Party at the Arch: 2009 MLB All-Star Game Schedule and Tickets

While the Rangers try and break out of their offensive funk, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at the schedule for the Midsummer Classic – the 2009 MLB All-Star Game. The Rangers have had quite a presence in the game since the infamous tie in 2002, with four games being prominently affected by Ranger exploits.

Check after the jump for the 2009 MLB All-Star Game schedule and tickets.

2009 MLB All-Star Game Schedule and Tickets

Date	Event	Time	TV	Buy Tickets
July 12	XM All-Star Futures Game	1 p.m.	ESPN2	MLB All-Star Game Weekend Tickets
July 12	Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game	(will air after HR Derby)	ESPN	MLB All-Star Game Weekend Tickets
July 13	State Farm Home Run Derby	6 p.m.	ESPN	MLB All-Star Game Weekend Tickets
July 14	80th MLB All-Star Game	7 p.m.	FOX	MLB All-Star Game Weekend Tickets

Hank Blalock hitting a two-run homer off Eric Gagne to win the game for the AL in 2003, Alfonso Soriano winning the MVP in 2004, Michael Young winning the MVP in 2006 and driving in the winning run for the AL that year and last year – all of them helping the AL secure home-field advantage in the World Series with a win.

The 2009 MLB All-Star Game hopefully will be as good as the last few. Going back to the game in Pittsburgh in 2006, each game has been competitive, close and exciting. While the AL has come out on top each time, the 2009 MLB All-Star Game should be another one that will go right down to the wire.

In fact, the American League has dominated the MLB All-Star Game the past two decades, winning 17 of the past 21 games dating back to 1988. (The teams tied in 2002) However, the National League dominated before that, winning 19 of 20 games from 1963 to 1982, and the senior circuit leads the all-time series 41-36-2 heading into the 2009 MLB All-Star Game.

There should be multiple Rangers making appearances this year in St. Louis. As it stands now, both second baseman Ian Kinsler and outfielder Josh Hamilton would be chosen as starters for the 2009 MLB All-Star Game. In my estimation, Nelson Cruz and Frank Francisco probably deserve spots as well, but that’s up to the players and the manager.

One of my favorite goofy traditions as listed on the 2009 MLB All-Star Game schedule is the Legends and Celebrities softball game. I don’t know what it is, but for some reason I always enjoy watching a bunch of old players and Hollywood stars running around playing softball. It may not be the most appealing event on the 2009 MLB All-Star Game schedule from a baseball standpoint, but it usually is worth watching.

I personally remember where I was last year when Josh Hamilton put on his show at Yankee Stadium during the Home Run Derby – one of the coolest memories of watching sports I’ve ever had – but Hamilton has already said that he won’t be participating in this year’s contest. However, for the 2009 MLB All-Star Game, the fans are now able to pick who they want to see hit homers in the Derby. Personally, this is such a no-brainer move that I don’t know why Major League Baseball didn’t do it before, but there are plenty of things I would change in MLB that seem like no-brainers to me.