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Major League Baseball is currently in the midst of its midsummer break. The All-Star break gives teams a chance to rest, recoup and, at times, reevaluate what they have done in the first half of the season. The stars of the game get the chance to play under the lights of Progressive Field this year with three Mets and five Yankees representing their leagues, respectively.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the All-Star break involving Yankees and Mets.
Citi Field Hosts 2013 All-Star Game
In its fourth year of existence, Citi Field was awarded the opportunity to host the Midsummer Classic. This season featured both New York teams going through different transitions in their franchises. The host Mets were beginning to build a young rotation that was centered around Matt Harvey, while the Yankees were beginning to lose the core of their dynasty years, with Mariano Rivera announcing his retirement earlier that season. The All-Star Game centered around both of these big names, as Harvey got the start and Moe got one last appearance in the All-Star Game. Harvey gave up just one hit across two scoreless innings and Rivera threw a perfect 8th inning while being named MVP. The American League won the game 3-0.
Jeter Earns 2000 MVP
It is rare to see players go more than a few innings in the All-Star Game. Everyone wants a shot to play, and it’s never worth someone getting hurt. So, Derek Jeter made the most out of his three at-bats in the first All-Star Game of the 21st Century. Jeter went 3-3 with two RBI in his five innings of work. One of those hits, his third and final one which drove in Jermaine Dye, came off Mets pitcher and two-time All-Star Al Leiter, who was new to the Mets that year. Those runs were exactly what the A.L. needed as they upended the N.L. 6-3.
Tom Seaver Gets The Nod For 1970 Start
Tom Terrific was an All-Star in each of the first seven seasons he played. However his only start came in 1970 in Atlanta. Seaver held an incredible 14-5 record going into the break, and was handed the ball to start off the exhibition. Seaver went three innings, giving up a lone hit to Carl Yastrzemski and striking out four. The National League went on to win the game, 5-4, after putting up three runs in the bottom of the 9th to force extras.
Derby Winners
One of the most fun events in sports pits the best power hitters against one another to see who has the most power and stamina to outlast the rest and mash dingers. There have been five Home Run Kings from New York since its inception in 1985. Darryl Strawberry took home the co-crown in 1986 along with Wally Joyner. Strawberry’s four were enough for a share of the title that year. Tino Martinez became the first Yankee to win the competition in 1997 with 16 homers in the same stadium the Derby will be held this year (minus the corporate branding). Jason Giambi took the crown in 2002 launching 27 missiles into orbit. Robinson Cano won the competition in 2011 in the desert. Cano sent 32 balls over the wall in Arizona while being pitched to by his father. The latest winner from a New York team came in 2017 when young Aaron Judge disrespected a whopping 47 balls in Marlins Park.
Josh Hamilton Lights Up The Bronx
Nick Laham/Getty Images The final year of the House that Ruth Built was filled with pageantry, and having the honor of hosting the All-Star Game in its last season was no exception. The night before the final All-Star Game at the Old Stadium, the traditional Home Run Derby took place. One of the least experienced players coming into the night was second-year outfielder Josh Hamilton. Hamilton left Yankee Stadium in awe, blasting a record 28 home runs in the first round, three of which went 500 feet or more. The 4 train at some points looked to be in danger of being hit by Hamilton. Hamilton was the story of the night, despite falling to Twins slugger Justin Morneau in the final.