I don't care what your politics are, it was a great opening ceremony. A well manicured field full of millionaires, but, to me, it was more about the opening ceremony.
Introduction of the teams then intro of the managers, then the starting players.
Then a gigantic flag, anchored by armed forces, unfurled in the outfield.
Then a film about unheard of people, who have decided to "do something," or "give something back," and briefly their stories. One lady knits and donates hats to people who are going through cancer therapy. Others did a variety of volunteer work.
And then, they came out on the playing field, in a group, and the players, converged on them to thank and congratulate them. It was neat. These were people who devote time, money and energy to doing things for others, and they do it because they want to, and they were being recognized for what they did. It was really neat.
Then more film, the President, and all his living predecessors, congratulating the players, and then they congratulated the group of caring people.
I admit, I had a few tears. Someone decided to thank a group of people who generally do what they do out of dedication and caring, and they were being recognized.
Then, Stan Musial, who I have seen play at old Crosley Field in Cincinnati, 80 some years old, came on to the field in a golf cart, and he was carrying a baseball.
ST. LOUIS — If the buildup to the 80th All-Star Game belonged to St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols, Tuesday night's celebration belonged to America and Cardinals legend Stan Musial.
A sea of red and a deafening roar in appreciation greeted Musial, 88, who arrived via the right-field gate in a maroon golf cart.
But then, President Obama emerged from the dugout, went to the golf cart, and Mr. Musial gave the baseball to the President, resplendent in jeans and a Chicago White Sox jacket, and threw out the first pitch, to Albert Pujols.
It was a great opening ceremony, the National Anthem left a little to be desired, couldn't decide whether she was wearing shorts or a mini skirt. People just don't dress appropriately anymore, to suit my tastes. At least is wasn't Roseanne Barr.
Whoever put the show together is to be congratulated.
