The Day All the Stars Came Out

Book excerpt: This is a history of major league baseball's first All-Star game, originally conceived in 1933 as a one-time "Game of the Century" (including greats such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Carl Hubbell and Lefty Grove) to lift the spirits of the nation and its people in the midst of the Great Depression. The game was so successful that it became a yearly event and an integral part of the baseball season. The work covers the game, from the Chicago Tribune's early advocacy for the contest through every play, and the later accomplishments of many of the individuals involved.