What Is 1999 MLB All Star Game

Overview

The 1999 MLB All-Star Game was a historic event held on July 13, 1999, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. It marked the 70th edition of Major League Baseball's annual Midsummer Classic, drawing over 35,000 fans to the iconic ballpark.

As part of MLB's celebration of the 20th century, the game featured a special 'Century Team' announcement, honoring the greatest players in baseball history. The American League claimed a decisive 4–1 victory, highlighted by dominant pitching performances and a memorable MVP outing.

• July 13, 1999 was the official date of the game, making it the first All-Star Game hosted by Boston since 1961.
• Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, served as the venue, becoming the oldest ballpark to host an All-Star Game at the time.
• The American League’s 4–1 win extended their dominance in All-Star Games during the late 1990s, showcasing superior pitching depth.
• Pedro Martínez, starting pitcher for the AL, struck out five batters in one inning, tying a record for most strikeouts in a single frame.
• Martínez was awarded the Most Valuable Player honor, becoming the first Red Sox player to win it at home since 1946.

How It Works

The MLB All-Star Game is an annual exhibition game featuring the best players from the American League and National League, selected by fans, players, and managers.

• Selection Process: Fans vote for starters, while players and managers select pitchers and reserves. In 1999, over 15 million ballots were cast.
• Game Format: A nine-inning exhibition game with each league managed by the previous year’s pennant winners’ staffs.
• Pedro Martínez’s Role: As the AL starter, he pitched the second inning and recorded five strikeouts, facing only six batters.
• Century Team: During the game, MLB announced its 100 greatest players of the 20th century, adding historical significance.
• Home Field Advantage: Though not official until 2003, the 1999 game was one of the last before the rule change linking the outcome to World Series home-field.
• Attendance:35,220 fans attended, filling Fenway Park to near capacity and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Comparison at a Glance

Key statistics and outcomes from the 1999 All-Star Game compared to recent editions highlight its uniqueness and historical context.

The 1999 game stands out for its low-scoring nature and pitching excellence, contrasting with higher-scoring modern games. While attendance was lower than in later years, the emotional weight of honoring the Century Team elevated its cultural significance beyond the box score.

Why It Matters

The 1999 MLB All-Star Game remains a landmark event due to its confluence of historical tribute, individual brilliance, and ballpark legacy. It symbolized a transition point in baseball history as the sport approached the new millennium.

• The game celebrated the 100 greatest players of the 20th century, reinforcing baseball’s deep cultural roots.
• Pedro Martínez’s performance solidified his status as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.
• Fenway Park’s role as host highlighted the importance of historic ballparks in preserving the game’s traditions.
• The AL’s victory contributed to growing momentum that eventually led to the home-field rule in the World Series.
• It marked the last All-Star Game of the 20th century, serving as a symbolic bridge to modern baseball.
• Television ratings were strong, with 18.5 million viewers tuning in, reflecting the game’s broad appeal.

Today, the 1999 All-Star Game is remembered not just for the outcome, but for its role in honoring baseball’s past while showcasing its future stars.