Our Fate in Their Hands?

I’ve always enjoyed the All-Star game, but I have never been fond of the “Whoever wins gets homefield advantage in the World Series” thing. I always hated that idea. But for the first time, it is going to affect me in a negative way. Last year, I was thankful that the Yankees had homefield advantage in the World Series – but it shouldn’t have been because of the All-Star game that they won it. With the All-Star game, players that won’t even be in the postseason are determining the fate of the champions. Is that fair?

I know, I know…everyone is saying “But if homefield advantage wasn’t involved, what would be the fun of the All-Star game?”

Seriously?

How about seeing the best players in baseball go at it? How about seeing matchups like David Price vs Albert Pujols? How about that feeling of gratitude you get when you see your players on your team be announced as part of the best? Isn’t that fun?

If you are a fan of the game of baseball, you don’t need this “extra incentive” of World Series homefield advantage in the All-Star game. If you like baseball, the All-Star game already means enough.

Baseball players are men. Not to be sexist, but men have egos. And there is nothing wrong with that. Put them in a competition, and they want to win it. The All-Star game is just another competition, only it’s the best against the best. That right there is a reason for them to give it their all. 28 out of the 30 teams won’t be in the World Series and don’t care whatsoever about homefield advantage, so that won’t make those players play any harder.

I believe my Yankees will be in the World Series again. Now the National League has homefield advantage.

Is it fair that because David Ortiz is a fat slob who can’t run, the Yankees don’t have homefield advantage in the World Series?

Is it fair that because Elvis Andrus overran the base, the Yankees don’t have homefield advantage in the World Series?

Is it fair that because Matt Thorton allowed a bases-clearing double, the Yankees don’t have homefield advantage in the World Series?

No, No, NO! It’s not fair that these players determined the fate of my Yankees. Homefield advantage in the World Series should be awarded to the team with the best record – because only that team can determine that.

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I probably would not be as passionate about this issue if I did not have a contending team to root for. And for making my team so great, the greatest in the world, George Steinbrenner deserves credit.

George, thank you so much for everything you have done for the New York Yankees, and for their millions of fans worldwide. I being just 16 only have seen the Yankees be good, but they weren’t always that way. You transformed them. Unlike other owners, you selflessly invested the money back into the team, creating the most dominant franchise in all of sports. People that dislike you are just jealous about what you did to make the Yankees #1. Sure, you may have been harsh, but you just wanted to win. And what’s wrong with that? You set the standard of pride, power, and class for the New York Yankees – and I love you for that. You were the best Boss ever ♥

George, I’m so happy that you were able to see the Yankees win #27 here on Earth.

Hopefully, you will be able to see them win #28 this year from the best seat in Heaven.