All-Star process no longer packs a punch

It was July 6, 1955 and the New York Giants were winding up their batting practice in the Polo Grounds as members of the visiting Philadelphia Phillies began to appear on the field preparing to take their turn in the cage. A messenger approached Phillies center fielder Richie Ashburn.

“Leo wants to talk to you,” Ashburn was told.

“Leo” referred to Leo Durocher, the manager of the Giants. In less than a week Durocher would be managing the National League team in the AllStar Game. After the fans had elected eight starters Durocher had chosen the rest of the 25man squad. He had omitted the league’s leading hitter, who happened to be Ashburn and Ashburn was seething.

“Tell Leo,” he responded … The rest of the sentence consisted of four words and five syllables. It was a very common rejection delivered with very uncommon vitriol.

In 1972 fans elected Luis Aparicio of the Boston Red Sox to start at shortstop for the American League. A late injury prevented Aparicio from participating which meant that the AL manager, Earl Weaver of the Baltimore Orioles, would name the starter. Most people expected Weaver to choose Bert Campaneris of the Oakland Athletics,

who had been the runner-up in the voting. Instead, he chose 23-year-old Bobby Grich from his own club. Campaneris was added to the team but didn’t get into the game. The contest lasted 10 innings and Grich played all 10.

About three weeks later the Athletics visited Baltimore and Campaneris began the game with a single, stole second and third and scored on an infield out. In the sixth inning he again singled and stole second. This time he continued to third on an error and scored when losing pitcher Jim Palmer committed a balk.

Afterwards Campaneris declared that he was motivated by his All-Star exclusion and

ADAM HUNGER — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is on Jay Dunn’s All-Star ballot.