Has Interleague Play Taking The Lust Away From The All-Star Game?

Tuesday nights All-Star game received a 6.9 rating and an average of 11 million viewers, it's lowest ever according to Nielsen Media Research.

The 6.9 rating for the telecast was down 8% from last years 7.5 rating. The All-Star game did lead  all networks works in primetime on Tuesday, but it is an indication that the game is losing it's appeal.

The All-Star game used to be a heated rivalry between the National and American leagues.

Bob McManaman, Cincinnati.com, writes in his article "Pete Rose misses intense rivalry at All-Star game" that former NL President Warren Giles was famous for his volatile, pregame speeches to the NL All-Stars during his 19-year term.

"Mr. Giles would come in and he'd get so animated you could see the veins bulge out of his neck," said Reds legend Pete Rose. "He really believed that the All-Star game was an opportunity to show the world that the National League was better than the American league."

In 1993 Rose, a 17-time All-Star, was asked about interleague play and he replied, "It would take some of the lust off the All-Star game."

The attitude of today's players towards the summer classic, supports Rose's thoughts.

" I think it's just hanging out and catching up with guys from both leagues," said Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. "It's great to talk with some of the guys you don't always get to play against."

According to McManaman, former major league infielder Steve Sax, a five-time All-Star, had this to say.

"You don't hang out with the enemy. It's just not the same anymore. I wish it was always like the way Pete Rose did it. That's the way it should be played."

Sax's is correct and I believe many fans wish the classic was still played the way Rose played. Unfortunately, Pete was correct back in '93.