That long opening ceremony was uncalled for. Just introduce the players and get the game over with sooner.
But one thing about it that really irked me. When they introduced everyone that had broken records, Orel Hershiser's wasn't even mentioned. I always thought that his record of pithcing shutout innings was more dramatic and intriguingthan Ripken's. Why has his record was his record totally snubbed?

Personally, I dislike the whole 'gangsta' look some of the players had during the intros.

I liked the opening ceremonies. Nice to see the history of the game put on display, esp. for young people or people new to the baseball that don't know the legends of the game.

Jorge Posada sending up his son was so cute. And Jorge--what a man! I can't decide between him, Shawn Green and Joe Buck--which is cutest?

That opening "pageant" was atrocious. Truly grotesque; the worst of Ken Burns crossed with the Ice Capades. Worthy of the Olympics! Actors costumed as 1920s photographers! Cal Ripken, the most overrated player since Pete Rose, making a vampiric appearance! Thank God for Mays and Aaron...

Which made the wondrous kissing-your-sister finale with sheepish Beelzebud all the sweeter...when I saw it this morning, since I went out in the 3rd inning, and returned to fall asleep in the 10th.

I didn't see any of it. I was watching something else until 8:10 and then my cable TV went out during a thunderstorm and didn't come back until...well, I'm not sure exactly when because I turned off the TV and started listening to a CD. By the time I turned it on again it was already into the 4th inning. But I was stunned when I read earlier that the first pitch was at 9:06! Obviously the ceremonies and so on were way too much, especially if they refuse to start games earlier.

Well, I had a choice between the All-Star game or watching the directors cut of Howard Hawks' great movie The Big Sleep on TCM. I choose the movie and from all reports, I made the right choice. What an incredible movie!

I can't stand nostalgia or sentimentality (except in Puccin operas), so I'm glad I missed the opening segment. And the game didn't actually start until 9:06 ET???? Sounds like Monday Night Football to me.

[ January 03, 2003: Message edited by: Ump25 ]

The pre-game ceremonies went on so long (apparently baseball is determined to see to it that young kids west of Chicago not get to watch any all-star or postseason games) that I finally switched off for a while so I could get some dinner. Therefore, I missed the anthem. Who sang it?

[ January 03, 2003: Message edited by: Ump25 ]

[quote]Originally posted by Ump25:

Some biker-looking gal named Anastacia, who sounded like a pubescent little boy squeezing his nuts way too hard.

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Anastasia was announced as a "multi-platinum selling" artist. Has anyone heard of her?

[quote]Originally posted by canmark:


Anastasia was announced as a "multi-platinum selling" artist. Has anyone heard of her?

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If I'm not mistaken she was recently on the VH-1 Divas Las Vegas, and performed a duet with Mary J. Blige (Cover of "Love is a Battlefield" Pat Benetar). She's big in Europe from my understanding... She just released a CD titled "Freak of Nature". I missed the Pregame crap...sounds like I didn't miss much either.

Her "multi-platinum" status must have been bought from the same store as Roger Whittaker's and Box Car Willie's.

You know, they both outsold Elvis! LOL

[ January 03, 2003: Message edited by: Ump25 ]

OK, I'm not gonna say anything else about the "freak of nature" because it was said in another thread....

However, I am going to say something on topic. Why in the world must Commissioner Bud insist on an HOUR of pregame festivities? I mean, thats nice for the folks in the ball park... but start them an hour earlier, give Fox or whoever is televising 15 minutes before lineup introductions, and get on with it. I think Bud called the game because everyone was too tired to continue after 4.5 friggin' hours! No wonder ratings are dropping faster than the Dow Jones!

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: MSUBulldog ]

Bud Selig is a f--king dork. First, we had the freaky Broadway/Chorus Line/Ice Escapedes show for one hour. Then, we have the drugged up biker fish who screw up our National Anthem. Finally, we have the screw up conclusion to the all-star game being called in the 11th inning because they ran out of pitchers.

The prima donnas did not want to play any more past the 11th inning because they had committments (i.e. autograph signings, interview shows, ESPY awards) to attend on their off day. In the old days (80's), players like Pete Rose, Kirk Gibson, Steve Carlton, and Keith Hernandez, etc would have play until a winner is declared. Today, the players are too much selfish and they don't have any respect for the game, competition, or tradition. Just look at how they lined up and trotted out to the baseline during opening ceremonies.

The cherry on top of this mess ... Bud "Dork" Selig screwed this game up in front of his own loyal fans at his ball park. It was classic moment out of his life ... discussing the situation with Torre and Brudley. He said it was "no-win situation"! Remember, this guy went in front of Congress and claimed that only 5 teams made money in 2001. Whereas, Forbes magazine stated 20 teams made a profit including the "Dork" team at 18 million dollars. Next, he will call for a lockout because two teams could not make their payrolls.

This guy is killing the game! How pathetic is he .... he could only coach a Little League Baseball team to a sixth place finish in a five team league.