American League Was Stronger

The most dynamic game ever produced by best superstars.

2003 ML All-star Game held yesterday at US Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Hank Blalock`s pinch-hit homer propelled the AL to a dramatic 7-6 victory in Tuesday`s All-Star game at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. Since 1997, the American League has not lost a single All-star Game, winning a total of six games in a row.

Players were more enthusiastic and dedicated than in regular games. A new rule was taken into effect and applied—a league that wins the All-star Game will host Game 1, 2, 6 and 7 of the World Series as their home games.

The highlight came in the eight, when the National League was leading the game 6-4. AL Garret Anmderson pumped his fist and Vernon Wells also hit an RBI double, making it 6-5.

With two outs, Troy Glaus hit a long drive to right field -- to the right of the big outfield sign that proclaimed the All-Star slogan, "This Time It Counts.¡° Blalock homered in his first All-Star at-bat. He`s in his first full season, having been a bust as a heralded rookie last year.

Anderson, who won the Home Run Derby the previous day, was 3 for 4 with two RBIs, and won the MVP title. It was a double luck—he got to play in the All-star Game on default in place of injured Manny Raminez of the Boston Red Sox, and won the MVP title and Home Run Derby.

The howle game taught us the meaning of "neck-and-neck." First, the American League took the lead with one score in the 3rd.

But the National League turned the game over with five hits, which turned the game over again 5-1 for it.

The American League caught up by two points with Anderson`s two-run home run in the sixth. In the seventh, both of the teams made one single homer each.

The All-star Game produced 20 hits including five home runs. It was a fantastic game, living up to its nickname of Midsummer Classic.

Chang Jeon jeon@donga.com