HOME RUN DERBY (MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019 AT 8 PM ET ON ESPN)
There are eight participants in the derby, who are seeded in a bracket (like March Madness) by number of home runs they have hit this season. See the bracket and list of participants here.
The players in the derby can still participate even if they’re not on either of the all-star teams the following night.
At 20, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the youngest player to ever participate in the Home Run Derby. He’s hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps and add another derby win to the name. Last year’s winner, Bryce Harper will not be participating this year.
There is a theory that participating in the Home Run Derby curses the player’s performance for the second half of the year. It's a ‘curse’ because the players are only swinging for the fences and it messes with their swings.
For the first time ever, the winner will receive $1 million for winning the derby. That prize money has lured some big names into this year’s battle for the fences.
ALL-STAR GAME (TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019 AT 7:30 PM ET ON FOX)
The 90th annual MLB (Major League Baseball) All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 at the home of the Cleveland Indians and features 31 first-time all-stars. FULL ROSTERS
During the "Midsummer Classic" the two leagues, the American League and the National League, showcase their best players on the field. (There is one player representing each of the 30 teams on the respective all-star rosters).
The game was originally scheduled to be a one-time summer event during the Great Depression. Chicago was hosting the World’s Fair and the Chicago mayor thought a game between baseball’s best would draw a big crowd. The game was such a success it became an annual tradition.
Pete Rose, who is banned from baseball for betting on games he was playing in, holds the record for the most positions played in an all-star game. He played five different positions.
Fans voted to determine which players will start the game. A player ballot and the Commissioner's Office determined the reserve players on each team. PICK ME, PICK ME
Want to learn more? Check out our MLB Frequently Asked Questions.