Wednesday, July 11, 2012

All*Star Fallout

It is now July 11th and the All*Star Game has left KC so things around the Metro will regain some normalcy now.  However, I thought it important to wrap up my post from last week prior to the game with one post game blog just to comment on some of the events from the week, fan and local reaction to the city, and the rapid emergence of “BillyMania” or “Butler-sanity” or the “Country Breakfast Platter with Bacon.”  (I can go all day here, somebody stop me, please.)
Fanfest officially opened to the public on July 6th continued on through the 10th  However, there were plenty of events at Kauffman Stadium to keep people busy.  On Sunday the 8th, the Futures Game and Celebrity Softball Game was played out before 40,000 strong at the K.  Also, point of interest, this was the first time that this event had been sold out in any city.  Point of interest #2, As George Brett was the manager of the USA in the Futures Game, he took the opportunity to leave Royals prospect Wil Myers on the field throughout the entire game which further endeared the legend to local fans (as if that’s more possible).  The USA ended up winning the game over the World Team of Futures 17 to 5.   Point of interest #3, in the Celebrity Softball Game, two of Kansas City’s most visible sports figures, embattled Chiefs QB Matt Cassel and KU basketball head coach Bill Self, endured the surprisingly loud booing from the fans in attendance. 

The Annual State Farm (shout out to the Boy's employer) Home Run Derby was held on Monday, July 9, at the “K”.  While normally, the only story out of the Derby is who hit the most home runs and who hit the farthest, this date would mark the appearance of the most unlikely of heroes of this All*Star Week.  As the defending winner of the Home Run Derby, NY Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano received the “honor” of being the captain of the American League Team and therefore was able to choose his fellow participants in this event.  When interviewed in June regarding this team, Cano stated that he would obviously want to pick a local athlete (i.e. Royal) to represent the AL in the Derby.  However, when the time came, Cano chose Prince Fielder, Jose Bautista, and Mark Trumbo.  All were good choices, however not exactly who the crowd was wanting to root for.  That would be the hometown hero, Billy Butler.  As Cano, the defending winner of the Derby last season in Arizona, stepped up to the plate to take pitches from his father, a small plan flew overhead.  The plane, which was chartered by 810 WHB featured KC's new favorite slogan, "Congrats Billy!  You Blew It Cano."  The chorus of boos rained down over Cano only to be stopped by the cheers whenever he fouled off a ball or came up short on a possible home run.  On two occasions, the proceeding were stopped by Yankee teammates of Cano having a short powwow with either Cano or his father.  Cano would finally record his 10th out and was eliminated from the Home Run Derby with 0 home runs.  Ironically, the three players that Cano handpicked would go on to be the final three in the Derby as Bautista and Trumbo participated in a 5 swing playoff for the right to face Fielder in the finals.  Bautista would advance but was clearly worn out going on to hit 7 home runs in the final to Fielder's 12.

Tuesday, July 10th would bring the final crown jewel event of the weekend, the 2012 MLB All*Star Game.  Luke Bryan opened up the proceedings with the National Anthem in front of the 40,000 plus fans in attendance.  The National League representatives got off to a quick start in the 1st inning by putting five runs on the board against Detroit pitcher, Justin Verlander.  This opened up a deficit that the American League could never hope to recover from as they did not put up any runs during the course of the game.  Melky Cabrera of the Giants, a former Royal, put the icing on the proverbial cake with a 2 run homer in the 4th inning to essentially seal the win and the MVP award (along with a nice crystal bat and new Camaro) for his trouble.  Also of note was the continued booing of Robinson Cano as well as the relentless cheering for Billy Butler.

Overall, the All*Star Game was a great experience for our fair midwestern city.  Local fans definitely proved that they will turn out in droves for baseball if they have something to cheer!  The only negative news about this time in Kansas City is the Robinson Cano issue.  While traveling between destinations could be a minor hassle, ultimately Kansas City worked hard to ensure that difficulties were kept to a minimum.  Bud Selig himself called this one of the best All*Star Game experiences that he has ever seen.  Great work Kansas City!

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