgers game and showed me how to love this game,” he said. Stanton became the third Yankee to win the award, joining former shortstop Derek Jeter (2000) and hall of fame closer Mariano Rivera (2013).

Twins outfielder Byron Buxton and Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt added home runs of their own, while Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts drove in Ronald Acuña for the games other runs.

Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera, two of the game’s biggest stars over the last two decades, were selected by commissioner Rob Manfred to participate in the game. Both will be retiring at the end of the season.

Pujols addressed the National League squad before the game.

“It’s just a true honor to be here, and I’m enjoying every single moment, every single minute of this over the last couple of days…thank you,” he said.

The Dodgers, for their part, made sure to honor some of the most significant figures in franchise history during the festivities.

Dodger legend Fernando Valenzuela threw out the ceremonial first pitch, while spanish-language broadcaster Jaime Jarrin was honored mid game with a ceremonial video. Jarrin will be retiring at the end of the season after calling games for the last 64 years.