A look at some of the greatest MLB All-Star game moments

The first MLB All-Star game was played in 1933, which brought the game’s most skilled players together in the middle of the season. Since then, baseball fans have circled a date in mid-July to watch the American League and National League’s very best do battle. There have been some indelible moments that are etched in the sport’s long history.

Cal Ripken had a remarkable career for the Baltimore Orioles. He came up as a shortstop but would move to third base in later years. During in final All-Star appearance in 2001, his American League teams pushed him to play shortstop again as a full circle moment. Ripken would also hit a home run that night as well.

In the eyes of many, the All-Star Game is a glorified exhibition for the fans, where players are meant to appear for their most ardent supporters. You couldn’t tell that to Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose though, who took every game extremely seriously. He ran over Oakland Athletics catcher Ray Fosse in the 1970 All-Star game on a play at the plate, which injured the backstop.

In 1993, the normally intense Randy Johnson had a light-hearted moment with Philadelphia Phillies hitter John Kruk. Johnson fired a fastball well above Kruk’s head, which left him grinning as he nervously walked back towards the batter’s box. His heart wasn’t into the at bat after that, as Johnson easily struck him out.

The 2002 All-Star Game went down in history, perhaps for the wrong reasons. The game was tied 7-7 and went into extra innings, which was longer than most expected. The teams ran out of pitchers to enter into the game, leaving the league in a precarious spot. With the approval of commissioner Bud Selig, the game automatically concluded with the tie score.

In that same 2002 All-Star Game, Minnesota Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter came up with one of the most amazing catches in the game’s history. It seemed like San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds had an easy home run, but Hunter climbed the wall and brought the ball back for a long, loud out. Bonds would then jokingly pick up Hunter after the inning was over.

The 1999 All-Star game was one for the ages, as it honored some of the greatest players in baseball history. It was hosted at Fenway Park in Boston, and one of the most legendary players in Red Sox history made an appearance. Ted Williams was present, and the current players were in awe of one of the titans of the game.

Reggie Jackson was known for stepping up in October during the MLB postseason, but wasn’t afraid to dial things up during the All-Star Game either. In 1971 at Detroit’s Tiger Stadium, Jackson clobbered a pitch so far that it hit a light tower. The drive was estimated to travel 520 feet, which still qualifies as a prodigious blast even today.

The All-Star game was exclusively comprised of white players until 1949, when four African American players were named to the contest. Those players were Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians. It was a huge turning point for inclusion in the sport.