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It wasn’t the 15-inning marathon of the 2008 edition at old Yankee Stadium, but the 2025 MLB All-Star Game certainly had its fair share of must-see TV.
The National League consistently added on before the American League fought until its last strike in the ninth inning to tie the game with a six-run comeback.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Extra innings would not settle the contest this time. Instead, MLB turned to an exciting format: Home Runs For The Win.
The new swing-off negated the possibility of more innings and desperate use of valuable arms. Not to mention: Who doesn’t want more of the Home Run Derby style? Especially to decide an All-Star contest.
Managers Aaron Boone and Dave Roberts met at home plate after nine innings to share their three contestants with FOX Sports host Kevin Burkhardt.
The American League entrusted Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker, Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena and Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda. The National League countered with Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers, Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and New York Mets first baseman (and two-time derby champion) Pete Alonso.
Each hitter got just three swings to make an impact and deliver for the respective leagues. Here’s how the results shook out:
Rooker: 2 HR
Stowers: 1 HR
Arozarena: 1 HR
Schwarber: 3 HR
Aranda: 0 HR
Alonso: DNP
Schwarber vaulted the National League in front with homers on all three swings for the league’s second All-Star win in three years, though just the third win since 2012. The dependable power source of his era added another home run tab to a remarkable resume of clutch long balls in high-pressure spots, headlined by a home run in every round of the playoffs in both leagues during his career.
MLB absolutely knocked it out of the park with this amendment. Pun intended.
The format forced immediate action, towering drives and a memorable sight for fans in attendance to round out the league’s midsummer festivities.
Baseball needs more of the swing-off in the future. It certainly opened a new era for All-Star glory in Atlanta Tuesday night.
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