UPROXX Summer Guide: The 2010 MLB All-Star Game

Since 1997, the American League has made the National League look inferior and foolish in Major League Baseball’s time-honored All-Star game, as the AL All-Stars have taken 12 of the last 13 midsummer classics from the Senior Circuit. That pesky 13th game? An infamous tie that eventually led to Commissioner Bud Selig making the All-Star game actually matter, in that the winning division determines home-field advantage for the World Series. But none of that matters to your enjoyment of the game itself, as well as the events surrounding the 2010 MLB All-Star Game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA, taking place July 9-13.

• July 9-13 – Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest at Anaheim Convention Center – Even if you can’t make it to the actual All-Star game (tickets are few and far between), the All-Star FanFest proudly boasts the “World’s Largest Interactive Baseball Theme Park,” just beating out Alex Rodriguez’s bedroom. FanFest offers a variety of ticket packages, especially favoring the young fans.

• July 11 – All-Star Game Charity 5K and Fun Run – For the baseball fanatic, health nut and philanthropist, the Charity 5K and Fun Run is the best of all worlds to usher in the most exciting extended weekend of professional baseball not featuring the playoffs. The run benefits Stand Up to Cancer, Susan G. Komen For the Cure, Prostate Cancer Foundation, and City of Hope.

• July 11 – Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game – Ever wonder how far Nick Lachey can hit a softball? Of course you haven’t. Ever wonder how Alyssa Milano looks in a cut up Los Angeles Dodgers jersey? Thought so. The Legends and Celebrity Softball Game showcases an epic battle of Hall of Fame greats and some of your favorite entertainment icons.

• July 11 – All-Star Futures Game – You know when you’re flipping through channels and you catch a highlight of the 47th round of the MLB Draft and think, “Who the heck is Justin Wright?” He’s just one of hundreds of Minor League ballplayers hoping for their shot to show their potential to one day play in the real All-Star game.

• July 12 – Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Angel Stadium featuring: State Farm Home Run Derby – Last year a packed Busch Stadium watched as Prince Fielder beat out Nelson Cruz for the Home Run Derby trophy. Be one of the thousands of fans who watch as this year’s top sluggers try to rip holes in the space-time continuum.

• July 13 – 81st MLB All-Star Game at Angel Stadium – Will the National League finally get out of its rut and stand up to the myriad critics who claim the AL is simply better? Probably not. But that won’t stop Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez and Ryan Braun from tearing the cover off the ball trying.

• Can’t get off work to take a trip to Anaheim? Get some official 2010 MLB All-Star Gear and pretend that you did. Nobody will doubt you.

• Want to watch the game with fans of your hometown team? Check with the box office for official viewing parties. For instance, the Houston Astros offer season ticket holders a viewing party at Minute Maid Park.

• Or throw your own All-Star party, featuring your brand new 3D TV, luxury theater home seating, and plenty of frozen beverages for your guests.