After 42 years, ASG returns to LA in '22

DENVER -- After a successful All-Star Game at Coors Field, the countdown now shifts to the 2022 Midsummer Classic, which will return to Dodger Stadium for the first time since 1980.

“We’re so excited to start the one-year countdown to 2022 All-Star week at Dodger Stadium, bringing the game back to Los Angeles for the first time in 42 years,” said Dodgers president Stan Kasten. “Los Angeles is ready to put on a show and reach fans with a week of activations throughout the city, including Play Ball Park, family-friendly entertainment and philanthropic projects that will leave a lasting legacy.

“It will be a great celebration of the great celebration of the game of baseball, and we know Dodger fans -- and all Angelenos -- are eager to experience everything All-Star week has to offer.”

The city of Los Angeles will have waited 42 years to host an MLB All-Star Game, but it also had to wait a few extra years to celebrate earning the hosting bid. The 2020 All-Star Game was scheduled to be held at Dodger Stadium, but it was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Moving it to 2021 would’ve been too short of a notice for L.A., which is why MLB decided to move it to ‘22. It will be the fourth All-Star Game hosted by the Dodgers. In addition to the 1980 game at Dodger Stadium, the organization hosted one of two All-Star Games in 1959 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Brooklyn Dodgers also hosted a Midsummer Classic in 1949 at Ebbets Field.

“It’s a long time coming,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I know our city is going to do it right with the help of the Dodgers, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait. I hope I get to manage next year.”

In 1980, the National League beat the American League, 4-2. Baltimore’s Earl Weaver was the manager for the AL and Pittsburgh’s Chuck Tanner managed the NL. Cincinnati’s Ken Griffey Sr. took home the MVP Award after hitting a fifth-inning homer off Tommy John.

The Dodgers were also well-represented in the festivities, as Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, Jerry Reuss, Bob Welch and Reggie Smith were all named All-Stars that season. Lopes hit leadoff for the NL, Smith hit second, Garvey batted cleanup and Russell was in the eight-hole.

Smith was a part of the ‘21 festivities, as he was named a special coach on Roberts’ staff. Roberts wanted to honor Smith’s legacy and his contributions to the community off the field. He even got a chance to make a pitching change in the eighth inning on Tuesday.

History will surely be honored at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022, and L.A. -- a city that knows how to throw a party -- promises to put on a show. One that is 42 years in the making.

“I’m hoping I have another opportunity to represent the Dodgers next year,” said Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. “It is Hollywood, so I imagine it will be pretty electric.”