What Is 2016 MLB All-Star Game

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 MLB All-Star Game was held on July 12, 2016, at Petco Park in San Diego, California. The American League defeated the National League 4–3, marking their fifth consecutive All-Star Game win.

Key Facts

The 2016 MLB All-Star Game took place on July 12, 2016
Petco Park in San Diego hosted the game
American League won 4–3 over the National League
Eric Hosmer was named MVP after hitting a two-run home run
Over 42,000 fans attended the game at Petco Park

Overview

The 2016 MLB All-Star Game was the 87th edition of Major League Baseball’s annual midsummer classic, showcasing the best players from the American League (AL) and National League (NL). Held on July 12, 2016, at Petco Park in San Diego, California, the game marked the third time the venue hosted the midsummer classic.

Organized by Major League Baseball, the event brought together fan-elected starters and manager-selected reserves from both leagues. The game served as a showcase of talent and a pivotal moment in determining home-field advantage for the 2016 World Series, a rule that was later discontinued after that season.

July 12, 2016 was the official date of the game, starting at 8:00 PM Eastern Time and broadcast nationally by Fox.
Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, hosted the game with a final attendance of 42,295 fans.
The American League won 4–3, securing their fifth straight All-Star victory and earning home-field advantage in the 2016 World Series.
Eric Hosmer of the Kansas City Royals was named Most Valuable Player after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning.
Notable players included Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, and Anthony Rizzo, all of whom started in the game.

How It Works

The MLB All-Star Game is an annual exhibition game that features the top players from the American and National Leagues, selected through a combination of fan voting, player ballots, and manager input.

Selection Process: Starters are chosen by fan votes, while reserves and pitchers are selected by players and managers. The process ensures representation from all 30 MLB teams.
Voting System: Fans vote online and via mobile apps, with the top vote-getters in each league earning starting positions. In 2016, Mike Trout led all vote-getters.
Game Format: The game consists of nine innings unless tied, in which case extra innings are played. In 2016, the game lasted 3 hours and 22 minutes.
Roster Size: Each league sends a 34-player roster, including 20 position players and 14 pitchers. In 2016, 10 pitchers from each league were selected.
Home-Field Advantage: From 2003 to 2016, the winning league gained home-field advantage in the World Series. The 2016 game was the last to use this rule.
Home Run Derby: Held the day before the All-Star Game, Giancarlo Stanton won in 2016 with 61 total home runs over three rounds.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key metrics from the 2016 MLB All-Star Game and recent editions:

Year	Location	Winner	Score	MVP
2016	Petco Park, San Diego	American League	4–3	Eric Hosmer
2015	Globe Life Park, Arlington	American League	6–3	Mike Trout
2014	Target Field, Minneapolis	American League	5–3	Salvador Pérez
2013	Citi Field, New York	National League	3–0	Marcell Ozuna
2012	Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City	National League	8–0	Melky Cabrera

The 2016 game continued a trend of American League dominance, with five straight wins from 2012 to 2016. Unlike earlier blowouts, the 2016 contest was tightly contested, with the AL taking the lead in the eighth inning. This close score reflected growing parity in All-Star selections and strategic pitching changes.

Why It Matters

The 2016 MLB All-Star Game was significant not only for its competitive nature but also for marking the end of an era in terms of World Series home-field advantage rules. It also highlighted the rising popularity of midsummer events like the Home Run Derby and All-Star festivities.

End of Home-Field Rule: The 2016 game was the last to grant World Series home-field advantage to the winning league, a policy discontinued in 2017.
Star Power: The game featured rising stars like Corey Seager and veterans like David Ortiz, who announced his retirement that season.
Attendance Boost: The event brought an estimated $100 million in economic impact to San Diego, boosting tourism and local businesses.
Media Coverage: The game was televised in over 200 countries, reinforcing MLB’s global outreach efforts.
Legacy Recognition: The 2016 event honored the late Tom Seaver with a tribute, recognizing his impact on the game.
Future Format: Discussions after 2016 led to MLB considering changes, including replacing the All-Star Game with a draft-style selection process.

Ultimately, the 2016 MLB All-Star Game served as both a celebration of current talent and a turning point in how MLB approaches its signature midseason event. With evolving formats and growing fan engagement, it remains a cornerstone of the baseball calendar.