1983 All-Star Game
The American League followed one of their worst All-Star performances with one of the greatest efforts ever by either side. It was the 50th Anniversary of the All-Star Game and the American League decided to make it a real celebration. After three decades of disappointment and eleven consecutive losses, the American League took the field with a vengeance and dominated the National League for nine straight innings. A seven-run third inning (all seven charged to Atlee Hammaker) gave the American League a 9-1 lead and that seemed safe even for the junior circuit. The star player of the game was Fred Lynn, whose grand slam in the third was the first in All-Star history. National League manager Whitey Herzog had ordered Robin Yount, the preceding batter, walked intentionally, which turned out not to be a good idea. "I take it personally," Lynn said later. By '83, Lynn had four home runs and ten runs batted in with twenty All-Star at-bats. Only Ted Williams had a higher All-Star RBI count, with twelve in forty-six at-bats. Stan Musial had ten runs batted in, but in sixty-three at-bats. Lynn's four homers tied him with Williams for the American League lead. The loss left the National League shell-shocked. They were no longer invincible.
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