Rob Manfred Talks Red Sox’s Chances Of Hosting All-Star Game
Fenway Park last hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 1999
It’s been 26 years since Fenway Park hosted the MLB All-Star Game, but commissioner Rob Manfred provided an optimistic update Tuesday on the Boston Red Sox’s chances of again being the site of the Midsummer Classic
“Rob Manfred says the Red Sox have shown avid interest in bringing the All-Star Game back to Fenway, which he called ‘a great venue,” The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham wrote on BlueSky. “That Boston hasn’t had the game since 1999 plays in the city’s favor, Manfred said.”
Boston has served as the host city of the MLB All-Star Game four times before, with Fenway Park being the venue on three occasions.
The 1936 event was held at National League Park in Beantown, before Fenway Park hosted the showcase in 1946, 1961 and 1999.
The 1999 MLB All-Star Game is widely regarded as one of the most memorable Midsummer Classics in history, both because of the pregame ceremony and legendary performance by Red Sox legend Pedro Martinez.
Ahead of the contest, the All-Century Team came together on the field, exchanging pleasantries with that season’s All-Star squads. The night reached its emotional pinnacle, however, when Red Sox icon Ted Williams approached the diamond at “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” on a golf cart and threw out the first ceremonial first pitch.
Tears were shed and legendary images were captured, before the attention shifted to Martinez, who earned the start for the American League in his home ballpark.
That year’s AL Cy Young Award winner didn’t disappoint, pitching two scoreless innings and recording five strikeouts. Martinez’s punchout victims included a trio of eventual Hall of Famers (Barry Larkin, Jeff Bagwell and Larry Walker), as well as Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.
Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves) is set to host Tuesday night’s All-Star Game, while Citizens Bank Park (home of the Philadelphia Phillies) is confirmed to be the site of the 2026 Midsummer Classic. Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs) is slated to host the contest in 2027.
The 2028 venue hasn’t been finalized, but it’s been reported that the Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays are among the contenders to be the host club.
