The MLB announced today that the 2013 MLB All-Star Game will be hosted by the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 16, 2013.
It marks the city’s ninth All-Star game — the last being in 2008 at the old Yankee Stadium — but it is the first All-Star Game in Queens since 1964. That ’64 All-Star Game featured stars such as Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente and Joe Torre, was hosted at the now-demolished Shea Stadium and remains the last time an All-Star Game finished in walk off fashion. Citi Field was opened in 2009 after years of planning and constructing.
As a result of hosting next year’s game, the Mets will no longer have the longest All-Star Game drought, an honor that now belongs to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who haven’t hosted a game since 1980. The Miami Marlins, who were established in 1993, have never hosted a game and should be in the running in the near future with their new park now being open for business.
The Kansas City Royals will host this year’s event on July 10. The Minnesota Twins have announced their efforts to win the 2014 game.
