By Cory Tell ‘14, Sports Editor

There was once a time when All-Star games in the major American sports were events that fans could not miss. Whether watching the game from the confines of their homes or taking in the sporting event from the stadium, fans were captivated by the spectacle that was the All-Star weekend. Fans and players alike took the game seriously, which added extra intrigue to the matchup, with the best players in the world coming together and playing on the same field. There was so much history behind the games that players wanted to do their best on the world’s stage. In the 1970 MLB All-Star game, for example, Pete Rose plowed over catcher Ray Fosse at home plate in a jarring collision that will no longer even be allowed in the MLB in coming years, to give the National League the victory in the game. Ray Fosse’s career was never the same after his resulting injury. However, nowadays, the true value of the All-Star games has come into question. The showcase games in baseball, football, hockey, basketball, soccer, and so many other sports have drastically changed over the years, and most people would agree that they do not hold the same significance that they did a few decades ago.

One of the reasons that the All-Star games have lost so much of their appeal is that many of the players do not play the game with a high effort level out of fear of injuring themselves. With so much money and endorsement opportunities in sports, players do not want to risk suffering a career altering injury in a “meaningless” exhibition game. The NFL All-Star game, known as the Pro Bowl, is the best example of players not giving it their all on the field. Football is obviously one of the most violent sports in the world, so it is difficult to get players to perform with the same kind of passion they do in real games, since they are so susceptible to concussions and traumatic injuries. Thus, the Pro Bowl has evolved into a game that is not very competitive, with the players displaying little effort on the field. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, “We’re either going to have to improve the quality of what we’re doing… or even consider eliminating the game.” Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers added, “I was just surprised that some of the guys either didn’t want to play, or when they were in there, didn’t put any effort into it.” Esther Neibart ‘14, a passionate NFL fan, agrees with Rodgers that the game needs a fairly radical improvement. She said, “I think it could be much more competitive. Compared to the actual games during the season, I don’t think the players show a lot of effort. All-Star games are never as competitive or intense, and they are boring to watch.” Esther voices the opinion of many fans, which is that nobody likes to see players just “go through the motions” on the field.

Another reason that so many people have begun to resent and dislike All-Star games has to do with the voting process that selects the players who are going to be participating in the game. Although many leagues allow the fans to choose some of the players that will partake in the game in order to appeal to their interests, the true meaning of being an All-Star has changed due to fan voting. For example, Kobe Bryant has played in just six games this season due to various injuries, but the fans still voted him into the NBA All-Star game. Jack Fox ’14 voiced the sentiment that only players who are deserving should be in the game: “I think it’s foolish that players get in based on their reputation. Just because somebody was good in the past doesn’t mean they deserve to get in now. If someone else obviously earns a spot more than they do, why should they get to be there instead of them?” Instead of players who deserve to be in the game and to take part in the festivities, players who are fan favorites, or who have had good careers but are no longer at the top of the game, get voted into the contest.

Due to the decreasing interest in some of the All-Star games, the various American sports leagues have enacted some changes to the exhibition games to try and get fans more interested. The NFL and NHL now do a fantasy draft for their respective All-Star games, where two former players, or current captains, pick the players that they want on their team before the game, rather than splitting up the teams by conference as had been tradition. In soccer, beginning in 2005, a game has been played between the MLS All-Stars and one of the best European soccer teams, and this has been a successful model for the league.

The All-Star game is still a prime opportunity for leagues to showcase the best that their sport has to offer, from broadcasters in the booth to players on the field to coaches on the sidelines. In this way, exhibition games continue to function as they did years ago, highlighting the best aspects of a game in one weekend of events. However, it is undeniable that leagues had much more success showcasing the best of their sports decades ago when All-Star games were hard-fought and meaningful, as compared to the exhibition games of today.