MLB All-Star Memories - 1970

In 1970 All Star Games were still very important. There were no inter-league games so the only time players competed with the other League was the World Series and the All Star Game. The World Series was only two teams so for most players their competition with the other league was at the All Star game.

Players competed hard and were serious about trying to win. It was most vividly displayed in 1970. The game was held in Cincinnati and the “Big Red Machine” had five players on the team President Nixon threw out the first pitch. He was the first President to do so since Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1937.

Tom Seaver and Jim Palmer each started the game with three shutout inning each. Finally the American League took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth. Dick Dietz of the Giants homered. Willie McCovey singled in another run. Finally Roberto Clemente brought in the tying run with a sacrifice fly.

The game stayed tied until the bottom of the 12th. Pete Rose was on second and Jim Hickman singled to center field. Rose rounded third heading home with the winning run. Ray Fosse of the Cleveland Indians was blocking the plate, as was common practice. Rose lowered his shoulder crashing into Fosse to win the game. The hometown fans cheered vigorously as the home time hero had won the game.

However, Ray Fosse had his shoulder separated. The injury never really healed and shortened his career.

The All Star Game at that time was definitely played for keeps. Players competed with intensity that hasn’t been seen for a long time in All Star games.