Last night kicked off festivities for the 2025 MLB All-Star break starting with a familiar fan favourite; the T-Mobile Home Run Derby. The history of the Home Run Derby dates back to the 1960's with a TV show called Home Run Derby which featured MLB stars such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Mickey Mantle slugging it out for a chance to win $2000. It was officially inaugurated in 1985 and since then, has been a smash hit for viewers looking to see the best power hitters in baseball.
In 2023, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guererro Jr. won the Home Run Derby 16 years after his father won it in 2007; becoming the first father-son duo in history to both win the event. Last night, history was rewritten again thanks to Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh.
The switch-hitting slugger has made waves all season long hitting 38 homeruns before the All-Star break, second all-time only behind former San Francisco Giants powerhouse and career all-time homerun leader, Barry Bonds. Raleigh was able to defeat Tampa Bay Rays infielder Junior Caminero in the final round to become the first catcher and switch-hitter ever to win the Home Run Derby, and the first Seattle Mariner to do it since Hall-of-Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr.
The action will continue tonight with the annual MLB All-Star Game, showcasing and pitting the best in baseball from around the league against each other. The MLB All-Star Game or otherwise known as the Midseason Classic was formulated back in 1933 in Chicago, IL as part of the 1933 World's Fair. Tonight is the 92nd year this will be held, featuring a couple Toronto Blue Jays players. Guerrero Jr. will make his 5th straight All-Star appearance as the starting first baseman for the American League. Alejandro Kirk will make his second All-Star appearance as a backup catcher to Cal Raleigh.
The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the hottest teams in the MLB over the last few weeks. Starting on June 29th, the Jays went on a 10-game win streak for the first time in a decade defeating AL East rivals Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees to claim top spot in the division. Heading into the All-Star break, the Jays lost two games against the Oakland Athletics but still lead the division with the Yankees sitting two games back.
However, Blue Jays fans will have to wait until Friday to resume regular season action when they host the Giants to start a six-game homestand. Right now, the focus is on the fun of the All-Star game, starting at 6:00 P.M. tonight at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia; the home of the Atlanta Braves. Tarik Skubal, star pitcher for the MLB-leading Detroit Tigers will take the mound as the starter for the American League and Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes who leads the league with a staggering 2.01 ERA will take the hill for the National League.
We will have all the radio coverage from the Midseason Classic over on AM 1190, Saskatchewan's home of Blue Jays and MLB All-Star baseball starting at 5:00 P.M. with live coverage from Truist Park in Atlanta. Tune into AM 1190 on the dial to catch all the All-Star action!