ATLANTA, GA. – The MLB All-Star break has came and it has gone. Marking the halfway point of the MLB season, and marking that we are in the waining weeks of the summer months.
After the All-Star game got moved from Atlanta to Denver a couple of years ago due to conflicting political controversy, the game found its way back to Atlanta and Midsummer Classic certainly did not disappoint.
HBCU Swingman Classic (July 11)
The festivities kicked off with the HBCU Swingman Classic at Truist Park in Atlanta, featuring 50 standout players from 17 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This showcase, powered by MLB, the MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, and hosted by Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., provided a spotlight for under-the-radar collegiate talent – including Jay Campbell (MVP, National Team) and Alabama State’s Kameron Douglas.
Futures Game (July 12)
At 4 p.m. ET, the 26th All–Star Futures Game pitted the National League’s top prospects against their American League counterparts. The NL came out on top, 4–2, thanks in part to Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula’s three-run homer and strong pitching performances, including from switch‑pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje.
Notable standouts:
- Josue De Paula: NL MVP with a big homer in the 4-run fourth
- Jurrangelo Cijntje: Showcased rare ambidextrous dominance, striking out key batters
Celebrity Softball Game (July 12)
That night, celebrities took the diamond at Truist Park in a fun-packed Celebrity Softball Game. Highlights included:
- Jennie Finch going a perfect 3-for-3 and even trying her hand behind the dish.
- CC Sabathia, the Yankees legend, smashing a homer and earning MVP honors.
- Druski, the comedian, stealing the show with his witty confidence and viral charm.
A mix of sports icons, musicians, and influencers added star power, enjoying packed stands and viral attention
Home Run Derby (July 14)
The Home Run Derby heated up on ESPN, featuring top sluggers like Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, who led the league with 38 homers. Raleigh’s swing – powerful, elite, and pitcher-friendly – earned him betting favorite status (+250)
We also saw other stars such as Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. who hit only three home runs, coming in last.
In the championship round between Junior Caminero and Cal Raleigh we were treated to a kid in the outfield showcasing his own baseball skills and actually robbed Caminero of a home run, the officials ended up counting the HR in favor towards Caminero as the ball did go over the bullpen wall in the outfield.
Outcome:
Cal Raleigh captured the Derby title, becoming the first catcher to do so .
All‑Star Game & First‑Ever “Swing‑Off” (July 15)
At Truist Park, the 95th MLB All‑Star Game delivered electrifying drama:
- The NL jumped to a 6–0 lead behind early homers from Pete Alonso and Corbin Carroll.
- The AL rallied back to tie it 6–6 by the ninth inning, spotlighting players like Brent Rooker, Bobby Witt Jr., Steven Kwan, and Edwin Díaz’s shaky closer performance
- With a tie game and MLB’s new rules (post‑2022), the match was decided by the first‑ever “swing‑off”: each side sent three sluggers to each take three swings, homer‑for‑homer
- The MLB also gave a special tribute to Braves legend Hank Aaron, in which fans raved about it being “perfect in every aspect”.
Hero of the night:
Phillies DH Kyle Schwarber went 3-for-3 in the swing-off, launching homers on all three swings to clinch the NL’s 7–6 victory—and earned MVP honors, the first Phillies player to do so since 1964
His performance made history:
- First-ever swing-off MVP
- First PHI player with All-Star MVP since Johnny Callison (1964)
- First DH ever to win the honor
- Fans and media hailed the finish as a dramatic new chapter in All-Star lore
Final Thoughts
2025’s All‑Star Week brought a thrilling mix of up-and-coming talent, celebrity entertainment, and historic baseball:
- HBCU Classic shone a spotlight on future stars and tradition.
- Futures Game reminded us the next wave of talent is already here.
- Celebrity Softball delivered laughs, legend homers, and viral moments.
- Home Run Derby crowned Cal Raleigh as a breakout power figure.
- And the All‑Star Game made history with its dramatic swing‑off finish, solidifying Schwarber’s place in baseball lore.
It was a week of big swings, big stories, and unforgettable moments that will resonate through baseball’s summer.
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies on X)
