The 2009 MLB All-Star Game Party

It's become a tradition for me to host an annual party to watch the MLB All-Star game. My firm "Males only" policy was challenged by one of Lisa's friends this time around, but common sense and testosterone won out in the end. The two oldest girls were fawned off on relatives, Ginger was fast asleep, and Lisa joined her friend to watch a movie.

[Thanks do go out, however, to my sister C for helping get the house in order, and to Lisa for cooking most of the food. Much love to you both.]

This years spread included sloppy joes, baked beans, pasta salad, a vegetable tray, assorted chips and dips, cookies, brownies, watermelon, and fresh blueberries.

Oh, and Schlitz.



My Dad attended with Smiley in tow, as he'd taken him to the park for most of the afternoon.





Socialist was there, flipping off the camera as usual.



My buddy Tre made his annual pilgrimage for the game (and brought the beer and salad). Also present was Bob, the father of one of LuLu's friends, and Jason, the significant other of our friend Jessica.



As usual not much attention was paid to the game, at least until the last few innings. The game flew by at a staggering 2 hours and 31 minutes and featured an RBI double by Home Run Derby champ (and Milwaukee Brewer) Prince Fielder, but in the end it was the same old same old. The American League pulled off another in a long line of wins, Mariano Rivera notched a record fourth save in the ASG, and home field advantage again rests with the Junior circuit.

In fact, while I feel the conversation was above par tonight, the most talked about aspect of the game wasn't the actions on the field. Instead it was the man-love for Obama that the Fox crew, led by Joe Buck, gratuitously displayed. For nine innings and change not only did they drop his name every other sentence, but they insisted on asking each player about him. "Nevermind your game winning sac fly sir. Wasn't it great to meet President Obama?"

In fact, Ryan Braun's first at-bat was largely unseen due to an Obama interview at the same time. Unforgiveable.

When a group comprised of Republicans, Democrats, and a Socialist join together to gag on your affection and crack jokes unprintable here, well, ya may have gone a little overboard Mr. Buck.

I'm just sayin'.

A great time, a great tradition, and a great night. I'm already looking forward to next year.