Live Radio
Home » MLB News » From Cronin to Ripken…

From Cronin to Ripken to Harper: Fun facts about the All-Star Game and DC

Patrick Roth | proth@wtop.com

July 11, 2018, 11:45 AM

WASHINGTON — For the first time since 1969, D.C. will play host to the Midsummer Classic.

Even though the Nationals have only been around since 2005, D.C. has a long history with the All-Star Game dating back to the very first one in 1933.

Here are some fun facts you might not have known about the Nats, Orioles and even the Senators in the All-Star Game.

Griffith Stadium is packed with fans on hand for the 23rd All-Star major league baseball game in Washington, July 10, 1956. This view is from the right field corner of the lower deck shortly before game time. (AP Photo)
D.C. has hosted the All-Star Game four other times While this is the first time the Nationals have played host to the All-Star Game, the All-Star Game was played in D.C. 1937, 1956, 1962 and 1969. The photo is from the 1956 All-Star Game at Griffith Stadium. That game saw homers from Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle. In case you were wondering, the National League is 3-1 when playing in D.C., but the Senators played in the American League all four of those seasons. (AP Photo)
AP Photo
FILE - In this April 6, 1992, file photo, a general view from the upper level in the new Oriole Park at Camden Yards during opening day baseball game between the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore. The Orioles will celebrate mark the 20th anniversary of the inaugural opener at the Camden Yards on Friday, April 6, 2012, when they face the Minnesota Twins.(AP Photo/Ted Mathias, File)
Baltimore has hosted the All-Star Game twice The Orioles played host to the Midsummer Classic in 1958 and more recently in 1993. The game in 1993 featured a memorable matchup when the Phillies’ John Kruk stepped up to the plate against the Mariners’ Randy Johnson. The American League won both games played in Baltimore. File. (AP Photo/Ted Mathias, File)
AP Photo/Ted Mathias, File
The American League team poses before the first major league All-Star Game in Chicago, July, 6, 1933. The American League won 4-2. Front row, from left: Al Schact, Eddie Collins, Tony Lazzeri, General Crowder, Foxx Fletcher, Earl Averill, Ed Rommel, Ben Chapman, Rick Ferrell, Sam West, Charlie Gehringer, bat boy. Back row, from left: bat boy, unidentified team member, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Oral Hildebrand, Connie Mack, Joe Cronin, Lefty grove, bat boy, Bill Dickey, Al Simmons, Lefty Gomez, Wes Ferrell, Jimmy Dykes, club boy. (AP Photo)
The first All-Star Game The first All-Star Game was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago back in 1933 and two members of the Washington Senators played a big role in the American League’s 4-2 win. Joe Cronin, who was also the manager of the Senators, played the whole game at shortstop, he got one hit in three at bats and scored one run. General Crowder (they don’t name baseball players like they used to) pitched three innings and gave up the only two runs the National League would score. (AP Photo)
AP Photo
Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) holds his All Star jersey during a ceremony before a baseball with the Colorado Rockies game Sunday, July 8, 2012 in Washington. Harper was named to the All Star game yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Most All-Star appearances by a National: Bryce Harper, six Harper was named to the NL All-Star team in his first season in 2012, replacing the injured Giancarlo Stanton. Since then he has been named to every All-Star team except for 2014, when he was hurt for much of the first half. Harper has started in four All-Star Games and has been selected as a starter for this year’s game as well. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
DENVER - JULY 7: Cal Ripken Jr. of the American League signs autographs for fans during the MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 7, 1998 in Denver, Colorado. The American League defeated the National League 13-8. (Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Most All-Star appearances by an Oriole: Cal Ripken Jr., 19 Only three players in MLB history have appeared in more All-Star Games than Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken made his first All-Star team in 1983, his second full-season in the majors, and played in every All-Star Game until he retired in 2001. He was a starter in 17 All-Star Games, including every year from 1984 to 1999. In his last All-Star Game in 2001, he hit a memorable home run. (Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper, left, second baseman Daniel Murphy, starting pitcher Max Scherzer, starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman hold their National League All-Star jerseys before a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park, Sunday, July 9, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Most Nationals in an All-Star Game: Five in 2016 and 2017 Five Nationals went to the All-Star Game in 2016 and 2017. Last year was a bit more successful, though, since four of the five Nats wound up starting the game. Stephen Strasburg was the only member of the Nats not to actually play in the game but that was partially due to the fact he pitched the last game before the All-Star Game and was lifted after only three innings. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 14: Chris Tillman #30, Adam Jones #10, Chris Davis #19, J.J. Hardy #2 and Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles pose for a photo with their All Star jersey before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 14, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Most Orioles in an All-Star Game: Seven in 1970 The Orioles have sent at least five players to the All-Star Game eight times, most recently in 2016. The 2013 AL All-Star Team had three Orioles in its starting lineup and two others on the roster as reserves. But that pales in comparison to 1970 when the Orioles had a whopping seven players selected to the AL All-Star Team, including four players cracking the starting lineup. In fact, from 1969 to 1971, the Orioles sent no less than six players to the All-Star Game each year. The Orioles also had five players named to the AL All-Star Team in 1997, 1972 and 1959. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images
National League All-Star pitcher Livan Hernandez of the Washington Nationals pitches during the fourth inning during the 2005 MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park in Detroit, Tuesday, July 12, 2005. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
First National to appear in an All-Star Game: Livan Hernandez Two players from the Nats were named to the All-Star team in 2005: starting pitcher Livan Hernandez and closer Chad Cordero. Hernandez got into the game first pitching the bottom of the fourth and it didn’t go great. He wound up giving up a walk, two hits, including a ground-rule double to the Orioles’ Brian Roberts, and two earned runs. Cordero eventually came into the game as well and struck out the only batter he faced, future National Ivan Rodriguez. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
AP Photo/Al Behrman
George Kell, Baltimore Orioles, poses in dressing room with ball and bat after rapping out three hits - one a homer - to gain his 2,000th hit June 5, 1957. (AP stf)
First Oriole to appear in an All-Star Game: George Kell In 1956, George Kell was the starting third baseman and played the whole game. He got a single off the New York Giants’ Johnny Antonelli in the bottom of the 9th of the AL’s 7-3 loss. Kell was NOT the Orioles’ first All-Star. Pitcher Bob Turley was named an All-Star in the Orioles’ first season in Baltimore in 1954 and pitcher Jim Wilson was named to the AL team in 1955, but neither of them got into the game. (AP staff)
AP staff
Washington Nationals' Alfonso Soriano hits a solo home run against the San Diego Padres during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 8, 2006 in Washington.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
First National to get a hit in All-Star Game: Alfonso Soriano 2006 was the Nationals’ second season and Alfonso Soriano’s only year with the team, but he was the starting left fielder for the National League that year. Soriano got a base hit off the Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay in the bottom of the third and stole second base. He was eventually thrown out at home on a single by Carlos Beltran. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
American League All-Star Miguel Tejada of the Baltimore Orioles follows through on his second inning home run off National League All-Star pitcher John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves in the second inning of the 2005 MLB All-Star Game, at Comerica Park in Detroit, Tuesday, July 12, 2005. In the background are catcher Paul Lo Duca of the Florida Marlins and umpire Joe West. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Last time an Oriole hit a home run in the All-Star Game: Miguel Tejada, 2005 Miguel Tejada was the starting shortstop for the AL in 2005 and in the bottom of the second, he went deep off the Braves’ John Smoltz. Tejada was the sixth Oriole to homer in an All-Star Game joining Cal Ripken Jr., who homered in 2001 and 1991; Roberto Alomar in 1998; Ken Singleton in 1981; Frank Robinson in 1971; Brooks Robinson in 1967. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
A 1970 photo of Frank Howard of the Washington Senators. (AP Photo)
Last D.C. player to a hit a home run in the All-Star Game: Frank Howard, 1969 No one on the Nationals has hit a home run in the All-Star Game, so you have to go back to 1969 when the Washington Senators’ Frank Howard went yard off the Cardinals’ Steve Carlton. Of course, 1969 was also the last time the All-Star Game was played in D.C., so maybe that streak ends in 2018? (AP Photo)
AP Photo
American League All-Star Miguel Tejada of the Baltimore Orioles holds the MVP trophy after the American League defeated the National League 7-5 in the 2005 MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park in Detroit, Tuesday, July 12, 2005. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Most recent All-Star MVP: Miguel Tejada, 2005 Five Orioles have won the All-Star Game’s MVP Award, most recently Miguel Tejada in 2005. Cal Ripken Jr. won the All-Star Game’s MVP award in 2001 and 1991, Roberto Alomar won it in 1998 and Frank Robinson won it in 1971. No one on the Nationals has won the award, although when the franchise was the Montreal Expos before moving to D.C., Tim Raines won it in 1987 and Gary Carter won it twice in 1981 and 1984. The first time the award was handed out was after the 1962 All-Star Game in D.C. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
AP Photo/Paul Sancya
(1/13)
Griffith Stadium is packed with fans on hand for the 23rd All-Star major league baseball game in Washington, July 10, 1956. This view is from the right field corner of the lower deck shortly before game time. (AP Photo)
FILE - In this April 6, 1992, file photo, a general view from the upper level in the new Oriole Park at Camden Yards during opening day baseball game between the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore. The Orioles will celebrate mark the 20th anniversary of the inaugural opener at the Camden Yards on Friday, April 6, 2012, when they face the Minnesota Twins.(AP Photo/Ted Mathias, File)
The American League team poses before the first major league All-Star Game in Chicago, July, 6, 1933. The American League won 4-2. Front row, from left: Al Schact, Eddie Collins, Tony Lazzeri, General Crowder, Foxx Fletcher, Earl Averill, Ed Rommel, Ben Chapman, Rick Ferrell, Sam West, Charlie Gehringer, bat boy. Back row, from left: bat boy, unidentified team member, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Oral Hildebrand, Connie Mack, Joe Cronin, Lefty grove, bat boy, Bill Dickey, Al Simmons, Lefty Gomez, Wes Ferrell, Jimmy Dykes, club boy. (AP Photo)
Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) holds his All Star jersey during a ceremony before a baseball with the Colorado Rockies game Sunday, July 8, 2012 in Washington. Harper was named to the All Star game yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
DENVER - JULY 7: Cal Ripken Jr. of the American League signs autographs for fans during the MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 7, 1998 in Denver, Colorado. The American League defeated the National League 13-8. (Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper, left, second baseman Daniel Murphy, starting pitcher Max Scherzer, starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman hold their National League All-Star jerseys before a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park, Sunday, July 9, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 14: Chris Tillman #30, Adam Jones #10, Chris Davis #19, J.J. Hardy #2 and Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles pose for a photo with their All Star jersey before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 14, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
National League All-Star pitcher Livan Hernandez of the Washington Nationals pitches during the fourth inning during the 2005 MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park in Detroit, Tuesday, July 12, 2005. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
George Kell, Baltimore Orioles, poses in dressing room with ball and bat after rapping out three hits - one a homer - to gain his 2,000th hit June 5, 1957. (AP stf)
Washington Nationals' Alfonso Soriano hits a solo home run against the San Diego Padres during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 8, 2006 in Washington.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
American League All-Star Miguel Tejada of the Baltimore Orioles follows through on his second inning home run off National League All-Star pitcher John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves in the second inning of the 2005 MLB All-Star Game, at Comerica Park in Detroit, Tuesday, July 12, 2005. In the background are catcher Paul Lo Duca of the Florida Marlins and umpire Joe West. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
A 1970 photo of Frank Howard of the Washington Senators. (AP Photo)
American League All-Star Miguel Tejada of the Baltimore Orioles holds the MVP trophy after the American League defeated the National League 7-5 in the 2005 MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park in Detroit, Tuesday, July 12, 2005. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Related News

Recommended

Related Gallery

Meet the 2018 American League All-Star Team

The 2018 American League All-Star team includes just one Baltimore Oriole. Are they ready to take on the National League? Here are the players.
Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up