Best In The League.. Or Not
- Stephen Salazar
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
All-Star Games. The games that are supposed to be the best players in the league. But is that really the way it ends up? This is something that I’ve been thinking about for a little while.
The MLB, NFL, NBA, and MLS are among the leagues that have fans vote on their all-stars. This begs the question: do these players actually deserve to be in the game? Granted, the game isn’t so much a competition as it is a fun event for everyone to enjoy. Still, wouldn’t we rather see the best and not a “fan favorite?”
Let’s break this down a little more.
NFL fans vote for the players directly through the NFL’s website. The fans, along with the players and coaches, choose who is selected to the Pro Bowl, which takes place the week prior to the Super Bowl. Each of those groups’ votes count for 1/3 of the vote total.
NBA fan share a vote with players and a media panel. Fan votes account for 50% of the vote, while the other two each account for 25% respectively. As in the MLB, fan votes decide the starters, and NBA head coaches select the reserves.
The MLS votes are split between fans, players, and media. The votes are split into 1/3 to determine the First XI (starters). Reserves are selected by the All-Star coach and MLS commissioner.
MLB fans share a vote with the players and media. The fans’ vote determines the starters for the All-Star Game, while the reserves and extra pitchers are selected by the players and media.
As you can see, the fans have a large say in each of these leagues’ all-star voting. I love the idea of bringing in fans and being inclusive, but should there be a line? It has me thinking whether we have an all-star game based on who has the highest batting average, or who has the biggest chain?
One selection to the Pro Bowl that was questionable is last year’s addition of Shedeur Sanders. After Drake Maye and the Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl, Sanders was added to the AFC roster. However, if this was a game of the league's best, why was Sanders added? His 3-4 record with a 7:10 interception ratio is hardly elite. Heck, I’d even say it’s hardly average. Cleveland should retire his number now. Why not? Colorado did.
All of that is old news though.
A friend told me that all credibility went out the window when things like that started happening, and quite frankly, I’m about there. I’m all for the fun and excitement that these games can bring, but to me it’d be better to watch the best against the best. How often do we get to see Aaron Judge face off with Shohei? Two players with high-level skills, going head-to-head, even if it were just for one at-bat.
The next question I have is, what makes the games worth it? The All-Star Games have become somewhat of a joke. Players giving half-hearted efforts, not caring if they win or lose so long as they got that “sick reel for my insta.” I do understand that players are tired, worn down from the season. In the NFL, the Pro Bowl is after the season, so some players are completely gassed. Some go as far as to decline the invitation to play in the games. But how can you let that competitive spirit run out? Don’t you want to win?
So how do we fix this? What can we do to make these games worth it for the players and interesting for the fans? The MLB offers a prize for the winning team, and NBA players get a prize for playing. Depending on where their team places, that value changes. A $100k bonus seems pretty good to me.
Though the All-Star games are fun to watch, they seem like they could evolve and be even better. Maybe we could focus more on statistical aspects of the game rather than the fame factor. I would really like to see players earn the right to be at these games not make it because they made a “sick a** TikTok video.”
If that’s the road we are heading down, I’m not so sure I want to take it. At that point, I’ll be watching The Price is Right instead of the game. At least there I can have fun too.
Are All-Star Games Overrated?
YES!
They're okay, could be better.
No, they're great!
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